A pop star sensation, Ke$ha, has been an ambassador of Casio Baby-G brand for some time. However, the cooperation between the trendsetting singer and the Japanese brand has reached a whole new level with the launch of two new limited editions of watches, designed by Ke$ha herself. Known for brave fashion choices (though more critically inclined people might use a bit more derogatory terms), the famous singer implemented the style that made her famous into two new distinctive timepieces. Two watches in question are the BGA200KS-1E model with a leopard print on the dial and the BG5600KS-7, inspired by the flag of the USA.
Two limited editions feature the usual qualities of a Casio product. Not actually a highpoint of horology, these watches have quartz mechanisms that provide punctuality (+/- 30 seconds a month), but lack appeal that would make them attractive to real watch enthusiasts. Clearly targeting younger consumers and people who enjoy Ke$ha’s music (mind you, there are quite a lot of folks who do), these watches are very affordable (the BG5600KS-7 costs $100 and the BGA200KS-1E costs $20 more) and include a batch of functions. Besides, since Baby-G timepieces are female counterparts to G-Shocks, they possess impressive toughness and resilience.
Both limited editions have fairly similar features. Apart from shock resistance they share, each of them is equipped with the usual functions of a Casio watch, such as a world time feature (with 29 time zones and 48 cities plus UTC), a LED light with an afterglow, a 1/100th second stopwatch (with elapsed time and split time), a full auto calendar, a choice between 24 and 12 hour formats and a countdown timer.
Obvious and Subtle Differences
However, these limited editions are also different in many things. The most apparent difference would be the choice of colors and shapes of cases. While the BG5600KS-7 has the design inspired by “The Star Spangled Banner” (with a white case and a red and blue band) and the octagonal shape of the case, the version BGA200KS-1E is black and square, as well as decorated with leopard prints on the dial and the strap. Another obvious difference is the fact that the Old Glory influenced watch is a digital timepiece, while the other one has analog hands for displaying its basic timekeeping function, supplemented with two digital sub dials.
Casio Baby-G Ke$ha Limited Edition Watch BGA-200KS-1E
Apart from the lower price, the watch with the patriotic design has a few subtle advantages. It has four daily alarms and an additional snooze alarm (the other one has a single daily alarm), its stopwatch includes the 1st and the 2nd place times and finally, it has a battery life of two years (the battery of the second model is expected to last one year less).
Enthusiasm Shared by Both Sides
Speaking about her designs, the pop singer has underlined the fact that she also designs her clothes and stage costumes. The American flag design is caused by her passion for the freedom of speech, while leopard print signifies her animal side. “I hope when people wear my watches they’re reminded to express themselves always and never lose the animal inside themselves,” explained Ke$ha.
Casio Baby-G Ke$ha Limited Edition Watch BG-5600KS-7
The chairman & the CEO of Casio America, Shigenori Itoh, is also very much pleased with the collaboration, mainly because of the singer’s energy, style and spirit that go perfectly with the dynamics of Baby-G brand. “We know our consumers will identify with fashionable watches that have resulted from this fantastic collaboration”, said mister Itoh.
Both editions include pop star’s signatures on the dials, case backs and straps and are delivered in original packages, made of recycled paper, as it was explicitly requested by Ke$ha.
I like the design of the watch with leopard print. Very feminine and nice looking and it’s not expensive at all! I prefer it than the other one cos it has analog hands, I think it makes it look way better.