CASIO The Essence of Watchmaking Vol.3 Finish

Casio is constantly bringing the world one-of-a-kind, innovative watches, led by the "unbreakable watch" G-SHOCK. The most important keyword when discussing Casio's evolution, challenges, and innovations is "CMF," standing for "C" for "Color," "M" for "Material," and "F" for "Finish." These three elements determine the emotional value of a watch, and the designers' extraordinary passion for these elements and their relentless pursuit of technological innovation are embodied here. In this three-part feature, we will focus on each of these three elements, using Casio's latest models as concrete examples, to delve into the heart of Casio watchmaking.

Focus on the finish

"Finish" = "finishing," i.e., surface finishing or surface treatment, is one of the "CMF (Color, Material, Finish)" elements that determine the appeal of a product, and is currently undergoing more dramatic evolution than the other two, making it the area that deserves the most attention. In this area, Casio is at the forefront of the watch industry. Let's take a look at their latest challenges and innovations.

An elaborate surface finish that brings out the charm of the metal material and the intricate design

　In 2018, marking the 35th anniversary of G-SHOCK, the critically acclaimed GMW-B5000 collection was released, a full-metal redesign of the original 1983 model, the DW-5000C, while retaining its square design. This model, which attracted the attention of not only former G-SHOCK aficionados but also design-conscious fashionistas and young people, was a huge hit that wrote a new chapter in G-SHOCK history and has become a new classic.

　Full metal models, which add value to the material itself, are significantly more expensive, time-consuming, and labor-intensive to manufacture than resin models. Surface finishes such as mirror and satin finishes are particularly time-consuming and labor-intensive, as they are difficult to mechanize and require the manual labor of skilled workers.

Handcrafted surface finish that transcends price

　The AWM-500 collection, a full-metal version of the original analog model, was released in November 2020 as the second in the series of "full-metal versions of classics" following the original digital model. From this perspective, it is a groundbreaking model that represents unprecedented challenges and evolution, specifically, "a high-quality, elaborate finish that transcends price."

　This model comes in not only the eye-catching gold-colored model, but also a silver-colored model, and the entire case and bezel are treated with IP (ion plating) to enhance the shine of the metal. Furthermore, just like the mirror finish of premium models such as the "MR-G" and "MT-G," it is finished with elaborate polishing that brings out the charm of the metal to the fullest, something that is hard to believe considering its price of around 6 yen.

　Of particular note is the subtle use of satin and mirror finishes. The bezel is also beautiful, but what is most astonishing is the surface finish of the metal bracelet, which blends seamlessly with the case. The first three links are three-dimensionally curved, and the satin finish is meticulously applied to these curved surfaces.

　Furthermore, please pay attention to the material and finish of the hour indexes on the dial, which have been transformed from flat printing on resin models into 3D (three-dimensional) hour indexes. These 3D indexes, with their edgy form and appearance of being made of metal, are actually resin parts with a surface treatment. This fact is surprising, but it is made possible by Casio's proprietary technology.

　In addition, the case back is made of metal (SS) with a DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating, which is highly resistant to wear and scratches, and is then laser engraved. This is another attractive feature of this collection from the perspective of "finish."

"Oceanus" combines the elegance of an adult with the functionality of a full-fledged diver's watch

The Oceanus is Casio's most authentic and classic analog watch, boasting "elegant technology." The Cachalot, a full-fledged diver's watch released in 2020, combines this "elegant technology" with high specs such as "ISO standard 200m diving water resistance," making it a groundbreaking diver's watch that truly embodies Casio's challenges and evolution.

Although there are other sports watches such as G-SHOCK and EDIFICE that boast outstanding functionality, the development team at OCEANUS dared to take on this difficult challenge and evolve.

"Cachalot" is a genuine diver's watch that exudes elegance.

"Why did we come up with the Cachalot? It's because we wanted to expand the world of Oceanus beyond the 'blue watch.' Oceanus is a watch inspired by the sea, and the businessmen who use Oceanus, in particular, are looking for an elegant watch that can be worn both on and off the job, regardless of the times," said Takayasu Sato, leader of the First Planning Office of the Production Department, Development Promotion Division, Casio Computer Development Headquarters, who is in charge of product planning, explaining the background to the project.

　Being a genuine diver's watch, no compromises can be made in terms of functionality. So what technology was used to achieve ISO 200m water resistance, and how did they express this "elegant technology"?

　The high water resistance required by the ISO standard of 200m diving water resistance is achieved by incorporating a screw-down crown, a first for an Oceanus, and doubling the number of screw-fastened case backs from the usual four to eight. Furthermore, excellent visibility, allowing the time to be read clearly even while diving, is achieved by the thickest and most solid hour and minute hands in the history of Oceanus products, a unidirectional rotating titanium bezel with a sapphire crystal register ring with a thick layer of luminous paint embedded in it using new technology at the 12 o'clock position, and an LED lighting system called "Super Illuminator."

　In addition, the metal bracelet buckle also incorporates an extension function, allowing it to be worn both while wearing a diving suit and in everyday use. This is a perfect specification for a full-fledged diver's watch.

The basic performance of "absolute accuracy," which is essential for an Oceanus as a "business watch," is further enhanced by the solar-powered radio wave function that automatically adjusts the time to six stations around the world, as well as the world time function, which automatically adjusts the time using a time server via Bluetooth smartphone link and a dedicated smartphone app.In dive mode, when you measure dive time, you can review your dive log, including your dive location, on the dedicated smartphone app, which is useful for divers who travel to dive spots around the world.

　The "high-quality elegance that even adults will appreciate," essential to the Oceanus, is achieved through the "finishing" of the case, bracelet, bezel, and dial. Specifically, this is surface finishing and precise coating.

　The case, bezel, and bracelet are made of lightweight titanium, which offers a comfortable fit that belies its appearance. The surface is subjected to "Zaratsu polishing," which enhances smoothness to the ultimate level and brings out its maximum shine. Furthermore, titanium carbide treatment, a surface strengthening treatment that makes it scratch-resistant even when it comes into contact with rocks or sand underwater, protects and maintains the brilliance of the watch.

　As a diving watch with ISO water resistance to 200m, this watch combines such high functionality with an elegant design and comfortable fit, demonstrating the maturity of Casio's watchmaking and making it a rare find even in the world of luxury watches.

OCEANUS Cachalot　OCW-P2000C-2AJF
This model features a sporty red and blue register ring, a classic for divers' watches, and a casual Durasoft strap. It's also more affordable than metal bracelet models. It's a solar-powered watch with Bluetooth and radio reception that can receive six stations worldwide. It has a power reserve of approximately five months. It has a titanium case (51.8mm x 48.5mm, 15.9mm thick). It's ISO 200m water resistant. It's priced at 220,000 yen (excluding tax).

OCEANUS Cachalot OCW-P2000D-2AJF
This model features a rainbow IP-treated register ring and a blue and gold vapor-deposited sapphire crystal. The crown and push buttons are also gold IP-treated. This radio-controlled solar watch features Bluetooth and supports six stations worldwide. It has a power reserve of approximately five months. Its titanium case and bracelet (51.8mm x 48.5mm, 15.9mm thick) are ISO 200m water resistant. It is limited to 1200 pieces. Price: 250,000 yen (excluding tax).

Exceeding expectations! The possibilities of rainbow IP processing are endless

The Rainbow IP (ion plating) process, which is also used on the register ring of one model of the Oceanus Cachalot, is an innovative technology that is sure to be the most noteworthy in the future, among the challenges and evolutions in Casio's "finishing" (surface processing).

Ion plating is a dry plating technique that forms a thin film on the surface of a part in a vacuum, similar to vacuum deposition. By passing the molecules of the material to be plated through high-temperature plasma, it is possible to create a surface film that is more adhesive and durable than vacuum deposition.

　Casio has been working with specialist companies to explore new possibilities with this technology, and has succeeded in creating a rainbow-colored gradient on metal and other surfaces, a process known as "Rainbow IP." Since the limited edition "MT-G B1000" series, announced at Baselworld in 2019, Casio has been developing and releasing a succession of vibrantly colored products using this technology.

Each one has a different color, making it a special joy to own!

　Even if this rainbow IP finish can be formed, it often lacks scratch resistance and durability, and "you won't know until you try it." However, according to Casio's design department, "there are infinite possibilities for the colors that can be realized." It is a technology that continues to be "challenged and evolved" every day.

　Moreover, this rainbow IP finish "has a slightly different color for each piece, and no two are exactly alike." This is one of the irresistible charms for watch lovers and watch enthusiasts.

　The special model of the fully analog Frogman shown above is the most attractive model using this technology to date. What kind of Rainbow IP model will be released next? We can't take our eyes off Casio's watchmaking.