First look: Casio GA-V01 series analog watches finally revealed, but not everyone is on board
After weeks of speculation, we finally have eyes on Casio's GA-V01 series, and this one comes with an unexpected twist — a WeChat mini-game alongside, called OpenVWorld. While the GA-V01 was initially teased as a mysterious new addition to the G-Shock lineup, the final product will definitely leave some longtime fans scratching their heads. From the info we have so far, courtesy of @morgan_gshock on Instagram, the watch will be available in four colorways, with pricing between 990 and 1,090 yuan (~$140 to $155), but early reactions on social media are suggesting that it might not be a 'big collector's-edition watch' some were hoping for.
The biggest surprise isn't arguably the watch itself, but its digital tie-in. As per the poster released by Casio China (and shared by @geesgshock on Instagram), OpenVWorld will a ranking-based game integrated with WeChat, which will let users earn points and unlock rewards, including G-Shock watches. The game will run from February 1 to April 30, 2025, but at the time of writing, its availability outside of China is unconfirmed.
The GA-V01 is launching in four colors:
- GA-V01A-8A (Silver, 1,090 yuan)
- GA-V01-1A (Black, 990 yuan)
- GA-V01-2A (Purple, 990 yuan)
- GA-V01-9A (Lime green, 990 yuan)
While G-Shocks are no stranger to bold designs, the GA-V01 seems to be taking things in a direction that has divided opinion. From the somewhat unclear images we have so far, the watches feature a thick, rounded case with an exaggerated gear-like bezel. The watch really feels more like a marketing experiment. The WeChat game integration might help drive sales in China, but if this is meant to be a global release, it's hard to see how the digital tie-in will resonate outside of that market. Additionally, Casio has yet to confirm if this model will be available internationally or if a non-game version will be released elsewhere.
The GA-V01 comes across as a regionally focused release with an unconventional design that certainly won’t appeal to everyone. As it stands, this watch is likely to be one of the more divisive G-Shock releases in recent memory. An exact release date should be just around the corner.
Source(s)
@morgan_gshock and @geesgshock on Instagram
