The challenge of fulfilling a dream without parallel anywhere the world: Marking a whole new chapter for G-SHOCK with style

We’re celebrating 40 years of G-SHOCK with a dream project
— creating a concept model that challenges the frontiers of the brand, inspired by “Break the Boundary” as the development theme. This new project follows in the footsteps of the earlier dream project, which commemorated the G-SHOCK 35th anniversary.

This dream project features innovative, exploratory use of generative design — a computer-aided design technique that uses AI to optimize the design process — for the watch’s exterior design. A full-metal shock-resistant structure with a creatively original organic form was achieved using a process of co-creation between human developers and AI.

Eighteen-karat yellow gold is employed for the case, bezel, and band. Careful hand polishing is applied in meticulous detail by skilled craftspersons, down to the most challenging spots, giving the components a stunning lustre with a look of both profundity and precision.

We took on the challenge of making a dream come true — to mark a whole new chapter for G-SHOCK with impeccable style. Introducing a special model in a worldwide limited edition of just one, entirely infused with the G-SHOCK identity of commitment to continuous innovation.

LINEUP

G-D001
(Limited edition of one timepiece worldwide)

MESSAGE FROM THE
FATHER OF G-SHOCK

What lies beyond imagination

Ever since the 1983 launch of the very first G-SHOCK, the DW-5000C, the brand has always embraced the challenge of continual evolution. We planned the first dream project for 2018, the year of the G-SHOCK 35th anniversary. That year, we presented the G-D5000, with a full-metal shock-resistant structure made of 18k gold — a timepiece symbolizing both the origin and innovation of G-SHOCK.
Now, in 2023, we are proud to unveil a second dream project to commemorate 40 years of G-SHOCK, this time taking on the challenge of exploring new frontiers for the brand. We wanted to upend conventional notions, so we invited mostly young people to be on the project team — with a team of G-SHOCK veterans providing backup — truly a dream project. The team tackled every challenge with unprecedented approaches, including incorporating cutting-edge AI technologies into the design process. The fresh, new perspectives and techniques they applied culminated in the development of a very special timepiece: the G-D001.
The creative, original style of the exterior may offer a glimpse into the future of G-SHOCK. Even beyond this, however, I feel this watch poses a question to all of us: What is the vital essence of toughness? I have no doubt that the G-SHOCK quest for the ultimate will continue for decades to come, fulfilling the mission of constant evolution with unshakeable conviction.

Kikuo Ibe

Kikuo Ibe
Joined Casio in 1976. Pioneered the core G-SHOCK structures of five-stage shock absorption and the floating module with several points of contact. Participated in the first-generation G-SHOCK, MUDMAN and MR-G projects.

G-D001 | FEATURE

Exterior design: Co-created by Human designers and AI

Generative design leveraging AI technologies was applied in the exterior design process. Based on a design framework created by the human designers, data accumulated over 40 years of G-SHOCK development was fed into the AI system to generate a 3D model optimized for factors including structural strength, material characteristics, and processing methods to be used. Repeated manual revisions were then made to the AI suggestion to produce external components with creative, original form superior design sensibilities and functionality. The original, organic forms seen in the bezel, band, and face reveal an all-new beauty of form, which we think upends preconceived notions of G-SHOCK timepieces. At the same time, they contribute to weight reduction and enhanced shock absorption. As a result of this creative process, we achieved a full-metal shock-resistant structure without the use of resin buffering or anything like it.

The gorgeous gleam of 18k yellow gold

As the material for key external components, 18k yellow gold was used for its profound, gorgeous lustre. The complex, organic, precision-moulded forms of the bezel and band in particular were achieved with lost-wax casting processes typically used in jewellery making and other such fine applications. Every component was carefully polished by hand in meticulous detail by highly skilled craftspersons. Additionally, for the top bezel, centre case, case back, buttons, and clasp, processes including cutting and pressing were applied to components as demanded for each piece, followed by finishing with individually tailored polishing. Handcrafting with passionate attention to detail yielded a fusion of toughness and elegance for this special, one-of-a-kind timepiece. We think it is without parallel anywhere in the world.

See-through dial to let the original watch mechanism shine through

Incorporating bumper components in organic forms, the face of the timepiece features a see-through, dial-less design that lets the internal mechanism show through plainly. Designed specifically for this one model alone, the movement employs a metal main plate, silicone cogwheels, and ruby bearings to enable hand rotation with greater precision. The solar cell, featuring a power-generating layer made with a gallium compound, utilizes a system that applies solar cell technology typically employed in satellites. Leveraging expertise developed by the space industry, this system significantly enhances power generation efficiency compared to traditional solar cells. It harnesses light penetrating through a small gap in the date display to reliably power various functions, including standard time radio wave reception.

Special packaging befitting a worldwide limited edition of just one

We have prepared a special, one-of-a-kind display for this worldwide limited edition of a single timepiece. Even the packaging had to be worthy of a dream project to commemorate the G-SHOCK 40th anniversary. With its toweresque form, incorporating a front cover designed to slide up to open and down to close, the case features an intricate openwork design adorned with the model numbers of past and present G-SHOCK timepieces. With an LED light housed inside, the display case can also be used to provide indirect lighting in interior spaces, creating a captivating ambience of interwoven shadows and light projecting G-SHOCK history.

G-D001
(Limited edition of one timepiece worldwide)

SPECIFICATIONS

• Shock-resistant structure
• 20-bar water resistance
• Solar charging system
• Multiband 6 radio control
• Dual time
• Stopwatch
• Visibility assistance for dark locations (Solar cell luminescence)
• Date display

Watch to be sold at phillips auction house

G-SHOCK G-D001 will be offered for sale as a charity item in an auction to be held by Phillips, one of the world’s foremost auction houses, on December 9 to 10, 2023 in New York. All proceeds will be donated to environmental organizations. For more details, please refer to the PHILLIPS website.