G-Shock’s latest connected Frogman watch is styled after a poisonous frog, but don’t let that put you off. We wore it, and loved it.
I didn’t really think about what a Poison dart frog looked like until recently, as — luckily — we don’t get many in the wilds of rural Surrey here in the U.K. But thanks to the new G-Shock Poison Dart Frog Frogman watch, I have a good idea of what to look out for, should I ever encounter one.
Why is that? Because the brand has done a brilliant job of bringing the amphibian’s bright colors to life on my wrist. Here’s a closer look.
Built to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the G-Shock Frogman range, the GWF-A1000APF-1AER Frogman is a variation of the existing GWF-A1000 analog Frogman watch, which I reviewed in 2020. The shape and features are the same, but as with most G-Shock special edition watches, the design and color scheme is completely different. It’s also something of a rarity, as special edition Frogman models don’t always make it out of Japan, but this one is available globally in limited numbers.
The bezel is made from multiple layers of carbon-reinforced fiberglass, randomly laminated to replicate the color of the Poison dart frog’s skin, and to make each watch different from the others. Unlike the standard GWF-A1000, the solid resin dial guards have been replaced by ones modeled from transparent urethane. This is one of my favorite design elements, as it minimizes the size of the dial and significantly changes the overall look.
I also really like the strap design. The solid black is covered in a splattered-paint effect, just like the Poison dart frog’s legs, which really stands out in sunlight. The metal clasp is a polished blue color, and the keeper is made from tough rubber. Flip the watch over, and you’ll see the iconic Frogman character has been given a Poison dart frog makeover too. This special edition is all done to G-Shock’s usual high standards, and it looks genuinely special placed next to a standard analog Frogman.
The GWF-A1000 was the first Frogman model to feature a Bluetooth connection, but don’t think of it as a smartwatch, or even as a competitor to some of G-Shock’s more sporting watches like the GBD-200.
