When I see a watch I’m lusting after, I try — I really do! — to go through a process of waiting for a few months, to know that it’s really a watch that deserves a place in the collection, that I’d wear, that I don’t already have basically the same thing, that isn’t just a flash-in-the-pan. I’ve burned myself a few times, usually with something a bit too flashy or garish, and using this method I’ve saved myself a few times (as rare as that may seem).

But sometimes you know. The G-SHOCK GA-2000 is a watch I’m familiar with, having the all-black version, with it’s incredible light weight due to the carbon-core construction, big easy to push buttons, legible hands, and sensible style with all the standard G-SHOCK functions (alarms, timer, 200m water resistance etc), it’s one of my favorite daily-wear G-SHOCKs.

The “wavy marble” design effect on the strap is quite polarizing: some people absolutely hate it, wondering who thought making plastic look like marble was a good idea; and marble being the last thing anyone would want a watch strap to look like.

I see it differently, in that the effect makes what would otherwise be a dull, literally vanilla-look watch strap, a lot more interesting, and a nice complement to the black bezel and white dial.

Which brings us to the dial, the main attraction here. The white indices contrast beautifully with the cream chapter ring and black accents, and the pearl white of the face gives it all a very “delicious” appearance. The black outlines on the hands make them stand out just enough, giving easy legibility. I love to look at it, which is one of the most important reasons to buy a watch and have it in the collection.

On top of all that, it’s inexpensive fun. A Casio G-SHOCK normally won’t blow your budget, and this one is no different, punching well above it’s weight considering its price, functionality, style, and fun-factor. While the styling might not be to everyone’s taste, the GA-2000 series is one of the most underrated G-SHOCKs, and if you don’t have one but are thinking about it, don’t be afraid to take that plunge, it will not disappoint.