Casio Computer Co., Ltd. has announced the launch of the GBM-2100RH, a new addition to its renowned G-SHOCK line. This latest release represents the fourth collaboration between the brand and Rui Hachimura, the professional basketball player currently playing for the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA.
Casio’s partnership with Hachimura, established in 2019, reflects the synergy between the athlete’s toughness on the basketball court and the durability that the G-SHOCK brand is known for. The company views Hachimura’s relentless drive and resilience in the world’s most competitive basketball league as perfectly aligned with the G-SHOCK ethos of strength and resistance to shock.
The GBM-2100RH stands out as the first of Hachimura’s signature models to be based on the popular GBM-2100 series. This watch features an octagonal metal bezel, which is characteristic of the GBM-2100’s design, and includes advanced functionalities such as Smartphone Link and the Tough Solar charging system.
One of the most distinctive features of the GBM-2100RH is its basketball-court-inspired design. The gold-toned dial, adorned with a wood pattern, mirrors the appearance of a basketball court’s hardwood floor. The area beneath the basket, a location where Hachimura has made his mark on the court, is highlighted in white. The watch’s LCD display echoes the appearance of a shot clock, ticking down the seconds, further enhancing the basketball motif.
Adding a personal touch, the watch includes the symbol 八 (hachi in Japanese, meaning “eight”) engraved at the eight o’clock position. This symbol is a nod to Hachimura’s name and is a subtle yet significant detail that fans of the player will appreciate. Additionally, Hachimura’s “Black Samurai” logo, which fuses the 八 character with a Japanese sword to form the “H” in “Hachimura,” is engraved on the band loop and features prominently in the packaging design. His signature is also engraved on the case back, making this timepiece a true collector’s item for fans.
Commenting on the release, Rui Hachimura expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, saying, “We created this G-SHOCK Rui Hachimura signature model in the hope that it will be worn by people who enjoy both sports and fashion. The design incorporates my favourite colours and ‘Black Samurai’ logo. Be sure to try this watch for yourself.”
Hachimura’s involvement in the design process adds a layer of authenticity and personal connection to the product. His influence is evident in the aesthetic choices, from the gold-toned basketball court design to the incorporation of his signature logo and colours. This approach highlights Casio’s commitment to creating products that resonate with both athletes and fans alike.
Casio’s collaboration with Hachimura continues to reinforce the G-SHOCK brand’s association with toughness, both in terms of the watches’ physical durability and the strength of character demonstrated by athletes like Hachimura. As the GBM-2100RH hits the market, it is expected to appeal not only to basketball enthusiasts but also to those who appreciate the blend of sport and fashion embodied in this signature timepiece.