The year 2023 marks the 40th anniversary of the birth of G-SHOCK. One of the models commemorating this occasion is the GM-114GEM-1A9JR from the "Adventurer's Stone" series, which we will be reviewing today. The case, which is inspired by mineral ore, gives off a novel impression. We tried combining it with various fashion styles to highlight the charm of this model.
Digital/analog quartz movement. Battery life approximately 3 years. Resin and stainless steel case (51.9mm x 48.8mm, 16.9mm thick). Water resistant to 20 bar. Price: 40,700 yen (tax included).
Text & Photograph by Tsuyoshi Hasegawa
Article published on June 2023, 2
The rock-like black gold adds a powerful impact to the wrist.
As I was walking through the shopping district near my house, I happened to look up and saw a young moon floating in the gradation of the evening sky, and I couldn't help but stare at it. I personally find myself drawn to the crescent moon, which exudes a coolness and intelligence that is even more intense than the full moon.
"This feels good, I've gained something," I thought as I gazed upon it, but then I wondered why I was feeling such emotion when I looked up at one of the countless stars floating in the sky. Perhaps the accumulation of things I've seen and felt over the years unconsciously carries emotion into the scenery I'm looking at. It wouldn't be strange at all if an alien were to see the moon as it always was, and dismiss it as nothing more than an inorganic lump.
The realistic beauty of the design is inspired by minerals
By the way, the subject of this review is the Casio G-SHOCK. 2023 will be the 40th anniversary of the birth of G-SHOCK, and this is one of the limited edition models commemorating this.
The one I chose is from the "Adventurer's Stone" series, which is based on the concept of minerals that serve as guideposts for adventurers, and the metal bezel is forged, IP painted, and masked to create a special look. The asymmetrical combination of black and gold is very bold, and I strongly felt that it was a "different watch" that incorporated a completely different sense of decoration from any watch I had seen before.
What really made an impact was the use of gold. It somehow evoked the image of Kutani ware decorated with glittering gold. Traditional Japanese pottery is one of my hobbies. I would like to live a tasteful life surrounded by tableware that makes use of the ancient craftsmanship and classic aesthetic. However, rather than gorgeous types like Kutani, I prefer rustic Karatsu and Oribe ware, as well as more rustic dyed ware.
However, I don't dislike the sudden addition of gold. I'm also a fan of tea bowls with gold lacquer. And since this G-SHOCK is based on the concept of minerals, the bezel has a textured feel like natural stone, which I found very interesting, similar to the rough texture of the earth found in Shigaraki and other styles.
What's more, this series doesn't skimp on the strap either. To match the organically textured bezel, the hot stamping technique creates an earthy finish. Personally, I wish they'd done something about the case back, too. Ideally, it could be gold, or if not, matte black, perhaps, to help the adventurer's dream last longer.
