Introducing: The IFL Watches × Fratello CasiOak “Moonlander”
Here at Fratello, we have a soft spot for things like G-Shocks, handcraft, and everything related to space exploration. It sounds like a weird combination, but it all came together perfectly well in the IFL Watches × Fratello CasiOak “Moonlander” watch.
IFL Watches × Fratello CasiOak “Moonlander”
As you probably know, the first G-Shock model debuted in 1983, and it’s hard to imagine a horological world without it today. In 2019, Casio introduced the G-Shock 2100 series, which enthusiasts quickly dubbed “CasiOak” due to its specific Audemars Piguet Royal Oak-like shape. This model (GM-2100BB-1AER, to be exact) is the platform for the IFL Watches × Fratello CasiOak “Moonlander.”
We decided on a Moon theme to commemorate the 55th anniversary of the first Moon landing in July 1969. Of course, there were no G-Shocks at that time, and the first digital Casio watch came out in 1974. However, G-Shock holds a special place in the hearts of many astronauts. From 1989 onward, astronauts used many G-Shock watches (mainly the DW5600 “Square” model) on board the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station.
Hand-painted dial with a Moon theme
The CasiOak, with its large dial, provides a bigger canvas, though, so the artists from IFL Watches selected the CasiOak GM-2100BB as their vehicle for a hand-painted scene. However, at first, the artists made the drawing on paper and fine-tuned it until it was perfect for the dial of this CasiOak “Moonlander.” The first step in painting this dial is airbrushing it with a base color. After that, the artists add the galaxy look using a splash effect done by hand.
It’s all in the details
Then come the Moon’s surface and image of the lunar lander. The artists add these with very fine brushes, meticulously painting layer after layer on the dial to get all the colors and details correct. The lunar lander, in particular, shows an insane level of detail, as you can see in the pictures. NASA’s Eagle, the Moon lander from Apollo 11, shows the gold-colored landing gear, the hatch (from which Aldrin and Armstrong descended), and even an antenna. The Moon’s surface shows craters in different sizes and shades of gray. Every hand-painted dial is unique and might show minor differences when held side by side with another.
The hour markers and minute ring have been airbrushed gray, which should remind you of Moondust. IFL Watches also used gray for the text on the bezel. Each engraved letter is filled in manually with a super fine brush and multiple layers of paint.
A unique treat!
The CasiOak “Moonlander” is a very neat G-Shock modification, and its hand-painted dial makes this a special version to have or collect. Especially for those with a soft spot for the Moon landing and space program, like us, it’s a wonderful treat to have the image of the lunar lander with you wherever you go. I had the chance to wear the prototype for a while, and this lightweight watch with its unique hand-painted dial made me smile every time I glanced at the Eagle floating above the Moon’s surface.
CasiOak specifications
As written earlier, the IFL Watches × Fratello CasiOak “Moonlander” watch is based on the G-Shock 2100BB-1AER, meaning all specifications are precisely the same as those watches. These include a 44.4mm diameter, 49.3mm length, and 11.8mm thickness. The watch has a carbon core and a black ion-plated stainless steel outer case, which offers a 200m water resistance rating. It comes on a comfortable black resin strap with a steel pin buckle. The steel case back shows a bit of technical information, like the fact that the watch houses the Casio 5611 module.
This module offers quite a bit of functionality, such as a chronograph, a 24-hour countdown timer, an automatic calendar accurate until 2099, an LED light, five daily alarms, and a world timer covering 31 time zones. The battery life is approximately three years.
The IFL Watches × Fratello CasiOak “Moonlander” costs €980 (excluding taxes) and is available from the Fratello Shop. The pre-order window is open now for one week, and only 111 pieces are available. The number of watches is a nod to the first Moon-landing mission, Apollo 11. Delivery is expected within three months of the pre-order window closing.
What do you think of our first collaboration with IFL Watches? Let us know in the comments below!
