At some point in their lives, I believe every watch aficionado owned a CASIO watch. For me it was the iconic calculator watch. While I could not wear it in high-school, I lusted over this watch until I owned one. Not sure what became of it but it was not my last CASIO as I am sure many can also attest to. In particular, the brand's G-Shock line is super popular with the young generation as it is designed to take a beating and blend into an active lifestyle.
Well for the 35th anniversary of the original shock-resistant watch, the brand from Tokyo released a set of worthy anniversary models that will make all watch connoisseurs lust for adding another CASIO G-Shock to their collection. Let's take a closer look at three models. Some were released at Baselworld earlier this year in March but a new addition also debuted in Las Vegas for COUTUREtime.
First are the 35th anniversary full metal watches GMW-B5000. These are essentially a faithful re-issue of the original G-Shock of 1983 but for the first time executed in polished stainless steel. There are four models (two shown here). First one in full polished stainless steel (including bracelet) with a brushed bezel. It maintains the proportions of the original G-Shock with a similar LCD screen, and the classic four buttons to control the functions.
The other shown here, new for COUTUREtime is my favorite. Like the full-metal model, the case is also executed in polished stainless steel with brushed bezel, but instead of a steel bracelet uses a black resin (rubber) bracelet and a reverse-LCD display which makes it a bit more stealthy. The resin strap makes the watch lighter and easier on the wrist. The surprisingly originally large 43.2 mm metal case comes packed with technology.
Both models include with CASIO's tough solar (recharges with light) technology as well as two-way time sync with CASIO's Multi-Band 6 technology. And as if this was not enough, the models now include Bluetooth with an accompanying iPhone and Android app that allows you to sync time and date as well as operate various features. For instance, you can set different timezone (all 39 international zones) as well as timer, alarms, and a GPS memory feature that allows you to mark your current location, which you can then use the app to track.
There is also a gold-tone version that is essentially like the full-metal version, except in gold Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) coating and a limited black DLC metal. The 35th anniversary full metal models start at $400 (resin), $500 (full metal), and $600 (gold-tone). The rarer black metal goes for a premium at $1,200. Good luck finding any of them in stock for a while at your local watch store.
The next model which made an impression on me was the so-called MR-G Hammer tone limited edition. It is a collaboration with Japanese artisan Bihou Asano. Using an age-old technique that is utilized to create the guard of a Tsuiki Sword, the bezel, case, and bracelet have an hammer tone finish that is all done by hand. The result is quite unique and striking to the touch and view. Limited to just 25 pieces in the USA and 350 worldwide, the MR-G watch is large at close to 50 mm but easy on the wrist due to the light weight and short lugs.
Like the 35th anniversary models, the MR-G includes all the cool technology you'd expect of a modern CASIO as well as all the shock resistance you'd come to love from this brand. At a eye popping $7,400! the MR-G is clearly not for everyone. Certainly not me. But for the serious G-Shock collector, the entry-level-Submariner price point is perhaps the cost of exclusivity...
The last models I want to present are the MT-G which also comes for the first time "connected" with all the features of the 35th anniversary. All models are a combination of resin (plastic) and some other material. Above I show the ones with carbon-fiber which gives the watch a "Hublot-like" look that some might appreciate as well as the PVD-steel version with red accents. All MT-G models are rather large with 52 mm case, but again somewhat wearable due to the short lugs and relative light weight. The starting price for these is $800 and a bit more for select models.
Overall for me CASIO released the G-Shock models I've been waiting to add to my permanent collection. These 35th anniversary metal watches are total winners in my book. They are the definite beater watch; ready to help tackle the lawn mower and other house chores and can easily be used in active settings like the gym or cycling or sake boarding. Plus they look good, have just enough retro-style yet are packed with the new technologies you'd expect from CASIO.
I'll definitely be acquiring one (or both) of the metal models and will do a full review once I get a chance to wear it a bit. I am also curious to discover if my initial impression is just old nostalgic memories stirring back to the foreground or just a watch-geek's exuberant appreciation for a brand we all love for their constant push for tough and useful technology while maintaining their prices mostly to ground levels. gshock.com
The Tudor brand of watches is interesting. Not only because they are the watches from the “little sister” brand to the mighty Rolex, but because they have a design language onto themselves that many like and many don’t. While I don’t own a Tudor watch and not many of their models sing to my sensibilities and aesthetic, I always like to see what novelties they produce every year.
At the COUTUREtime show in Las Vegas, I had this exact opportunity. It’s not clear I left with a lust for any of their new watches, but what Tudor showed me was streamlined, strong, well priced, and overall desirable. Let’s take a closer look.