G-SHOCK is a watch with a history that will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2023.
The days when it was said that digital watches had no weight of history has gone.
With the advent of the Apple Watch, it will soon be a thing of the past to say that digital watches are not suitable for business use .
Knowing the history makes me love G-SHOCK even more.
Here, I would like to briefly touch on the history of G-SHOCK to reaffirm its appeal.
Birth of G-SHOCK
G-SHOCK is a highly shock-resistant wristwatch released by Casio Computer Co. Ltd. in 1983.
At the time, wristwatches were a luxury item and vulnerable to impact which made them unsuitable for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts.
Therefore, Casio aimed to develop a watch that would not break even if dropped.
The developer of G-SHOCK was Mr. Kikuo Ibe, an engineer at Casio at the time.
He disassembled the watch by himself and searched for materials that could withstand shocks. And by using a resin material with excellent impact resistance, G-SHOCK was born.
With the goal of achieving the “triple 10” of “withstanding a 10m drop, 10-year battery life, and 10-atmosphere water resistance,” we created a prototype and repeatedly experimented with dropping it from the toilet window on the third floor of the Casio building .
Check out this article as well “5 impressive models” selected by Kikuo Ibe, the creator of CASIO G-SHOCK. Don’t miss it!
The first model, the DW-5000C which was released in 1983 and its impact resistance was unimaginable for wristwatches at the time.
The “square type” G-SHOCK that is available on this site is still evolving and inheriting the design of this first model.
Of the triple 10 goals, “10-year battery life” was not easily achieved. But it can be said that it was achieved after installing “Tough Solar”.
Developer Kikuo Ibe was featured in the previous article and he often wears the “GW-M5600” in another interview article. And this model is probably the “completed form of G-SHOCK “ . I feel the same way.
Mr. Ibe’s favorite GW-M5600 has been renewed with the same design. And the model number has changed from GW-M5610 to GW-M5610U.
The design and color are the same as the first model which indicates that this model is the “completed form of G-SHOCK”.
Related article CASIO digital watch G-SHOCK GW-M5610U [Special G-SHOCK that repeats updates Additional radio syncing and solar to the original color]
G-SHOCK impact resistance
G-SHOCK, as its name suggests, is a watch with excellent shock resistance.
The secret lies in the discovery of hollow structures .
Based on the idea that “impacts cannot be transmitted through a bouncy rubber ball.” the modules are arranged to float inside the case which mitigating the transmission of impacts from the outside.
Today, the further technological innovation has made the module itself shock-resistant.
All started here.
An epoch-making toughness structure that tells the origin of G.
Technology Shock-resistant structure G-SHOCK (Casio official site Japanese)
Episode of Kikuo Ibe , the creator of G-SHOCH “When I was thinking about quitting the company, I had an idea for a hollow structure.”
A ball-shaped structure in which a module is set in the hollow to support it at points.
Looking back on those days, Mr. Ibe said, “I got the OK for the project to make an unbreakable watch. But it didn’t go well, so I decided to quit the company.”
When I was at a loss on a park bench, I saw a girl playing ball and I had an idea for the “hollow structure” that forms the core of G-SHOCK from the first generation to the present.
I accompanied the Casio “Watch Quality Assurance Laboratory Tour”! (news.mynavi.jp Japanese)
This episode is famous as a representative example of reversal thinking .
G-SHOCK has won the support of athletes and outdoor enthusiasts for its high impact resistance.
For outdoor use, it is required to withstand use in various environments.
G-SHOCK’s durability allows it to be used in a variety of environments.
The complete battery-powered G-SHOCK DW-5600E is a super long-seller and the oldest G-SHOCK currently on sale.
Be sure to check out this article CASIO digital watch G-SHOCK DW-5600E [Square G-SHOCK First of all, this is the basic!][SPEED model]
Evolution of G-SHOCK
G-SHOCK continues to evolve.
Since its birth in 1983, G-SHOCK has been loved by many people for its impact resistance.
Since then, G-SHOCK has continued to evolve, working to improve functionality and design.
Many models of G-SHOCK have been released since the first model DW-5000C.
Depending on the model, not only is it shock resistant, but it also has a variety of functions such as waterproof, magnetic resistance, thermometer, altimeter, and barometer.
These functions are suitable for use in outdoor and sports scenes, and are supported by many people.
Among them, models such as “Madman” and “Frogman” released in the 1990s received high praise from outdoor enthusiasts as models with higher water resistance and impact resistance.
In 1995, a model equipped with a radio-controlled clock appeared, enabling accurate time display.
This function saves you the trouble of setting the time and always displays the correct time.
In the 2000s, models equipped with various functions appeared and they also attracted attention as sports watches.
For example, there are models with GPS and Bluetooth functions and models with functions such as thermometers, altimeters, and barometers.
In 2018, the long-held dream of G-SHOCK fans, the full metal version of the regular model was realized.
It was very cool, satisfying, and a big hit.
Check out this article too CASIO digital watch G-SHOCK GMW-B5000 [Dreams come true FULL METAL G-SHOCK]
Features of G-SHOCK Functionality
Various G-SHOCK functions have been added and there are specialized models.
- Waterproofness : 1983 G-SHOCK first machine
G-SHOCK has waterproof performance up to a depth of 200m.
It can also be used in underwater sports such as swimming and diving. - Waterproof for diving
: Equipped with waterproof for 200m diving in accordance with the 1993 G-SHOCK FROGMAN ISO standard. It is characterized by its size and asymmetrical design. - Altimeter/thermometer : 1997 G-SHOCK RISEMAN (Riseman)
Equipped with barometer, altimeter and thermometer. Elevation can be measured.
*RISEMAN means “the man closest to the sun” - Magnetic resistance : 1998 G-SHOCK GAUSSMAN (Gaussman)
It has a structure that is not easily affected by magnetism.
Accurate time can be displayed even when used near electronic devices.
Reference link HISTORY of G-SHOCK (Casio official website Japanese)
These G-SHOCK functions are suitable for use in outdoor and sports scenes and continue to be supported by many people.
G-SHOCK design and brand image
G-SHOCK is not only impact-resistant and functional, but also has its design and brand image, and it has also come to attract attention as a fashion item.
In particular, since the 2000s, it has become popular, especially among young people, due to its connection with culture such as street fashion and urban outdoor activities.
G-SHOCK continues to provide products that meet the needs of the times and continues to be supported by many people.
G-SHOCK’s design is characterized by its unique shape and coloring.
In addition, G-SHOCK is developing various collaborations to further enhance its design.
For example, there are collaborations with artists and collaborations with fashion brands, and they are highly supported by collectors.
Full metalization is also applied to various models and attractive models are released almost every year.
Regarding the brand image of G-SHOCK, there is an image that it is suitable for use in outdoor and sports scenes due to its durability and functionality.
In addition, G-SHOCK is endorsed by many celebrities and athletes and is often seen on TV and in movies, enhancing its brand image.
[Released in January 2023]4 new square-type G-SHOCK models + 1 interesting model
The future of G-SHOCK
G-SHOCK will continue to evolve and open up new possibilities.
For example, smart watches and the introduction of AI technology can be considered.
Regarding cooperation with smartphones, G-SHOCK is already equipped with a Bluetooth function. So it is possible to cooperate with smartphones. We look forward to more advanced cooperation in the future.
Regarding the introduction of AI technology, it is expected that more advanced functionality will be achieved by utilizing various sensor information possessed by G-SHOCK.
For example, by utilizing AI technology, it may be possible to analyze the sensor information possessed by G-SHOCK and grasp the user’s health condition.
summary
G-SHOCK continues to be loved around the world for its impact resistance and functionality.
In the future, cooperation with smartphones and the introduction of AI technology are expected.
However, the reason why G-SHOCK continues to be loved all over the world is also its design and brand image.
Since G-SHOCK has been highly evaluated for its fashion and design, G-SHOCK that specializes in a single function of “shock-resistant and cool wristwatch” will continue to be released.