We somehow missed this Basel announcement for a line of new aviator-targeted G-Shocks: the 'Gravity Defier' series. (Pictured at right is the GW-2500.) Designed to be easy to use by pilots even under extreme G-loads, they have several attributes that work in a cockpit:
•Non-reflective surfaces and flat black face.
•Big, well-lumed hands.
•6/12 hour markers for rapid orientation.
•Large buttons.
As you'd expect from a G-shock, it's loaded with features:
•Six-band radio receiver.
•Tough solar power.
•Waterproof to 200m (660ft).
•Auto-backlight (not clear if this is just for the LED displays or not).
•Simultaneous display of three times at once -- nice for flying where you need local, destination, and UTC.
•Stopwatch, countdown timer, five alarms, and world time.
Seems to be reasonable in size at 47mmx15.8mm, and 66g.
Also annouced was the analog-only GW-2000 model (shown here at right). Seems to also have the same design: black plated stainless steel bracelet, and lovely hands. Like the GS-1200, these should be readable at a glance, and I like the looks of the bracelets, too. Overall, these look classier and more versatile than the normal G-Shock.
Gravity Defier is the name of a new line of G-Shocks for pilots, and we can't wait to see more! They're promoting them in concert with the Red Bull Air Race, so more information should be forthcoming.
List price for the GW2000 is a very reasonable $200 USD.
