Heritage design meets modern technology
If there's one thing that we should all appreciate, it's a classic reborn, repackaged, and reimagined. Enter stage left, the new G-Shock x Beams special edition G-B001.
The G-B001 is the spiritual successor to the iconic G-Shock DW-001, first seen in 1994. The DW-001, fondly known as “Jason,” shook the watch world with its formidable design and rugged charm. The G-B001 takes this heritage and updates it for the contemporary crowd.
Right off the bat, you'll notice the skeleton color scheme. BEAMS has taken this aesthetic, a trademark feature of their custom G-Shock designs, and used it as a basis for the G-B001. The result is a timepiece that exudes an urban, edgy vibe while maintaining a certain level of understated sophistication. It’s a kind of ruggedness refined, if you will.
One thing that sets this watch apart is the 2-way design made possible by a removable outer bezel. Clad in matte black, it provides a contrast to the skeleton color of the inner bezel, offering a delightful interplay between the two. You're essentially getting two looks in one here, and I absolutely adore that versatility.
Tech-wise, the G-B001 doesn't disappoint either. It's up-to-date with a smartphone link feature. It's not just a watch, but a reliable partner for your digital world. But don't think for a second that it compromises on toughness. This timepiece boasts the classic G-Shock shock-resistant structure, a carbon core guard construction, and water resistance up to 20 atmospheric pressure, perfect for the adventurer in all of us.
There's more. The shimmery gray skeleton color can add a much-needed accent to a simple spring or summer outfit. It’s like that spice that adds a kick to a dish – it doesn’t overpower, but complements and enhances.
Not to forget, the watch packs quite a few practical features: World Time across 38 cities, a stopwatch, timer, 5 alarms, and full auto-calendar to name a few. Oh, and the LED backlight with auto light, super illuminator, and afterglow function means you're never left in the dark.
Now, on the practical side, its size is fairly sizable with a case size of 50.3mm x 47.0mm. It's quartz-powered and the battery life is estimated to be around 3 years. Moreover, it's good to see that a warranty is available, covering battery replacements within a year of purchase.
But remember, this item is up for pre-order and its delivery is expected in early August 2023. Though the date is subject to change based on production and shipping considerations. Also, take into account that the actual product may vary slightly from the sample pictures and measurements.
In conclusion, the G-B001 is a watch that promises to blend in and stand out at the same time, bringing with it a sense of nostalgia while keeping you in sync with the modern world. It's a brilliant blend of style, resilience, and function – perfect for anyone who appreciates quality and character. In my book, this watch is a surefire win.
Pros:
- Design Heritage: The G-B001 takes its design cues from the iconic DW-001, offering a sense of nostalgia combined with modern aesthetics.
- Versatile Appearance: The 2-way design with a removable outer bezel lets you switch between styles – from edgy skeleton color to classic matte black.
- Durability: As expected from a G-Shock watch, the G-B001 boasts a shock-resistant structure, a carbon core guard construction, and a 20 ATM water resistance rating.
- Tech Features: It offers a variety of features like world time across 38 cities, stopwatch, timer, and full auto-calendar. Plus, it also integrates with your smartphone.
- Long Battery Life: With an estimated battery life of around three years, you won’t need to worry about frequent battery changes.
Cons:
- Size: The sizable dimensions of 50.3mm x 47.0mm may not suit those with smaller wrists or those who prefer a more compact watch.
- Availability: As of now, it is only available for pre-order with delivery expected in August 2023. This might be a bit of a wait for those eager to get their hands on it immediately.
- Price: At ¥19,800, the G-B001 is not the most affordable watch on the market, which may be a barrier for some.
- Smartphone Dependence: While the smartphone link is a cool feature, it also means that the watch's accuracy is dependent on it. If not linked, the watch operates with the usual quartz precision.
- Product Variation: There might be minor differences between the actual product and the sample images and measurements provided. This could potentially disappoint those with very specific expectations.
¥19,800 (~$141 USD)
