.jpg "Source: CASIO. The new flagship store at ION Orchard mall in Singapore.") |
| Source: CASIO. The new flagship store at ION Orchard mall in Singapore. |
CASIO has opened its flagship store at ION Orchard Singapore. The store features an iconic sculpture by Singaporean artist Jahan Loh - a metal half-body bust evokes a futuristic cyborg but fronted by a face of Casio’s iconic watch and its rounded rectangular bezel.
In conjunction with the launch, G-SHOCK has introduced its latest line-up of the G-SQUAD sports series. Designed for everyday wear, the DW-H5600 series models come complete with features and functions to support physical workouts, including an optical sensor for heart rate measurements and an accelerator sensor that counts steps.
The watches are designed to provide feedback for running, walking and other types of workouts. They also provide training analysis, recovery when sleeping analysis, and breathing exercises using the Polar library and even measure blood’s oxygen level. Finnish brand Polar is a Casio partner, and its technologies and algorithms can be licensed by third parties.
The bezel and band incorporate materials sourced to reduce environmental impact. The straps and case are made of bio-based resin, a polymer material derived from renewable organic resources obtained by chemically or biologically synthesising raw materials. A memory in pixel liquid crystal display (MIP LCD) keeps times and other measurement data clear and easy to read. Both USB and solar charging are supported.
The DW-H5600EX model comes in a special package with a replacement bezel and band. The band and bezel are printed with a section of the design drawings of the DW-5000C, the first G-SHOCK. The interchangeable bezel and band are also printed with the colourful lines of the module wiring diagram.
The DW-H5600 series watches, DW-H5600-1 and DW-H5600-2, are priced at S$399. The DW-H5600MB-1 and DW-H5600-2 cost S$419 each, and the DW-H5600EX-1 has a price tag of S$619.
The launch also celebrates the 40th anniversary of G-SHOCK, the rugged timepiece that was launched in 1983. The G-SHOCK 40th Anniversary RECRYSTALLIZED SERIES, a collection of three limited-edition models, was introduced to commemmorate the event.
The DW-5000 was the first G-SHOCK model to hit the market in April 1983. This special 40th-anniversary model is created using newly developed stainless-steel recrystallisation and deep hardening technology, which is applied to the first-generation DW-5000 and its full-metal counterpart, the GMW-B5000.
The DW-5040PG, a reissue of the first G-SHOCK model, has a recrystallised and deep-hardened screw-on case back, buckle, and band loop. The face displays the text PROJECT TEAM Tough, the name of the original G-SHOCK development team.
The back of the watch has a black ion-plated (IP) finish, while the buckle and the band loop have a gold IP finish. Look out for four stars representing the number "40" on the loop. Both the bezel and band are made of environmentally-friendly biomass plastic.
The GMW-B5000PS features a recrystallised and deep-hardened bezel, band, and screw-on case back. A titanium carbide (TiC) coating creates a scratch-resistant surface. The face says SINCE 1983. The GMW-B5000PG has a recrystallised and deep-hardened bezel, band, and screw-on case back, all of which have a gold IP finish. The face is also decorated with SINCE 1983.
The backs of all three models are engraved with the 40th anniversary logo designed by Eric Haze, and the lower left button is engraved with a star symbol, identifying these timepieces as special models.
The 40th Anniversary RECRYSTALLIZED SERIES watches GMW-B5000PS, GMW-B5000PG as well as the DW-5040PG are priced at S$1,249, S$1,249, and S$449 respectively.
CASIO also announced that featured centrepieces created by Singapore artists have been placed at selected G-SHOCK stores. These stores will also carry a wider line up of G-SHOCK watches, including the MRG series, limited edition models and new launches.
