Action Bronson often surprises people with his project choices, and his latest is a wrist rather than footwear. After turning New Balance sneakers into cult favourites over the years, he’s now channelling that Baklava energy into G-SHOCK for a special-edition GA2100 “Desert King”. Priced at USD $200 and available from August 21 at 10 a.m. EST on his website specializinginlife.com, the watch immediately feels like something only Bronson could imagine—tactical, playful, and watch out, it’s expected to sell out very fast.
Instead of just relying on hype, the collaboration highlights the heritage of the GA2100, a model rooted in two G-SHOCK icons. The octagonal bezel pays homage to the 1983 DW-5000, while the sleek, minimal display references the 1989 AW-500. G-SHOCK’s Carbon Core Guard structure keeps the watch lightweight, slim, and tough, resulting in the “Desert King” with dimensions of 48.5 × 45.4 × 13.2 mm and a weight of just 53 grams. It’s a watch you hardly notice until someone mentions it — and trust me, they will.
For those familiar with Bronson, his subtle branding approach makes the collaboration feel even more personal, with a small Baklava logo above the digital display and another hidden on the caseback, leaving the spotlight on the watch’s colour story. A desert-tan case and bezel set the tone, accented by sharp red highlights and a cloth strap that fully embraces the rugged theme. Considering the pricing, the limited edition nature of the release, and the crossover between G-SHOCK enthusiasts and Bronson die-hards, the “Desert King” stands out as one of those collaborations that make sense.
- Brand: G-Shock
- Model: Desert King
- Reference: GA2100AB25-5A
- Dimensions (L× W× H): 48.5 × 45.4 × 13.2 mm
- Material: Carbon / Resin
- Dial Colour: Black
- Power Reserve: 3 years on SR726W X 2
- Water Resistance: 20 Bar (200 metres, 660 feet )
- Price: USD $200 (Limited Edition)
The GA2100 has always been a favourite among G-SHOCK fans thanks to the way it plays with depth, and the “Desert King” leans right into that signature style. The dial layers multiple elements to create a bold, sculpted appearance with a notched minute track, sharply cut hour markers, a small mode indicator, and an asymmetrical digital display that glows red. At first glance, it feels busy, but the layout makes quick reading easy, with the digital section covering the essentials while the traditional hour and minute hands add an analogue touch, with the minute hand advancing every 20 seconds as part of the hybrid design.
The watch features G-SHOCK’s Carbon Core Guard, a technology that reinforces the internal structure with carbon-fibre-infused resin, protecting the internal module that powers the watch. Normally, the movement would be vulnerable in tough conditions, but the Carbon Core Guard helps it endure impacts, temperature shifts, and daily wear while staying comfortable on the wrist. It offers the classic G-SHOCK combination of durability and lightweight design, making the “Desert King” a practical everyday watch with collectible appeal.
Features:
- World time: 31 time zones (48 cities + coordinated universal time), daylight saving on/off
- Calendar: Full auto-calendar (to year 2099)
- Alarm/hourly time signal:
- 5 daily alarms
- Hourly time signal
- LED light colour: Red
- Accuracy: ±15 seconds per month
- Mute feature: Button operation tone on/off
- 12/24-hour format
- Hand shift feature (Hands move out of the way to provide an unobstructed view)
- Regular timekeeping:
- Analog: 2 hands (hour, minute (hand moves every 20 seconds)), one dial (day)
- Digital: Hour, minute, second, pm, month, date
The “Desert King” not only features a durable design but also includes all the essential functions of a modern G-SHOCK. It provides world time, an automatic full calendar, multiple alarms, and an hourly chime for structured daily routines. Its hybrid display combines analogue hands with a digital readout for practicality, complemented by a red LED light for visibility in darkness. Additional user-friendly features include a mute mode for silent operation and a hand-shift function that clears the dial when needed for an unobstructed view. This is the classic GA2100 utility with a bold, Action Bronson-inspired style.
Action Bronson shares his own philosophy with the mix, presenting the watch as more than just a collab. In his announcement, he described the “Desert King” as “ENGINEERED FOR THOSE WHO SEEK TO DISCOVER THE UNDISCOVERED,” on his Instagram post. To pick up the Action Bronson Baklava x G-SHOCK GA2100 “Desert King” USD $200, visit Bronson’s website, specializinginlife.com, when it launches on August 21 at 10 a.m. EST. Due to the limited release and Bronson’s cult following, this one won’t last for long.
