Guide · 4 min read · Updated
What Is a G-SHOCK? History, Toughness and Model Names
Short answer
G-SHOCK is Casio's line of shock-resistant watches, launched in April 1983 with the DW-5000C. Engineer Kikuo Ibe set out to build a watch with “triple 10” toughness: surviving a 10-meter drop, resisting water to 10 bar and running 10 years on a battery. The line now runs from simple digital squares to solar, Bluetooth and metal models, each with its movement protected inside a shock-absorbing case.
Who invented the G-SHOCK?
Casio engineer Kikuo Ibe came up with the idea in 1981, after a watch his father had given him fell and broke. He led a small team that built and tested close to 200 prototypes before the first G-SHOCK, the DW-5000C, went on sale in April 1983.
The breakthrough came from watching a rubber ball bounce: the center of the ball does not feel the shock. The team applied the same idea to the watch and let the movement “float” inside the case.
What makes a G-SHOCK shock resistant?
The original design protects the timekeeping module with layers: a urethane bumper around the case, a hardened mineral glass crystal, a screwed-down steel case back, and a module that floats in a cushioned cradle. The strap is shaped to protect the watch in a fall as well.
What do G-SHOCK model names mean?
The letters at the start of a model name tell you a little about the watch.
- DW models are standard battery-powered digital G-SHOCKs, such as the DW-5600 and DW-6900.
- GW models add Tough Solar charging, Multi-Band atomic timekeeping, or both, such as the GW-6900.
- GA models pair analog hands with a digital display, such as the GA-2100.
- A “B” before the number marks Bluetooth, as in the GA-B2100.
The three G-SHOCK shapes we carry bezels for
Three classic cases are the basis of most custom G-SHOCKs: the octagonal GA-2100, the round DW-6900 and the square DW-5600. The chart shows the bezels we carry for each.
| G-SHOCK model | Bezel designs | In stock now | Price | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DW-6900 | 17 | 15 | $59 – $249 | DW-6900 bezels |
| GA-2100 | 17 | 17 | $149 – $299 | GA-2100 bezels |
| DW-5600 | 3 | 3 | $200 | DW-5600 bezels |
Is GshockVendor part of Casio?
No. G-SHOCK watches are made by Casio. GshockVendor is an independent store that sells G-SHOCK watches, custom styles and aftermarket bezels, and is not affiliated with Casio.
Common questions
Who makes G-SHOCK watches?
Casio Computer Co., Ltd. of Japan makes G-SHOCK watches. The line was created by Casio engineer Kikuo Ibe.
When did the first G-SHOCK come out?
The first G-SHOCK, the DW-5000C, was launched in April 1983.
What does “triple 10” mean for G-SHOCK?
It was the design goal for the first G-SHOCK: survive a 10-meter drop, resist water to 10 bar and run for 10 years on one battery.
What is the difference between DW and GW G-SHOCKs?
DW models are standard battery-powered G-SHOCKs. GW models add Tough Solar charging, Multi-Band atomic timekeeping, or both.