Casio G-Shock: the history and toughness of the series

A wristwatch is one of the most classic ways of telling the time. True, but it is much more than that. Today, we can also check the time on all our smart devices. Watches have therefore long been worn for more than simply keeping track of time. Why, then, are watches still so popular? Casio G-Shock has been in production since 1983 and remains one of the best-known durable watch ranges. In this post, we look more closely at why these watches are so popular and who they are designed for.

A dream watch

The Casio G-Shock is undoubtedly a revolutionary product in the watch world, breaking previous stereotypes about non-mechanical watches. A traditional watch no longer has to be a delicate, jewellery-like object. In fact, the Casio G-Shock idea began with just such a memory: a cherished watch received from a parent shattered when dropped. Casio engineer Kikuo Ibe decided to create a shock-resistant watch.

The specialist team’s aim was to create an exceptionally durable watch. The ideal watch’s battery would last at least 10 years, and the watch would withstand a 10-metre drop and 10 bar water pressure.

The revolutionary, boundary-breaking G-Shock

Years of work produced a revolutionary watch that gave durability a whole new meaning. The first Casio G-Shock watches could withstand high drops, strong gravitational forces and vibration without breaking their essential components.

Unfortunately, the first G-Shocks did not win over the general public, largely because of their rugged appearance; they first became known for exceptional durability. It is therefore unsurprising that Casio G-Shock watches initially became known as niche products among military personnel, extreme sports enthusiasts and adventurous hikers. Over the decades, G-Shock watches have developed in different directions while retaining the collection’s core values: strong impact and shock resistance, reliability and innovative technology.

In 2000, the first radio-controlled G-Shock, the GW-100, was released, setting the time automatically from a radio station’s time signal. Later Multi Band 6 models can receive signals from six transmitters in Europe, North America, Japan and China. Just as time never stops, Casio continues to develop new technologies.

Tips for a first-time G-Shock owner

The G-Shock range includes simple everyday models, dressier metal watches and the Master of G series for outdoor use, such as Rangeman and Mudmaster. The selection can seem overwhelming to a newcomer; we explain it series by series in the article choosing a G-Shock.

Most G-Shocks have 20 ATM water resistance (marked 200 m), shock-resistant construction, a stopwatch and an alarm. Digital-display models offer a choice of 12- and 24-hour formats. The exact feature list depends on the model, so check its product page.

The easiest way to navigate the Casio G-Shock range is to compare the models’ additional features. If the functions listed above are more than enough, choose a simpler watch with few or no additional features. If you want a more capable watch with world time, a backlight, multiple alarms with snooze, Bluetooth connectivity or a compass, choose from models with all the features you need. This narrows the choice considerably; once your desired features are settled, you can decide by colour, design and price.

Browse the full Casio range on Casio watches. Happy shopping!