‘Two-Tone utility watch’ isn’t a term you hear often, but that’s exactly what G-Shock are releasing this week with five new references that span as many body styles. This is a use of color first seen in the Mudmaster collection, which pairs black cases with deep brown straps. It’s a combo that works surprisingly well in something like a G-Shock, and the new references expand the look in new, more approachable ways. G-Shock watches are undoubtedly capable outdoor gear, but they are also firmly a part of fashion culture, falling perfectly into something called ‘gorpcore’ with a practical basis that embraces a stylish appeal.
The five new two-tone references range from $110 to $150 and include the 110 series; the 6900 series; the GXW GX-56 series; the 700 series; and the GA100 series. Those last two get slightly darker straps than the first three, which use more of a khaki color. The 6900 and 700 series will offer smaller, more wearable cases with the others lean into bulky utility. The 6900 will offer the most old-school look of the bunch with a relatively simple layout, making it the most legible of the bunch if you ask me. It’s also the least expensive of the group.
This color scheme embraces an outdoor look that shows the range of these watches. To me, they feel right at home presented in this way. These are watches that certainly work when rendered in big colors, but there’s something classic about a straightforward earth tone with these types of watches that showcase and celebrate their pure, ugly utility. Apparently, this is also what makes them great gorpcore candidates, and shows just how full circle the G-Shock brand has come in their now more than 40 years of operation.
At their core, G-Shock watches are utility driven designs, and as such work best in their base black presentations. But they have become so much more than that, and their designs have been expressive palettes for artists and collaborations. A two-tone black and brown presentation feels natural for these watches, and it’s strange to see it couched in the gorpcore context by G-Shock, but in all seriousness, the colors feel like a natural extension of their utility.
All five of these new Two-Tone G-Shock watches are available now. G-Shock