The vintage watch market has arguably never been stronger than it is currently. With more enthusiasts entering the watch community and a myriad of options for finding rare and obscure classic references from around the globe, it’s a boom time for those who love classic timepieces. With the growth of vintage enthusiasm, watch brands themselves have joined in on the vintage wave, with many companies offering heritage divisions or factory restoration programs for historic models. These heritage-driven programs are usually the domain of high-end Swiss brands, however, with luxurious price tags to match. This makes Casio’s announcement of a new factory restoration pilot program for classic G-Shock models a dramatic standout, and a potential shift in the way consumers approach older G-Shocks. Casio’s limited-time restoration program aims to revive some of the earliest G-Shock references, returning classic octagonal G-Shock models to factory new appearances at an impressively affordable price.

From October 1, 2022, to November 30, 2022, Casio will be accepting submissions for this limited-time factory service program through its website. Eligible watches include the original Casio G-Shock DW-5000C, along with the G-Shock DW-5200C, G-Shock DW-5600C, G-Shock DW-5800, G-Shock WW-5100C, and the G-Shock WW-5300C. Casio’s restoration program includes a full exterior refurbishment. First, the inner case is removed from the original resin outer case. Then the battery is replaced, a new caseback gasket is installed, and the caseback is reattached before an all-new resin outer case is installed, complete with new case screws. The case is fitted with a matching new resin strap, and the resulting watch is shipped back to the owner in unique commemorative packaging including a message from Kikuo Ibe, the creator of the G-Shock line.

Although this initial program is a strictly limited-time offer, this first-ever Casio G-Shock factory restoration program may well be the beginning of a larger heritage effort from Casio and opens up factory vintage watch restorations to a new more democratic segment of the watch consumer market. Applications to the limited-time program are open as of press time but may close before November 30, 2022, if faced with unexpectedly high demand. Casio’s factory restoration service is priced at $100 USD, not including return shipping fees. For more information or to apply to the program, please visit the brand’s website.