Casio G-Shock G-5500 Limited Edition Military Versions
An advertisement on the last page of the April 2008 issue of Free & Easy magazine caught my eye. It features a new, limited edition model G-5500 G-Shock. The watch comes in three variations, a US Army version, a US Air Force version, and a US Marine Corps one. The insignia of each respective branch is laser etched into the stainless steel caseback of the watches.
These G-Shocks are made in collaboration with Dad’s/Blue Buck and Casio Japan. Information on how to order (in Japanese) is available at Hashimoto Shokai. The G-Shocks are the Tough Solar version of model 5500, and the limited editions retail for ¥28,140 each (about $280 US). They are only available in Japan.
Below is a scan of the cover of the latest edition of Free & Easy magazine, where the advertisement appeared. Free & Easy is the brain child of editor and publisher Minoru Onozato. Look for more about Free & Easy, and Onozato-san, in future articles here at GMT+9.
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March 23rd, 2008 at 4:07 pm
First time I’ve seen those Bryan. I’m guessing they aren’t officially sanctioned by the Marines or the Air Force. I think a JDMSF version would have been really cool, probably in the same way the American forces version is cool to the Japanese buyers.
The 5500 is gaining (although it still has a long way to go) on the DW-6900 in number of various releases.
March 24th, 2008 at 2:23 am
Hi Brian,
I have seen these watches before. They have been posted on the G-Shock forum some months ago by Stan2323. I liked the design, as I am a fan of the G(W)-5500 models. I know these collaboration models are higher priced(about double of a basic), but I think $280.- is a bit steep (thanks for the easy conversion tip in your earlier post). I expected they would go for around $180.-.
Somehow I see similarities with the Concre models as the Dave Quality Meat model. It looks like more collaboration models will have prints on the straps too.
Hi Petew,
I like your thoughts on the 5500 models. With the S-Kool series, several 25th anniversary models and collaboration with KIKS TYO, Beams (didn’t you have the Beams G-Shock I DW-5700?) and now these with Blue Buck, it seems the 5500 will indeed go the way the DW-6900 went as a classic.
Kind regards,
Sjors
March 24th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
Sorry, but a watch sporting the wrong acronym for the United States Marine Corps isn’t cool at all.
March 25th, 2008 at 10:52 am
genjackripper –
I’m not sure why the acronym is incorrect — as Petew speculated, these probably aren’t officially sanctioned by the US government, although I’d guess Casio Japan has to pay a licensing fee to use the official insignias on the casebacks. Another possibility is that the Japanese designers simply got it wrong — misspelling of English words is not uncommon on Japanese projects, although Casio is pretty good in this regard so I kind of doubt this is the issue.
It’s amazing to me that these limited edition watches are targeted at trendy, fashion-conscious, young Japanese people by Blue Buck.
Sjors — I should read the G-Shock Forum more often… I know that’s where the experts hang out. Should have known one of your regulars broke news of this watch awhile back.
Pete — A Japanese Self-Defense Force one would be interesting, though I doubt it’d be popular with young Japanese. Interesting comments between Sjors and you about the 5500 models being released in limited editions.
March 27th, 2008 at 9:20 am
I agree, Casio seems to be using the 5500 as their palette for new watches and it may take the place of the 6600/6900 as the base model for collaboration projects. In a recent press release for the Vivid Colors 5500’s was this quote:
“We respect the continued support of classic G-Shock enthusiasts who have embraced the brand for years,” said Dave Johnson, Senior General Manager of Casio’s Timepiece Division. “The new vivid color collection reflects our commitment to our most fashion forward consumer.”
I’d look for more releases along this same idea in the future.