G-Shock 40 years of indestructibility
Posted 17 December 2019 by MiriamToday it goes without saying, if you are looking for a watch that can take a beating, then choose G-Shock. Things were different in the early eighties. Watches were fragile instruments that could be disrupted with the slightest tap. But thanks to the brilliant inspiration of Casio designer Kikuo Ibe, all people who are looking for a tough and solid watch know to find their way to G-Shock without hesitation.
Unique construction
As far back as the 1970s, Casio was a leading watch manufacturer with the introduction of the first digital watches. However, designer Kikuo Ibe wanted to go a step further by developing an indestructible watch according to the "Triple 10 concept": a battery with a lifespan of 10 years, waterproof up to 10 bar and shock resistance up to a drop of 10 meters. To achieve this goal, the most diverse materials were tested, but even the hardest metals did not protect the movement sufficiently.
For a moment, Ibe's dream seemed out of reach, until the day he saw children playing with a ball in a park. He realized that the impact of the bouncing ball had absolutely no effect on the interior of that ball. This led his team to develop a watch with a hollow casing, in which the movement was almost floatingly housed.
After a two-year test phase and more than 200 prototypes, the first G-Shock was launched in 1983. The unique hollow construction of the case, structural reinforcements and shock absorbing material around the main components have been at the heart of every new G-Shock to this day.
Unique design
Form follows function: the very first G-Shock, the DW5000, was not only unique because of its technical properties. The construction of the case also resulted in a completely unique appearance with rounded corners and edges. The watch quickly became a popular fashion item for the hip-hop and skate generation and the retro models are still popular with young people and lovers of this unique style. G-Shock still regularly releases unique editions of this model in collaboration with well-known athletes, artists and artists such as Jamie Hewlett of Gorillaz.
Since the introduction, the designers of G-Shock have of course not been idle and the watches have been continuously developed further. In addition to the original models from the DW series and the classic analogue-digital watches from the GA series, G-Shock has also been producing steel watches, The origin GMW-B5000 series and G-Steel for several years now. G-Shock also has the MT-G series: chic, luxuriously finished stainless steel models. And finally, the "Master of G" G-Shocks for "professionals" should not be left unmentioned. Here you will find the toughest and strongest G-Shocks with the most extensive functionalities.
Technology has also evolved. Radio technology and GPS always guarantee the correct time and location. In addition, Bluetooth, with which you link your watch with your smartphone, is becoming increasingly important for ease of setting and accuracy. Sensor technology calculates weather changes and tides, and solar cell technology ensures an environmentally friendly energy supply.
Unique personality: set your own course
The name G-Shock stands for pushing boundaries and sailing your own course. Whether you're a globetrotting businessman or woman, an athlete, an outdoor fan, a professional or an "eco-warrior" - whatever you're looking for in a watch, you'll find it at G-Shock. For 40 years technologically up to date and always extremely hard wearing!