These watchmaking giants have existed for decades, but who said an old dog can’t learn new tricks?
From hitting their first 50 years in the industry, to their first time experimenting with ceramic – here are two iconic brand’s premium watches that we can’t help but want!
Casio “Sky And Sea” Collection
Casio released five new “Sky and Sea” models spanning five of its watch brands — Casiotron, G-SHOCK, EDIFICE, PRO TREK, and BABY-G — to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Casio watches. The design theme features accent colours of blue and gold to evoke dazzling light illuminating the sky and sea.
Casio entered the timepiece business in 1974 with the release of the Casiotron QW02. As the first digital watch in the world with an automatic calendar function, the Casiotron built on the concept of a fully automatic wristwatch, not only displaying hours, minutes, and seconds but also the correct month, date, and day of the week. Building on this impressive start, Casio has continued to deliver advanced functionality inspired by a passion for usability, with features including standard time radio wave reception, Mobile Link connectivity, and solar charging, while developing distinctive timepiece brands that complement diverse lifestyles.
The new timepieces from five Casio watch brands inspired by the “Sky and Sea” concept commemorate 50 years of Casio watches. Each of the new watches is based on a popular design from one of the leading Casio brands, and they all share a common design theme with blue and gold accent colours evoking scenes of the sky and sea bathed in glowing light. This is the first lineup to feature watches from five different Casio brands with a common theme.
The collection also incorporates design elements that pay homage to the very first Casio watch, the Casiotron QW02, including its iconic fluted pattern and the triangular motif on its case back. The “Sky and Sea” design theme evokes the omnipresent yet ever-changing nature of the sky and sea to express the Casio commitment to constant innovation built on the company’s original concept of creating a fully automatic wristwatch.
All five watches incorporate eco-conscious design features, including the Tough Solar charging system, which converts sunlight and fluorescent light into energy to power all watch functions, and special packaging made with recycled materials.
Casiotron TRN-50SS
This new watch is based on the TRN-50, a timepiece that re-created the design of the very first Casio wristwatch, the Casiotron QW02, but adds standard time radio wave reception, Mobile Link connectivity, and solar charging. As a special design feature, the folded section of the tri-fold clasp is finished with a gold colour and adorned with the triangle motif pattern from the original case back.
G-SHOCK GMW-B5000SS
This new watch is based on the GMW-B5000, which delivers the iconic form of the first-ever G-SHOCK in full-metal form. Special design features include blue and gold accent colours and a vertical fluted pattern around the dial that pays homage to the original Casiotron QW02.
EDIFICE ECB-2000SS
Based on the ECB-2000, a chronograph featuring a unique suspension arm design in the EDIFICE line of timepieces based on the brand concept of “Speed and Intelligence,” this new watch features a neat, clean face design concept evoking the feel of a refreshing driving excursion and a blue-hued band made of Alcantara, a made in Italy material delivering outstanding performance.
PRO TREK PRW-61SS
Based on the PRW-61, a timepiece featuring ecological materials in the PRO TREK line of outdoor watches, this new watch employs materials expected to help reduce environmental impact: recycled PET material for the fire-retardant cloth band and bio-based resin for the case and case back.
BABY-G BGA-S290SS
Based on the distinctive round-faced design of the BGA-290 series in the BABY-G line of shock-resistant watches for women, the new watch incorporates bio-based resin and includes Tough Solar charging. Special design features include a dark blue dial creating a striking contrast with the pure white bezel and band, a vertical fluted pattern paying homage to the Casiotron QW02, and gleaming gold as an accent colour.
This collection is now available in Malaysia at all authorised G-SHOCK stores, G-Factory outlets, and authorised dealers, as well as on Casio’s official website (excluding the GMW-B5000SS-2DR), with prices ranging from RM869 to RM3,345.
Piaget Polo Skeleton Ceramic
For the first time in its 150 years of watchmaking, the Swiss luxury watchmaker Piaget has launched its first-ever ceramic timepiece. Making its debut at Watches & Wonder Shanghai, the new watch is a testament to the craftsman’s exceptional talent by blending old fashion skill with innovative materials.
After rigorous research and development, the Maison was able to seamlessly integrate ceramic into the piece’s ultra-thin DNA. Though it was the most difficult step with a gruelling process, the results were worth it, as the watch is now lined with a durable yet stylishly unique material that is only about 1mm thick compared to the watch’s steel and gold cousins.
The overall structure is encased in titanium, but its durability is further enhanced by its treatment in black DLC, which also complements its ceramic components’ dark colour scheme.
The watch has an essentially tone-on-tone design, with blue accents drawing attention to the open worked dial. The Piaget logo, hands, and indices have a jewel blue tone that changes to an aquamarine lume in the dark.
The ultra-thin 1200S1 self-winding calibre, which has a jet-black appearance, powers the Piaget Polo Skeleton Ceramic. The watch is finished with a traditional Piaget rubber strap in a complementary shade of black.
The Piaget Polo Skeleton Ceramic watch is priced at US$42,900 (~RM186,366) and you can make an inquiry through Piaget’s official website.
