Last week marked the 25th anniversary of the G-Shock watch. We’ve all been around long enough to recognize the ruggedness and durability of these watches. They’re built like tanks and last a long time. I’ve got a handful in my stable of time pieces that I’ve collected over the years and I’ll continue to collect them in the coming years. Rather than pointing out each watches unique features, I’ll just paste the release for each one for you to peruse. I’m quite keen on the second one with the clear band. The first and last one’s are 25th anniversary editions.
GW225E-7
Construction: Shock resistance
Materials: Titanium, Resin, Mineral Glass
Water resistance: ISO 200 meter
Diving features: Dive timer up to 23 hours, 59 minutes, and 59 seconds (display unit: 1 minute)
Interval timer up to 23 hours, 59 minutes, and 59 seconds (display unit: 1 minute)
Log data memory: One log (dive start time and duration)
Site functions: Time display for ten preset diving spots worldwide, area change, and daylight-saving time setting
ID features: Memory for important data including diver certification card, passport, and blood type (Rh / ABO)
Other functions: Stopwatch, countdown timer, 3 independent daily alarms, hourly time signal, battery power indicator, full auto-calendar,low temperature resistant (-20°C/-4°F), full auto EL backlight with afterglow
Accuracy at normal temperature: ±15 seconds per month
Power source: Tough Solar power system (high capacity solar charging system)
Continuous operation: About 5 months with the power-saving function* ON after full charge
* Display shuts off after a certain period in a dark location
Size of case / Total weight: 2.05” x 1.95” x .70” / 2.9 oz
Today, Casio America, Inc. released the new Dolphin & Whale Eco-research Network G-SHOCK watch (GW9101K-7). It supports the environmental protection initiatives of the Dolphin & Whale Eco-Research Network, an educational and research project undertaken by I.C.E.R.C. (International Cetacean Education and Research Center).
Since the 4th International Dolphin & Whale Conference was held in Japan in 1994, Casio has released both official Dolphin & Whale Eco-research Network G-SHOCK and Baby-G watches. For over a decade, Casio has donated a portion of the watch sales to help promote dolphin and whale research and educational activities worldwide.
“Casio G-Shock is committed to preserving the beauty of one of our greatest natural resources,” said Shigenori Itoh, Vice President of Casio’s Timepiece Division. “Casio will continue to proudly support the Dolphin & Whale Eco-Research Network and educational outreach.”As the fourteenth model of the Dolphin & Whale Eco-Research Network G-Shock, this year’s watch is based on the Gulfman. The rust-resistant titanium bezel, case back and screws make it a tough watch, perfect at sea and on land. With the Multi-Band 5 Atomic Timekeeping specification built-in, the watch receives standard radio waves from five time transmitters worldwide (single transmitters in the US, Germany, the UK, and two in Japan) for superior accuracy. It also incorporates the environmentally friendly Tough Solar technology — a large-capacity solar system that charges the watch even in the slightest sunshine or fluorescent light.
To evoke the image of a clear sparkling ocean, the case is made from a translucent resin while the detailing and G-SHOCK logo are done in a refreshing blue. Whale images grace both the wristband and the EL backlight. This model also features a uniquely engraved back including the words, “ALL AS ONE,” capturing the sentiment that both nature and life itself are delicately woven together like a symphony. The watch design reinforces the I.C.E.R.C. Japan message of the wonder of dolphins, whales and nature. A leaflet explaining the activities of I.C.E.R.C. Japan is also included in the packaging.
The GW9101K-7, MSRP $250, will be available at select Macy’s stores in June.
Main Specifications of the GW9101K-7
Construction: Shock resistance, 200 meter water resistance, and rust resistance
Materials: Titanium, resin, mineral glass
Radio wave receipt: Automatic receipt (maximum 6 times per day) and manual receipt options
Radio frequencies: JJY (Japan): 40 kHz (Fukushima) / 60 kHz (Kyushu), WWVB (USA): 60 kHz, MSF (UK): 60 kHz, DCF77 (Germany): 77.5kHz
Other Functions: World time for 48 cities (29 time zones; daylight saving on/off)
1000-hour stopwatch, countdown timer, 5 independent daily alarms, hourly time signal, battery power indicator, full-auto calendar, button operation tones on/off, full auto EL backlight with afterglow
Power source: Tough Solar power system (high capacity solar charging system)
Continuous operation: About 8 months with the power-saving function* ON after full charge
* Display shuts off after a certain period in a dark location
Size of case / Total weight: 2.01” x 1.81” x .65” / 2.01ozWhat is the I.C.E.R.C. (International Cetacean Education & Research Center)?
I.C.E.R.C. (International Cetacean Education and Research Center) is a non-profit organization that aims to foster a true understanding of nature through contact with dolphins and whales. It promotes a wide array of dolphin and whale research and educational activities aimed at making environmental awareness and protection an integral part of our daily lives.
What is the Dolphin & Whale Eco-Research Network?
With I.C.E.R.C. Japan at its center, the global Dolphin & Whale Eco-Research Network provides accurate information and promotes knowledge about dolphins, whales, and the environment. The network supports global dolphin and whale research facilities, and continued collection of information.
Today, Casio America, Inc. released the G-Shock RISEMAN (GW9200-1), the world’s first watch to feature the Multi-Band 6 Atomic Timekeeping Technology. Along with solar-powered technology, the Multi-Band 6 Atomic Timekeeping feature enables the watch to receive time calibration radio signals from six transmitters worldwide — one in the US, two in Japan, and one each in China, Germany and the UK. For superior display accuracy, the signals are received up to six times a day.
Inspired by those who challenge high altitudes, the RISEMAN features twin sensors for both pressure and temperature in a shock-resistant case. This new G-SHOCK watch is equipped to measure altitude, barometric pressure as well as air temperature. Also, the RISEMAN features a full range of measurement functions, and boasts a unique three-layer protection structure to protect and enclose the pressure sensor.
“The RISEMAN is a perfect example of Casio G-SHOCK’s commitment to both function and technology,” said Shigenori Itoh, Vice President of Casio’s Timepiece Division. “Casio G-Shock has been and always will be consummate innovators. We are pleased to be the first to introduce the Multi-Band 6 Atomic Timekeeping technology to the marketplace.”
Always on the cutting edge, Casio has improved the sensor-based measurement system. The RISEMAN’s altimeter can record measurements using both the stopwatch and the altimeter simultaneously. This versatile feature can capture recorded time along with changes in altitude, elapsed time, total ascent and descent altitude, and highest and lowest altitude. Capable of measuring altitude at five-second intervals, the watch is able to handle altitude changes over very short intervals of time, a useful function for sports enthusiasts involved in rock climbing, mountain biking, and back country skiing.
With the mountain-based athletes in mind, the RISEMAN possesses a smooth back to reduce the gap between the watch and the wrist for a comfortable fit, while the band configuration prevents sweat from gathering. Additionally, the dragon has been chosen as the RISEMAN’s back emblem for its mythical ability to fly by manipulating the weather.
The RISEMAN GW9200-1, MSRP $220, wil be available at select Macy’s stores in June.
Main Specifications of the GW9200-1
Construction: Shock resistance
Water resistance: 200 meters
Radio frequencies: WWVB (USA): 60 kHz, JJY (Japan): 40 kHz (Fukushima) / 60 kHz (Kyushu), MSF (UK): 60 kHz, DCF77 (Germany): 77.5kHz, BPC (China): 68.5kHz
Radio wave reception: Automatic reception (maximum 6 times per day) and manual reception options
Barometer: Display range: 260hPa – 1,100hPa (7.65 to 32.45 inHg), atmospheric pressure tendency graph (past 24 hours graph display), atmospheric pressure differential graphic (arrows displaying the latest trends in atmospheric pressure)
Altimeter: Display range: -700m – 10,000m (-2,300 to 32,800 ft.), cumulative altitude memory (memory works together with the stopwatch to record elapsed time, cumulative ascent and descent altitudes, highest and lowest altitude recorded); manual altitude memory (up to a maximum of 20 memory sets, with each set recording the altitude and the time and date measured); altitude tendency graph display; pace arrows (arrows that indicate the rate of ascent or descent.)
Thermometer: Display range: -10°C up to 60°C (14ºF to 140ºF)
Stopwatch: 1/100 second, measuring capacity: 24 hours, split time
World time: 33 cities (29 time zones, daylight saving on/off, +UTC (Universal Coordinated Time) display
Countdown timer Set unit: 1 minute; countdown range: maximum 24 hours; measuring unit: 1 second
Alarm: 5 independent daily alarms (of which 1 snooze alarm), hourly time signal
Others: Battery level indicator, full auto-calendar, function to change display between home time and local time, button operation tones on/off
EL backlight: Full auto EL light with afterglow
Power source: Tough Solar power system (high-capacity solar-charging system)
Continuous operation: About 6 months with the power-saving function* ON after full charge
* Display shuts off after a certain period in a dark location
Size of case / Total weight: 2.01” × 1.93” × .63” /2.15 oz
GWM5625E-7
Construction: Shock resistance
Materials: Resin, Mineral Glass
Water resistance: 200 meter
Radio wave reception: Automatic reception (maximum 6 times per day) and manual reception options
Radio frequencies: JJY (Japan): 40 kHz (Fukushima) / 60 kHz (Kyushu),
WWVB (USA): 60 kHz, MSF (UK) 60 kHz, DCF77 (Germany): 77.5kHz
Other functions: World time for 48 cities (29 time zones; daylight saving on/off)
stopwatch, countdown timer, 5 independent daily alarms, hourly time signal, battery power indicator, full auto-calendar, button operation tone on/off, full auto EL backlight with afterglow
Power source: Tough Solar power system (high capacity solar charging system)
Continuous operation: About 8 months with the power-saving function* ON after full charge
* Display shuts off after a certain period in a dark location
Size of case / Total weight: 1.84” x 1.70” x .5” / 1.82 oz
If you’re interested in learning about the history of G-Shock then keep on reading.
THE G-SHOCK STORY
Development Concept
The development objective for the G-SHOCK was to create a watch that would not break even if dropped. Casio’s radically innovative spirit as a company took on the challenge of the notion that wristwatches are fragile and have to be handled with care. The G-Shock has changed people’s attitudes about watches. To this day, all G-SHOCK models are created according to this concept.Shock Resistance
The watch can also be shot like a puck with an ice hockey stick, and it will still keep working. A TV program verified the results of Casio’s commercial portraying the durability of the G-Shock watch, confirming the shock resistance of the product. Many firefighters and police officers wear G-SHOCK watches on the job.Cultural Trends
The G-SHOCK initially caught the attention of young street-sport enthusiasts like skateboarders, surfers and snowboarders. The distinctive shape and rugged style of the watch, which convey its superior shock resistance, appealed to the lifestyle of these young people. Many adopted it as a fashion statement to express their individuality. Gradually, this sensibility was adopted by mainstream youth. This soon led to the G-SHOCK becoming the first digital watch to be used commonly as a fashion statement by young people. Today, the G-SHOCK is an essential accessory for young people in a variety of scenes, from sports such as snowboarding and surfing, to club scenes including DJs and dancers, and music fans.Sales Success
The G-SHOCK first became a hit in the United States in the 1980s. From the 1990s, its popularity spread to Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore and other Asian countries, as well as to Germany and other parts of Europe. Today, the G-SHOCK is loved all over the world by men and women of all ages. Over the 25 years since 1983, over 60 million G-SHOCK watches have been sold in nearly 100 countries — an astonishing sales record for a single wristwatch brand.Social Contribution
The G-SHOCK paved the way for the digital watch era by securing popularity in the youth culture. As a result, the G-SHOCK has now become a must-have brand for the younger generation. To make the most of this energy to benefit the public, Casio has forged partnerships with sports and environmental protection organizations, using the G-SHOCK as a means to make vast numbers of young people aware of their activities. This is the kind of social contribution that only a brand like G-SHOCK can make. Furthermore, by supporting world-class sporting events such as World Cup soccer, and Americas Cup yacht racing, G-SHOCK has gone beyond youth culture to become a truly global brand.