Street-Inspired Premium Watch Evolves with Downsized Design

The Swiss premium watch scene is currently embracing smaller versions of existing designs. While not negating the popularity of oversized models, there's a growing sentiment towards pursuing adult elegance by avoiding excessive distortion.

This trend extends beyond dress watches to sports models. A slightly smaller size makes the wearer appear more sophisticated, while also refining the wrist and, by extension, the person themselves. Compact accessories embody an adult's approach to minimalism.

For us Japanese, this trend is most welcome. The large sizes favored in Europe and America were, naturally, too big for the comparatively smaller Japanese frame. Beyond simply fitting the wrist, they often caught on shirt cuffs, potentially damaging the fabric.

The first Japanese brand to embrace this latest trend is, as expected, this model. It's from the G-STEEL series, which gained attention in NY and spread its popularity worldwide. As you can see, its good looks, built on G-SHOCK's toughness philosophy and enhanced by a fashion-forward vector, have lost none of their appeal even after being reduced to approximately 90% of their original size.

Quality Intact Despite Reduced Size

The three-dimensional indices on the face are also a noteworthy point. Through proprietary micro-fabrication technology, sharp, three-dimensional shapes are achieved. Instead of being applied, they are integrally molded as ring-shaped parts to prevent detachment due to impact.

As with existing models, the band of the compact model also uses a thick, soft urethane material in parts. The band screws are of the hex type, which are less likely to loosen and easier to tighten, further pursuing toughness.

On the other hand, the movement's technology is also packed with appealing features. The movement receives standard radio waves from six stations worldwide (two in Japan, US, UK, Germany, China) and automatically corrects the time. The inclusion of Tough Solar enables solar power for functions that require significant power.

The dial is equipped with two LEDs that brightly illuminate both the dial and the LCD. Combined with the luminous treatment applied to the hour and minute hands and indices, this ensures visibility in dark conditions. The full auto light function, which detects ambient light and automatically illuminates when the wrist is tilted, also adds to its convenience.

Furthermore, it features a "hand shift function" that temporarily moves the hour and minute hands out of the way when they overlap with the LCD, ensuring the visibility of the display. This focus on practical functionality is also a hallmark of G-SHOCK.

CASIO's compact G-STEEL, born from its high-density mounting technology. Now is the time to embrace this new option on your wrist.

G-STEEL

Ref.｜GST-W300G-1A9JF (left), GST-W300-1AJF (center), GST-W300G-1A2JF (right)
Movement｜Quartz (with standard radio wave time adjustment function)
Drive System｜Tough Solar (solar charging system)
Standard Radio Wave Reception Stations｜6 stations worldwide (2 in Japan, US, UK, Germany, China)
Other Functions｜Hand shift function (temporarily moves hands overlapping LCD with one-push operation), World Time, Stopwatch, Timer, LED light
Case Material｜SS & Resin
Case Diameter｜49.3mm
Water Resistance｜20 bar
Price｜¥40,000 (left, right). ¥35,000 (center) *All prices excl. tax