History of G-Shock in Timeline

G-Shock is a line of durable watches manufactured by Casio, renowned for their resistance to mechanical stress, shock, and vibration. Primarily designed for sports, military, and outdoor activities, G-Shocks feature a chronograph, 200-meter water resistance, and an alarm. Most models include a digital, analog, or combination display, a countdown timer, a world clock, and a backlight. High-end models incorporate advanced features like GPS, directional, pressure, and temperature sensors, as well as radio-controlled and Bluetooth time adjustment via smartphone connectivity.

1981: G-Shock Conceptualized

In 1981, Casio engineer Kikuo Ibe conceptualized the G-Shock after his watch shattered upon impact during an accidental collision. He envisioned a watch with "triple 10" resistance: 10-year battery life, 10-bar water resistance, and the ability to survive a 10-meter fall.

1982: Ibe Visits Younger Self

In 2023 as part of the 40th anniversary celebrations, Casio released an inspirational video package where Ibe visits his younger self back in 1982 in order to showcase the brand's origins and to promote the "Toughness Is Embracing Failure" motto of the brand.

April 1983: Launch of the First G-Shock DW-5000C

In April 1983, Casio launched the first G-Shock watch, the DW-5000C, after a team led by Ibe developed the shock-resistant structure inspired by the observation that the center of a rubber ball doesn't experience the full impact of a bounce.

1985: Release of the First Mud-Resistant G-Shock DW-5500C

In 1985, Casio released the DW-5500C, the first G-Shock featuring a mud-resistant structure. Known as the G-Shock-II, it was nicknamed "Mudman" by collectors due to its innovative design.

1989: Release of the First Analog G-Shock AW-500

Casio's AW-500, the first G-Shock to feature an analog display, was originally released in 1989.

1992: Release of the DW-6100 with Temperature Sensor

In 1992, Casio released the DW-6100, the first G-Shock equipped with a temperature sensor. The watch also transitioned to a resin case, replacing the stainless steel case for improved shock resistance.

October 1993: DELTA Operators Wear G-Shock Watches in Combat

According to Mark Bowden's book Blackhawk Down, the DELTA Operators wore G-Shock watches during the combat events of 3 and 4 October 1993 in Somalia.

1993: Introduction of the DW-6300 Frogman

In 1993, Casio introduced the DW-6300 Frogman, the first ISO 6425 certified diver's watch in the G-Shock lineup. It marked the start of the "Master of G" line, used to introduce new features.

1994: Transition to Electroluminescent Backlight and Introduction of Baby-G

In 1994, the DW-6600 model marked the transition to Electroluminescent backlight technology for G-Shock watches. Also in 1994, Casio introduced the Baby-G branded G-Shock watches, designed for women.

1995: Launch of Mudman Line

In 1995, Casio officially launched the mud-resistant line of watches called Mudman, building upon the mud-resistant structure first introduced in the DW-5500C G-Shock.

1996: Release of snowboarding and skateboarding edition models

In 1996, Casio released models designed for snowboarding and skateboarding competitors and competitions. These models were identical to the surfing editions but came with nylon velcro bands.

1996: Release of surfing edition models

In 1996, Casio released models designed specifically for the surfing market. These models included countdown timers for surfing competitions, yacht timers, and moon and tide graphs. They came with strap adapters, resin or nylon bands, and translucent bands with drainage slits. These models were branded as X-Treme in the Japanese domestic market.

1996: Release of the First Full Metal G-Shock MRG-100

In 1996, Casio released the MRG-100 (also known as the DW-8900) under the premium MRG lineup, marking the first G-Shock watch with full metal construction while retaining shock resistance.

1998: Sales Reach 19 Million Units

By 1998, Casio had released over 200 different G-Shock models. Worldwide sales reached 19 million units, marking a significant milestone in the brand's history.

2000: G-2000 Model Marked Last Standard G-Shock to Use Stainless Steel Case

By the early 2000s, the G-2000 model marked the last standard G-Shock to use a stainless steel case, leaving only a few speciality models in the line-up featuring the traditional metal case construction.

2008: Introduction of Tough Movement

In 2008, Casio introduced the Tough Movement for high-end analog G-Shocks, incorporating an LED photo receptor to automatically correct hand alignment after impacts, eliminating the need for manual adjustment.

2008: Introduction of Multi-Band 6 technology

In 2008, the Multi-Band 6 radio control technology was first introduced on the GW9200 Riseman as a successor to Multi-Band 5 and Wave Ceptor technologies. Multi-Band 6 allows G-Shock watches to synchronize with six atomic time transmitters worldwide for accurate timekeeping.

2009: Introduction of the G-Shock Mini

In 2009, Casio introduced the G-Shock Mini, a smaller series initially marketed for women, being 30% smaller than a regular G-Shock.

2010: DW-5600E Module Updated

In 2010, Casio updated the DW-5600E module, replacing the 1545 module with the 3229 module, extending the full-auto calendar to the year 2099.

2012: Release of Bluetooth-Enabled G-Shock Models

In 2012, Casio released the GB-6900 and GB-5600, Bluetooth-enabled G-Shock models that could connect to smartphones via an app, allowing users to adjust functions and receive notifications. They also included a phone-find feature.

2013: 30th Anniversary Party in New York

In 2013, Casio celebrated the 30th anniversary of the G-Shock with a party in New York, showcasing new models and prototypes of upcoming models. The party featured a performance from rapper Eminem.

2013: Introduction of GW-9400 Rangeman

In 2013, Casio introduced the GW-9400 Rangeman which has a Triple Sensor with a digital compass, thermometer, and barometer/altimeter

2014: Introduction of GPS Hybrid Wave Ceptor Feature and the GWN-1000 Gulfmaster

In 2014, Casio introduced the GWN-1000 Gulfmaster which has a Triple Sensor with a digital compass, thermometer, and barometer/altimeter. Also in 2014 Casio introduced the GPS Hybrid Wave Ceptor feature in the GPW-1000 Gravitymaster that allows the watch to synchronize the time through GPS signals and also adjust the time zone automatically.

2014: G-Shock Mini Replaced by S-Series

In 2014, the G-Shock Mini series was replaced by the S-Series, continuing the trend of smaller G-Shock watches.

2015: Introduction of Dream Project Concept

At Baselworld 2015, Casio introduced the "Dream Project" (G-D5000-9JR) concept, a G-Shock square watch constructed mostly of 18 Karat solid gold as part of the 35th anniversary celebrations, maintaining shock resistance.

2016: Release of the GWN-Q1000 Gulfmaster

In 2016, Casio released the GWN-Q1000 Gulfmaster, the first G-Shock to incorporate quad sensors and horizontal calibration. This model offered every function available on G-Shock models up to that date and uniquely featured a depth sensor and carbon-reinforced polymer construction for the case.

September 2017: 100 Millionth G-Shock Sale

On September 1, 2017, Casio celebrated the sale of its 100 millionth G-Shock watch worldwide, marking a major milestone for the brand.

December 2017: G-Shock earns Guinness World Record

On 12 December 2017, the G-Shock earned a Guinness World Record for withstanding the heaviest vehicle to drive over a watch. Guinness World Record officials drove a 24.97-tonne truck over the Casio G-Shock DW5600E-1, making it the first watch by any company to withstand the challenge.

2018: Bluetooth Technology Expanded

In 2018, Casio expanded the Bluetooth lineup to incorporate tough solar and multi-band atomic time reception with the GW-B5600 and the GMW-B5000.

2018: Introduction of the GPR-B1000 Rangeman

In late 2018, Casio introduced the GPR-B1000, the newest addition to the G-Shock Rangeman series. This GPS-centered model uses GPS for precise timekeeping and includes triple sensors, a backtracking function previously exclusive to Casio's ProTrek line, and Bluetooth connectivity. It features a non-replaceable battery charged by solar cells or a wireless charger.

2019: Introduction of Production Version of Dream Project

In 2019, Casio introduced the production version of the Dream Project, featuring an upgraded module with Bluetooth time reception and a retail price of 7.7 million ¥, making it the most expensive G-Shock at the time.

2019: Release of the GA-2100

In 2019, Casio released the GA-2100, an analog-digital watch inspired by the DW-5000C and nicknamed "CasiOak". Its carbon-reinforced plastic case allowed for a thickness of 11.8 mm, making it the thinnest G-Shock model. The watch gained popularity among collectors due to its design and lightweight construction.

October 2020: Introduction of AW-500 and AW-M500 Homage Models

In October 2020, Casio introduced the AW-500 and the AW-M500, homage models to the original AW-500 from 1989, featuring analog movements with modern enhancements.

September 2021: GW-M5610 Series Update

In September 2021, the GW-M5610 series saw an update which consisted of replacement of the previous 3159 module with 3495 module. The new module replaced the Electroluminescent backlight for an LED backlight, made the home time visible in almost all watch modes and increased world time cities to incorporate cities having odd time differentials along with adding time-swap feature with the home time, the ability to set DD-MM and MM-DD formats for the date and day display, the ability to display the day of the week in different languages and added the ability to set the count-down timer to 1 second.

2022: Introduction of MRG-B5000

In 2022, Casio introduced the MRG-B5000 in the MR-G lineup, featuring full titanium construction and a sapphire watch glass. It's the first square model to incorporate a multi-piece bezel for improved shock resistance.

2022: Release of the GA-B2100 and GM-B2100

In 2022, Casio released the GA-B2100, a solar-powered model with Bluetooth time reception capabilities, and the GM-B2100, a full metal variation of the 2100 series G-Shock.

October 2023: Announcement of the "Dream Project # 2" (G-D001)

In October 2023, Casio announced the "Dream Project # 2" (G-D001) as part of their 40th anniversary celebrations. Designed by a team of young designers and generative AI, the watch features a full metal structure, organic forms, and a unique see-through module with a main metal face plate, silicone cog wheels, and ruby bearings. The watch also uses solar cell technology from satellites.

November 2023: 40th Anniversary Celebration

In November 2023, Casio held an event celebrating the 40th anniversary of the G-Shock brand. The event featured a performance from J Balvin and an appearance from founder Kikuo Ibe. Casio released an inspirational video package with Ibe visiting his younger self.

November 2023: DW-5600UE and DW-6900UE Released

In November 2023, Casio introduced the DW-5600UE and the DW-6900UE with updated 3525 and 3529 modules featuring a white LED backlight, enhancing battery life to seven years.

December 2023: Auction of the "Dream Project # 2" (G-D001)

On 10 December 2023, the one-of-a-kind "Dream Project # 2" (G-D001) watch was auctioned off at Phillips Auction House in New York for US$400,050, becoming the most expensive Casio and G-Shock watch ever produced.

2024: Introduction of the MRG-B2100

In 2024, an MRG variation based on the design of the GA-2100, called the MRG-B2100, was introduced.

2039: Previous Full-Auto Calendar Reached 2039

Prior to the 2010 update, the full-auto calendar in the DW-5600E module reached 2039, before being extended to 2099.

2099: Full-Auto Calendar Reaches 2099

The updated 3229 module in the DW-5600E model, introduced in 2010, increased the full-auto calendar to the year 2099 instead of 2039 in the previous module.