Ariel Adams, founder of the popular watch blog aBlogtoWatch, is releasing a full-color coffee table book celebrating the global fashion icon G-SHOCK. Set to launch on September 26th of this year, the 256-page book will explore the innovation and enduring appeal of the G-SHOCK brand over its 40+ year history.
Titled simply “G-SHOCK,” this upcoming book by Adams will chronicle how Casio’s tough and trendy G-SHOCK watches have persisted as a worldwide phenomenon for over four decades thanks to their forward-thinking design, durability, and cultural relevance. This in-depth visual overview promises to be an engaging read for any G-SHOCK enthusiast looking to learn the story behind one of horology’s most recognizable names.
Pre-orders are available now from Amazon for about $60 with the book being released on September 26th. Check it out on Amazon:
Adams’ bio from aBlogtoWatch:
Fueled by an unshakable love for horology and a general curiosity for intricate things, Ariel Adams founded aBlogtoWatch in 2007 as a means of sharing his passion. Since then, ABTW has become the highest trafficked blog on luxury timepieces, and Ariel has become a contributor to other online publications such as Forbes, Departures and Tech Crunch, to name just a few. His conversational writing style and inclusive attitude brings a wider appreciation for watches the world over, and that’s just the way he likes it.
https://www.ablogtowatch.com/author/ablogtor/
And here’s the marketing blurb for the new book:
Celebrating the story of G-SHOCK, a truly unique watch whose pioneering innovation, function, and versatile design has made it a cult-collectible worn by devoted fans across the globe as well as by cultural icons in the worlds of fashion, sports, music, and popular culture for the past forty years.
G-SHOCK by Ariel Adams
Born at a time when watches were generally considered fragile instruments, G-SHOCK began as a dream of a young engineer, Kikuo Ibe, who wanted to create “a watch that doesn’t break even when dropped.” In 1981, Project Team Tough was formed to build it, and over two years and 200 prototypes later, the indestructible, shock-resistant G-SHOCK watch was crafted.
This revealing volume takes readers through the journey, spirit, and evolution of this distinctive timepiece, whose form and function combined with constant innovation over the past four decades have cemented the watch as a symbol of strength and endurance. Worn by everyone from pro-athletes and military personnel, to skateboarders, surfers, musicians, and entertainers, this stylish and multipurpose watch has permeated the spheres of sports, design, music, and popular culture. Chapters include a history of the technological innovation, behind-the-scenes imagery from the brand’s headquarters in Japan, interviews with some of the brand’s diehard collectors, and advertisements and collaborations with sports figures, fashion designers, musicians, and artists including pro-surfer Kanoa Igarashi, musician Kid Cudi, designers Takashi Murakami and Nigo, and fashion brands like BAPE, Kith, Stüssy, Maison Margiela, and Supreme.
Embodying the spirit of “Absolute Toughness,” G-SHOCK’s visceral connection to its collaborators and collectors make this book a must-have for watch connoisseurs and design aficionados.
For those eager to dive into G-SHOCK history and lore right away, an excellent option is the 2013 release “G-Shock 30th Anniversary Perfect Bible” by Gakken Mook. While only available in Japanese, this highly visual encyclopedia covers over 2,300 G-SHOCK variants released up to 2013 across its 400+ pages.
It provides a comprehensive overview of the brand’s first 30 years and is considered a must-have collector’s item for diehard G-SHOCK and Casio enthusiasts. Though requiring translation, the stunning photography and exhaustive catalog-style information make this an invaluable addition to any G-SHOCK library. Copies can still be purchased on Amazon for around $80 – a worthwhile investment for in-depth insight into the iconic brand.
