Casio unveils limited-edition G-Shock and Baby-G watches with hidden butterfly displays

Casio has announced a new limited-edition G-Shock and Baby-G collaboration with Japanese graphic artist VERDY's streetwear brand Girls Don't Cry. The LOV-26A-1 celebrates the 30th anniversary of the G Presents Lover's Collection, combining two digital watches with matching design elements and contrasting details.

The Japanese set, identified as LOV-26A-1JR, is priced at ¥38,500 (including tax). Pre-orders are scheduled to begin on November 1, ahead of the general release on November 20. An earlier launch is planned at VERDY'S GIFT SHOP on October 30.

Two familiar Casio designs with contrasting details

The G-Shock is based on the DW-5600 series and carries the reference DW-5600LQ-1V. Its black strap features a glossy Girls Don't Cry logo pattern, while the case back has a devil illustration created by VERDY. Pressing the backlight button reveals a pink butterfly graphic across the digital display.

The accompanying Baby-G, based on the BGD-565 series and identified as BGD-565LQ-1V, uses white accents against a black design. Its case back features a corresponding angel illustration, while its illuminated display reveals a green butterfly.

Both watches have heart-shaped cut-outs in their strap loops, tying together the otherwise contrasting designs.

The G-Shock measures 48.9 × 42.8 × 13.4 mm and weighs 52 g, with 200 m water resistance. The smaller Baby-G measures 42.1 × 37.9 × 11.3 mm, weighs 30 g and offers 100 m water resistance.

Despite their different sizes, both models include shock resistance, a 1/100-second stopwatch, a countdown timer, multifunction alarms, a flash alert and LED backlighting.

A collaboration with a personal connection

According to Casio's announcement, the collaboration has a connection to VERDY's own relationship. The first watch he gave his wife was a Baby-G, which she reportedly still treasures.

The collaboration also has roots in 2019, when VERDY designed a Girls Don't Cry × Baby-G watch for a Valentine's Day campaign marking Baby-G's 25th anniversary. That model was reserved for friends and family and never sold publicly. Seven years later, the idea has evolved into the new matching G-Shock and Baby-G set.

That story informs the collection's angel-and-devil illustrations, a recurring theme dating back to the original Lover's Collection in 1996.

Casio has also created separate pouches for the watches, which can be joined together using snap fasteners. Each pouch includes a gold-coloured heart-shaped zipper charm.

The LOV-26A-1JR will be available through Casio's Japanese online store, G-Shock stores and participating retailers, with Japanese retailer Time Station NEO confirming the November 1 pre-order date and November 20 release.

Although Casio describes the collaboration as limited edition, it has not disclosed a production quantity. UK and US prices and release dates have not been confirmed.