What is this? G-SHOCK's new "prickly ball" design uses magnetism to cushion the impact on the minute hand

FEATURES WatchTime
2025.04.03

G-SHOCK has redefined shock-resistant design. Its appearance is reminiscent of a spiked rubber ball, the so-called "prickly ball." G-SHOCK fans will likely associate the spherical design with the ball-shaped prototypes made by creator Ibe. The design isn't the only avant-garde feature. The minute hand uses a new shock-resistant device that uses magnetism. It is fixed to the axis with magnetism, and when it receives an impact, it shifts from the axis, mitigating the impact.

GA-V01

Originally published on watchtime.net
Text by Daniela Pusch
[Article published on January 3, 2025]

A new case design redefines shock resistance

 The "GA-V01" series is a new model that reinterprets the essence of G-SHOCK, shock resistance, with a new design and structure. The series name also contains a message. The "V" stands for V-Vision, which means insight into the future, and the "01" represents a breakthrough.

Unique spherical design reminiscent of a ball

 The most distinctive feature of this model is undoubtedly its unique case shape. Its case size is large, measuring 58.2mm in diameter and 19.6mm thick. The case is ball-shaped, and its hour markers are aptly described as "protrusions." This ball-shaped design ensures shock resistance and also creates a striking design. The case and strap are truly one piece, and the design is well-balanced, incorporating dynamic curves and sharp edges here and there.

GA-V01_green

The case design, with its "prickly ball" shape, is quite unique for a spherical watch. G-SHOCK fans may recall the ball-shaped prototypes that were used to make the watch shock-resistant. Some may also think it resembles a soft vinyl figure.

 The LCD display has a futuristic design resembling a butterfly with its wings spread, matching the case. It's a strikingly unique piece.

A new structure that uses "magnetic force" to absorb shock

GA-V01-9A

The minute hand is fixed to the axis by magnetism, and when it receives an impact, it "shifts" to mitigate the impact. This article is a translation of the German edition of "Watch Time," and the original text described the LCD display as "a futuristic design shaped like a butterfly with its wings spread." However, for Japanese people, it will probably remind them of the policeman with the eyeballs from "Tensai Bakabon."

 The most notable feature of this new G-SHOCK is the newly developed shock release hand for the minute hand. This hand is fixed to the axis using magnetism. Therefore, when the watch receives an impact, it intentionally shifts away from the axis to absorb the shock, and then the magnetic force returns it to the correct position within a few minutes.

Color variations and features

 The first collection of GA-V01-9A models includes four bold colorways: metallic silver, neon yellow, blue-violet, and matte black. These new models are water resistant to 20 ATM and boast an exceptionally long 10-year battery life. Features include a 48-city world time display, a 1/100-second stopwatch, a countdown timer, a 5-day daily alarm, and G-SHOCK's well-known dual LED illumination.

 The GA-V01 series redefines the G-SHOCK signature of "highly durable design." It is already on sale in the People's Republic of China and is scheduled for release in the Japanese market in April 2025. It will be priced at 21,450 yen (tax included).

GA-V01-2AJF

Casio "G-SHOCK" Ref.GA-V01-9AJF
Quartz movement. Resin case (diameter 58.2mm, thickness 19.6mm). Water resistant to 20 bar. 21,450 yen (tax included). Scheduled for release in April 2025.

Casio "G-SHOCK" Ref.GA-V01-2AJF
Quartz movement. Resin case (diameter 58.2mm, thickness 19.6mm). Water resistant to 20 bar. 21,450 yen (tax included). Scheduled for release in April 2025.

GA-V01A-8AJF

Casio "G-SHOCK" Ref.GA-V01-2AJF
Quartz movement. Resin case (diameter 58.2mm, thickness 19.6mm). Water resistant to 20 bar. 21,450 yen (tax included). Scheduled for release in April 2025.

Casio "G-SHOCK" Ref.GA-V01-1AJF
Quartz movement. Resin case (diameter 58.2mm, thickness 19.6mm). Water resistant to 20 bar. 21,450 yen (tax included). Scheduled for release in April 2025.


Contact info: Casio Computer Customer Service Center Tel. 0120-088925


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