When I was a boy, the coolest watch on the playground was always a G-Shock—and it seems some things never change. Recently, my 12-year-old nephew, James, requested a G-Shock for his birthday. This ubiquitous brand continues to captivate young boys looking to impress their schoolmates as well as discerning adults. Few watches achieve this kind of mass esteem, uniting budget-minded practicalists and luxury-loving sybarites. Hey, quality is quality, and good design is good design.
Casio’s new releases illuminate G-Shock’s rise from purely functional to chic status, and I just know they’ll thrill James as much as they do me. Of course, the muscular silhouettes are there. However, many models boast visual rather than physical brawn, proving that bigger-is-better dominance is officially dead. The retro-cool style we turn to Casio for is also represented, courtesy of G-Shock’s own archives. Personally, I’m fond of the easy-to-love metallics and the use of new, innovative materials.
Here are eight of my favorite new G-Shock watches this year.
Photo courtesy of Casio
G-Shock GW-5000HS-1
I don’t use the phrase “must-have” often. I’m not in marketing, after all. However, the new GW-5000HS-1 is as quintessential G-Shock as it gets; it’s a true collectible for brand loyalists and an excellent choice for watch fans looking to add a singular G-Shock to their collection. It’s made in Casio’s mother factory in Yamagata, boasting the pedigree of much more expensive models. Moreover, the GW-5000HS-1 is a legitimate heir to the original G-Shocks, brandishing the iconic brick pattern around the digital screen. This pattern is emblematic of the line and of ‘80s electronics coolness—it reminds me of the original Mario NES game. If you’re only going to have one G-Shock, I highly recommend this one. The white variation, GW-5000HS-7, might be more your speed, but I think the black truly screams G-Shock.
Photo courtesy of Casio
G-Shock G-Steel GM-5600YMG-9
The Midas-touched G-Steel GM-5600YMG-9 is certainly a head-turner. It doesn’t just catch eyes—it’s a proper conversation piece too. Believe it or not, bezel aside, it isn’t actually made of steel. The material is a super strong silicone that took Casio ten years to develop and looks exactly like metal. And no, it isn’t painted. It’s gold-hued to the core, so the glimmer won’t scratch off. This is a godsend to those who love gold watches but would rather not drop thousands on one. Even more, the band feels soft and luxurious, not cold and hard. And despite its overall striking look, the slick lines throughout ensure this watch isn’t gaudy. All of the new G-Steel Fine Metallic pieces exemplify Casio’s commitment to keeping the joy in watches and introducing new, innovative materials.
Photo courtesy of Casio
Casio Master of G-Land Mudman GW-9500MRY-1A9
The new high-visibility colorways in the Master of G collection flaunt the same nuclear yellow tone used for safety signs and emergency rescues. Like hunter orange, rescue yellow is official but also undeniably stylish. Who says professional watches can’t be fun? As someone who grew up in fire-prone LA, I’d wear this color in dedication to firefighters and first responders. All of the new Master of G watches are worth looking at, but I love the contrast of the Mudman’s all-digital LCD screen against the tactical, analog case. With a reasonable 52-millimeter width (by Master of G standards), this bullet-proof, function-forward tank is quite versatile.
Photo courtesy of Casio
G-Shock GD-B500MW-8
I say this as a gent who doesn’t wear smartwatches: The G-Shock GD-B500MW-8 is the wearable for guys who don’t do wearables. It connects to your phone and supplies some pretty sophisticated data, including a goal progress display and a step-count graph. Unlike so many wearables though, its clean design isn’t sterile. The sleek edges and digital face are both sporty and street-style chic. Meanwhile, the mix of matte colors and translucent neons brings an almost Swatch-like contrast, one that’s youthful but classy, varied yet harmonious.
Photo courtesy of Casio
G-Shock 6900 Series Anniversary Model 6900TR-1
Now a full-fledged adult, the beloved 6900 Series turns the big three-oh this year. So naturally, G-Shock is going big with this anniversary model. The 6900TR-1 continues his tribe’s traditions of tough specs, confident design, and a world of engaging functions. As we all do when we enter our 30s though, he’s become more sophisticated; the bellwether G-etched front button is now made of a handsome metal instead of plastic. Fans of the 6900 Series will also enjoy the visual Easter eggs scattered throughout the design. The caseback is decorated with 30 stars, while the backlight shines the words “Since 1995” when activated.
Photo courtesy of Casio
G-Shock G-Steel GM-2100YM-8A
I couldn’t resist highlighting another model in the G-Steel series. Just as Casio’s genius just-like-metal silicone material makes high-quality gold-colored watches more accessible, it makes silver watches possible. No disrespect to sterling silver, but I have sensitive allergies. I can’t risk nickel touching my skin. The GM-2100YM-8A doesn’t just combine form with function, but beauty with strength. The bezel itself is silver-toned metal, while the incorporated strap is made of that magic silicone. The monochrome palette brings a sense of grace to the otherwise sporty look, allowing you to wear this watch in a wide range of dress codes. Ever the alchemists, Casio finishes the band with a vapor deposition to achieve that sparkle while also adding protection.
Photo courtesy of Casio
G-Shock GM-S2110PG-1A4
I’ve always encouraged men to peruse the “ladies” section when considering watches. This is especially true of sport watches (and even more true of G-Shock) since their designs have an inherent brawn. Combining G-Shock’s strapping octagonal bezel with a refined pink-gold hue makes the GM-S2110PG-1A4 look confident and elegant. The band, produced from renewable organic resources, provides a perfectly unisex balance. And with a 40.5-millimeter width, truly anyone can wear this watch.
Photo courtesy of Casio
G-Shock MRGB2100 Watches
In reverence to G-Shock’s flagship MR-G Series, Casio gives its MRGB2100 watches the luxury treatment. These exquisite pieces of Japanese art give Grand Seiko a run for their money. Using the kigumi method, the meticulous craft of joining two elements without nails or fittings, this sturdy case features small openings on the dial. This allows more light to get through to the solar panels, resulting in perfect function and impeccable aesthetics. Meanwhile, all of the 27 interlocked elements in the bezel are individually polished. Each new MRG watch is constructed with high-level metals and inspired by different forms of ancient Japanese art.
