Over the years, some of the most popular Casio G-Shock collaborations were those that have been produced with the Japanese fashion brand A Bathing Ape (better known simply as BAPE). The first BAPE G-Shock watch was launched back in 1998, and over the years, the two Japanese brands have teamed up numerous times to create a variety of special editions. While 2023 marks the 40th anniversary of the G-Shock, it also represents BAPE’s 30th anniversary, and therefore only seems fitting that we would see another collaboration piece this year. Based upon the familiar silhouette of the classic 6900 series, the new Casio G-Shock x A Bathing Ape GM-6900BAPE-1 features a black and gold colorway and comes with an additional interchangeable fabric strap in BAPE’s original green camo pattern.
At a quick glance, the new Casio G-Shock x A Bathing Ape GM-6900BAPE-1 is based upon the metal-bezel version of the classic 6900 series, which means that it measures 49.7mm in diameter by 18.6mm thick with an overall lug-to-lug profile of 53.9mm. While the case is made from resin with a mineral glass crystal, the bezel is stainless steel with a black ion-plated coating that is adorned with a tone-on-tone rendition of BAPE’s signature camo pattern. The four buttons located along the sides of the case are given a metallic gold ion-plated finish, while the fifth button positioned on the front of the watch features the letter “B” for BAPE, rather than having a “G” like the standard-production models from the G-Shock 6900 series. To match the buttons, the screw-on stainless steel caseback has also been given a gold ion-plated finish, and it has been adorned with a BAPE 30th anniversary logo.
To complement the appearance of the case, the face of the new Casio G-Shock x BAPE GM-6900BAPE-1 also features a largely black and gold colorway with an inverted LCD screen, gold text on the bezel, and a metallic gold-colored ring surrounding the outer perimeter of the dial. The overall layout of the display has been carried over from the standard-production models, with its rounded shape and signature Triple Graph layout that features the trio of rings positioned above the rectangular LCD screen. The dial plate itself is a matte dark gray color, and sitting at the very top of the dial is the “BAPE” name in gold letters, while the words “Busy Works” are printed in small text on the very bottom of the metallic ring that surrounds the display.
Like all G-Shock watches, the new Casio G-Shock x A Bathing Ape GM-6900BAPE-1 features 200 meters of water resistance, and since it is powered by the same Module No. 3529 quartz movement that you will find inside other models from the 6900 series, it offers the same multi-function digital sports features, such as a stopwatch, countdown timer, programmable alarm, automatic calendar, and backlight. Additionally, while the standard strap option is made from black resin and features the same tone-on-tone BAPE camo motif that adorns the bezel, the G-Shock x BAPE GM-6900BAPE-1 also comes with an additional interchangeable fabric strap that appears in BAPE’s original green camo pattern. Lastly, as you would expect from one of the brand’s collaboration pieces, the box for the new GM-6900BAPE-1 differs from the standard-production series and delivers the watch in special A Bathing Ape 30th anniversary packaging.
Casio’s G-Shock collaborations are incredibly diverse, and as BAPE is a major name when it comes to the world of streetwear, G-Shock x BAPE watches have a huge audience far outside of enthusiast circles. As this latest collaboration piece is a special-edition model intended to celebrate BAPE’s 30th anniversary, it will not be a permanent offering within the lineup; however, it is also not a limited edition where production will be capped at a specific number of examples, and the new Casio G-Shock x A Bathing Ape GM-6900BAPE-1 is accompanied by an official retail price of $350 USD. While BAPE is arguably best known for its loud and colorful designs, the new GM-6900BAPE-1 is surprisingly restrained for one of the brand’s collaboration pieces, although the additional green camo fabric strap does give buyers the opportunity to further lean into the Japanese fashion brand’s signature aesthetic. For more information on the Casio G-Shock x A Bathing Ape GM-6900BAPE-1, please visit the brand’s website.
