Shock Value

Back in 1983, a man named Kizuo Ibe gave the watch world its first digital demi-god in the Casio G-Shock. Thirty-five years later, we’re yet to find a tougher piece of horological hardware.

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Kizuo Ibe is the sort of mild-mannered gent who doesn’t like to draw much attention to himself. Not with the hushed tone with which he speaks, and certainly not with his sartorial choices – the most noticeable of which is a square Casio G-Shock DW-5600. You’d think he’d invented the casual tech-whiz outfit adopted by Silicon Valley, though he’d be quick to dismiss that. He did, however, invent the G-Shock – the watch that put Casio on the horological map. Unlike its creator, the G-Shock’s most recognisable for its crusty, imposing exterior. It’s come to be synonymous with indestructibility, much like David Coulthard’s jaw, or a vintage Nokia handset. “I keep three models of the original DW-5000,” Ibe says. “One in white, one in red and another one in black. To be worn through spring, summer and autumn.” Clearly, he has a favourite model.