g-shock

For any active minded woman who likes a little attention, it is hard to admit you don't like this watch. Yes, it is true that blingy Casio watches are a hot item of choice among Hip Hop elite, but there is a certain charm and allure to them that is hard to explain. I feel as though it is the gilding of an object that you would easily wear without the gilding.

Here is a relatively inexpensive way to get a nice looking wintry watch from Casio with a little "extra" on it. In addition to the famous Baby-G line of watches, there is also the G-Shock Mini collection of watches for women (don't ask me the differences between the two, cause I don't rightly know). This G-Shock Mini Deco-G Watch is covered in a mask of hand-selected Swarovski crystals, against a white case and strap, with a metallic pink dial. The case design is much more refined and chic than many of the visually more complex women's G-Shock watches out there, but it still retains all the functions you'd expect.

Displayed right on the dial is the time and date, as well is indicators for things like day light saving, alarm, and more. Other functions include a 48 city world timer, stopwatch, countdown timer, 5 daily alarms, and an awesome backlight. The watch is also 100 meters water resistant, and highly shock resistant. If you want one, each will only cost you $200, but they are only available at Bloomingdale's in Manhattan. For more information visit gshockmini.com.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

I've known about blingy G-Shock watches for a while, but I didn't know just how popular they were. You'll go ahead and make your own value (or taste) judgment about these watches, but I am more amused than impressed. While they aren't the only ones doing so, Z-Shock modifies Casio G-Shock watches with precious metal cases (silver, gold, and platinum) that are studded with diamonds, other precious gems, or cubic zirconium (depending on what you want to spend of course). The above watches are from the Z-Shock "Presidential Collection," including "the President" and "the Vice President." You'll notice for the most part, the watches are still the basic utilitarian Casio G-Shock models we are all familiar with. However, the plastic cases are removed and replaced with precious gem-studded metals. The large backlight button, pushers, and resin straps are all "stock." There is something unnatural about the look frankly - as I would have preferred at least some strap upgrades.

The pleasure of owning your own Z-Shock customized Casio will run you about $2,800 and up. Opt for gold or platinum and real diamonds, and your bargain yard duty watch easily pushes $10,000 and beyond. Either this watch is gold making Casio look bad, or Casio making gold look bad.

Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.