The All-New GAV01 Brings Freak Y2K Vibes To Your Wrist

There’s simply no getting away from the radical retro-futuro looks of G-SHOCK’s new GAV01 design. The overwhelming first impression is that of a watch born in a future so bright we all need shades, yet one that is defiantly rooted in the Y2K era where organic visuals were infused with cybernetic ‘John Connor’ possibilities.

Those inherent tensions and philosophical contradictions are what makes this new-generation design so compelling. The GAV01 nomenclature aptly breaks things down with ‘V’ standing for ‘Vision’ and the ‘01’ representing ‘Breakthrough’. The new model has also been positioned conceptually at the forefront of G-SHOCK’s ‘Open V World’, in which the brand is theoretically liberated to explore new horizons with zero limitations.

The GAV01 can also be considered a harbinger of what’s to come from the design team. G-SHOCK is known for aggressive ‘tough-robot-machine’ aesthetics, where octagonal shapes, ominous blinking devices and layers of android-esque elements compose a symphony of metal-machina music. The GAV01, however, detours into an intriguing new realm for G-SHOCK, where the sense of sinewy, organic flow and interconnectedness reboots and reimagines the brand’s decades-deep mechanical design orthodoxy.

The design details are beguiling and ingeniously simple. Integrated into the bezel, the 12 imposing hour markers are deployed equidistantly as protective bumper bars around the perimeter of the display glass, cocooning the electronic gizzards from biffs and abrasions. On their own they are a progressive visual addition to the G-SHOCK product roster, but close inspection of the watch face also reveals another highlight – a pair of cartoonish peepers that have already been dubbed ‘CoolEyes’ by curious G aficionados. This feature nods to the evolution of G-SHOCK through the ‘Story of the Character’. It all starts over 40 years ago with the Father of G, the esteemed Mr Kikuo Ibe, was on a mission to create the unbreakable watch. To do so, he dropped each precious prototype out the window to see if it would break. At one point, the layers of protection made the prototype big rubber balls, and this image has since evolved to the owl character that represents the tough and adventurous spirit of this new GAV01 series.

The spherical glass dome that protects the watch face is another impressive moment, but it’s the petite analogue ‘Shock Release Hands’ that drive the spirit of innovation forward on the GAV01. G-SHOCK’s new magnetic holding structure means the hands, which are of course susceptible to crushing impacts, are attached using magnetic force rather than via a mechanical connection to the shaft. Should the hands be temporarily bumped out of position following a collision, the new-gen mag-tech will return them ‘magically’ to the correct position in the centre of the dial. The high capacity battery that powers the GAV01 for approximately 10 years is another evolutionary breakthrough and one of the few battery-powered (non-solar) Gs to do so.

The GAV01 will initially be made available in classic matte black and metallic silver, with the latter encapsulating the model’s space race affiliations. For those feeling more adventurous in the colour department, the vivid neon yellow and blue-purple options, which feature safety orange and cyan hands respectively, might take preference as go-to fashion options.

Striking, starkly original and technologically progressive, the new GAV01 offers a tantalising glimpse into the future of design at G-SHOCK.

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Shock-resistant structure with an original, new exterior

The center case protecting the module is covered by an exterior part that employs an integrated bezel and band construction. The large dimensional indexes overlap the glass, also functioning as bumpers to absorb shocks. This uniquely powerful exterior design stays true to the characteristic shock-resistance of G-SHOCK, but with a whole new look.

Shock-resistant module featuring Shock Release Hand

Casio has developed a new magnetic holding structure, a new design where the hands, which are vulnerable to impact, are not directly fixed to the shaft but are attached using magnetic force. This magnetic attachment allows the Shock Release Hand (minute hand) to absorb and dissipate impacts effectively. This new technology also makes it possible to create larger hands and offers more flexibility in styling.

Note: Because the structure uses magnetic attachment, the minute hand may shake due to impact or vibration. Additionally, immediately after an impact or vibration, the minute hand may temporarily shift out of position, but it will return to the correct position within a few minutes.

High-impact design expressing ultimate toughness

Toughness-oriented, oversized design gives the timepiece an overwhelming sense of presence. Presenting an organic form with an integrated bezel and band construction, the watch incorporates bumper-type indexes and side buttons expressing powerful strength with a convex, protruding shape featuring sharply defined edges. In addition, the use of spherical glass gives the distinctive form an even more striking look.

* At certain viewing angles, the interior of the dial may be difficult to see due to special spherical surface processing applied to the glass.

Analog-digital combination face featuring a bold, innovative design

The analog-digital combination face employs a layered construction, incorporating a metallic dial with openwork (a technique used to create decorative see-through sections) and a full-screen LCD. The strikingly original design features a layout including specially designed oversize hour and minute hands in the center and an indicator hand positioned within the LCD. The watch is offered in four color options: metallic silver, neon yellow, blue-purple, and matte black.

Ten-year battery life

The approximately 10-year battery life is made possible using a high-capacity battery and a design ensuring low power consumption, while still incorporating an alarm function, LED light, and other functions.