If you’ve ever looked at your G-SHOCK and said, “Boy, this watch is great but I really wish I could put this around my finger instead,” then you’ll be excited about Casio’s latest release. Teased a few months back, the Japanese watchmaker has now officially unveiled the CRW-001-1JR, a fully functioning timepiece for your finger, right as its jubilee year comes to a close.
The Same But Different
2024 marks 50 years of Casio watchmaking, ever since debuting the Casiotron in 1974 — which has been revived this year as well. And while no one really asked for a G-SHOCK ring watch, we won’t complain about its existence by any means.
Looking like something that might come out of a capsule ball machine, the ring resembles the look of the GMW-B5000D-1, a Full Metal version of the first G-SHOCK from ‘83. However, it’s inherently smaller — one-tenth the size to be exact. Weighing just 16g (~0.5oz), the stainless steel case on the ring measures 25.2mm x 19.5mm and is 6.2mm thick.
Unfortunately, it’s designed to fit a size 10.5 finger but can be adjusted down a couple of sizes depending on how many spacers are removed. A standard G-SHOCK boasts 200m of water resistance by nature, but don’t expect that here. We do know, however, that it’s at least splash-resistant, or “waterproof for everyday use,” as Casio puts it.
What Features Does It Have?
As we said, this ring is fully designed to perform as a digital timepiece and is toggled with three buttons on the side of the case. It can also display the day and date on a separate screen, and is capable of swapping its time to a 24-hour display. There’s also a dual time function for a second time zone, a stopwatch, and a flash alert function that flashes its LED at either the top of each hour or an appointed time of your choosing.
Powered by a quartz movement, the battery has a lifespan of about two years and can be replaced at a Casio repair center.
A Finger Watch Trend On The Horizon?
Finger watches were a hot commodity in the ’90s, and if what we’re seeing play out here is any indication, there is a chance they’re making their way back onto the fashion scene. To further support this, Timex also teamed up with Maison Margiela just a few weeks ago to release a digital finger watch as well, taking inspiration from the former’s beloved retro T80 design.
Spec Sheet
Case Size: 25.2mm x 19.5mm
Case Thickness: 6.2mm
Case Material: Stainless steel
Water Resistance: Splash resistant
Movement: Quartz
Size: 10.5 (adjustable)
Limited Edition?: Yes, unspecified
Pricing & Availability
Like other limited–edition Casios and G-SHOCKs, the CRW-001-1JR ring doesn’t have a specified edition size. Going on sale this December, it’s priced at ￥19,800 (~$129) as a Japanese exclusive, with no word yet on North American availability.
Recap
Casio CRW-001-1JR Ring Watch
Casio’s CRW-001-1JR is a fully-functioning watch that wears like a ring, based on the G-SHOCK GMW-B5000D-1 model.
