Casio’s latest G-Shock watch is a brash throwback to 1980s nostalgia
One tough customer
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Casiohas launched a special edition G-Shock watch in collaboration with British workwear brandMC Overalls, which specializes in tough, practical workwear with a colorful twist.
As reported byG-Central, theDW-5600MCO-1ERwatch puts a 1980s-inspired spin on the classic square-faced DW-5600BB, with a plain black case and primary color printed band. Casio says that the dots and strokes on the strap were inspired by the rivets on MC Overalls' original dungarees, which were first sold in 1908.
The company describes the watch as ‘indestructible’. It’s water-resistant to 200 meters, and has the G-Shock Hollow Core Guard, which protects its internal components from knocks and drops. The face is covered in toughened mineral glass to resist scratches.
Unlike theG-Squad Proreleased last year, it’s a conventional digital watch rather than asmartwatch, with tools including a multi-function alarm with flashing diode, countdown timer, and stopwatch.
It will be available in the UK from March 25, priced at £119 (about $160 / AU$210). It comes with an exclusive MC Overalls Patch, and the option to buy a special G-Shock x MC Overalls T-Shirt if you’re picking up the watch at G-Shock’s Carnaby Street store in London. You’ll have to move fast to grab one though, as only 300 will be sold.
Retro cool
The launch comes hot on the heels of Casio’s collaboration with Indonesian fashion brand Paradise Youth Club, which resulted in a retro-style watch brimming with 1990s nostalgia. Thelimited edition DW-6900was based on the original model, released in 1995, which was the first to feature an electroluminescent backlight.
With the 90s still firmly in vogue, we wouldn’t be surprised to see more old-school G-Shock watches making their way onto fashionable wrists over the coming months.
Get the best Black Friday deals direct to your inbox, plus news, reviews, and more.
Sign up to be the first to know about unmissable Black Friday deals on top tech, plus get all your favorite TechRadar content.
Analysis: toughness matters
MC Overalls' colorful dungarees and Casio G-Shock watches have one thing in common: they’re made to last, and that’s important. Whether it’s a piece of clothing or a watch, manufacturing goods uses a lot of resources and generates a considerable amount of carbon dioxide, so the longer you can keep using what you already own, the better – and other tech companies seem to be taking note.
While slim and delicate smartwatches definitely have an appeal, we’re seeing more and more companies release more rugged wearables that will withstand some seriously heavy knocks. TheGarmin Instinct 2,Amazfit T-Rex Pro, andCoros Vertix 2are just some of the sports watches that are taking cues from the G-Shock line and foregoing slender cases for something much more durable. Ultimately, that could mean less frequent replacements, smaller production runs, and fewer emissions.
There are even rumors that arugged Apple Watchdesigned for extreme sports may be on the cards, which would be a big change of pace for a company that’s made slenderness its top priority since Steve Jobs slid the first Macbook Air out of a manila envelope back in 2009.
The new DW-5600MCO-1ER is definitely fashion-focused, but keeping the watch’s face plain was a smart choice, and hopefully means that it’s a watch you’ll keep using for many years to come.
Cat is TechRadar’s Homes Editor specializing in kitchen appliances and smart home technology. She’s been a tech journalist for 15 years, and is here to help you choose the right devices for your home and do more with them. When not working she’s a keen home baker, and makes a pretty mean macaron.
Get the Fitbit Versa 4 for a record-low price at Amazon ahead of Black Friday
The Samsung Galaxy Ring 2 could launch sooner than expected – with new features and a thinner design
Lego will let you build Sir Ernest Shackleton’s iconic lost ship, the Endurance, in its next Icons set
