Photographs by Ripley Sellers & Ariel Adams
A part of why I like Casio as a watch firm is as a result of just about each doable design and collaboration is on the desk. Moreover, because the overwhelming majority of Casio’s watches are positioned firmly on the inexpensive aspect of the spectrum, indulging in a enjoyable mannequin that speaks to you on a private stage doesn’t require a significant monetary outlay, and this implies you could be a bit extra adventurous and playful relating to aesthetics, in a lot the identical manner that you just may buy some funky sun shades or a pair of brightly coloured sneakers. As certainly one of its newest new releases for 2023, Casio has teamed up with the footwear and attire boutique Oneness to create a singular rendition of the unique “sq.” G-Shock that’s impressed by the world of Kentucky bourbon. On condition that I’m an American watch fanatic with a wholesome appreciation for alcoholic drinks, the idea of a bourbon-inspired G-Shock watch is of course fairly interesting to me, and as an unapologetic fan of all types of whiskey, I used to be fairly curious to see whether or not or not the brand new Casio G-Shock x Oneness DW5600ONS234 may correctly seize the spirit of certainly one of my all-time favourite liquors.
When it comes to its underlying building and performance, the Kentucky bourbon-inspired Casio G-Shock x Oneness DW5600ONS234 holds no main surprises, and it is extremely a lot the identical 5600 sequence “sq.” G-Shock watch that everyone knows and love. What this implies is that you just get a fully-digital show set inside an oblong resin case that measures 43.8mm in diameter by 13.5mm thick, with an general lug-to-lug profile of 48.9mm and a complete weight of simply 53 grams.
With that in thoughts, because of the truth that the bezel is constructed from clear orange resin, the DW5600ONS234 seems barely smaller than different G-Shock DW5600 sequence fashions because the eye tends to solely understand the black inner case as the dimensions of the watch, slightly than the precise outer profile of its clear orange bezel. I’ve at all times been a fan of clear watches, and whereas I’m firmly priced out of the marketplace for these with coloured sapphire circumstances, a transparent orange G-Shock is true up my alley when it comes to finances, and it is usually one thing that I can put on in a carefree method with out a single considered concern when it inevitably comes into contact with the sting of a desk.
The remainder of the Casio G-Shock x Oneness DW5600ONS234 may be very a lot in-line with different entry-level 5600 sequence watches, and it contains a mineral glass crystal defending its show, a stainless-steel caseback secured by 4 small screws, and 4 buttons situated on the aspect of the case for working the interior motion. Equally, identical to all G-Shock watches, the DW5600ONS234 additionally presents 200 meters of water resistance to offer ample safety in opposition to all types of moisture contact.
To enhance its heat colorway, the dial plate surrounding the show presents a golden mirror end with the Oneness title on the higher half with the phrase “What Are You Ready On” printed beneath it. In the meantime, the 4 buttons all obtain an identical gold PVD end, and the caseback is engraved with the Oneness brand. As a last splash of gold, the embossed textual content on the clear orange resin bezel is stuffed with gold paint to assist provide barely extra distinction, whereas nonetheless sustaining the nice and cozy bourbon-inspired colour profile of the watch.
In comparison with many different varieties of whiskey, Kentucky bourbon is usually a bit darker and is characterised by considerably of a reddish amber colour, slightly than having the golden browns and honey-colored hues that may steadily be discovered amongst different varieties of whiskey. Usually talking, the colour of a whiskey is considerably decided by how lengthy it spends inside its barrel, and to be able to be thought of straight bourbon, the whiskey have to be aged for at least two years in new charred oak containers.
When considered in a bottle or massive glass, bourbon usually seems to be a darkish to medium brown colour, which initially would appear far too darkish to function the aesthetic inspiration for the Casio G-Shock x Oneness DW5600ONS234. Nonetheless, should you elevate a glass of bourbon to the sunshine and consider the full-color spectrum of the liquid, you will notice way more orange hues and splashes of gold than would in any other case be obvious when simply viewing bourbon inside its bottle.
To emulate the full-color spectrum of Kentucky bourbon, the clear orange resin strap on the Casio G-Shock x Oneness DW5600ONS234 contains a gradient impact printed on its outer floor that modifications from a darkish reddish brown colour on the backside to shiny yellow the place it meets its gold PVD-finished stainless-steel pin buckle. Whereas the strap itself is constructed from the identical clear orange resin because the bezel, the gradient impact printed on it’s not clear, and this additional contributes to the case of the watch feeling barely extra compact than an ordinary 5600 sequence G-Shock mannequin.
Realistically talking, the colour profile of the G-Shock x Oneness DW5600ONS234 is unquestionably a bit extra orange and fewer brown in comparison with most varieties of bourbon, though that is finally a constructive characteristic for my part, as I really feel that it will increase the aesthetic versatility of the watch. Moreover, since clear resins and plastics typically have the tendency to darken over time because of UV publicity, I’d think about that the longer you put on the DW5600ONS234, the extra it would proceed to look extra just like the liquor that serves as its aesthetic inspiration.
Identical to most entry-level 5600 sequence watches, the Casio G-Shock x Oneness DW5600ONS234 is powered by Module No. 3229, which is a totally digital motion that runs on a single CR2016 battery cell with an accuracy score of +/-15 seconds per 30 days. Simply as you’ll anticipate from a multi-function sports activities watch, Module No. 3229 presents the entire commonplace options of a stopwatch, alarm, countdown timer, automated calendar, and an electro-luminescent backlight.
Whereas the G-Shock x Oneness DW5600ONS234 presents its data on a darkish crimson inverted LCD display to be able to preserve the nice and cozy colour profile of the watch, the backlight glows inexperienced like the usual G-Shock DW5600 watches that run on this identical inner motion. Though a few of Casio’s superior modules provide way more intensive options, additionally they are accompanied by considerably extra concerned working directions, and Module No. 3229 presents the entire needed options, whereas nonetheless remaining one thing that most individuals can use with out having to resort to the instruction handbook.
For Kentucky bourbon followers, probably the most enjoyable and novel facets of the Casio G-Shock x Oneness DW5600ONS234 will truly be the packaging of the watch, because it comes delivered identical to a premium bottle of alcohol. The outer cardboard field is tall and vertically oriented in a mode that’s much like the packing containers that always accompany high-end spirits, and contained in the field is a black velvet bag with gold drawstrings and the phrases “Oneness Reserve 16 Years Outdated” printed in matching gold letters.
With that in thoughts, slightly than containing a bottle of whiskey, the velvet bag homes the watch itself, together with a Oneness-branded show stand. An extra good element concerning the packaging is that it locations the emphasis on the unboxing expertise itself, slightly than attempting to offer patrons with some kind of premium container or show field. Not one of the packaging supplies really feel as if they’re considerably including to the price of the watch, but the precise expertise of opening the G-Shock x Oneness DW5600ONS234 is kind of pleasurable and greater than barely paying homage to cracking into the packaging of a pleasant bottle of bourbon (resembling Blanton’s).
Whether or not we take pleasure in dive watches as a result of we steadily discover ourselves within the water, or put on a particular mannequin as a result of we fondly bear in mind a buddy or member of the family who wore the identical watch, the timepieces we finally take pleasure in essentially the most are those who have some form of connection to our private lives. That stated, the connection doesn’t essentially have to be any deeper than the underside of a glass, and within the case of the G-Shock x Oneness DW5600ONS234, that connection merely comes from my long-time appreciation for a scrumptious and inherently American alcoholic beverage.
Whereas I won’t be the perfect purchaser for a bourbon-inspired watch that prices hundreds of {dollars}, the Casio G-Shock x Oneness DW5600ONS234 is accompanied by an official retail value of $130 USD, which makes it inexpensive than the open-market costs for lots of the bottles of premium bourbon that encourage its design. Between its firmly accessible value level and the intense sturdiness that accompanies all Casio G-Shock fashions, the Oneness DW5600ONS234 is completely suited to being a enjoyable and colourful sports activities look ahead to each followers of Oneness and anybody else who has a ardour for Kentucky bourbon. For extra data on the Casio G-Shock x Oneness DW5600ONS234, please go to the brand’s website.
