THUNDER BAY – TECH – The history of the watch industry is fascinating, from the days of analogue timepieces to the digital age and the ground-breaking product developed in Japan. With leading brand Casio now also set to enter the competitive smartwatch market, a new chapter is set to be written in this unique sector.
One range of watches to transcend the sector is Casio’s coveted G-Shock series, which first emerged in 1981 and has continued to turn heads ever since. Now worn by a host of celebrities and considered to be the best Casio watch on the market, the G-Shock design remains as popular today as it ever has.
A Brief History of the G-Shock Range
Back in 1981, the Casio project team came up with the idea of ‘Triple Ten’. The underlying goal was to develop a so-called ‘ultimate watch’ that was robust and boasted a ten year lifespan, equipped with deep water resistance and reinforced shock absorbance. This is where the name G-Shock first emerged, and it eschewed the typical watch design traits of being sleek and fragile. 1983, the first model was marketed under the product name of DW-5000C, and this remains the basic design template for the products that we see on today’s market.
Over time, Casio has underlined its reputation as an evolutionary brand, primarily by developing the range and constantly looking to improve its appeal in the wider market. By experimenting with colour and various design styles, for example, it has diversified its range and created a greater fusion between style and functionality. It has also added new features to the range while improving shock absorbance and water resistance, creating the type of high-end, sturdy timepiece that few other brands could hope to match.
The G-Shock Anniversary: Celebrating a Cultural Phenomenon
In 2013, Casio celebrated the 30 year anniversary of the G-Shock range. The brand took this opportunity to host a commemorative Shock the World event, at which special edition models were unveiled for the consumer market. One of the most impressive was the $180 Eminem-inspired model, which featured stylish iconography and a classic matte black case alongside a stunning silhouette of the singer’s home town of Detroit.
Now, the G-Shock series has been confirmed as a cultural phenomenon that has been embraced by celebrities all over the world. Its robust nature and reliability also appeals to everyday consumers, however, meaning that it has a vast market reach and continues to sell in high volumes. Although we do not yet know for sure whether the G-Shock design will form the basis of the new Casio smartwatch, this is what we expect and it would certainly make for a fascinating addition to the market.
