BASELWORLD2015: Casio Initiates a New Era of Global Time

The Basel World Watch and Jewellery Show “BASELWORLD2015,” known as the “world’s premier watch exhibition,” took place from March 19 to March 26, 2014, at the Messe Basel in Switzerland. As a frontrunner in technological watchmaking, CASIO has always been committed to pioneering technology, combining unmatched advanced features with sleek, high-performance designs that elevate the value of watches beyond simple timekeeping. Since launching the world’s first radio-controlled solar watch globally in 2001, and now introducing the world’s first* GPS + radio dual time correction system for global accuracy, Casio continues to push the boundaries of technology and drive innovation in the watch industry.

This year, Casio unveiled its Basel fair theme, “GLOBAL TIME SYNC: Time Synchronized Across the Globe,” and globally launched its latest GPS + radio solar watches and Bluetooth smartwatches. The GPS + radio solar watch integrates two different time correction modes — GPS satellite signal reception and standard radio wave reception (six-wave reception) — within the watch itself. It quickly analyzes time zone and daylight saving information, ensuring more reliable and precise time correction no matter where you are. The Bluetooth smartwatch connects to smartphones via low-energy Bluetooth 4.0 technology, enabling two-way control between the phone and the watch for a more convenient user experience. Powering these high-performance features is Casio’s unique solar power system, which can convert not only sunlight but also weak fluorescent light into electricity, storing it in a high-capacity battery to ensure stable operation of all functions.

 

At the exhibition, Casio showcased its latest models across six major brand series, offering an innovative technological experience. “The unbreakable watch” G-SHOCK introduced the aviation series GPW-1000T, featuring both GPS + radio reception dual time correction systems, merging precision and durability for a new level of TOUGH innovation. The upgraded Mudmaster series GWG-1000, with its new dust and mud-resistant design, is built to withstand harsh environments such as deserts and swamps, and is equipped with a third-generation triple sensor to provide robust technological support for extreme conditions.

Casio’s pinnacle creation, OCEANUS [Edifice], introduced the GPS + radio solar wristwatch OCW-G1000S, packing powerful features into a slim titanium body, embodying Japanese craftsmanship in pursuit of the highest quality. The metal-handled men’s watch EDIFICE launched the Bluetooth smartwatch EQB-510, which allows users to set world times for 300 cities and customize watch functions such as alarms via smartphone connection.

The professional mountaineering watch PRO TREK released the PRW-6000Y model with a pointer and LCD dual display, equipped with a third-generation triple sensor to accurately measure various changes in nature. The women’s watch brands BABY-G and SHEEN have closely integrated fashion-forward design with their timepieces, launching the dual-time watch BGA-190 and the sapphire solar watch (sapphire glass + solar power) SHE-4516.

Time Synchronized Across the Globe

GPW-1000T: Shock-Resistant GPS Watch with Titanium 64 Bezel

 

The shock-resistant G-SHOCK, designed to function flawlessly in any harsh environment, continues to integrate advanced materials and high-tech innovations into its products. In 2014, G-SHOCK launched the GPS watch GPW-1000, adding highly practical GPS + radio solar functionality to its shock-resistant structure to deliver accurate and reliable time correction anytime, anywhere. The newly released GPW-1000T features a bezel made of Titanium 64 with DLC coating and a titanium alloy back cover. It not only offers a TOUGH and premium feel, but is also about 10% lighter than its predecessor. Titanium 64 is a metal alloy composed of 90% titanium, 6% aluminum, and 4% vanadium, widely used in aerospace industries such as aircraft engines, satellites, and lunar modules, and is known for its lightweight, high strength, temperature resistance, and corrosion resistance.

As part of the G-SHOCK aviation series, the GPW-1000T features a black IP coating, sapphire crystal glass, carbon fiber second hand and band, and high-luminance LED backlight, all highlighting the essential beauty of the watch. In addition, it retains the previous generation’s 3G protective structure (shockproof, centrifugal force-resistant, vibration-resistant), light-scattering solar cells, and intelligent operating system, combining premium aesthetics with robustness. This enhances both operability and durability while showcasing G-SHOCK’s rugged characteristics.

Designed Specifically for Harsh Environments Like Sand and Mud

GWG-1000: Newly Designed Dust and Mud-Resistant Structure

 

The upgraded Mudmaster series GWG-1000 is the first in its line to apply a new dust and mud-resistant construction to a pointer + LCD dual display design, making it suitable for severe environments such as sand and swamps. All buttons are specially designed to prevent intrusion of dirt and sand, ensuring all critical functions remain operational at all times. GWG-1000’s brand-new dust and mud-resistant construction embeds all buttons in cylindrical slots equipped with sealing gaskets, preventing dust and mud while also cushioning impacts. The crown uses a high-sealing screw-lock structure with a sealing gasket at the contact point with the case to prevent entry of dust and dirt.

Additionally, the GWG-1000 features a more powerful yet compact third-generation triple sensor that measures direction, barometric pressure/temperature, and altitude at high speed and accuracy. Direction measurement can run continuously for 60 seconds, and altitude is measured every second up to one meter. Beyond calculating natural changes with greater precision, the triple sensor also issues alerts when barometric pressure changes. Its vibration resistance makes it suitable for demanding outdoor activities such as off-road driving. Dual LED lighting and luminous hands ensure visibility at night, while large hour, minute, and three-dimensional markers offer clear readability. The sapphire glass adds further reliability and scratch resistance to the rugged GWG-1000.

Peak Technology, Honoring Elegance

OCW-G1000S: Full Titanium GPS + Radio Solar Watch

 

Since its inception, the OCEANUS brand has led the evolution and innovation of radio solar watch technology. Upholding the brand philosophy of “Elegance and Technology,” this masterpiece of peak technology celebrates elegance by housing Casio’s most advanced electronic innovations within a sleek, slim titanium case — the pinnacle of Casio’s metal-handled watches. All OCEANUS watches are manufactured and assembled at Casio’s Yamagata factory, which boasts top-tier manufacturing technologies. Custom-designed advanced equipment achieves precision beyond human limits, and the expert craftsmanship of skilled artisans ensures trustworthy Japanese quality.

The newly launched OCW-G1000S is a Basel Watch Fair global limited edition. It combines GPS satellite signal reception and six-wave radio reception into a slim case, ushering in a new era of “Global Time.” With GPS + radio reception, it captures time signals worldwide and synchronizes instantly with local time. Inspired by a bird’s-eye view of Earth’s glowing lights at night, the 7 o’clock sub-dial bezel and 4 o’clock button are accented in gold to symbolize twinkling lights, while the 12 o’clock Roman numerals are crafted in 18K gold, and the axis of the hands is inlaid with re-crystallized sapphire, delivering a luxurious sense of quality.