Introducing: G-Shock Throws It Back To The Original ‘Rubber Ball’ Prototype With The New GA-V01
What We Know
If you know G-Shock lore, you know that the “father of G-Shock,” Mr. Kikuo Ibe, pursued his shock-resistant design for the now iconic watch with a simple rubber ball prototype in the early 1980s. The first commercial model, the DW-5000C, released in 1983, deviated significantly from that spherical concept. Still, as G-Shock designs have grown progressively bolder over the last four decades, Ibe’s original ball-inspired vision has finally materialized in the extreme spherical design of the new GA-V01.
Under the surface, this is still the ani-digi G-Shock design that many people might recognize (though with a more animal-faced display). But the watch isn’t just a wild design—it also has a big new technical feature. The GA-V01 features a brand-new ‘Shock Release Hand’ system, a magnetic design where the hands are not fixed to the post but attached using magnetic force. Hands are particularly vulnerable to the force of shock, which can prevent larger and heavier hands (which could break off or break the post). Instead, the minute hand can (and possibly will) shake due to a hard impact. Users might notice that the hand may shift out of sync right after that impact, but G-Shock says it will return to the correct position within a few minutes.
The new GA-V01 features the full suite of features you’re used to from a G-Shock—world time, a 1/100th-second chronograph, alarms, and more, with an accuracy of +/- 15 seconds per month. However, the new ball-inspired design lacks a small form factor. The watch measures 49.1mm by 58.2mm and 19.6mm thick, but the resin case and bracelet keep it light at 76 grams while maintaining 200m of water resistance.
For $140, you can choose from the bold purple and green or the more reserved silver or black. Whatever color you pick, the watch will draw plenty of attention anyway, but sometimes, that’s just what you want from a G-Shock.
What We Think
Technically, I’m behind on this story; the watch was announced last week. But even further back, the watch was launched in China in February, and I totally missed it. I almost overlooked it this time because the “Cool Eyes” (as G-Shock calls the anthropomorphic dial design) and very germ-like design was so wild it took me a second to do a double-take and look a bit deeper. This isn’t your dad’s G-Shock. Heck, it might not even be your G-Shock. But it’s interesting nonetheless.
The neon green color might be my favorite. With a bit of orange in the hands, it has a very “Nickelodeon” vibe. Would I wear it? Probably not, but it’s probably worth a Hands-On at some point, especially to see how the new shock-resistant hands play out in real-world scenarios.
The Basics
Brand: Casio G-SHOCK
Model: GA-V01
Diameter: 49.1mm by 58.2mm
Thickness: 19.6mm
Case Material: Resin
Dial Color: Color matching the case
Indexes: Ani-digi display
Lume: Double LED light for display and dial
Water Resistance: 200m
Strap/Bracelet: Integrated resin band
The Movement
Caliber: Quartz movement with a new magnetic holding structure for hands
Functions: A full suite of G-Shock functions including World time, 1/100th Second Chronograph, Alarms, Countdown Timer, Calendar, and More
Chronometer Certified: Accuracy: ±15 seconds per month
Additional Details: Total weight of 76 grams
Pricing & Availability
Price: $140
Availability: Now (currently sold out but restocking)
Limited Edition: No
For more, click here.
Hodinkee