G-Shock Introduces Seven 40th Anniversary Clear Remix Models That Reveal The Watches’ Inner Workings
This year is the 40th anniversary of G-Shock, and to say it’s going unnoticed would be a lie. We have seen a plethora of new commemorative releases from the Casio sub-brand, including the Remaster Black series just ten days ago. And the celebration shows no sign of slowing down, with G-Shock now introducing seven new Clear Remix models. The concept provides a true look behind the scenes and makes for a stunning series of watches.
Basically, I just told you all there is to know about the theme of this series. The idea is as simple as they come, but the execution makes it brilliant. Showing the inner workings of a mechanical watch is something we now take for granted. Skeletonized dials and display case backs are very common in mechanical watches at all price points. But doing the same with quartz watches, let alone affordable ones, isn’t something that happens very often. And to be honest, at first thought, it doesn’t necessarily sound exciting. But the way that Casio executed these Clear Remix models works very well. Did I say last week that the Remaster Black series might be the best 40th-anniversary drop? This week, I have changed my mind thanks to the Clear Remix models.
The idea behind the Clear Remix watches
For this new series, G-Shock selected seven of its most popular models. To be more precise, the series features four unique silhouettes, with one in two different executions and two others in two different sizes, totaling seven new pieces. The Clear Remix series aims to show the seven watches’ inner workings but not just on the dial side. No, G-Shock also wants to offer a view of the internal components, including the module and circuit board. To make this happen, the brand created watches using see-through materials for the band, case, dial, LCD, and buttons.
But true G-Shock fans know that the use of “revealing” materials is not unique. The first thing that came to my mind was the series of watches that G-Shock made over the years with ICERC, which featured transparent and translucent materials. And over time, we have seen plenty more examples of transparent or partly transparent G-Shock models. So how does this series differ? G-Shock took it one step further and decided to make the displays transparent as well to reveal what is behind them. And this important detail makes these watches so special. With seven models, the executions offer a lot of variety, but all of them look spectacular.
The seven different Clear Remix models
The first is ref. DW-5040RX, a fully transparent version of the iconic G-Shock “Square” based on the DW-5000. But G-Shock also made a second Square version, ref. DWE-5640RX, featuring a bracelet with one half made of transparent resin and the other half made of bare and gold-ion-plated stainless steel. I love the creativity of this bracelet and how it connects both materials at the clasp. Both models have a great deal of charm, but my favorite is the all-transparent version that takes after the original model from 1983. It also features a stainless steel screw-back case like the original DW-5000.
As you can see, both watches feature a transparent dial so that you can see the module’s circuit board within. If you look closely, you will also see that the dials of both watches are slightly different in design. The fully transparent model has a classic black outer ring with white details that resemble the first G-Shock. The DWE-5640RX, with its half-metal bracelet, has a slightly different design. But that’s not where it ends because their sizes also differ slightly. The DW-5040R measures 48.9 × 42.8 × 13.5mm, while the DWE-5640RX measures 48.9 × 43.8 × 13.7mm. Lastly, due to the bracelet and the larger size, the DWE-5640RX is slightly heavier than the all-resin DW-5040RX, coming in at 94 grams and 78 grams, respectively.
DW-6940RX
Two Clear Remix models in two different sizes
The third model is the DW-6940RX, which is based on the DW-6900. This “Third Eye” model might be my favorite out of the seven because it works very well with the Clear Remix concept. I love the transparent look of the watch with its 53.2 × 50.0 × 18.7mm case.
The display, as with the Squares, reveals the inner workings nicely. Notice how, as on the other models with a transparent display, there are four stars visible on the module’s circuit board to indicate 40 years of G-Shock. You will also find these four stars on all the gold-colored keepers of the different models.
The next familiar silhouette is the GA-114RX, which is based on the analog-digital GA-110. Additionally, G-Shock also introduces the smaller GMA-S114RX that is targeted at women. It’s fun to compare specs because the GA-114RX comes in at a large 55.0 × 51.2 × 16.9mm, whereas the GMA-S114RX measures 49 × 45.9 × 15.8 mm.
The latter is still a perfectly wearable watch for men if you don’t like your G-Shocks as chunky and big as the GA-114RX. As you can see, these two models do not feature a transparent display but an inverted one with a black background. But along with the DW-6940, these two models are the first to feature a case made out of clear glass fiber diamide.
The Clear Remix CasiOak in two sizes
Now we move on to the last two models based on the G-Shock GA-2100 “CasiOak.” Once again, there is a large version, the GA-2140RX, and a smaller one, the GMA-S2140RX. The large model has a 48.5 × 45.4 × 11.8mm transparent case, and the smaller model has a 46.2 × 42.9 × 11.2mm case. Both feature a transparent dial, chapter ring, and hour markers. Once again, the size difference is not even that big, and the design execution is similar.
As you can see, the design of the CasiOaks is slightly different, with the application of black printing to the underside of the dial. This black printing prevents outside light from coming in that could cause malfunctions. Overall, these two models feel the least transparent, especially in comparison to the Squares and the Third Eye model. In my opinion, those bring the concept to life the best.
The usual functions
All of the watches in the Clear Remix series share the functionality of the regular models they are based on. When it comes to the light to illuminate the dials, however, there are some slight differences. The three DW models — the Squares and the Third Eye — come equipped with an LED backlight. The GA-114RX and GMA-S114RX come with an auto LED light. Lastly, the GA-2140RX and GMA-S2140RX CasiOak models have a double-LED light and an LCD backlight.
All the case backs of these seven anniversary models feature a 40th Anniversary engraving by Eric Haze. As mentioned, the gold-ion-plated keepers have four stars to commemorate 40 years of G-Shock. Lastly, all the dials feature the text “Since 1983” to remind us of the year of introduction of the first G-Shock.
Impressions of the G-Shock Clear Remix series
By now, you will understand that I am a fan of this new 40th-anniversary series. I love the theme of showing the inner workings of the watches. In their execution, the DW-5040RX and DWE-5640RX Squares and the DW-6940RX Third Eye stand out immediately. Not only are they the most iconic G-Shocks that mean the most to me, but the Clear Remix concept also works the best with these three. I would seriously consider buying the DW-5040RX or the DW-6940RX because they simply look stunning.
The series is scheduled to be released in Japan on July 7th with other markets to follow shortly thereafter. All of the models are limited editions, although Casio has not unveiled the production numbers. When it comes to prices, currently, the UK prices and Japanese prices have been revealed. In the UK, the Square DW-5040RX will be £209, and DWE-5640RX will be £239. My favorite DW-6940RX will be slightly cheaper at £159. Both the men’s GA-114RX and women’s GMA-S114RX will be £169. Lastly, the GA-2140RX and the smaller women’s GMA-S2140RX will be the cheapest at £129.
For more information on the G-Shock Clear Remix series, visit the official international G-Shock website. In the comments section, let us know your favorite of these seven models.
