Time to Flex: G-SHOCK’s Big-Case Classic Gets a Metal Makeover

When it comes to watches, few collections have swung more confidently between rugged utility and serious style than the 110 Series. Launched in 2010, the GA110 was an instant classic – a big-case beast that muscled its way directly into G-SHOCK’s elite tier. With its layered dial, exposed gears, and hybrid analog-digital interface, the 110 wasn’t just another watch – it was a wrist-mounted machine, engineered for impact and built to be noticed.

The timing was perfect. After decades of cementing its status in military and industrial circles, G-SHOCK had found a home among a new breed of artists, skaters and clout connoisseurs who saw in the brand the perfect combination of toughness, tech and style. The 110 struck the sweet spot – oversized and overbuilt, but packed with enough dial detail to make horology-heads spin. Its multiple sub-dials, dynamic textures, and chunky silhouette made it a wearable billboard for G-SHOCK’s legendary mechanical prowess. 

As time marched on, the 110 Series became a coveted canvas for myriad editions and collaborations. From BAPE to Maharishi, the GA110 emerged as a G-SHOCK poster child for a new era of cultural crossovers and creative partnerships. In Japan, the model inspired official anime collabs with Dragon Ball Z and One Piece, featuring unique design flourishes drawn from the source material. Its bold, hyper-stylised silhouette echoed manga artwork, anime aesthetics, and even cosplay culture.

In the US, the GA110's bold design and hardy appeal made it a staple in music videos and fashion lookbooks, firmly cementing its place in the pop culture pantheon. Notably, A$AP Ferg collaborated with G-SHOCK to release 2018’s GA110FRG-7A, a translucent model with vibrant accents that reflected his unique style. The GA110 also made frequent appearances in fashion editorials and streetwear campaigns, aligning with the maximalist aesthetic of the early 2010s and becoming a go-to accessory for artists, stylists, and collectors seeking to blend function with flair.

The 110 didn’t just resonate in one subculture – it exploded globally. Whether spotted on a Shinjuku train platform or a Brooklyn stoop, the GA110 became an IYKYK badge of honour. Its mix of durability and swagger made it a go-to for collectors and casual wearers alike, solidifying its place as one of G-SHOCK’s most recognisable models worldwide.

Enter the Metal Age: GM110D and GM110BD

Spin the hands forward to today, and the 110 Series has entered a bold new era. Meet the GM110D-8A and GM110BD-1A9 – a pair of metal-clad masterpieces that take everything the GA110 made iconic and crank them up to 11. This is style and substance in a combination more dramatic than a Tokyo skyline.

The GM110D-8A leads the charge with a silver stainless steel bezel and matching band. Its dial is a cold-blooded gunmetal grey that hits like a gut punch – sharp, unflinching, and all business. From boardrooms to late-night hangs, this piece does it all without breaking a sweat. It’s crisp. It’s technical. And it still swings like a heavyweight.

Meanwhile, the GM110BD-1A9 brings mood like a 1940s noir. Drenched in black ion plating and topped off with a radiant gold dial, it’s the kind of watch that demands a double take. However beneath the luxe surface is the same shockproof structure that built the brand’s reputation. 

What sets these models apart isn’t just the materials, but meticulous craftsmanship. Each case undergoes a rigorous finishing sequence, striking a balance between industrial muscle and artisanal finesse. The bezels are individually forged, cut, polished, and molded, resulting in dimensional surfaces that expertly catch the light.

And don’t let the polished exterior fool you – the G-STEEL 110 Series still packs serious functionality under the hood. You’ll find all the core G-SHOCK DNA: 200-metre water resistance, world time across 31 zones, a full auto calendar, stopwatch and countdown timer, and super LED illumination for low-light visibility. It’s all wrapped in G-SHOCK’s famously shock-resistant construction, meaning these timepieces can take a beating and keep on ticking. Rain, mud, mosh pits, or red-eye flights – these watches are built for whatever chaos you call a lifestyle.

Some watches tell time. These tell a story. With the GM110D and GM110BD, G-SHOCK doubles down on its legacy, bringing cutting-edge materials and timeless toughness to the wrist.

Big case energy. Zero apologies.