Have you ever thought of deducting the price of an apartment for an hour? Well, someone is. And it wasn't just any watch, but the G-Shock G-D001, which set a new world record at auction in New York on December 10, 2023. It was sold for a dizzying 289,000 Euros, which is an amount that makes you dizzy - not just your urine.
The story of G-Shock watches begins way back in 1983, when Casio introduced the first G-Shock watch, the DW-5000C model. It was mainly intended for athletes, adventurers and anyone who needed an indestructible watch. Since then, G-Shock watches have become synonymous with durability, functionality and, of course, style. But the G-D001 model sold at auction went one step further – into the world of luxury.
The “Dream Project” G-D001, which was designed in collaboration with artificial intelligence, was the real star of the evening. The watch, created as a fusion of four decades of history and technological progress, is a true work of art. With a diameter of 41.5 mm and a skeletonized dial, this watch is not only a fashion accessory, but a technological marvel. The silicon gears and ruby bearings can be admired through the brushed metal main plate, while solar cells provide energy at the edge of the dial.
But it's not just about looks and technology. G-Shock is known for its ruggedness, and the G-D001 is no exception. The watch has several functions, including dual time zones and a timer. Its heart is a Multi-Band 6 mechanism that receives signals from atomic clocks around the world - so you're always on time, whether it's in a meeting or waiting for the bus.
Ironically, despite the record price, Casio will not see a cent from the sale. The entire proceeds go to The Nature Conservancy, which works to protect nature. Thus, the G-D001 is not only a symbol of luxury, but also of charity.
G-Shock G-D001 it's not just a watch, it's a statement. A statement about how far we've come from the first digital watches to today, when we wear veritable little supercomputers on our wrists. And while 300,000 Euros for a watch is quite, well, an unusual amount, it's clear that the G-Shock G-D001 is much more than just a timekeeping gadget. It is a symbol of innovation, durability and, of course, that feeling when you raise your hand at an auction and say: "I'll give you 300,000!" (and then remember you forgot where you parked your car).
