While there seems to be a constant supply of G-Shock collaboration watches, some seem to be a more natural fit. When I recently saw an announcement that Casio would release the Pokémon x G-Shock 30th Anniversary GA110PKM-7A watch, I knew I wanted one for a hands-on review. The combination of G-Shock's funky Japanese style with the iconic Japanese characters seemed like a no-brainer to me. I had started learning more about Pokémon through my son's interest and subsequent boondoggles while looking for cards and toys for him during a few trips to Japan in recent years.
First Impressions of the Pokémon x G-Shock GA110PKM-7A
I owned a standard black GA110 many years ago, so it was fun to get back into one. This was a great model to use for the Pokémon collaboration because of its round shape and slightly cartoonish appearance. The use of colored buttons inside a translucent case is a fun combination (more on this later).
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Pokémon x G-Shock GA110PKM-7A Details
The G110 series is now an iconic G-Shock silhouette. It features a chunky resin case with four large buttons and an analog/digital display. The curved LCD is segmented, with a typical animated seconds display.
The hour and minute hands feature stylized gear teeth, with an analog subdial indicator used to indicate speed during stopwatch operation.
To make it a Pokémon edition, Casio started with a translucent white resin bezel.
The buttons and bezel text, as well as the outer chapter ring, use the red, blue, and green colors from the original 1996 Pokémon series.
The hour and minute hands repeat the color scheme, while the speed indicator hand is replaced by a yellow Pikachu (similar to the indicator hand on my other cartoon-inspired G-Shock, the Manga edition). The subdial is also made to look like a Poké Ball.
Wearing the Pokémon x G-Shock GA110PKM-7A
At 52mm wide by almost 17mm thick, the GA110 is a full-size G-Shock that dominates most wrists (unlike the slim GA5600 or GA2100 Casioak models). Making it multicolored doesn't add subtlety, but I don't think any potential customers will care. It's also light, so it's still very comfortable.
This model also isn't the easiest to read, as the hands are short and tend to blend in with the dial.
While positive LCDs are easier to read than negative ones, this one is tinted dark green, which doesn't help. This watch is all about form over function anyway, so this shouldn't bother anyone.
At night, it has a bit of lume, though it's not very effective.
Luckily, like other G-Shocks, it has a backlight!
Pokémon x G-Shock GA110PKM-7A Module
The Pokémon edition uses the same Casio 5146 ana-digi module as other GA110 G-Shocks. It includes a world time display, a chronograph, a countdown timer, and multiple alarms. Standard GA110 models start at $130, so it's a basic module without advanced functions such as Bluetooth, atomic sync, or solar charging. The case back is engraved with a Pokémon logo and a Pikachu silhouette.
The positive LCD is modified with a greenish filter and yellow LED illumination, with an auto light switch (illuminating the display when you tilt your wrist) and afterglow (leaving the light on for 1.5 or 3 seconds). It features a 2-year battery life and is rated to +/- 15 seconds per month of accuracy.
Pokémon x G-Shock GA110PKM-7A Conclusion
G-Shock watches lend themselves well to bright colors and fun styling elements. I really enjoy how Casio used the GA110's elements, such as the small subdial and funky hands, to incorporate the Pokémon elements.
At $270, the Pokémon G-Shock is about double the price of a standard GA110. For that price, you're getting a few styling touches and a cool box. That said, the pre-order sold out almost instantly, and this watch will be very collectible. It's not a watch for everyone, but a Pokémon fan who also likes watches will definitely appreciate it.
Pokémon x G-Shock GA110PKM-7A Specifications:
Name: Casio Pokémon Collaboration Model Analog-Digital 110 Series
Reference Number: GA110PKM-7A
Price: $270
Width: 51.2mm
Height: 55mm
Thickness: 16.9mm
Weight: 72g
Movement: 5146
Battery Life: 2 years
Water Resistance: 200m
Crystal: Mineral
Strap: Resin