If Japan’s G-Shock has been known for anything in its history, it?s for producing substantial, ready-for-anything sports watches. Recently the Casio-owned brand built upon that legacy while reaching in a novel direction, unveiling its slimmest timepiece to date. Here’s what you need to know about the new G-Steel GSTB400-1A.

The watch, which measures just 12.9 mm in profile, uses a version of the traditional G-Steel ?tough case? that has been slimmed down significantly in what appears to be an experimental re-think of the watch?s construction and design. The GSTB400-1A follows up on a release earlier this year in the G-Steel collection, Black X Gold GSTB100GC-1A, and comes alongside other metallic expansions of the portfolio, most notably within the aptly named Full Metal collection.
The model has been engineered to meld ?style and high-quality functionality,? according to G-Shock, essentially aimed at being a more elegant sports watch, but one still ready for anything, as is the brand’s signature. Measuring a hefty 51 mm in diameter, the case is still substantial on the wrist despite its relative thinness and features a highly industrial, mostly brushed finish and four pushers on each corner for its various dial functionalities. It comes standard on a  textured, black resin strap, clearly communicating the watch’s sporty pedigree, rather than on something more clearly elegant (and off-brand), such as leather.

Interestingly, the ...