In honor of Casio G-Shock’s 35th anniversary, the timepiece specialists have released a tantalizing collaboration with one of the world’s most successful virtual acts: Gorillaz. With the release of the band’s new album, The Now Now, the G-Shock x Gorillaz effort comes at a perfect time for the two internationally celebrated brands.
The collaboration reinvents some of G-Shock’s classic styles with the Gorillaz cartoon band members as design inspiration.
Consisting of one of Britain’s most innovative musicians and former Blur frontman, Damon Albarn, comic book visionary Jamie Hewlett, former Clash bassist Paul Simonon, the Verve guitarist Simon Tong, and Nigerian drummer Tony Allen, Gorillaz released their self-titled debut album in January 2007, and have garnered a cult following ever since. Now those cult members have a chance to rep Gorillaz on their wrists with the G-Shock x Gorillaz watch collection.
The bespoke DW5600 has been refit for three of the cartoon members: 2D, Murdoc Niccals, and Noodle in three distinct colorways. G-Shock’s DW5600 case, “The Origin,” is a classically-styled, durably-built timepiece that first hit stores in 1986, boasting the company’s sought-after shock resistance, 200-meter water resistance, and a scratch resistant LCD face. Each new silhouette showcases these three band members’ personalities through character-specific detailing and individual packaging. 2D’s rendition sports a standout white colorway that was actually revealed in the Gorillaz music video for “Humility.” The white contrasts perfectly with the dark-toned personalities and colorways of Murdoc’s black and gold appearance, and Noodle’s army-green variation.
A fourth model is inspired by Gorillaz visual drummer, Russel Hobbs, which comes in a more robust GX56 case, “The King.” This watch stands apart from the rest because of its solar-powered source, yet still gives you the G-Shock promise of shock resistance, as well as mud- and water-safe protection.
The full G-Shock x Gorillaz collection has already sold out of pre-sale opportunities (probably because I already purchased two), but they’ll be available at the G-Schock Soho Store and online this winter. Murdoc and 2D’s variants will retail for $120 beginning November 15 and Noodle and Russel following on December 15 for $120 and $170 respectively.
For other G-Shock watches, check out the recent G-Steel iteration here.
