G-Shock says, vaguely, that its new “Neo Tokyo” series of watches are “inspired by the colors of the futuristic metropolises of classic anime films from the 1980s.” But it would seem that the colors are referencing a specific Japanese manga/anime classic, Akira. In the film, post-apocalyptic Tokyo was called “Neo Tokyo” and the bright red accents in each of the new Casio G-Shock watches spanning four model lines are reminiscent of, say, the character’s jacket.
Other color highlights serve to reference the film’s neon-lit settings, and its dark mood is expressed by otherwise blacked-out watches. These models represent a design theme applied to existing models across four different G-Shock lines: DW6900, GA140, GA700, and GAS100, with the “Neo Tokyo” versions identified by “BMC-1A” at the end of their reference numbers. The first is a G-Shock all-digital classic, while rest are ana-digi. Of course, each watch features the familiar durability features and technology the brand is known for like timers, alarms, calendar data, etc., and each is water-resistant to 200m (and nearly indestructible).
Similarly, general nostalgia combined with Japanophilia was also demonstrated by anime-themed Mobile Gundam Suit watches from Seiko earlier this year. The DW6900, GA140, GA700 will each retail for a price of $99, while the GAS100 will feature the brand’s Tough Solar light-charging tech and cost a bit more at $150. General availability at those prices is expected in September 2019, but they are already available for a little more on Amazon or eBay straight from Japan.
Gear Patrol also recommends:
Casio G-Shock DW-5600TB ($99)
Casio G-Shock G-Steel GSTS310D-1A ($350)
Casio G-Shock Full Metal GMW-B5000 ($400)
Gear PatrolThe best way to catch up on the day’s most important product releases and stories. Read the Story