Design Story of GST-B1000

The G-STEEL GST-B1000 features a stylish, streamlined form set off with the sophisticated gleam of metal in a modern reinterpretation of the iconic design of the very first G-SHOCK, the DW-5000C. Here, we explore in detail all the elements that appear in the GST-B1000, a timepiece built with a total passion for refined structural beauty.

＜Design Concept＞

01
Original G-SHOCK DNA

Inheriting the very first G-SHOCK watch’s spirit of toughness and functional beauty, while drawing on contemporary values and technologies to present a reinterpretation true to a passion for universal beauty and practicality. Delivering refined minimalist design embodying the essence of G-SHOCK while pursuing the aesthetic of stripping vital elements down to the absolute minimum.

02
Meticulous finishes

Applying meticulous finishes to individual components to accentuate the beauty of the form. Highlighting the smooth, unified texture of metal with distinct polishes separately applied to a series of different surfaces. Through this approach, expressing a luxe look and feel with a sense of presence that seamlessly integrates into any contemporary setting.

03
Sharp edges

Incorporating a sense of tension in the form to create a sharp look. Leveraging masterful polishing techniques to visually accentuate sharply defined edges to give the design a unique, refined sense of presence.

G-STEEL GST-B1000

1. GST-B1000: A metal timepiece inheriting the DNA of the first G-SHOCK

True to the G-SHOCK identity, balanced with innovative freshness

Development focused on the theme of connecting with new fans. While the G-SHOCK identity has traditionally been associated with solid toughness, the challenge now pivoted to just how much novel innovation might be incorporated into design while still staying true to the G-SHOCK identity. We surveyed a broad range of potential users worldwide, expressing a passion to strike the perfect balance that would resonate with people in a way that cut across generations and lifestyles. The image of one type of fan that designers especially kept in mind was a person just stepping into a new stage of life as they made their entry into the working world. For this user, a design with that “just right” feel suitable for work and leisure alike was envisioned — ideal for the very first authentic metal timepiece they would choose to own.

The challenge of minimalist design

To achieve the optimal compact size and light weight, only strictly necessary elements were retained. Flat-surface composition informed the overall design, with each and every design element meticulously refined to achieve an impression of lightness and sophistication. A bold decision was made to not even place the brand logo on the bezel. “Is it really alright to omit the engraved logo from the design…?” This question itself ended up serving as the launching pad for the challenge of this bold new design.

2. Inheriting the DNA of the very first G-SHOCK

Heir to toughness

The spirit of toughness inherited from the first-ever G-SHOCK, the DW-5000C, is alive and well throughout the design of the G-STEEL GST-B1000. That iconic original model was taken apart, component by component, to perform stringent testing of each individual part’s level of shock resistance. Extensive prototypes were created and refinements made to carry on that tradition of delivering toughness in the form of functional beauty.

Aesthetics of the octagonal form

Care was taken to preserve as part of the brand DNA the defining features of the earliest G-SHOCK design: the iconic octagonal bezel and the grooves on the side of the case. Every distinctive contour and detail of the design evokes those original aesthetic sensibilities.

Red, yellow, and blue

The iconic tri-color design of the very first G-SHOCK is revived in components including the watch hands and feature indications, with red symbolizing unwavering determination to take on any challenge; yellow, shock resistance; and blue, impressive water resistance. The result is a design imbued with a subtle sense of playfulness and an homage to the watch’s origins.

3. An all-around timepiece for work and leisure alike

The G-STEEL GST-B1000 delivers a captivating balance of “all-around” suitability combining the robust toughness characteristic of G-SHOCK with the unique sense of intelligence and sophistication offered by metal timepieces. Enjoy expressing an unconstrained style all your own, adaptable to settings of all kinds, whether you’re wearing a T-shirt or a suit.

Ⅰ. Urban Scenes.

Optimal proportions, achieved with meticulous calculations

Numerous prototypes were created to work out the logistics of designing a watch with the optimal compact size and light weight while delivering a stylish, streamlined form and preserving the iconic look and feel of the original DW-5000C. The result: a 44.2-mm case diameter, 11.6-mm profile, and impressively light 118-g weight. Meanwhile, going beyond simply making each component thinner, the edges of the case back and case were angled and raised to create a sleek, refined profile. The resulting smaller contact surface with the wrist also helps to ensure a supremely comfortable fit.

Image 1: Sample band prototypes
Image 2: Sample bezel prototypes

The aesthetics and balancing of finish application

Achieving both stylish form and stunning finishes was prioritized, with meticulous attention paid to polishing. The bezel features an interwoven combination of straight and circular hairline finishes with smooth mirror finishes, applied at levels of precision down to fractions of a millimeter. On the band, the contrast between horizontal hairline and mirror finishes appealingly highlights the sharp, clean edge lines and textures. For the crown, a hairline-finish base is combined with mirror polishing to express luxe quality and variability of appearance. Mirroring the body of the bezel with its octagonal form, the design delivers a highly operable finger grip along with sophisticated design sensibility. The subtle variations in polishing techniques, requiring master-level crafting skills and keenly discerning design sensibilities, significantly define the watch’s overall presence.

Ⅱ. Outdoor Scenes.

Playfulness and shock resistance

While external impacts are firmly absorbed by the metal bezel, the delicate module is securely protected by the carbon-fiber-reinforced resin case. Shock-resistant urethane-resin components are integrated into the lugs to ensure enhanced impact resistance in case the watch is dropped and to strengthen sections where the case and band connect. Furthermore, the GST-B1000 features a vibrant red color scheme (for GST-B1000D-1A only) evoking the very first G-SHOCK model, expressing the toughness and playfulness of the watch’s roots at once. Precision is taken in the design of the crown and buttons to ensure that they do not overly protrude, while maintaining their shock resistance and operability.

Wearability and visibility

Moving beyond the strong street culture influence of the G-SHOCK 2100 series, the GST-B1000 prioritizes universal design and practicality with a focus on reliably keeping time in any setting. Visibility is a particularly key focus. Adopting the longer hour and minute hands enables intuitive, easy reading of the time. The shock-resistant resin indexes are infused with luminescent material. A special technique is used in which a vapor-deposited film on the surface is precisely removed with lasers, ensuring bright, glow-in-the-dark visibility. The band design maintains shock resistance while minimizing the clearance between individual links to the limit, achieving an exceptionally dense, solid feel. This creates a supremely comfortable fit that naturally conforms to any wrist.

4. A new style of timepiece transcending boundaries and connecting eras

“How much fresh innovation could be expressed while still maintaining the traditional G-SHOCK identity?” This question informed the challenge of taking a tricky balance to the absolute limit: Inheriting the DNA of the original model while establishing a new standard to present to the next generation. Anyone who takes the new watch in hand will appreciate the authentic look and feel — crafted to transcend generational sensibilities and shine in work and leisure settings alike. An “all-around timepiece” for the people of today, the GST-B1000 also seamlessly envisions the lifestyles of the years just ahead.