Watches that read the weather and tell you where you are

Nickky Faustine P. de Guzman

THE JAPANESE value time. They come at least 10 minutes early to a date or a meeting. Their high-speed bullet trains arrive and leave on the dot. Always ahead when it comes to technology and innovation, the Japanese can easily check the time on their smartphones -- but nothing beats an old-school analog or digital watch, especially when it is both stylish and functional.

CASIO’S G-Shock Mud Master

Casio watches are often top of the mind whenever people think of a Japanese watch brand. It is unsurprising, after all the brand is the most popular and most used watch in the Land of the Rising Sun (the first Casio electronic wristwatch was launched in 1974). From kids and teens to young professionals and the retired, Casio watches cater to all ages and aesthetics.

Despite the notorious Filipino time, the Philippines also has a thing for Casio watches. The G-Shock series is among the best-sellers in the country, its popularity leading to widespread imitations which, though cheaper, might not last as long as the real thing.

Still, thanks to its popularity locally, the Philippines was chosen as the location for Casio’s second G-Factory Premium store outside of Japan -- the first opened in Singapore two years ago -- with the shop opening on Sept. 29 at Greenbelt 5.

The shop carries the Mr-G series, an upgraded take on Casio designs, known to be classic and austere. Its design was meant for men -- according to General Manager Atsushi Yamaoka, it was inspired by the traditional Japanese helmet -- but women are welcome to wear it. 

Thanks to its full metal casing, the watch is shock-resistant. Mr-G also has global positioning system (GPS) technology for accurate time reading -- the time automatically resets when one changes time zones.

A limited edition series, only two pieces from the Mr-G series will be sold in the Philippines.

Then there is the Gulfmaster series, also under the G-Shock collection. Its design is more rugged and rougher than the classic Mr-G, and it can predict weather changes thanks to its triple sensors for measuring direction, altitude, temperature, and atmospheric pressure -- useful considering the Philippines’ changeable weather.

Also included among the lines sold at the Greenbelt 5 store is the Mudmaster, which, as the name implies, is mud and sand resistant. 

“Each timepiece is designed to represent the pinnacle of the popular G-Shock series, combining advanced technology with excellent craftsmanship and attention to detail to produce watches that are as tough as they are eye-catching,” said Mr. Yamaoka, who noticed the timepiece this writer was wearing: a vintage gold watch. You’ve guessed it -- it’s from Casio.