G-Shock
G-Shock is a brand of watches manufactured by Casio, known for its resistance to shocks (e.g. hard knocks and strong vibrations). They were, and continue to be, designed primarily for sports and outdoor adventure oriented activity; for example, practically all G-Shocks have some kind of stopwatch feature, countdown timer, light and water resistance. Recent models have become more luxury and design oriented.
History
The first G-Shock was the DW-5000C-1A designed by an engineer working for Casio named Kikuo Ibe. It was released in April of 1983. For the next few years Casio released a handful of new models each year. The popularity of G-Shocks increased rapidly throughout the 1990's. There seemed to be a peak in demand in 1998 when over 220 new models were released in that year alone. Casio has collaborated with many designers, musicians and other pop culture luminaries to release hundreds of limited edition G-Shocks with custom designs. This long tradition of unique watches has helped build an avid following among collectors world-wide over the years.
Today
This line of watches has expanded considerably since then and now includes atomic clock synchronization and Tough Solar functionality in the latest models. The Cockpit Series G-Shock is the official timekeeper of Nismo Racing. Many newer G-Shocks feature metal (steel or titanium) banding, and ornate analog timekeeping.
Twice a year (Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter collection) the basic models are updated. New limited models are introduced more frequently through the year. As with Swatch watches, G-Shocks have become collectors items. Arguably, the most sought after line is the Frogman. Limited edition Frogmans such as the Brazilian, Men in Yellow, Black Helios and Black Spots are some of the most desirable Frogmans.
Different series were developed for different target groups. The G-Line (in Japan called X-Treme) series is specially for extreme sports like Skateboarding, Surfing and Snowboarding.
Casio also produces collaboration models, often with popular fashion brands, like A Bathing Ape (Bape), Stussy, Xlarge, KIKS TYO, Nano Universe, Levi's, Lifted Research Group, as well as Coca Cola and Marlboro.
Also there are special models released to put attention on the environment, like the International Cetacean Education and Research Centre (I.C.E.R.C.)models, also known as the Dolphin and Whales models.
G-Shock is very popular with paramedics, police, astronauts, firefighters and soldiers. According to Mark Bowden's book Blackhawk Down, the DELTA Operators wore G-Shock watches during the combat events of October 3 and October 4. Since then, G-Shocks watches have become very popular with Special Forces groups in both American and other NATO nation units, due to their being "battle tested".
Casio released the "G-Shock Official Book" in 2006 in Japan, reviving the interest of (mostly Japanese) G-Shock collectors.
Models/Series
Baby-G
Baby-G was created as an addition to the G-Shock brand. The Baby-G brand is a sports digital watch aimed at young Asian teens. Like the G-Shock, it is rugged. But unlike the G-Shock it is smaller, more compact, comes in designer colors. Two thirds of Casio's Baby-G sales are in Casio's domestic market in Japan.[1][2]
Other
- Master of G
- Tough Solar
- Wave Ceptor
- Pathfinder
- DW-5000-5200
- DW-5600C
- DW-5600E
- DW-5900
- DW-6900FS
- DW-8200
- Frogman Series
- Cockpit Series
- G-Lide
- Giez
- Gulfman
- Limited Models
- MT-G
- MR-G
Footnotes
- ^ Mac McKinley (2002). Marketing Alignment: Breakthrough Strategies for Growth and Profitability. Wheatmark, Inc. pp. 141–142. ISBN 1587361183.
- ^ David W. Conklin (2005). Cases In The Environment Of Business: International Perspectives. Sage Publications. p. 62. ISBN 1412914361.