Review of the G-SHOCK 40th Anniversary Model "GM-S5640GEM-7JR" with a Mineral Motif

The G-SHOCK Anniversary Adventurer's Stone series offers six different models, all designed around the concept of minerals that guide adventurers. I tried on three of the models with modest case sizes, and this time I'll be sharing my experience wearing the GM-S5640GEM-7JR, which I found to be the most comfortable.

The commemorative 40th anniversary model is based on the concept of "ore."

　I was surprised to hear that it's been 40 years since the G-SHOCK debuted. The first G-SHOCK I ever bought was the white-colored GT-001AT-7 "Antwerp Royal Academy Collaboration Model" (released in 1997). I checked out this new model while remembering these memories.

　I had heard that the designs were based on minerals, but when I actually held them in my hands, I realized that each one had a unique character that reminded me of something other than minerals. The one I liked best when it felt on my wrist was the GM-S5640GEM-7JR. This model is said to be inspired by calcite, a mineral that is also popular as a power stone.

A design that appeals even to people who are unfamiliar with calcite

　This was the first time I had heard the word calcite. Calcite is a mineral that can be mistaken for quartz, and the way to tell the difference is to look at something like writing through the mineral and see if you see double or not. If you see double, it's calcite.

　The Japanese name for this mineral is apparently calcite. I feel like I've heard that name before, a long time ago... It's also interesting to note that it was used in science experiments, and that its birefringence was used by the Vikings of medieval Europe as a compass.

　However, even if it is not part of the Mineral Series, the coloring of this watch is attractive. The soft pink, light green, silver, and gray tones and the freely drawn lines give it a street-like feel, like graffiti art.

　The case back is engraved with the 40th anniversary logo, created by Eric Haze, who also designed the anniversary logos for previous G-SHOCK models, giving the watch an even more street-oriented feel. The matte metal bezel has a cool, comfortable feel that makes you want to touch it.

　I felt like I'd seen this color somewhere recently, so I thought back. It's the unicorn color that was popular in the restaurant industry a few years ago. I heard young girls use the expression "yume kawaii" and thought, "That's a clever way to put it..." I think it's safe to say that this is a "yume kawaii" color. This watch, which gives off a variety of different impressions depending on the wearer, is likely to become a watch that will become close to its owner.

　I want it. It's a watch I really want, but there's one thing that makes me hesitate. Anyone who has owned any of the many G-SHOCK skeleton models that have been released over the years will understand, but the yellowing that occurs over time can be a concern.

　The beauty of skeleton straps lies in their clarity, and yellowing can be disappointing. While there is a lot of information available about bleaching and cleaning, they will never completely return to their original condition. Even for those who enjoy the changes that occur over time, wiping off sweat and moisture after use can help extend the enjoyment of skeleton models. While there is no doubt that toughness is a G-SHOCK's strength, please be mindful of the skeleton design.

　This model is slightly smaller than my current favorite, the all-black, square-shaped speed model "DW-5600BB." The DW-5600BB has a case size of 48.9mm x 42.8mm x 13.4mm, while this model is 43.8mm x 38.4mm x 0.9mm. This intermediate size, between the Baby-G "BGD-565" series (42.1mm x 37.9mm x 11.3mm), has been appearing in several collections for about a year, and wearing it reveals that the size, designed for women, is just right and comfortable.

　However, I would still recommend this to men. It may be a little small for men, but it's unisex and easy to wear, with a moderately pop design. I'm sure there will be a certain number of men who will be drawn to this color. Each piece in the mineral series comes in a matching design, so you can swap them out from time to time, or buy them for different genders.

I think the reason why it's so easy to imagine the type of couples and lifestyles that would wear this watch is because it has such a distinctive personality.