The G-Shock: Casio Watches’ Ever-Popular Design

If there were ever to be a popular watch brand that’s beloved by both men and women, it would be Casio. And if there were ever to be a brand of watch manufactured by Casio that has stood the test of time and continually come out on top as the coolest watch around, it would be the brand’s beloved G-Shock watches. Men, women, adults and teenagers – everyone loves the G-Shock! The brand is manufactured by Casio, and is known for its resistance to shocks (which come in the form of hard knocks or strong vibrations – making them ultra durable), hence the name. Children of the nineties know G-Shock watches as “Baby G’s” and love them for their fun, funky colors. For many, they were huge in middle school and high school, with girls and boys alike collecting multiple colors to wear with corresponding outfits. Interestingly, however, G-Shocks were initially designed for and intended to be used by athletes, the military, and outdoor adventurers. They were aimed at the so-called “outdoorsy types.” For this reason, all G-Shock watches have a stopwatch feature, as well as a countdown timer, and are light and water resistant, making them the perfect watch for the outdoor adventurer who isn’t afraid to jump from high heights into the river below, or the guy who wants to go rock climbing in his free time. Their durability has made them popular not only with sport and outdoor types, but also, as mentioned before, with the military, who appreciate that the G-Shock watches are practically unbreakable. Casio, which is a brand that originates out of Japan, has been making watches forever, but the G-Shock watches were only introduced in 1983. In more recent years, G-Shock models have been geared toward a younger audience, and hence, have become more design-oriented than the typical “military” watches that the brand initially started with. This is where the “Baby G’s” come in. The first G-Shock watch was designed by an engineer and was released in April of 1983. Since then, Casio has released a few G-Shock models each year. In 1991, the Baby G models were released, and sales took off like a rocket, spawning a Pokemon-like obsession: teenagers had to have them all. By 1998, over 19 million Baby G watches had been sold across the world. It seemed the watches were everywhere! Happily, the line has come a long way since its inception in 1983. No longer just military watches, and no longer just Baby G’s, the G-Shock family includes multiple watches and models with multiple features, including atomic clock synchronization and Tough Solar functionality in many of the later models. G-Shocks are so popular these days that the early models have become much like collector’s items, with new models being updated twice a year. So, who enjoys G-Shock watches? What sorts of folks are making this particular model so popular? G-Shock watches are beloved by police officers and astronauts, firemen and paramedics. NATO and US special forces equip their soldiers and workers with G-Shock watches, thanks to the fact that the models are known to have been “battle tested” and hence, can stand up to just about anything. Looking to dive into the G-Shock world yourself? Here are some great options. The Casio Men’s G-Shock Ana-Digi Silver-tone Solar Atomic Quartz Rubber Strap watch is a beloved favorite among men across the globe, and for good reason. This gorgeous watch perfectly marries form and function, featuring a black round rubber case that keeps the face safe, and a silver-tone bezel, stainless steel back. The black dial of the watch is protected by mineral crystal, and silver-tone luminous index markers appear at all hour positions except 3:00, 6:00 and 9:00. In these spots, subdials appear. The solar-powered quartz movement powers the aluminum skeletonized hour and minute hands, and the watch itself is quite good-looking in spite of all its amazing functionality. Another great option is the Casio Men’s G-Shock Giez Quartz Multifunction IP Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch. Half form, half function, this watch puts style right at your fingertips, thanks to a round black stainless steel and rubber case that displays a silver-tone and black bezel. A charcoal colored dial features luminous markers in all hour positions, as well as luminous hands – so no matter where you end up, you’ll be able to see the time. A date window sits at 4:00, so you’ll never have to worry about being late again. Meanwhile, the watch features solar power with approximately five months of battery life on a single charge – so there’s no worrying about losing power in an important place or at an important time. Looking to find a great watch that’s about as timeless as it gets? Want one that’s also as functional as it gets? Casio’s G-Shock watches marry the two.