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G-Shock’s New Batch of Reworked Classics Doubles Down on a Divisive Innovation

Love it or hate it, the brand’s next-gen band is here for the long haul.

Close-up of a black digital watch with a red backlit display showing the time 10:58:50.G-Shock
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By Jack Seemer

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G-Shock is a brand that operates in extremes. Yet the Tough Silicone Band, released last year as part of the “Fine Metallic Series,” sits squarely in the middle of its other watches.

A decade in the making, the Tough Silicone Band is lightweight, comfortable and flexible. However, a cutting-edge vapor deposition gives it the look of a metal bracelet, while a thin layer of urethane film protects it from scratches.

Silver Casio G-Shock watch with a metallic band on an ornate metal tray next to a chain and a cup.
The Tough Silicone Band debuted last year with the launch of the “Fine Metallic Series.”
G-Shock

Still, the innovation elicits a love-it-or-hate-it attitude among G-Shock collectors, with naysayers eager to point out its high price tag and plastic look compared to traditional steel or titanium.

G-Shock seems unfazed by the criticism.

Four silver Casio G-Shock watches with red digital and analog displays, suspended against a background of red laser beams.
The sophomore release of the “Fine Metallic Series” introduces the Tough Silicone Band to the 110 and 6900 series models.
G-Shock

The brand plans to double down on the technology with a new crop of refreshed classics, including the 5600 and 2100 (both featured in the inaugural batch of the “Fine Metallic Series”), now joined by the 110 and 6900.

Silver metal Casio G-Shock digital watch with red backlit display and stainless steel band.
The 5600 (pictured) takes after the first G-Shock watch from the 1980s.
G-Shock
Silver metal Casio G-Shock watch with black and red digital-analog dial and metal link band.
The 2100 series model (pictured) is commonly called the CasiOak for its visual similarities to the iconic Audemars Piguet Royal Oak.
G-Shock

Each model features a stainless steel bezel polished with hairline and mirror finishes to match the Tough Silicone Band.

Five silver metal watch bezels with octagonal shapes arranged on a white background.
All four models feature a metal bezel polished with hairline and mirror finishes.
G-Shock
Silver G-Shock digital watch with red display and metal strap laid flat on a white background.
The Tough Silicone Band only comes in silver for this release. Last year’s batch also included gold.
G-Shock

That said, the most eye-catching detail may very well be the watches’ red LCD displays and accents, which last appeared in the “Black and Bold Red Collection” from last summer.

Silver metal Casio G-Shock digital watch with red display and black resin strap.
The red LCD displays may be the models’ most striking feature.
G-Shock
Casio G-Shock Black and Bold Red Collection
Red displays last appeared in the “Black and Bold Red Collection” from 2025.
Casio

Availability and pricing

The four new watches will launch in Asia this month, with a US rollout expected to follow. Prices start at 37,400 Japanese yen (approximately $242).

About the Author:

Jack Seemer is the executive editor at Gear Patrol, with over a decade of experience in product journalism. He currently reports on a wide range of topics, including footwear, watches, EDC, cookware and more.

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