Casio to Release Third Signature G-SHOCK with Pro Surfer Kanoa Igarashi
Monochrome Design in Shades of Black and Gray Evokes the Ocean’s Waves, No Two Alike
August 28, 2024
GLX-5600KB
Tokyo, August 28, 2024 — Casio Computer Co., Ltd., announced today the latest addition to the G-LIDE line of watches for extreme sports, which are part of the G-SHOCK brand of shock-resistant watches. The new GLX-5600KB is the third signature model endorsed by pro surfer Kanoa Igarashi.
A world-class professional surfer at the top of his sport, Igarashi currently competes on the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour. Igarashi’s attitude of constantly challenging himself to achieve higher and higher goals is an ideal fit for the G-SHOCK brand, and he serves as an ambassador for TEAM G-SHOCK, which supports athletes who compete within time restraints.
The base model for the GLX-5600KB is the G-LIDE GLX-5600, which is packed with surfer-friendly functions. Inspired by the powerful ocean waves that Kanoa Igarashi conquers, this new shock-resistant watch is designed to withstand even the harshest environments and features a protective wire frame to keep the watch glass extra safe. The bezel and band made with mixed-color molding highlight the interplay of black and gray evoking vigorous waves in a stylish monotone design. This molding technique allows for an irregular mix of resin colors that creates differing wave patterns, no two alike, for a unique and distinctive design.
The bezel and band are made with bio-based resin, a material expected to help reduce environmental impact. Packed with Igarashi-inspired details, the timepiece features his signature on the case back, at the center top of the simple iconic face, and lit with EL backlight on the display, as well as his CT surfer number, 50, at the base of the band.
Tough and stylish, this collaborative signature G-SHOCK also delivers practical utility. The information that surfers need is all there, including a tide graph to check tide conditions and moon data to determine spring tides.
Kanoa Igarashi had this to say: “I especially like the simple yet striking black and gold color scheme of this model. The GLX-5600 has features that perfectly match my surfing style, making it a reliable partner at sea. The rugged design with wire face protectors is also a major attraction for any surfer.”
GLX-5600KB
Please see the product site for main specifications and other details.
Front-mounted protective wire frame
Igarashi’s signature on watch face
Signature lit with EL backlight
Engraved signature on case back
Igarashi’s surfer number on base of band
■Kanoa Igarashi
Born October 1, 1997, in California, USA. Igarashi grew up watching his dad surf every day in Huntington Beach, California. At the age of 3, he was done watching and jumped in the water himself. He was an instant talent and quickly commanded the attention of the surfing community. In 2009, at 11 years old, Igarashi gained National Scholastic Surfing Association (NSSA) fame by claiming a stunning 30 contest wins to set a new record for the most victories in a single season. In 2012, at the age of 14, he became the youngest ever to win the USA Championship Under-18. Four years later, he was the youngest ever, and first Asian, to participate in the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour. In 2017, Igarashi won the WSL Vans U.S. Open of Surfing, held in his hometown of Huntington Beach, as he continued to show the world what he could do. In 2019, he was the first Asian to claim victory at the Corona Bali Protected, the third event of the Men’s Championship Tour. He represented Japan in the surfing competition at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, bringing home the silver medal. At the 2022 ISA World Surfing Games, Igarashi won a perfect first place in all eight of the heats to capture his long-sought World Champion title.
