G Shock is an iconic watch that is known for its strength and durability. Japanese electronics manufacturer Casio launched it in 1983. Over the decades G Shock has maintained its reputation as one of the most legendary watches out there.
When we talk about the watch industry only a few have gotten the status of the Casio G Shock. It is not just a collector’s item but is worn by many for everyday use. Casio’s G Shock has even been worn by characters in famous Hollywood movies like Die Hard and Guardians of the Galaxy.
Today this watch remains one of Casio’s most loved inventions with more than 140 million units sold across the planet. Let’s see how it was invented!
How It All Began
The Casio G Shock watch is based on a simple idea by an engineer named Kikuo Ibe. In 1981 he wanted to design a watch that could stand extreme conditions without breaking. He got this idea after accidentally dropping his favorite watch. So he decided to make a watch that won’t easily get damaged from impacts, vibrations and daily activities.
The first G Shock watch is called the DW 5000C model and to test it Ibe dropped it from a height of around 10 meters. The watch survived the fall and was also water resistant p to 200 meters. What’s more chocking is that the first G Shock had a battery life of up to 10 years which was a huge claim back then – and way ahead of its time.
Concept of Triple Protection
The Casio G Shock introduced the triple protection concept which is also known as the “Triple 10”. It includes:
- 10 meter free fall endurance
- 10 bar water resistance
- 10 year battery life
To achieve this, Ibe and his team needed to rethink the traditional watch structure which relied heavily on a delicate construction. They tried out different types of materials and designs but then ultimately thought of a protective structure.
This structure would encase the inner components of the watch through a shock absorbent material. The key innovation was the introduction of a hollow case structure which would act as a cushion to absorb and dissipate the energy from impacts.
Breakthrough Construction
G Shock model DW 5000C was a rugged and functional watch equipped with a resin case and a protective layer around the module. This type of construction kept the internal components shielded from any kind of crash or hit. The exterior of the DW 5000C was made from resin which is a lightweight but highly impact resistant material. Unlike metal casings resin could cushion the watch’s inner workings by distributing force across a larger surface area during drops or hits.
Inside the resin outer shell there was a stainless steel case. This internal layer provided additional protection for the movement and electronics of the watch. The steel case added strength and rigidity to further protect sensitive parts from damage. Moreover a floating module system was used to safeguard the quartz movement.
Finally the face of the watch was protected by mineral glass which is a hardened material that prevents scratches and breakage. Even though mineral glass isn’t as strong as sapphire glass it still provides enough toughness to handle daily wear and tear.
A Revolution In The Watch Industry
The G Shock’s launch marked the beginning of a new era in watchmaking. Its strong design quickly captured the attention of consumers who needed a timepiece that could tolerate harsh conditions. Therefore the G Shock watch popularity grew rapidly among outdoor enthusiasts, military personnel and athletes.
Now G Shock has become a brand in itself and continues to evolve. Casio keeps on introducing new models and features in the G Shock series such as G Steel, Full Metal and G Squad to name a few. Each of these further includes different models boasting the latest features and technology. The G Shock line expanded to include analog digital combinations, better water resistance, altimeters, compasses, GPS, Bluetooth, solar charging and much more.
Each new model is built upon the core principles of shock resistance and durability while incorporating advanced technology to meet the demands of modern users.
Long Term Legacy and Influence
The Casio G Shock watch has proved to be an icon and a trendsetter. It is influencing not only the watch industry but also popular culture. The watch’s tough and sport elements have made it a symbol of resilience for athletes and adventurers.
The G Shock legacy is constantly expanding and extends beyond its practical applications. Its design has inspired numerous other products and innovations in the field of durable wearables. Even now there is a lot of demand for G Shock watches and have been seen on prominent figures.
Sportspersons and celebrities across the globe such as Kanye West and Kelvin Hoefler were spotted wearing a G Shock. Plus Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, Dakota Fanning, Selena Gomez and Blake Lively have also worn the G Shock watch for women.
Wrapping Up
The origins of the Casio G Shock watch represent creativity and determination. From its inception driven by Kikuo Ibe’s vision of making an indestructible watch to its evolution into a global icon the G Shock is a groundbreaking achievement. Its long lasting success is a reminder that a simple idea can be a transformative and high quality product. The G Shock by Casio remains one of the best watches of all time.