As the 30th anniversary of Casio G-Shock Watches approaches, the Japanese brand has been very active in its efforts to commemorate three decades of existence of its famous tough timekeepers. Even though the first G-Shock was launched in 1983, Casio has already started launching several anniversary models and organizing promotional events. So far, the watchmaker has launched the anniversary collection that includes revamped versions of its iconic models, as well as presented or announced limited edition pieces that are made in collaboration with famous artists, designers and brands that are associated with urban culture and extreme sports. The new limited edition pieces, launched as a part of the anniversary celebration, feature collaborations with a graphic artist, Eric Haze (who has already designed four timepieces, and the 25th anniversary G-shock logo), an Asian lifestyle giant Clot, a skateboarding brand DGK, and a snowboarding manufacturer, Burton.
The 30th Anniversary G-Shock Collection
As it has been mentioned, the new limited collection presents significant models from the G-shock history, and in a way follows the development and evolution of the collection through the three decade period. Each of the models from the range is either completely red or with prominent red accents, and sports the 30th anniversary G-Shock logo on the case back. Just like five years ago, the anniversary G-Shock logo is conceived and created by a graffiti artist, Eric Haze.
Eric Haze
Casio G-Shock Anniversary Watch Haze GA-110EH-8A
The Classic Duo
The first of the refurbished anniversary models is the legendary 5600 model, one of the first G-Shock watches that came out in 1983. The success of the classic timekeeper can be demonstrated by the fact that it is still available for sale. In the anniversary limited edition, Casio has included the latest version of the model with the designation GWM5630A-4. Another important and noted model that was revived in the limited series is the 6900 G-Shock with a circular casing which is also available in the serial edition, however in different colors. These two timekeepers are, just like the rest of the products from the new collection, shock resistant and include the usual features of G-Shock watches, such as the 1/100th stopwatch function, a 12/24 hour formats, a countdown timer, and a host of alarms.
Casio G-Shock Anniversary Watch GW-M5630A-4
These classic styled pieces are the cheapest products in the new collection. While the round revamped 6900 model with a glossy red and gold mirror face costs $120, the new version of an original G-Shock is $170. This is caused by the fact that the DW6930A-4 has more impressive features; it is equipped with some of the best functions that Casio offers, such as Tough Solar power (watchmaker’s proprietary solar powered technology) and Multi-Band 6 Atomic Timekeeping which means that the watch receives regular radio signals from six atomic watches around the globe. Because of the signals from these exceptionally accurate watches which are utilized to correct the time, the iconic Casio G-Shock model is placed among the top timekeepers when it comes to accuracy.
Master of G Timekeepers – A Mudman and Two Frogmans
The 30th Anniversary Limited Edition Collection of Casio G-Shock also includes a timekeeper that originates from the Mudman section of the Master of G category that is comprised of watches with exceptional resistance to tough conditions that exceeds even the usual high standards of the brand. The specific Mudman line, as its name suggests, has a casing that allows it to be exceptionally functional and resistant to mud. Apart from the basic trait of its lineage, the new G9330A-4 Mudman has a few interesting complications, for example digital compass and thermometer, a moon phase display and a world time feature with 48 major cities. The watch with handy functions and improved resistance to mud will be sold at the popular price of $220.
Casio G-Shock Anniversary Mudman Watch G-9330A-4
The next two models are also from the Master of G sub-series, but are part of the Frogman lineage of timekeepers that are made for divers, with the appropriate additional functions, such as water resistance to 200 meters, a tide and moon graph display, a dive timer data memory for 10 dives, a full auto EL backlight and a world time feature. One of the models, with the designation GF8230A-4, has a traditional shock resistant housing in glossy red. The other Frogman with the reference GWFT1030A-1 sports a titanium housing and an atomic timekeeping function. Because of the higher quality material, the titanium Frogman is the most expensive piece in the collection with the retail price of $1,700. On the other hand, the Frogman with the usual resin case costs $500.
Casio G-Shock Anniversary Frogman Watch GF-8230A-4
Casio G-Shock Anniversary Watch Frogman GWF-T1030A-1
Collaboration Anniversary G-Shocks
The first limited edition anniversary watch from four already announced is the timepiece designed by Eric Haze. It is a timekeeper that combines analog and digital display that visually reminds of the previous models designed by the artist. It features iridescent gray finish that is combined with a multi-layered dial having black, gray and white elements. In the recognizable manner of the designer, the watch is decorated with Haze’s star logo. The watch that has the reference number GA110EH-8A is equipped with extraordinary shock and magnetic resistance, as well as with quite respectable resistance to pressure that allows it to be submerged to 200 meters. Besides, the stylish commemorative piece from the limited edition has a world time feature, 5 five alarms, a very accurate 1/1000th second stopwatch that measures intervals up to 100 hours, a speed indicator, a countdown timer, an auto LED light and 12/24 hour formats. It will be sold in a special package at the price of $150. The watch will hit the stores in October.
Casio G-Shock Anniversary Watch Haze GA-110EH-8A
Not all of the collaborations produce original products, and the joint watch by Casio G-Shock and CLOT is a perfect example for this claim. It is virtually yet another 6900 model, just presented in different colors. And while the version of the model that was included in the previous section was a watch that kind of reminds of the suit of armor which belongs to the comic book character Ironman with the combination of glossy red and gold, the CLOT watch has a more delicate appearance. In this case, the dial is black with red accents, while the digital display is pink, unlike in the previous version where it is green.
Casio G-Shock Clot Anniversary Watch
The last two 30th Casio G-Shock Anniversary models that are announced will be available a bit later than the rest of the products. In December, Casio will launch the timekeeper that was made together with a snowboarding brand, Burton. As the base model of the limited edition timepiece, the Japanese brand used GDF-100 model. This is why the new GDF100BTN-1 piece includes all the useful functions that are quite necessary to snowboarders. In addition to standard G-Shock features, this watch also has barometer, altimeter and thermometer functions. The trait that is not like the serial issued similar models is its Burton imprinted cordura black strap.
Casio G-Shock Burton Anniversary Watch
At the last place of special edition collaborations is the watch made for the skateboarding brand DGK. The G8900A model based watch combines transparent elements with purple decorations, and is expected to be available for sale at the start of the next year.
Casio G-Shock Anniversary DGK Watch
As a part of the promotion of the new watches that mark the upcoming milestone for the brand, Casio also organized an event in New York that featured a concert by a famous rapper, Eminem, who has become the latest ambassador of the Casio G-Shock series. As it was revealed, the new Casio G-Shock model designed especially for the musician will not be available prior to fall of the next year.
