WATCH & JEWELRY /
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June 10, 2024
Simple yet iconic! A G-SHOCK for adults to casually enjoy its full metal exterior | CASIO
Presented by CASIO
CASIO
The original product concept remains, with a relentless pursuit of thinness and compactness.
It has been 41 years since the first model, "DW-5000C," was born in 1983. G-SHOCK, which created the concept of "toughness" in watches, continues to pursue functional improvements while inheriting the original product concept. In April 2024, we will re-examine its appeal through the new full-metal model adorned in blue.
Photographs by OKAMURA Masahiro (CROSSOVER) | Text by KOIZUMI Yoko | Edit by TSUCHIDA Takashi
Unraveling the History of G-SHOCK's Iconic Style
Two years before Casio released the first G-SHOCK model, "DW-5000C," in 1981, the Project Team Tough was formed. Their goal was to "create a watch that wouldn't break even if dropped." The advent of G-SHOCK would dramatically change the common perception of watches. It established "toughness" as a standard for timepieces, and G-SHOCK became its icon.
In the original 5000/5600 series, CASIO's proprietary solar technology "Tough Solar" was adopted, and multi-band reception was realized. A new shock-resistant structure was developed, achieving what was previously thought impossible.
Full MetalThis full metal construction was achieved. Furthermore, by incorporating Bluetooth® functions that link with smartphones, it has also integrated communication technology. Additionally, by using resin material for the inner case and stainless steel for the bezel cover, a metal-covered structure that balances robustness and thinness has been realized, offering greater design freedom.
Meanwhile, the "2100 series," born in 2019, serves as a digital-analog combination model inheriting the technology of the 5000 series. By extending the octagonal case form of the first model "DW-5000C" vertically, space for the hour and minute hands to rotate was secured. This provides design consistency and expresses the faithful inheritance of the spirit.
And in April 2024, a new personality emerged within G-SHOCK's core full-metal series. These are the two full-metal G-SHOCK models in "blue": "GM-B2100AD-2AJF" and "GMW-B5000D-2JF."
Shock-Resistant Structure Achieved Within Full Metal Parts
G-SHOCK achieves shock resistance by minimizing contact points between the case and the module. Therefore, the inside of the inner case has a hollow structure, protecting the module.
This is the basic structure that has been carried over from the first G-SHOCK, but the harder the material, the less impact it can absorb. With metal, even if the contact points are reduced, the transmitted impact is significant. Therefore, in the full-metal models, a fine resin cushioning material is inserted between the stainless steel bezel and the resin inner case to protect the module from impact. This structure allows for shock resistance comparable to resin models, even with a metal bezel.
Left: The uniquely shaped three-pronged lugs can be seen from the case back. Right: Large screws supporting the pipes and shafts. These parts are also crucial for G-SHOCK's robustness.
Furthermore, at the lugs connecting the case and band, which are considered weak points during impact, measures are taken to disperse the shock. In conventional watches, lugs have two prongs that support both ends of the spring bar. However, G-SHOCK employs a unique three-pronged structure.
The force applied to the contact points between the band and lugs during drops was significant, and dispersing this force was a challenge. Therefore, an idea to increase the contact points was adopted. By changing the lugs from two prongs to three, the contact points increase from two to four, dispersing the applied impact.
Additionally, it was necessary to prevent the spring bars (pins) used at the connection between the case and band from bending or dislodging due to impact. Therefore, a double structure of pipes and shafts was adopted to make them more robust.
The rotation of the shaft within the pipe is a measure to prevent the screws from loosening. Viewed from the side of the case, the screws appear large for a watch, but this is to securely fix the pipes and shafts located behind them. These are essential parts for ensuring G-SHOCK's robustness.
A Crafted Forged Bezel & Case That Evokes a Positive Impression
The forging process for the 2100 series (left) and the 5000 series (right). This is how the metal exterior is created. The detailed beauty of G-SHOCK is due to this meticulous craftsmanship.
The forging process is repeated more than 10 times, resulting in a bezel and case that possess high strength despite their complex shapes. Then, through cutting processes for the details, a powerful form with a sense of weight is born. For polishing, the top surface of the bezel is given a hairline finish, while the slanted surfaces are mirror-finished. This differential polishing maximizes the metallic texture and creates a three-dimensional appearance.
Furthermore, not only the surface of the bezel but also the back shape is finished in a complex and precise manner to improve the accuracy of its fit with the case.
Every detail is meticulously finished, revealing G-SHOCK's aesthetic sense and the spirit of Japanese manufacturing.
Indeed, These Details Embodify the G-SHOCK Spirit
One of the features of the "GM-B2100AD-2AJF" is its three-dimensional dial design. The dial is composed of two layers, with different finishes applied to the sub-dial area and the LCD section. The fine turning marks and vapor deposition on the sub-dial ring, along with other precise surface treatments, are a result of Yamagata Casio's precision mold technology. Furthermore, vapor deposition is applied to the three-dimensional index and small hands to emphasize their metallic texture, causing the index to sparkle when catching the light.
These meticulous finishes create harmony with the full metal exterior. Additionally, the index is integrally molded with the minute display ring, ensuring that the index will not detach even when subjected to impact.
The case back on both models is a screw-lock type, with a DLC coating on the surface. The engraved "Shock Resistant" signifies G-SHOCK's fundamental shock-resistant structure.
The buckle attached to the band uses a one-push, three-fold clasp. It is easy to put on and take off with a push button. Fine adjustments are also possible, ensuring a secure fit on the wrist.
The dimple processing on the band is a unique G-SHOCK design that has been carried over from the first model, "DW-5000C." Adopting this design can be seen as a testament to the inheritance of the ORIGIN. The finishing of each link is also meticulous, making the metal material appear even more beautiful.
Wearing the Full Metal Texture in Any Scene
The "GM-B2100AD-2AJF" and "GMW-B5000D-2JF" are models that charm with the balance between their full-metal texture and blue hue. The subtle shine from the hairline finish on the bezel top and bracelet also adds a touch of elegance to an adult's daily life, making them suitable for a variety of scenes and a wide range of outfits, from business to casual.
In terms of functionality, they are equipped with Tough Solar, eliminating the worry of regular battery replacements. They also feature auto-linking with smartphones via Bluetooth®. The ability to utilize various functions with simple operations from the CASIO WATCHES smartphone app is also a welcome feature.
The "GMW-B5000D-2JF," the classic of G-SHOCK, and the "GM-B2100AD-2AJF," born as a new standard. These are the watches we most recommend to adults today, combining a design that makes adults want to wear them with the specifications adults require.
