After being subjected to multiple leaks and teases, Casio’s G-Shock GA-V01 series is finally here, and it includes four new, funky timepieces: GA-V01-1A, GA-V01-2A, GA-V01-8A, and GA-V01-8A.
Casio’s new G-Shock GA-V01 series is one of the wildest departures the brand has ever taken in terms of design. This isn’t your typical utilitarian G-Shock—it looks like something out of a sci-fi anime. The watch features 3D hour markers that seemingly float outside the display, and an LCD section resembling alien eyes. It’s massive, too, measuring 58.2mm wide and 19.6mm thick, and tipping the scale at 74 grams.
Long-time G-Shock fans are surely going to have strong opinions about the GA-V01’s aesthetics, but there's no denying that a lot of thought went into crafting this new look. Mr. Hamakami, the lead developer of the GA-V01, was present at the launch to provide insight into the creative process that led to the culmination of one of the boldest designs the company has ever produced. It’s pretty clear this isn’t directed at the mainstream G-Shock crowd—and maybe that's part of its appeal.
Beyond its radical design, the GA-V01 has all the markings of a typical G-Shock watch. It still offers a 10-year battery life (despite being non-solar), a shock-resistant build, water resistance up to 200 meters, and a resin band for that classic G-Shock durability. You also get an Auto Dual LED light, World Time for 48 cities, a 1/100-second stopwatch, a countdown timer, and the ability to set up to five daily alarms.
Pricing & Availability
The new lineup is launching first in China and it will start shipping on February 21. The GA-V01-1A (Black), GA-V01-9A (Lime Green), and GA-V01-2A (Purple) models are priced at CNY 990 (~$136), while the GA-V01-8A (Silver) variant will set you back CNY 1,090 (~$150). These new watches should eventually make their way to Japan and international markets, but the company hasn't shared any specifics just yet.