The idea to create “the toughest watch in the world” came to Japanese creator Kikuo Ibe, when he dropped and broke a precious watch given to him by his father. The first G-Shocks were developed in the 80s, and 30 years on they’re tougher and smarter than ever. One item in particular, “the ultimate G-Shock”, has been developed to celebrate the anniversary, the MR-G.
The MR-G (above) is made from tempered titanium, and the face is inlaid with Japanese gold. They go on sale in January for $US10,000 a pop. We didn’t manage to get our hands on one, but did see a prototype being shot up inside an air-pressurised impact cylinder at high velocity. Pretty convincing — and very loud.
Special Edition Aviator
Other limited editions include the ‘Aviator’, which was developed over two years in collaboration with the RAF. Several design details were suggested by the pilots, my favourite being a big button for “Zulu Time” — that’s GMT to you or I.
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Special Edition Frogman
Also on show was a red, black and gold ‘Frogman’, G-Shock’s specialist diving watch. The Frogman has satellite time setting and a log book for divers who want to keep records of their dives.
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Bluetooth
In addition the ‘Bluetooth’, which goes on sale in November this year, can be synced with your iPod or iPad and altert you to new messages. It can also be used as a phone finder within a 15 meter radius. Press a button on the side and it’ll set off your phone’s ring tone. So no need to ask your flatmate for a drop-call, next time.
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