When G-SHOCK debuted the DW-5000C in 1983, it immediately became essential wristwear in the street style scene (a preferred style for skateboarders and urban adventures), later piercing the realms of fashion, art, music and fashion, even making notable silver screen cameos. The DW-5000C garnered a reputation as a rugged, durable timepiece prioritizing daily utility. Creator and engineer Kikuo Ibe developed the brand’s proprietary shock-resistant construction, making good on his promise to pioneer a watch that could survive a 10-meter drop and withstand 10 atmospheres of water pressure, all while maintaining a 10-year battery life. The DW-5000C spawned a new “tough watch” archetype, and since then, G-SHOCK has carried this legacy forward as a blueprint for its ever-growing portfolio of nearly indestructible timepieces.
Commemorating its enduring footprint in culture and fashion, G-SHOCK is now reissuing some of its most quintessential silhouettes, a retro compilation surveying the brand’s distinct design evolution. Spanning the origin story of OG models launched in the early ‘80s to the 21st century, the Iconic Styles collection includes stainless steel iterations of the DW-5600, DW-6900, GA-110 and GA-2100.
Though the compact square build of the DW-5000C served as the impetus for G-SHOCK’s blockbuster success, the DW-5600UBB-1 builds upon the same heritage elements synonymous with strength and longevity. The no-frills design remains clean-cut and perfectly minimalistic, and its retro build eternally reflects the creative prowess propelling G-SHOCK into the future.
Arriving in 1995, the DW-6900 introduced a striking round face — a bold departure from the octagonal DW-5000C. Its statement-making profile featured robust accents: a “Triple Graph” display, an oversized front button and a hardwearing exterior. A quarter-century after its inception, G-SHOCK revamps this model with a metal-clad construction and modern finish. With a stainless steel bezel and band, the ‘90s-inspired DW-6900U-1 offers sleek, eye-catching originality.
In 2010, the GA-110 made waves for its oversized, maximalist face design. Drawing inspiration from steampunk, a sci-fi genre known for stylistically exploring Victorian-era industrialism, the GA-110 reimagined the G-SHOCK spirit through retro-futuristic world-building, unveiling the largest case within the brand's portfolio. Gear-shaped hands, a rivet-style case and four-layer lamination on the dial created a sense of multi-dimensional intricacy, much like the hefty, steam-powered machines associated with the fantastical genre. Vibrant color combinations have revived the hyper-detailed silhouette throughout the years. At its core, the GA-110-1A retains the DNA of its forebear, distinctly fashioned for those who prioritize both style and function.
Released in 2019, the GA-2100 inherited the octagonal bezel of the DW-5000C and the rugged sensibilities of its analog predecessor, the AW-500, launched in 1989. At the time of release, it unveiled G-SHOCK’s slimmest profile to date, achieved by a Carbon Core Guard structure and reinforced internal module. The GA-2100-1A1 boasts an elegant analog-digital construction and universal appeal for style savants and sporting enthusiasts alike. A classic wrist accessory, it effortlessly pairs back to contemporary fashion trends, from slouchy, relaxed workwear to bold street styles and technical sportswear.
With this collection, G-SHOCK embodies an era-defying spirit of resilience and aesthetic fluidity, reflecting the brand’s tireless pursuit to innovate and challenge the status quo. Brand loyalists, collectors and first-time watch consumers reaffirm the ingenuity and universal acclaim behind these best-selling retro timepieces.
The Iconic Styles collection breathes new life into G-SHOCK’s expansive archive, converting cultural ubiquity into creative fuel. Dive into each model on G-SHOCK’s website, and read about the brand’s latest releases here.
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