News The G-Shock Dream Project Sets a New Record as the Brand's Most Expensive Timepiece

G-SHOCK from Casio is widely recognized as a leader in producing function-first timepieces that can withstand anything, offering affordable watches. In recent years, the brand has evolved from its strictly utilitarian roots, placing emphasis on developing the more premium segment of G-SHOCK. These watches are constructed on the durable G-SHOCK platform, utilizing higher quality materials and finishing techniques that often evoke traditional Japanese craftsmanship, along with the brand's top-notch technical specifications.
The pinnacle of this segment was reached five years ago when G-SHOCK introduced the “Dream Project,” a limited run of 35 solid-gold G-Shock watches with a price tag of approximately USD $70,000. However, for G-SHOCK's 40th anniversary this year, they have pushed the boundaries even further.

On the occasion of the ninth Phillips watch auction in New York, taking place between December 9th and 10th, the company unveils the new G-Shock “Dream Project #2” G-D001. This one-of-a-kind G-Shock is crafted from 18k yellow gold, and its exterior case was designed with the assistance of generative artificial intelligence (AI). A custom AI system was fed forty years of G-SHOCK data, generating a three-dimensional model.

The result is the original structure seen here. The unique design offers weight reduction and enhanced shock absorption abilities. The unusual precision-molded construction of the bezel and strap were crafted using a lost-wax casting process most often found in the world of jewelry. The components  all crafted from 18k yellow gold with zero resin buffering were then hand-polished to achieve a gorgeous luster.

The dial is effectively an open work, revealing a first-of-its-kind movement construction for G-SHOCK. The watch also says goodbye to G- SHOCK's conventional digital displays for a fully analog one using multiple independent handsets for the various complications including chronograph and dual time. the gold is noticed here, the applied hour indices and the hands are crafted from gold, while the second hand features a black hue.

 Silicon gears and ruby ​​bearings are visible within the brushed metal mainplate. High-efficiency solar cells are placed on the periphery of the dial to power the timekeeping. G-SHOCK even built a glowing red ring that can be activated at the press of a button to enable a perpetual internal power source. While the internal movement modules of these watches may still be quartz, it's quartz that uses the brand's Multi-Band 6 timekeeping to receive signals from atomic radio towers around the world for to-the-second precision. 

 The “Dream Project #2” unique piece is delivered inside a special display box in the shape of a tower with a front cover that can be removed to best highlight the one-of-a-kind wristwatch. The partially openworked box is further decorated with the model numbers of past and present G-SHOCK timepieces. An LED light is housed inside the box, offering indirect lighting to showcase the watch.

The watch photographed here is a functional prototype. The final version of the G-D001, customized for the buyer's location, is expected to be delivered to the buyer during the first quarter of 2024.

While the watch was sold at 400,050 USD which is equivalent to 1,469,000 AED.

For more information, please visit the official website of Phillips auctions. and Casio official website.