Seeing Double - Two Recent G-Shock Limited Editions
Two recent G-Shock DW-5600 releases that offer very distinct wearing experiences.
There isn’t a watch more synonymous with the word “tough” than a G-Shock. There also likely isn’t a tough situation that a G-Shock hasn’t at one point been relied upon since its debut in 1983. Yet, the success of the G-Shock isn’t only attributed to its indestructible nature. It’s tough to argue that part of its success is attributable to its cultural significance – pop culture, nostalgia, and a gamut of model and color variations. In that same vein, today we look at two newer models that, at a basic level provide no further specification enhancements, but instead are being used as a canvas, an emotional vehicle of expression. And while these two watches have a similar origin story, their means of expression couldn’t differ further.
Online Ceramics for Hodinkee (DW5600)
Both watches being discussed today are part of a trio series of G-Shocks curated by musician and first Talking Watches guest, Mr. John C. Mayer. This first one is a collaboration with the brand Online Ceramics. Known for their bold retro designs and hand tie-dyed garments, they have seen enough success in their small batch clothing for some big names to come knocking. They have done collaborations (North Face) and concert merchandise (John Mayer, Dead & Company) that have expressed unique, yet original takes on design. With no exception, this G-Shock translates their aesthetic to the wrist quite well.
At first glance, this watch could be mistaken for an overcomplicated mess. But I can tell you that the complete picture (with lots of little details) does add up to something unique and – great. The matte forest green resin cover and band ooze utility and beg the wearer to take it outdoors. The strap is prominently branded with thick white “ONLINE CERAMICS” text, one word on each strap. But when strapped on wrist, this text largely goes away and is out of view from a wrist shot. The red and yellow accents on the display play into the retro utilitarian feel, adding an old school features-first appeal when on wrist.
Don’t worry, the fun isn’t over yet. Hit the button at 4 o’clock to be reminded that Love Grows In The Sunshine. Fun, but the paradox gets me – is it passive aggressive for not being in a love nurturing environment? Or is it simply a reminder to go seek sunshine? The cryptic messages and easter eggs don’t stop there. There are two snails on this watch (an Online Ceramics logo), on the front display and the case back. The yellow display text is paired with “SUN WATCH MOON TIME” and “MUSHROOM HOUSE HAUNTED WAGON” on the resin strap vents.
Truth be told, I wasn’t expecting to enjoy this watch as much as I am. The unique color scheme and overall muted color pallet appealed to me enough to purchase it, but the details are what has caused it to stay. Bear in mind, prior to purchasing this G-Shock I didn’t have a single G-Shock in my collection. This Online Ceramics collab fills a spot for both a versatile watch to beat up or a watch to add a little fun to jeans and a graphic t-shirt.
Ben Clymer for Hodinkee (DW5600)
The backstory of this G-Shock likely doesn’t need an introduction if you’re reading this. This was the final release of watches curated by John Mayer, and what better way to conclude this Hodinkee limited edition trio than to have the last watch designed by Hodinkee’s founder? The Ben Clymer is the antithetical interpretation to the Online Ceramics G-Shock. Its muted color palate gives it a sense of maturity – which feels unusual for a G-Shock. More concretely, when on wrist, it requires wardrobe pairing verses the watch being the statement piece.
Easter eggs still exist – in a more deliberate way. Did you notice the Double Swiss nod of the Casio logo? Or the gilt dial (yes, on a G-Shock)? The details are all there, and frankly this is the ultimate IYKYK - and without a price barrier. If you’re buying this watch, you doing so because of the details. While this maybe taking it a step too far, if I ran across someone wearing the Ben Clymer G-Shock, I would have no hesitation striking a conversation with them about watches.
In the original marketing email and press details from Mr. Ben Clymer and Hodinkee, one of the unique features mentioned are the quotes on the back. First, a quote from Henry Graves, Jr., “Esse Quam Videri” which translates to “to be, rather than to seem”. Then a quote from Hodinkee’s own, Ben Clymer, “With Immense Gratitude and Appreciation”. The only small critique I have with this watch is the marketing around this quote. Touted in the marketing material, the Clymer quote felt less genuine than keeping it off the spec sheet and leaving it to be rewardingly be discovered by the thousands buying it.
A largely monochromatic color scheme typically bodes well in the world of watches. Neutral colors allow for more wardrobe pairings, which leads to more wardrobe permutations, and that in the case of watches, I find this frequently leads to more wrist time. All that is well and good, but the catch with this watch is it’s a digital G-Shock. For someone to be able to benefit from the color scheme and wear the watch, you need to want to wear a digital watch daily. I know, that might sound absurd – If you aren’t going to wear it, why would you buy it? Fair point, but there are also many people who buy these limited editions (I’m guessing more so with this BC edition) to wear only occasionally. I’d guess this watch fills a “fun watch” slot in many people’s collection, and assume it resonates with a different crowd. The details are for people in “the know”, verses someone who grabs a G-Shock for it’s utilitarian nature or design. All that to simply say this doesn’t seem to align with a “typical” G-Shock release.
With that said, it not being a “typical” G-Shock release is actually a huge positive – at least for me. I appreciate the thought Ben put into this release to make it something different. The offbeat design nods to some serious watches are lighthearted, and the watch bridges a gap between Henry Graves Jr., “Double Swiss”, and cork boxes in a G-Shock. I think that’s pretty cool.
Elephant in the Room
The biggest deterrent I’ve heard for these limited editions (and the other Hodinkee G-Shocks) is their price. When compared to the standard edition DW-5600s (which can be found on Amazon for $49), it seems some have a hard time justifying almost 4x the price for a limited edition. While a fair argument, these limited editions offer much more than a new color scheme. The Hodinkee limited editions offer a complete story - yes, part of this is marketing, but there is a creative aspect that goes into each limited edition that isn’t matched by normal releases. You’re paying for the details, from bezel printing and case back engraving, to the box. Each of these are uniquely designed for this limited edition.
Each one offers a unique (and comprehensive) take on one of G-Shock’s most popular models. While not be for everyone, I think the two limited editions here are still worthy of their price. For Hodinkee’s market, these limited editions offer a relatively low cost entry for passionate collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Both these two G-Shocks are blast to wear - I own both, and think they make a fantastic duo. Each ones suites a different vibe or occasion, and the differences between them make for little overlap. These are fun watches, and that alone makes them a success in my book.
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