A rugged wristwatch has always represented ultimate toughness and in 1983 Casio developed a watch that was virtually unbreakable — the original G-Shock (Ref. DW-5000C).
By 1989, the G-Shock AW-500 arrived, offering the same high level of shock resistance as the DW-5000 but with an analog display. Fast forward to 2022, and the GA-2100 line (introduced in 2019) offers a combination of features and styling from the two references — fusing analog and digital displays, an ultra-accurate quartz movement, and ultra-durable case design — to create the new base for the shockproof standard.
While the GA-2100 is derived from a combination of references DW-5000 and AW-500 — the visual design itself is clearly inherited from the former. A commitment to delivering the slimmest, most compact form, but with all the strength of its predecessors intact was achieved with the help of the Carbon Core Guard structure, as well as a new and improved module design.
1983: DW-5000C
The very first G-SHOCK — the DW-5000 — debuted in 1983. Often referred to by its case shape (square), the timeless design is an example of ergonomics, and toughness, and represents a simplified historic version of G-Shock, which is still in production, in many different iterations to this day.
1989: AW-500
A design concept soon inherited by the first analog G-Shock model — the AW-500 — was released in 1989. This concept was realized with a rock-solid design that looked almost like it was carved out of a single block of resin, removing everything non-essential.
2019: GA-2100
The first GA-2100 watch was introduced in 2019. Distilling the very essence of the original DW-5000 design, the watch introduces a reconstructed form that is sure to integrate smoothly with contemporary lifestyles and fashion. Leveraging the latest technologies, including an ultra-accurate quartz movement rated at +/- 15 seconds per month, the GA-2100 series captures the DW-5000C and AW-500 signature design cues — in an all-new thin form factor delivered with ultra-lightweight Carbon Core Guard at its core.
Octagonal Bezel
From Paris to Hamburg to New York and Shanghai, the design team gathered impressions from points all around the globe to inform the design work. Countless sketches were made, and designs were drawn and reviewed in a process of painstaking trial and error. At last, a new watch was born, featuring a minimalist design with an octagonal bezel. The signature bezel design motif has been maintained from the very first G-Shock.
Dimensional Dial
With a sense of depth achieved with three-dimensional molding, the dial features a minute-mark-notched dial ring, three-dimensional index cuts, a mode dial, and an irregularly shaped LCD in a sweetly balanced arrangement. The spacious layout makes for a face design offering simplicity as well as excellent visibility.
Monochromatic Color
The GA-2100 line comes in a thoroughly fashion-conscious color scheme. The GA-2100-4A boasts 9 different shades of red. The application of a different shade for each component — from the case exterior to the dial, dial ring, hands, LCD, buckles, and more — gives the watch an overall integrated look while bringing out an irresistible textural feel in its detailing.
Thinner Case
The developers pursued a thinner design while still satisfying the original G-Shock criteria for shock resistance. They strengthened the external structure and slimmed the module, achieving a thinness of just 11.8 mm. The use of the latest toughness-driven construction with carbon fiber-reinforced resin made it possible to slim the case to the utmost limit. The side profile design pays homage to the very first model with its button layout, uneven surface form, and fixed-angle band.
Thin Module
The module was slimmed by miniaturizing the componentry and employing optimized, high-density mounting for the circuit board structure. Combined with the Carbon Core Guard structure, these efforts made for an astonishingly smaller, slimmer case.
Double LED Light
The double LED with high luminance brightly illuminates the dial and LCD to ensure readability in the dark.
Slide Lever
A slide lever makes it easy to attach and remove the resin strap — without the need for any tools — a very handy feature for cleaning, maintenance, and switching straps.
Highly Water-Resistant
The crown-free shock-resistant water-sealed structure protects the watch down to a depth rating of 200 meters of water resistance which makes the perfectly reliable in virtually any wet environment.
Carbon Core Guard Structure
The module is protected with a carbon-fiber-reinforced resin case. The special characteristics of the carbon fiber material — lightweight, high strength, and superior weather resistance — were leveraged to make the case as slim and compact as possible, with no compromise on shock resistance.
The New Style G-Shock
A slim, compact, and simple appearance overturns the notion that G-Shock watches are always massive. Heir to the essence of the very first G-Shock from 1983, the GA-2100 series delivers functional beauty and the ultimate minimalist design for contemporary lifestyles.
Photos by G-Shock.
