How the G-Shock Became the Most Durable Watch in the World
If you’re a regular visitor to watch forums and online groups, you’ll quickly learn that the G-Shock is regarded as the most durable make of watch in the world. Those with an intense lifestyle – whether it’s engaging in high-contact sports or extreme outdoor adventures – have sung praises for the hundreds of varieties of the iconic Japanese sports watch. It’s also a popular tool among police officers, firefighters, and military personnel, becoming the unofficial watch of choice for Navy Seals and Special Ops groups worldwide
What makes the G-Shock unique is, among other things, its incredible shock resistance. However, this durability goes beyond the ability to take a beating and keep on ticking. G-Shock watches have functions and options to combine sturdiness with elegance and style. Here’s what you need to know about the G-Shock and why it’s one of the toughest watches in the industry:
The Birth of the G-Shock
The G-Shock came to be in 1983 when designer Kikuo Ibe imagined a watch that could be dropped from the roof of a building and survive the fall. The thought first came to him two years prior which, Ibe had accidentally dropped a watch his father gifted him, greatly upsetting him. As a result, he and his team set out to create a watch that would survive a 100-meter free fall, was water-resistant, and had a battery that would last for ten years.
The fruits of his effort manifested in the first-ever G-Shock, the DW-500C. It featured shock resistance, water resistance, an alarm function, a countdown timer, a 60-hour stopwatch, and a battery that would last a decade. However, it was available for only one year and was discontinued shortly after.
The Characteristics That Make G-Shocks Sturdy
G-Shock’s hollow case construction offers a special framework that allows it to eliminate external shocks by “suspending” the watch core within the case. It does so by supporting it at one or two points. It also uses all directional covering to ensure that the watch’s buttons do not contact flat surfaces if the watch is dropped, thus protecting essential parts from damage. Additionally, the watch uses cushioning components to pad crystal oscillators and other main parts, preventing contact failures and incorrect operation.
The G-Shock is also designed to be resistant to various environments. It’s resistant to g-force, surpassing the specifications required for instruments like cockpit voice recorders and flight data file recorders. It can also withstand low temperatures, allowing users to rely on it for timekeeping even in severe winter or high altitude conditions. And true to the original specifications, it offers complete protection in case of extreme contact – a G-Shock can withstand being struck by a heavy object, such as a sledgehammer. And the capabilities don’t stop there. The G-Shock can also resist electrical currents that may interrupt the operation of electronic components, making it a perfect watch for electricians. It’s also an excellent watch for situations in which static electricity is abundant. It can also operate without a hitch in the face of unpredictable, incredibly damaging shocks, making it truly the most durable watch in the world.
Conclusion
Casio is constantly improving its G-Shock line, adding an impressive array of resistances while improving existing features. All the while, the mission to ensure accurate timekeeping remains at the core of G-Shock’s vision. Advances like radio-communication, Bluetooth connectivity and solar technology to charge the battery are just some of the complications available on various G-Shock watches. With all these unbeatable features, the G-Shock remains supreme as the sturdiest watch in the market.
Feldmar Watch is a watch shop in Los Angeles that sells luxury watches, both used and brand new. We have serviced and repaired luxury timepieces for over 100 years with a wealth of experience working on innovative and vintage horological masterpieces. Check out our shop today for your next luxury watch!
About The Author: Tom Roth
Born in Washington state, Tom developed an interest in photography during college at University of San Diego. There, he got started in music journalism, interviewing artists and taking photos at concerts. A life-long tinkerer and collector, it wasn’t long before Tom became fascinated with fountain pens and watches.
Those interests collided in November 2020 when Tom started at Feldmar Watch Company where he lives out every watch geek’s dream: photographing and writing about timepieces. When he’s not tinkering with his watch collection, Tom can be found traveling, biting his nails while watching PNW sports teams, and taking flying lessons.
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