G-SHOCK STORY

Over 30 years ago, a CASIO engineer won the battle against the laws of nature. He designed a watch that would resist centrifugal and impact forces, as well as high water pressure. Since then, the name G-SHOCK has become a byword for independence and pushing the limits.

Here you will learn more about the concept and development of the toughest watches in the world.

Philosophy

ABSOLUTE

TOUGHNESS

G-SHOCK was developed at a time when watches were still fragile instruments. It all began with a young CASIO engineer who dreamed of "designing a watch that would not break even when dropped".

After causing a stir back in 1974 with its first digital wristwatches, CASIO has had a significant influence on the watch market since the 1980s with the development of the virtually indestructible G-SHOCK wristwatch. The first G-SHOCK, the DW5000, came onto the market in 1983. An unparalleled success story followed as the G-SHOCK models, with their corners and edges, became an international favourite among urban youth.

The shock-proof G-SHOCK watches quickly became the epitome of robustness, innovation and multifunctionality. At last, enthusiasts could keep their wristwatches on while skateboarding or riding their BMX bikes. Falls and knocks are no problem for the G-SHOCK. Whether for everyday use, playing sport or under extreme outdoor conditions, G-SHOCK watches have been genuine all-rounders and reliable companions in every situation for almost 35 years. Today, G-SHOCK has earned the privilege of being worn by men who are not willing to accept limits.

NEVER GIVE UP

At the beginning of the 1980s, Kikuo Ibe was the leading watch designer for CASIO. In 1981 lbe founded a project team with just three members whose aim was to realise his vision of an indestructible watch. Their endeavours were focused on the creation of the Triple 10 concept. A vast range of materials was tried and tested as the shock resistance of the first prototypes was subjected to the most stringent requirements. But Ibe was still not completely satisfied, as even the hardest metals provided insufficient protection for the digital inner workings of the watches against knocks and other external influences. Despite months of hard work that pushed the team to its physical and mental limits, the goal remained a long way off...

At this time, Ibe was observing children playing in a park when he noticed something: "The internal workings of a bouncing rubber ball remain completely unaffected by impact," he thought. This observation led to his team developing a watch with a hollow design in which the interior module of the watch is stored in a manner akin to floating.

The long and difficult test phase took almost two years to complete. But after continuous optimisation work to the casing and various parts of the watch on more than 200 prototypes, the first shock-resistant G-SHOCK went on sale in 1983. Revolutionary ideas such as a "hollow" case design, all-round protection and cushioning of important parts were the cornerstones of the G-SHOCK’s toughness and were instrumental in realising the shock-resistant design that was to completely change the conventional view of watches and on which every G-SHOCK is based today.

TRIPLE 10

A 10-year battery life, watertightness up to 10-bar water pressure and shock resistance from a drop height of up to 10 metres. These are the three original requirements of the Triple 10 concept. The stable shape and robust design resulted from the developers' desire to create an unbreakable watch. Since the market launch of the first G-SHOCK in 1983, the watches have been developed continuously without losing the unique basic design. And despite their exclusivity, the noble MT-G models exhibit the robustness typical of the G-SHOCK. The quartz movement of the stainless steel G-SHOCK is protected by the CASIO damping system, which has been perfected over almost 35 years and through which the G-SHOCK has gained its image as a virtually indestructible watch. The MR-G collection also has an impressive sophisticated finish: The watches have a casing and wristband made from high-grade titanium with a diamond-like carbon coating that renders them virtually scratch-proof.

History

1983

DW-5000C

CASIO introduces the first G-SHOCK model to the market, proving that watches can be unbreakable too

Also in 1983:

The first mobile phone is introduced

1985

DW-5500C

G-SHOCK with mud-resistant case design

Also in 1985:

The first ".com" domain is registered

Microsoft launches Windows 1.0

1989

AW-500

First G-SHOCK with analogue/digital display and shock-resistant design

Also in 1989:

Nintendo releases the Game Boy

Microsoft introduces Microsoft Office to the market

1992

DW-6100

G-SHOCK is enhanced to include a thermometer and can now display the temperature

Also in 1992:

DNA profiling is developed

The Silence of the Lambs wins the Academy Award for Best Picture

1993

DW-6300

First G-SHOCK for divers, waterproof to a depth of 200 m in accordance with the diving watch standard

Also in 1993:

The World Wide Web (Internet) is introduced

AOL comes onto the market

1994

DW-6500

G-SHOCK is enhanced to include a pressure sensor, which displays changes in weather and can measure altitude and depth

Also in 1994:

The Channel Tunnel opens between England and France

1996

MRG-100

First solid stainless steel G-SHOCK is launched

Also in 1996:

The number of Internet users increases dramatically

eBay becomes the first online marketplace

1998

DW-9300

With the DW-9300, changing the battery becomes a thing of the past. Solar operation makes it virtually maintenance-free

Also in 1998:

Google is founded

2002

GW-300

First solar-operated G-SHOCK to receive the exact time by radio signal, making setting and changing the time a thing of the past

Also in 2002:

Spider-Man film thrills the masses, turning over 406 million

2005

DW-5600B

G-SHOCK is equipped with a strap made from completely tearproof Kevlar fabric

Also in 2005:

Xbox 360 is launched

Germany elects its first female Chancellor — Angela Merkel

2008

GW-9200

First radio-controlled model with Multiband 6 radio technology, altimeter, barometer and temperature sensor

Also in 2008:

HD broadcasts supersede analogue TV programmes

The USA elects its first black president — Barack Obama

2009

GWF-1000

First radio-controlled Frogman with Multiband 6 radio technology and solar operation for divers

Also in 2009:

Michael Jackson dies

Avatar makes cinema history

2010

GW-3000

First G-SHOCK pilot's watch, which can withstand G-force of up to 15 G

Also in 2010:

Dubai opens the world's tallest building — Burj Khalifa

2012

GB-6900

G-SHOCK can now be connected to a smartphone via Bluetooth

Also in 2012:

"Maya the Bee" celebrates 100-year anniversary

2014

GPW-1000

The world's first watch to receive GPS and radio signals in a hybrid system

Also in 2014:

Germany wins the FIFA World Cup in Brazil

2015

MTG-G1000D

Extremely shock-resistant thanks to Core Guard Structure and Triple G Resist design

Also in 2015:

The international community adopts a universal climate treaty

2016

MRG-G1000HT

First MR-G "Hammer Tone" combining radio and GPS signal reception in solid titanium with traditional Japanese Tsuiki technology and sophisticated finish

Also in 2016:

Nico Rosberg becomes Formula 1 World Champion, announcing his retirement from the sport just a few months later

2017

GST-B100-1AER

Stylish metal and tough resin make their first appearance alongside Bluetooth.

2018

GMW-B5000D-1ER

For the first time in the 5000 series, the external components are made entirely of solid stainless steel.