FOR years, women’s watches were often designed with only one consideration – looking pretty.
Durability, technical features and bold aesthetics were usually reserved for the men.
But all that is now changing.
More and more women today are gravitating towards timepieces that are not only stylish, but also robust and complex enough to keep up with their active, demanding lifestyles.
This shifting trend is something Japanese watch brand Casio embraces through its iconic G-SHOCK line.
Its latest release − the GMA-P2126W − is a special edition commemorating International Women’s Day (March 8) with themes of strength, confidence and individuality.
The watch adopts the distinctive octagonal bezel of the 2100 series, and builds on the compact design of the original GMA-P2110.
It measures 40.5mm across and weighs just 41g, perfectly sized for everyday wear without compromising on G-SHOCK’s signature shock resistance and durability.
Visually, the monochromatic colour palette projects unyielding strength.
The case and band are unified in a sleek dark gray, playing with shadow to create depth and dimension.
It also creates an understated base that allows metallic elements to shine.
Gold-coloured accents on hour markers evoke rays of hope, symbolising confidence and optimism for the future.
Notably, key components in the bezel and band are made with bio-based resin from renewable organic sources, helping to reduce environmental impact.
Like many modern G-SHOCK models, the GMA-P2126W combines analogue hands with a compact digital display in the lower left quadrant.
Practical functions include world time covering 48 cities across 31 time zones, a 1/100-second stopwatch, countdown timer, five daily alarms and a fully automated calendar.
A hand shift feature also moves the hands out of the way for unobstructed views of the digital display, while Casio’s dual LED Super Illuminator system enhances visibility in low-light environments, such as underwater where the watch has up to 200m water resistance.
The GMA-P2126W stands as both a practical watch and a symbolic tribute to strength.
It is a watch made for women who embrace life with courage and confidence.
To mark the watch’s recent debut, G-SHOCK has launched a special “Women of Our Time” website celebrating exceptional women across diverse fields who pursue their dreams with conviction.
It includes a video featuring Japanese artist Ran Tondabayashi, exploring her creative energy and relationship with time.
Two worlds, two watches
Meanwhile, Casio Malaysia has unveiled its second collaboration with Netflix’s global phenomenon Stranger Things.
This introduces two watches that bridge the gap between the show’s concept of parallel dimensions and reality – the G-SHOCK DW-5600STT-1 and the Casio AQ-800EST-1A.
The DW-5600STT-1’s dial appears entwined with vines of Vecna, one of the main antagonists, while some lettering is deliberately reversed to mirror the dark dimension known as Upside Down.
When activated in darkness, the Super Illuminator backlight also bathes the dial in the series’ ominous crimson glow, typically a harbinger of intense moments.
The 42.8mm watch, which weighs 52g, also features the Stranger Things logo engraved on the caseback and “011” printed on the band loop referencing Eleven, the show’s primary protagonist.
Other key features include a 1/100th of a second stopwatch, hourly time signal, multi-function alarm, flash alert and 200m water resistance.
Conversely, the AQ-800EST-1A draws from 1980s analog-digital design aesthetics, reflecting the show’s nostalgic energy.
It also has a dimensional vine motif across the dial, paired with raised metallic hour markers in the iconic Stranger Things typeface.
The caseback also bears the logo, while “001” is engraved on the clasp cover to reference Vecna himself.
The 32.1mm watch, weighing 52g, similarly features a 1/100-second stopwatch, daily alarm, hour time signal and water resistance.
Both models are presented in collectors’ packaging adorned with more vines of Vecna, as well as Demogorgon, another antagonist.
These watches are must-haves for fans and collectors alike.
Stranger Things, created by Matt and Ross Duffer, first captivated audiences worldwide in 2016.
The sci-fi horror series is set in the 1980s and follows a group of characters as they encounter supernatural creatures and threats.
It reached cult status before concluding with Season 5 in late 2025.
