The Casio G-Shock needs no introduction. First invented in 1983 by Mr Kikuo Ibe, it was a project that rose out of a desire to create durable timepieces that had decent water resistance. Ibe demanded the following in all G-Shocks: a 100m water resistance, the ability to handle a 10 metre drop onto a hard surface and a 10-year battery life. The innovative method he used to achieve this was to suspend the timekeeping module in a urethane foam cradle, and add layers of protection around it.
A guest tries on a G-Shock designed for professionals, the Master of G MudMaster
In the last 30 odd years, G-Shock has become a standard in watchmaking, but it’s also evolved from the typical flashy, colourful statement pieces to much more mature and sophisticated editions from the more executive G-Steel to Master of G, designed for professionals. It’s the latter, most recently launched, that led us to the newly opened Casio store at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands to discover the capacities of the range.
The newly minted Casio Premium Factory store in The Shoppes at Marina Bay
Prior to the event, we’d invited a few friends of AUGUSTMAN to test out the three models, the GravityMaster that’s designed for resisting all the various types of G forces including severe centrifugal forces; the MudMaster, with button guards and a screw down crown to seal the watch against dirt and with three sensors for all-terrain information; and the GulfMaster, with barometric and tidal information and more.
The Casio Master of G GulfMaster
But the ultimate test of a G-Shock, one that it must survive to be called one, is the Hammer test, one that’s usually only done at the quality control centres at the brand’s headquarters. It involves allowing a heavy hammer swing 280 degrees from a 12 o’clock position to slam right into a G-Shock, sending it flying. G-Shocks must survive this QC test, no matter its age.
One of our A-Listers attempts the Hammer Test
We invited our guests to give it a shot, and one even put his own G-Shock to the test on the spot. Needless to say, it sailed through the tests. After that, everyone wanted to have a go.
The crowd stayed till the end, inspired by Casio’s G-Shock and Suntory Premium Malt beer
Thanks to our drinks partner for the evening, Suntory Premium Malt beer, we indulged in hammer tests, trying on the Master of G timepieces and more, and lingered at the store way past our welcome. But we definitely discovered that G-Shocks aren’t just for the young. Adults and professionals definitely have suitable editions for their lifestyles.
Special thanks to our A-Listers Jonathan Chew and Joe Tan for trial-testing the watches and demonstrating their durability, and also to Joeri Schilders for volunteering his own G-Shock for the hammer test. Also, we’d like to thank Suntory Premium Malt for sponsoring the beer for the evening so generously. Check out the video for more.
