Does a true ⌚ enthusiast need to own a G-Shock or Casio?
When I developed serious interest in ⌚, I learned that there were loyal fan bases. I already know of Rolex enthusiasts but was surprised to learn more of Seiko fans.
What interested me further was the presence of the Casio and G-Shock communities. Not a huge surprise because these ⌚ have been around for decades, but collectors exist for these digital wrist companions, even in the wake of smartwatches.
I am unreserved in my criticism of ⌚ brands and will not apologize for being so. It is not, however, my intent to shred either Casio or G-Shock. With that said, I cannot bring myself to own one even though I will pay several multiples for the same function in mechanical form.
How do you feel?
If you like your Casio or G-Shock, what about it makes you want to wear it routinely?
A Swiss Army Knife.
No. Someone who buys watches because someone else told him that this is what he must do is not an enthusiast.
No. Someone who buys watches because someone else told him that this is what he must do is not an enthusiast.
THANK YOU!!!
A rational participant in discussions!!!
Nothing is a "must-have" and you don't have to conform to anyone else's rules or tastes. YouTubers who keep parroting that "everyone needs a G-shock" either have something to sell or are stupid. Nobody needs a G-shock. Nobody needs a watch in the first place, we all have phones.
If you like them, buy them, wear them, collect them. If you don't connect with the G-shock aesthetic then don't. For every person worshipping Casios or G-shocks, there's another person who thinks they are ugly bulky plastic toy watches that look immature. It takes all sorts to make a world. 👍
I'm not a huge fan of G-shocks myself because I think they are just too big and don't fit my dress style well. I especially hate the long resin straps that are too long for everybody, overhang and look sloppy. But I do own a playful white and baby blue baby-G as my summer/beach watch.
Definitely not a must. I mostly wear my G-Shock for sports activities or for very long drives (because it’s very comfortable). I don’t really get why people would wear a mechanical watch at the gym or for running. I think a light digital watch or smart watch / fitness tracker makes the most sense in those situations.
Definitely not a must. I mostly wear my G-Shock for sports activities or for very long drives (because it’s very comfortable). I don’t really get why people would wear a mechanical watch at the gym or for running. I think a light digital watch or smart watch / fitness tracker makes the most sense in those situations.
Wearing a mechanical ⌚ to the gym makes no sense to me either.
Well…. the Geneva international horological convention treaty specically defines a set of criteria for the word “enthusiast” to be applied to individuals. I believe it also has specifications for *true* enthusiast so as to distinguish with fake enthusiast. While I forgot what the settled position is on Casio. Truth be told, it didn’t have a TLDR; summary so I didn’t actually read it. 😉
Nobody of course needs a Casio, but I highly recommend to everybody to at least try one. Just try one in a shop, borrow one from a casioed friend etc.
I presume you meant digital Casios. There are also analogue Casios, from the not as interesting dirt cheap ones, to higher levels like Oceanus. Digital watches can't look as good as digitals, true, but they IMO look better than smart watches.
They have their own type of charm, which partly goes against the traditional horology: The resin will degrade after some time, and of course they need batteries. I can't really speak personally for their longevity, but some people are still wearing their Casios from the 80's. No moving parts in a digital, fewer things to go wrong.
But first and foremost, they're honest. They're not an overpriced gimmick, they put function over form. Many editions offer gimmicky colours, but not at the expense of functionality. Some are made from metal to last longer, and some plastic ones have metal-modding fanbases. They are an entry point into horology, they don't become obsolete, they offer something different to analogue watches.
Nobody of course needs a Casio, but I highly recommend to everybody to at least try one. Just try one in a shop, borrow one from a casioed friend etc.
I presume you meant digital Casios. There are also analogue Casios, from the not as interesting dirt cheap ones, to higher levels like Oceanus. Digital watches can't look as good as digitals, true, but they IMO look better than smart watches.
They have their own type of charm, which partly goes against the traditional horology: The resin will degrade after some time, and of course they need batteries. I can't really speak personally for their longevity, but some people are still wearing their Casios from the 80's. No moving parts in a digital, fewer things to go wrong.
But first and foremost, they're honest. They're not an overpriced gimmick, they put function over form. Many editions offer gimmicky colours, but not at the expense of functionality. Some are made from metal to last longer, and some plastic ones have metal-modding fanbases. They are an entry point into horology, they don't become obsolete, they offer something different to analogue watches.
I meant digital.
I struggle to embrace digital ⌚ because they remind me of childhood.
I suppose there is no harm in that, but I feel more mature wearing mechanical ⌚?
🤷🏻
That is not to say that digital ⌚ are juvenile.
I just have acclimated to metal on my wrist.
Casio makes great watches that can take a beating at an economical price. I use mine for emergency services work or training and worse case if damaged or contaminated I’m not going to cry if I have to dispose of it.
Casio makes great watches that can take a beating at an economical price. I use mine for emergency services work or training and worse case if damaged or contaminated I’m not going to cry if I have to dispose of it.
Makes sense.
My son in law loves them. I do not offer an opinion even though he has somewhat negative feelings about my mechanical watch affectation.
My son in law loves them. I do not offer an opinion even though he has somewhat negative feelings about my mechanical watch affectation.
You see that is where hobbies get thorny.
Why should your son-in-law care?
Not like he paid for your ⌚.
😫. . .then brand enthusiasts start destroying anybody who has anything but pure praise to say about said brand.
🤦🏻
I meant digital.
I struggle to embrace digital ⌚ because they remind me of childhood.
I suppose there is no harm in that, but I feel more mature wearing mechanical ⌚?
🤷🏻
That is not to say that digital ⌚ are juvenile.
I just have acclimated to metal on my wrist.
So you do know them! Great!
You know what you like and what you don't. Stick to what you like and let nobody tell you otherwise. Social interaction, mutual evaluation of behaviour has been beneficial for our species, but when it comes to hobbies, you do not need affirmation from others. Or - you don't need affirmation from everybody. Your wallet, your wrist, your taste. You're not some other guy who loves Casios, you're you, and you don't need him to tell you what you "have to" buy. And vice versa.
Peer pressure is like a strong current you only feel when you start resisting it. That is perfectly normal. Stay crunchy.
You see that is where hobbies get thorny.
Why should your son-in-law care?
Not like he paid for your ⌚.
😫. . .then brand enthusiasts start destroying anybody who has anything but pure praise to say about said brand.
🤦🏻
lol! Guy is young as long as he is a good husband and father, I am ok! He did have a hard time understanding my whole family’s watch hobby. Every family is different. Have a great day.
G-Shock on my wrist for 7 years of military service: Affordable on enlisted pay, rugged, functional, etc. So there will always be one (or five) in my collection.
Odd story: while doing rugged stuff in the military, I never had a G-Shock fail me. But post-military I had 2 G-Shocks malfunction and die within the first year of ownership . This seemed quite unlikely. And I was just driving a desk at the time. Bad QC?
G-Shock on my wrist for 7 years of military service: Affordable on enlisted pay, rugged, functional, etc. So there will always be one (or five) in my collection.
Odd story: while doing rugged stuff in the military, I never had a G-Shock fail me. But post-military I had 2 G-Shocks malfunction and die within the first year of ownership . This seemed quite unlikely. And I was just driving a desk at the time. Bad QC?
Not necessarily.
I presume that your desk job was after active duty?
Plastic accumulates cracks as do silicon wafers.
Dislocations from swift movement and rough use can cause structural failure.
Even as a kid, I managed to have digital ⌚ fail from just regular play.
The timing of your story, though, is a bit strange that it happened when not in active duty.
Ultimately, materials have limits.
Metal may deflect dislocations but will also propagate mechanical waves that can throw off a mechanism, so few - if any - ⌚ can endure sustained trauma.
Your question is an example of the "no true Scotsman" fallacy. There are plenty of us who have not fallen prey to digital watches and are firmly enthusiastic about watches.
I have never owned one. I thought that they were ugly when introduced and nothing has changed my mind in the ensuing fifty years. I must value my subjective view of aesthetics over utility because I concede that they are useful in certain circumstances.
You are not alone.
I was in high school and college in the 80s so the loud, plastic g shock/tag f1/swatch aesthetic is still dear to my heart.
And I swim in an overchlorinated Y pool so a g shock is light, accurate and practically indestructible so far.
So glad we don’t all like the same watches! Makes for great convos.
I think if you have even an ounce of interest in a casio or gshock, then the square is a must have... however if you really don't like the look of them at all then of course, you're not going to buy something you don't like.
I love mine for the pure fact it does everything I need and for a good price. I have just recently bought a new (but quite an older module/version) because it does even more what I need.
Legible
Tough / waterproof
Solar charging
Automatic light (incredibly useful when im on call, I'll have dirty gloves on)
The usual timers etc
The one I'm about to receive has interval timer so can now use a square for fitness.
Multiband 6 so I never have to worry about adjusting time.
It's a convenience for a good price.
Follow your own tastes. Don't follow hype.
I'm also not that into Casio. Never owned one as a kid and have no desire to own one now.
Casio? I think not!!
Everybody knows that a true enthusiast has to own a Rolex!! 🤣
Nope, had 'em years ago as tools, but really dislike digital watches of any kind.
I genuinely see them as tools, like a smart watch & see them as very different things to analogue watches.
Zero interest in them & don't understand folks obsession with them .
Just not my thing, but to each their own.
No, buy what you like!
The only rule about being in a hobby is you have to be interested in the hobby. Anything else is advice or trends.
This question might have more to do with how much one is fascinated by horology as an overacrhing concept versus a specific approach to timekeeping.
Casio? I think not!!
Everybody knows that a true enthusiast has to own a Rolex!! 🤣
🤣
I love Casios, and in my opinion, everyone should have at least one, not because they're "required to prove you're a real enthusiast" (what a bunch of hogwash!) but because they're nice, practical, dependable watches, that many people enjoy wearing. I will be the first to admit that I don't wear my digitals as much as my analogs, but that doesn't keep me from enjoying them, and being glad that I have them in my collection. They're great! 😀 If you don't own one, you're missing out! 😀 Just my opinion. 😀