Casio's compact GMD-B300 G-Shock watches, featuring onboard step tracking and 2-year battery life, are now on sale in the US for $135, bridging the gap between durable rugged watches and basic fitness tracking for users who find standard G-Shocks too bulky.
What's New in the GMD-B300 Series
Casio's GMD-B300 compact G-Shock line is now available for purchase in the US, after a short exclusive run on Casio Japan. Two colorways are available at launch: the navy GMDB300-2 and off-white GMDB300-7, both priced at $135 on the Casio US website, a $22 premium over the Japanese retail price of ¥17,600 (approximately $113).
The GMD-B300 measures 46.4 × 43.8 × 12 mm and weighs 41 grams, making it considerably slimmer and lighter than most standard G-Shock models, which typically measure over 50mm wide and 15mm thick, and weigh 50 grams or more. Casio adjusted the band length to fit slimmer wrists, which is why the off-white GMDB300-7 is listed under the brand's Women's category, though the sizing works for any user with smaller wrists.
The core new feature for the GMD-B300 series is the onboard step tracker, powered by an internal accelerometer that counts steps automatically throughout the day. The watch displays both total daily steps and progress toward a user-defined goal, which can be set anywhere between 1,000 and 50,000 steps in 1,000-step increments.
Users also get an hourly step graph covering the past seven hours, broken into six levels for quick progress checks. Data syncs over Bluetooth to the Casio Watches app, which handles life log management, stopwatch data transfer, auto time adjustment, and a phone finder function.
The app also gives access to around 300 world time cities, which supplements the watch's onboard dual time display. All standard G-Shock digital features are present as well: five daily alarms, a countdown timer with interval measurement support and auto-repeat, a 1/100-second stopwatch that logs up to 200 records, Super Illuminator LED backlight with auto-light and afterglow, and a full auto-calendar running to 2099.
Durability specs match the G-Shock standard despite the slim profile: 200 meters of water resistance and shock-resistant construction. Battery life runs to approximately two years on a single CR2016 cell, eliminating the need for frequent charging.
The case and bezel use a combination of standard and bio-based resin, and the band is bio-based resin as well. Both models are now listed on Casio's US website with active purchase buttons, as shown in the screenshot below.
How the GMD-B300 Compares to Other Models
The GMD-B300 fills a gap in Casio's lineup for users who want G-Shock durability without the bulk of traditional models. Most standard G-Shocks lack any fitness tracking features, so the GMD-B300 is one of the first compact models to add step counting without jumping to a full smartwatch.
The slim profile is a major differentiator, standard G-Shocks are designed for maximum durability with bulky proportions, while the GMD-B300 trades some of that visual heft for wearability on smaller wrists. The 12mm thickness sits flatter on the wrist than the chunky square G-Shocks that are a staple of the line, and the 41-gram weight is light enough to forget you are wearing it during daily use.
Casio offers other step-tracking G-Shock models like the WS-B1000-2AV, available on Amazon, which includes similar fitness tracking features. The GMD-B300 uses a more compact case and lighter weight, while the WS-B1000 line has a slightly rounder case design compared to the angular GMD-B300.
Compared to smartwatches like the Apple Watch or Garmin Venu series, the GMD-B300 does not require daily or weekly charging, with a 2-year battery life that eliminates the need to carry a charger. It also offers 200-meter water resistance and shock resistance that most smartwatches cannot match, making it suitable for heavy outdoor use, swimming, or manual labor.
The trade-off is fewer features: no heart rate monitoring, no GPS, no app notifications, only basic step tracking and timekeeping functions. Users who need advanced health metrics will find the GMD-B300 lacking compared to dedicated fitness smartwatches.
The $135 US price is a ~19% premium over the Japanese retail price, which is typical for Casio products imported to the US. The premium accounts for import duties, shipping, and regional distribution costs that do not apply to domestic Japanese sales.
Who Should Buy the GMD-B300
The GMD-B300 is aimed at users who want the durability of a G-Shock but find traditional models too bulky for daily wear. The adjusted band length and slim profile make it a good fit for people with slimmer wrists, including women, who are often underserved by the brand's typically oversized lineup.
It also works for users who want basic step tracking without the hassle of charging a smartwatch. The 2-year battery life means it can be worn continuously without maintenance, and the shock and water resistance make it suitable for active users, construction workers, or anyone who puts their gear through rough conditions.
The step tracking features are basic but sufficient for casual users who want to monitor daily activity without detailed fitness metrics. Users who need advanced health tracking, GPS, or smart notifications should opt for a dedicated smartwatch instead.
Both models are available now exclusively through Casio's US website at launch, with no word on third-party retailer availability yet. Users who want to compare step-tracking G-Shock options can also check the WS-B1000-2AV on Amazon, which offers similar fitness features in a slightly larger case.
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