G-Shock occupies a unique intersection of popularity, affordability and sheer volume that makes it a perfect watch company to collaborate with. From niche Japanese brands to American rappers, the massive watchmaker welcomes all creators.
That said, I still found it a bit surprising to see a GA-2100 “Casioak” designed in tandem with Maison Kitsuné. While both brands hold equal esteem in the streetwear community, the French luxury fashion label’s Parisian-prep aesthetic and lofty prices are more aligned with the LVMH watch brands.
For a G-Shock collaboration, which can get wild, the result is as subtle as I would expect from a brand revered for its suave and understated take on classic staples. A khaki bezel and strap, along with a creamy dial, tone down a vibrant orange case and hour markers.
Of course, Maison Kitsuné’s fox logo is slyly appointed as the indicator on the sub-dial, matching Casio’s recently updated Galapagos GA-2100 series. Another fox is placed on the strap as a tonal shadow.
According to Casio, the color scheme is inspired by Haussmannian architecture, which has defined Paris’s look since the mid-1800s. The sandy off-white color of many of the city’s buildings creates an unmistakable and unifying appearance.
The orange accents are meant to invoke the Parisian skyline as the sun sets behind it. The city’s famously wide boulevards are another aspect of Haussmannian architecture, which affords its residents and visitors excellent views at dusk.
