TOKYO —

Casio Computer Co will celebrate the 30th anniversary of its G-SHOCK brand of shock-resistant watches next April by releasing commemorative and collaboration models and hosting various events and other activities around the world over the next year.

The celebration begins with three new anniversary models featuring a red color scheme reminiscent of a rising sun.

The G-SHOCK brand got its start when a single Casio engineer decided to try to develop a watch that was virtually unbreakable. The original model with shock-resistant construction — the DW-5000 — was released in 1983. Overturning the idea of wristwatches being fragile and easy to break, the G-SHOCK created a whole new market for tough watches. Since that time, the brand has continued to evolve in pursuit of even greater toughness. Casio has developed nearly 3,000 G-SHOCK models thus far. With the inclusion of innovative functions and constant performance improvements, the G-SHOCK brand continues to define the cutting edge.

The first three watches in the upcoming series of 30th anniversary models feature the G-SHOCK red brand color. The vivid red inspired by the rising sun highlights and distinguishes these watches. Gold detailing in the LCD and lettering as well as gold ion plating on metal parts such as the back plate and screws give the watches a glamorous look suitable for the 30th anniversary celebration.

Each of the new models recalls the design and functionality of different popular G-SHOCK models of years gone by. The back plates are engraved with a 30th anniversary logo designed by world-famous graphic designer Eric Haze, and each watch comes with custom packaging worthy of the special occasion.

The FROGMAN GF-8230A features ISO 200-meter water resistance. The MUDMAN G-9330A is dust-resistant and dirt-resistant, and has twin sensors for compass bearing and temperature. The DW-6930A has the globally popular G-SHOCK rounded design.

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  randomenigma at Aug. 17, 2012 - 10:05AM JST

  This should be handy. In Japan I am constantly exposed to various forms of shock.

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  FightingViking at Aug. 17, 2012 - 10:50AM JST

  Well I guess that also depends on what "kind" of shock... ?!

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  NeverSubmit at Aug. 17, 2012 - 03:26PM JST

  Have you ever seen anybody other than a dork wear these things.

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  wipeout at Aug. 17, 2012 - 08:45PM JST

  Have you ever seen anybody other than a dork wear these things.

  Yes. They're popular with people playing sports and professionals with outdoor/physically active work.

  People who don't or by necessity can't see a watch as a piece of jewellery or high fashion. G-Shocks have the added advantage of keeping time to the millisecond, handy in a country like this where the trains run to schedule.

  Waterproof, no battery replacement, no time adjustment: for some people, you don't need more than that from a watch, but a surprising number of expensive watches can't fulfil those requirements.

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  CopRamen at Aug. 18, 2012 - 08:56AM JST

  I love my Gshock! For my line of work, can't beat a Gshock. They last forever.

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  selph at Aug. 18, 2012 - 07:35PM JST

  I find G-Shock Big Face line quite fashionable. Some of its models look simply spectacular - got my ltd edition G-Shock X Maharishi 'Bamdazzle' collaboration - definitely more a funky accessoire than a watch, despite all the advanced functionality. Well done Casio! :)

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  lucabrasi at Aug. 18, 2012 - 07:38PM JST

  definitely more a funky accessoire than a watch

  You said it! These are toys for children, not timepieces for adults.

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  selph at Aug. 18, 2012 - 09:03PM JST

  You said it! These are toys for children, not timepieces for adults.

  Exactly, choice of fashion is often about how old one feels. Those boring "timepieces" are great for those who count hours to a happy, hopefully rich, retirement! :D

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  wipeout at Aug. 18, 2012 - 09:22PM JST

  You said it! These are toys for children, not timepieces for adults.

  Sure.

  http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/images/shuttle/sts-121/hires/s121e05904.jpg

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  Seawolf at Aug. 20, 2012 - 10:35AM JST

  Have you ever seen anybody other than a dork wear these things.

  There are definitely more dorks wearing Rorex and stuff that cost a few bundles of brownies just because they think, or were being told by the salesman they would look cool with it.

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  papasmurfinjapan at Aug. 22, 2012 - 11:26AM JST

  I have a G-shock and a more expensive "stylish" watch. I can wear my G-shock to the beach, the snow, while playing sports etc. and not worry about a thing. The "stylish" watch only goes on for formal occasions or a night on the town.

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  svidetic@gmail.com at Aug. 27, 2012 - 11:54PM JST

  it is better idea than shock, the net , web access watch, we have all the watch on smartphones or tablet, we need the next big thing, the watch with witch we will be connected to the web 3G or similar.