G-Shock

G-Shock is a line of watches manufactured by the Japanese electronics company Casio, designed to resist mechanical shock and vibration. G-Shock is an abbreviation for Gravitational Shock. The watches in the G-Shock line are designed primarily for sports, military and outdoors-oriented activities; nearly all G-shocks are digital or a combination of analog and digital and have a stopwatch feature, countdown timer, electroluminescent backlight and 200-metres of water resistance.

Not to be confused with Shock G.

G-Shock
Product typeWatches
OwnerCasio
Countrychina
IntroducedApril 1983 (1983-04)
MarketsWorldwide
Websitegshock.com

History

The G-Shock was conceptualised in 1981 by Casio engineer Kikuo Ibe when he accidentally dropped a pocket watch given to him by his father thus breaking it.[1] The G-Shock was conceived as a watch which would have triple 10 resistance, meaning it would have a battery life of 10 years, have a water resistance of 10 bar and could survive a fall of 10 meters.

A team of three individuals was selected by Ibe which was known as "team tough". The team had assembled and tested nearly 200 prototypes but were still not able to achieve the conception criteria. During a visit to a playground, Ibe discovered that in a rubber ball, the centre of the ball doesn't suffer the effects of the shock during a bounce on a rough surface which gave him the idea to implement that concept into the watch. With that in mind, the team set out to develop a watch using such a concept and in 1983, the first G-Shock: the DW-5000C was launched.[2][3][4][5][6]

The shock-resistant design on the original G-Shock has 10 layers protecting the quartz timekeeping module,[3] including a urethane rubber bumper, the stainless steel case, the hardened mineral glass watch crystal, the stainless steel screwed down caseback, and the "floating module" where the quartz mechanism floats free in a urethane foam cradle, with the outer buttons and LCD module attached with flexible cables. The strap of the watch is also designed to protect the module during a fall.[7]

Casio released the G-Shock in April 1983, to fill the demand for durable watches. Sales were sluggish in Japan as people preferred dress watches. In order to promote the G-Shock worldwide, the American division of Casio released a commercial in which an ice hockey player used the DW-5000C as a hockey puck to demonstrate the toughness of the watch. The commercial gained negative publicity and Casio was accused of false advertising. A TV news channel then set out to conduct live tests on the DW-5000C to check whether it was as tough and durable as advertised. This involved repeating the action shown in the commercial. The DW-5000C survived the impact of the hockey stick, and the G-Shock gained popularity among the general public. The popularity of G-Shocks increased throughout the 1990s. By 1998, Casio had released more than 200 different G-Shock models, with worldwide sales at 19 million units.[8]

In 1994, Casio introduced the Baby-G brand G-Shock watches designed for women.[9]

G-Shock Mini are 30% smaller than a regular G-Shock and were originally marketed for women. However, they were later released in unisex variants intended for people who have smaller wrists.[10]

In 2013 in order to celebrate 30 years of the G-Shock, Casio arranged a party in New York and showcased new models as well as various prototypes of upcoming models. The party included a performance from rapper Eminem.[7]

On September 1, 2017, Casio celebrated its 100 millionth shipment of G-Shocks worldwide.[8]

Current models
Casio G-Shock Rangeman GPR-B1000 with GPS and atomic timekeeping along with tough solar technology
The DW-5600C/E is the most simple model in the square G-Shock model range and a homage to the original DW-5000

The line of watches now includes atomic clock synchronisation and tough solar technology. Many newer models feature metal (steel or titanium) bands and a mix of analog-digital timekeeping, analog timekeeping or digital timekeeping.

The DW models are standard battery powered G-Shocks while GW models of the G-Shock come with either Tough Solar or Multi-Band atomic timekeeping or both.

Twice a year, the basic models are updated. New limited models are introduced more frequently through the year. Special models are released upon the anniversary celebration of the G Shock brand and are sold through selected retail channels.

Casio also produces collaboration models, often with popular fashion brands and artists, like A Bathing Ape (Bape), Stussy,[11] Xlarge, Eric Haze, KIKS TYO, Nano Universe, Levi's, Lifted Research Group, as well as Coca-Cola, Pulp68 Skateshop, Lucky Strike and Marlboro.

G-Shock watches are popular with mountaineers, firefighters, paramedics, people working in the offshore, police officers, astronauts, film directors (Tony Scott was often pictured wearing a GW-3000B, as is Ron Howard and Francis Ford Coppola) and soldiers. Ex-Special Forces-British SAS soldier Andy McNab mentions in several of his novels how his character Nick Stone relies on a G-Shock watch. According to Mark Bowden's book Blackhawk Down, the DELTA Operators wore G-Shock watches during the combat events of 3 and 4 October 1993. Since then, G-Shock watches have become very popular with Special Forces groups in both American and other NATO nation units, due to being "battle tested".

The DW-5600C, DW-5600E, DW-5900, DW-6600 and DW-6900 models are flight-qualified for NASA space travel.[12] Casio has updated the DW-5600E module, replacing the usual 1545 module with module number 3229 (in 2010).[13]

In 2012, Casio released the GB-6900, a Bluetooth-capable model of the G-Shock. Casio claimed the battery life of 2 years on a single CR2032 battery.[14] Since then, the Bluetooth technology has been incorporated in many top-of-the-line models.

Casio continues to add new features to G-Shock watches. Some include Tough Solar battery charging and Multiband 6 time synchronisation through radio signals from six transmission stations worldwide. The GW-9400 Rangeman and GWN-1000 Gulfmaster models have a Triple Sensor with a digital compass, thermometer, and barometer/altimeter. The MTG-S1000, GW-A1000, and GPW-1000 feature Triple G Resist which includes resistance to shock, centrifugal gravity, and vibration. In 2014, Casio introduced the GPS Hybrid Wave Ceptor feature in the GPW-1000 Gravitymaster that allows the watch to synchronize the time through GPS signals and also adjusts the time zone automatically. The MRG-G1000 is also equipped with this feature.[15]

In September 2018, to mark the 35th anniversary of G-Shock, Casio released a collection of four clear model of G-Shock watches called "The Glacier Gold" collection.[16][17]

In late 2018, Casio introduced the newest addition to the G-Shock Rangeman series of models. The GPR-B1000 is a GPS Hybrid Wave Ceptor model which relies on GPS and atomic time keeping in order to keep perfect time. The model also has triple sensors (altimeter, barometer and compass) as well as a backtracking function which allows the user to return to the same point from where he started the journey by the use of a map, a function which was previously exclusive for Casio's ProTrek line of watches. The watch also features Bluetooth connectivity which allows it to connect to a smart phone via an app and allows it to upload log data in the phone, download map information from the phone and also synchronise itself with the phone in order to keep perfect time. The watch comes without a replaceable battery. The battery is either charged by solar cells present on the face of the watch (called Tough Solar by Casio) or via a wireless charger supplied with the watch, a first for a Casio watch.[18]

Multi-Band 6 technology

The Multi-Band 6 technology was first introduced on the GW9200 Riseman in 2008[19] and is a successor to the Multi-Band 5 (which supported synchronisation with 5 atomic time transmitters around the world) and WaveCeptor (which supported synchronisation with atomic time transmitters present in the United States and Japan only) technologies. G-Shock watches with Multi-Band 6 technology can synchronise with one of the six atomic time transmitters in the world in order to keep accurate time. The following is a list of the six atomic time transmitters:

Japan

Watches can tune in to two locations:

The 40 kHz signal from JJY at Mount Otakadoya, near Fukushima (Ohtakadoyayama).

The 60 kHz signal from the Haganeyama Transmitter at Mount Hagane (Haganeyama).

China

Watches tune to the 68.5 kHz signal from BPC at Shangqiu. This is the newest additional signal; older multi-band 5 watches will not be able to connect to this signal, and must be upgraded to a newer multi-band 6 watch in order to synchronise from there.

United States

Watches tune to the 60 kHz signal from WWVB at Fort Collins.

United Kingdom

Watches tune to the 60 kHz MSF at Anthorn.

Germany

Watches tune to the 77.5 kHz low frequency time signal radio station DCF77 at Mainflingen.

Guinness World Record Title

On December 12, 2017, the G-Shock earned the Guinness World Record for the heaviest vehicle to drive over a watch. The officials from Guinness World Record drove a 24.97 ton truck over the Casio G-Shock DW5600E-1. The G-Shock is the first watch by any company being able to withstand the challenge.[20]

List of models
Astronaut Thomas Reiter during the 2006 Expedition 14 wearing a G-Shock DW-5900 on the International Space Station

Master of G
  • Frogman
  • Gulfman
  • Mudman
  • Rangeman
  • Mudmaster
  • Gulfmaster
  • Gravitymaster

G-Lide Surfing editions

These models were released in 1996, designed and specifically made for the surfing market. These models were the very first G-Shock watches to have a countdown timer. The countdown timers on these models were designed to count down for surfing competitions, some of the later models have a yacht timer, moon and tide graphs so a surfer can keep track of the progress while competing on the water. Many of these models came equipped with a pair of strap adapters and a single one-piece resin or nylon band. These styles of band are also known as "crossband" in the Japanese domestic market. Resin bands for these models had open gaps or slits through the band. Casio refers to them as drainage slits; the idea is that water will drain out with no problems while in action when surfing. Most of these series models had a translucent band. These models were branded as X-Treme for the Japanese domestic market.

X-Treme Snow Board/Skateboard Editions

These models are identical to the surfing editions, and also released in 1996. They were designed for snowboarding and skateboarding competitors and competitions. The only difference is that these models came with nylon velcro bands.

Limited edition models
  • MRG-8000G-1AJF
  • MRG-8000RG-1AJF
  • MRG-8100G-1AJR
  • MRG-8100R-1AJR
  • Go Green Project: G5600GR-7, G6900GR-3, G2300GR-3[21]

Original Models/Squares
  • DW-5000
  • DW-5200
  • DW-5500
  • DW-5600C
  • DW-5600E
  • DW-5600MS
  • DW-5600HR
  • GM-5600
  • GW-5000
  • GW-5510
  • GW-A1045
  • GWM-5600
  • GWM-5610
  • GWS-5600
  • GLS-5600
  • GLX-5600
  • GWX-5600
  • GMW-B5000
  • GW-B5600

Vintage/Classic Models
  • DW-5700
  • DW-5800
  • DW-5900
  • DW-6000
  • DW-6100
  • DW-6200
  • DW-6500
  • DW-6600
  • DW-6900[22]
  • DW-8200
  • DW-8400 (Mudman)
  • DW-8600
  • DW-8700
  • DW-9000
  • DW-9050
  • DW-9051
  • DW-9052
  • DW-9052V
  • DW-9400
  • DW-9500
  • DW-9600
  • GL-7200
  • GLS-6900
  • GLX-5600
  • GLX-6900
  • DW-001
  • DW-002
  • DW-003

Modules

Frequent updates have produced a proliferation of modules with slightly varying feature sets:

Module Solar Stopwatch Timer Alarms Alt. time display Other features Watches
Squares
3163 No →2,400 hrs →24 hrs 5 No other modes World time, custom memo, selectable timer modes and Presets, etc. G-7800, G-7800B, G-7800GL, G-7800L, G-7800P
3160 Yes →24 hrs →24 hrs 5 No other modes World time G-5600E
2597 Yes →100 hrs →100 hrs 5 Timer, alarm, world time World time G-5600-1JF/G-5600-9*
2924 Yes →24 hrs →60 min 5 No other modes Atomic, world time, day or date view only GW-5600
1545 No →24hrs →24hrs 1 Stopwatch, timer Timer with auto repeat, flashing backlight (flash alert), screwdown caseback DW5600E, DW5025D-8
3229 No →24 hrs →24 hrs 1 Stopwatch, timer Updated calendar; years 2000 to 2099, timer with auto-repeat, flashing backlight (flash alert) DW-5600E-1VQ
3063 Yes →1,000 hrs →60 min 5 Timer, alarm Atomic, world time GW-M5600
3159 Yes →24 hrs →24 hrs 5 No other modes Atomic, world time, screw down caseback (GW-5000 only) GWM5610B-1, GW-5000, GW-S5600, GW-5510
3151 No →24 hrs →24 hrs 3 No other modes Tide graph, moon phase and age data, world time GLX5600-1
3221 Yes →24 hrs →24 hrs 5 No other modes World time GX56-1A
Master of G
3050 Yes →100 hrs →60 min 5 Timer, alarm Atomic, world time GW9000A mudman
3089 Yes →100 hrs →60 min 5 Timer, alarm Atomic, world time GW9100 gulfman
2422 Yes →24 hrs →24 hrs 3 Alarm, site data, dive Dive site, dive time GW200 frogman
3184 Yes →24 hrs →24 hrs 5 Alarm, site data, dive time Tide graph, moon phase and age data, world time GWF-1000 frogman
4765 Yes →60 min →60 min 1 Alarm, world time Atomic AWG100-1A AWG101-1A AWG100BC-1AV
3147 Yes →24 hrs →24 hrs 5 Stopwatch, timer, alarm, world time Atomic, height and pressure measurements, world time, temperature measurment GW9200 riseman
3261 Yes →1,000 hrs →24 hrs 5 Stopwatch, timer, alarm Compass, temperature measurement, moon phase and age data, world time G-9300 Mudman
3410 Yes →1,000 hrs →24 hrs 5 Stopwatch, timer, alarm, world, alti, compass Compass, temperature, pressure and height measurements, world time, sunset and sunrise data G-9400 rangeman
gollark: Or "apioform 9730", as I said.
gollark: While people *say* this, it is not universally recognized as such; you're safer saying "cryoapioforms".
gollark: Allegedly.
gollark: Some people complain about this, annoyingly.
gollark: No, they are "apioform 9730" too.

See also

References
  1. "Casio G-Shock - Histroy". Casio. Retrieved 9 September 2019.
  2. "Smashing success". Archived from the original on 22 June 2011. Retrieved 23 December 2019.
  3. Bonnier Corporation (September 2003). Popular Science. Bonnier Corporation. p. 24. ISSN 0161-7370.
  4. Herve Borne (1 January 2005). Men's Watches. Silverback Books. p. 250. ISBN 978-2-7528-0242-2.
  5. Andō Masahiro (3 October 2011). "Lasting Popularity for a Tough Watch - The History of Craftsmanship Behind Casio's G-Shock". Retrieved 21 February 2016.
  6. Jack Forster (30 June 2015). "10 watches that changed the industry: The Casio G-Shock". CNN.
  7. Estlow, Ed (15 October 2013). "The History of the Casio G-Shock". Gear Patrol.
  8. "Casio celebrates 100 million G-Shock watches shipped – G-Central G-Shock Watch Blog". www.g-central.com. Retrieved 3 January 2018.
  9. "Baby-G". Casio. Retrieved 16 September 2019.
  10. "G-Shock Mini watches". G-Central. Retrieved 16 September 2019.
  11. http://www.stussy.com/gshock-watches
  12. "8 Watches Worn to Space". Gear Patrol. ...The Timex Datalink and various Casio G-Shock models (DW-5600C and 5600E, DW 6900, and DW 5900) have proven their merit, earning Nasa’s qualification for manned space travel;...
  13. Casio 3229 Module User's Guide last page; revision code: MA1012-A (refers to revision in the year 2010, month 12)
  14. "Casio G-Shock GB-6900 Bluetooth watch review".
  15. "MTG-G1000 New G-Shock MT-G with GPS Hybrid Timekeeping – G-Central G-Shock Watch Fan Blog". www.g-central.com. Retrieved 22 July 2019.
  16. "Transparent Casio G-Shock Glacier Gold 35th anniversary watch collection - Geeky Gadgets". Geeky Gadgets. 24 September 2018. Retrieved 26 September 2018.
  17. "Last week in Tech: Beyond the Alexa microwave". Popular Science. Retrieved 26 September 2018.
  18. Biggs, John. "The Casio Rangeman GPR-B1000 is a big watch for big adventures". Tech Crunch. Retrieved 21 May 2019.
  19. Riche, Rhonda (30 November 2017). "A look back at the history of the Casio G-Shock". Watchoninsta. Retrieved 6 July 2020.
  20. "Casio G-SHOCK Officially Breaks Guinness World Records Title". Casio. 12 December 2017. Retrieved 6 June 2020.
  21. "Casio G-Shock goes green with eco-friendly timepieces" Archived 1 April 2012 at the Wayback Machine, press release (February 2010)
  22. Casio G-Shock Introduces Limited-Edition Dw6900 Timepieces
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