G-Shock
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G-Shock is a brand of watches manufactured by Casio, known for its resistance to shocks (e.g. hard knocks and strong vibrations). They were, and continue to be, designed primarily for sports and outdoor adventure oriented activity; for example, practically all G-Shocks have some kind of stopwatch feature, countdown timer, light and water resistance. Recent models have become more luxury and design oriented.
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[edit] Today
"G"s have evolved remarkably since 1983. There now exists a manifold variation of G-Shocks, with atomic clock synchronization and Tough Solar functionality in the latest models. Current series such as The G rival that of so-called more prestigious watch brands in the fashion stakes, and the Cockpit Series G-Shock is currently the official timekeeper of Nismo Racing. Many newer G-Shocks feature metal (steel or titanium) banding, and ornate analog timekeeping.
Nowadays two times a year (Sping/Summer and Fall/Winter collection) the basic models are updated, while nearly every month new limited models are introduced. As with the Swatch watches, G-Shocks have become collectors items. Arguably, the most sought after line is the Frogman. Limited edition Frogmans such as the Brazilian, Men in Yellow, Black Helios and Black Spots are some of the most desirable Frogmans.
Different series were developed for different target groups. The G-Lide (in Japan called X-Treme) series are specially for extreme sports like Skateboarding, Surfing and Snowboarding. The Toughlabel series are special designed for the music scene.
Casio also produces collaboration models, often with popular fashion brands, like A Bathing Ape (Bape), Stussy, Xlarge, KIKS TYO, Nano Universe and even Levi's or other brands, like Coca Cola and Marlboro.
Also there are special models released to put attention on the environment, like the International Cetacean Education and Research Centre (I.C.E.R.C.)models, also known as the Dolphin and Whales models.
G-Shock is very popular by rescue workers, police, astronauts, firemen and military. According to Mark Bowden's book Blackhawk Down, the DELTA Operators wore G-Shock watches during the combat events of Oct 3rd and 4th. Since then, G-Shocks watches have become very popular with Special Forces groups in both American and other NATO nation units, due to their being "battle tested".
Casio released "G-Shock Official Book" in 2006 in Japan, reviving the interest of (mostly Japanese) G-Shock collectors.
[edit] Models/Series
[edit] Baby-G
Baby-G was created intending it to increase its market reach for sports digital watches, as an addition to the G-Shock brand. The Baby-G brand was a sports digital watch aimed at young women. Like the G-Shock, it is rugged. But unlike the G-Shock it is smaller, more compact, comes in designer colors, and has an added tele-memo feature that allowed the user to store 25 sets of data in the watch. Casio later retrofitted this feature to some of the larger styles of the G-Shock brand. Two thirds of Casio's Baby-G sales are in Casio's domestic market in Japan.[1][2]
[edit] Other
[edit] Footnotes
- ^ Mac McKinley (2002). Marketing Alignment: Breakthrough Strategies for Growth and Profitability. Wheatmark, Inc., 141–142. ISBN 1587361183.
- ^ David W. Conklin (2005). Cases In The Environment Of Business: International Perspectives. Sage Publications, 62. ISBN 1412914361.
[edit] External links
- Official Casio G-Shock website
- Official European Casio G-Shock website
- Official US Casio G-Shock website
- G-Shock fansite with loads of G-Shock information
- The Original G-Shock Forum
- Rare G-Shock 25th Anniversary Collaboration with KIKS TYO and New Balance
- Exclusive G-Shock "CONCRE" line featuring collaborations with NYC Artists, Retailers
- Manuals for Casio watches; requires Adobe Reader
- My G-Shock Collection
- Casio Hong Kong Officical Wholesaler
- An unofficial G-Shock "torture test"
