G-Shock Teases New Space Age-Inspired Collaboration With LA-Hype Brand C2H4

No brand does a hype collaboration quite like G-Shock (and its parent company Casio), and the brand is kicking off the new year with a special collaboration with LA-based fashion brand C2H4. This time, the pair playfully infuses the signature 1980s aesthetic of G-Shock’s 1987 GW5600 model with the retro flair reflecting the spirit of Space Age design of the 1960s, creating a unique interplay of references that feels distinctly vintage, yet relevant to the streetwear culture of today. 

Named after the Molecular Formula for Ethylyne, C2H4 as a brand identity channels a future-forward ethos into its designs, mixing ideas of the science world with a dedication to the subversive for the aim of “Redefining City Uniform and Bringing the Future of the Past to the Present.” The brand reimagines the uniform of today by drawing on the past and remixing it through unique tailoring and experimentation with fabrication methods, creating unisex pieces that draw on classic workwear details with a decidedly contemporary streetwear edge. The results are utilitarian yet playful, like sweat pants and denim hybrids aptly named Sweat Jeans, or workwear jackets that are ready-made to be aged and distressed to perfection, no hard labor necessary. 

In the case of the limited-edition GM-5600 “Space Age,” we see the familiar octagonal, rugged design of the 5600, complete with a stainless steel bezel and translucent grey band made of resin. But the connection to the Space Age has been subverted, and the tie-in is activated through the hidden LED light, revealing a bright red graphic depiction of the Theme Building at LAX – an architectural relic of Space Age design. The Theme building, comprised of parabolic arches, conjures images of Flying Saucers — looking like something right out of "The Jetsons" cartoon – and is representative of the future optimism that defined the Space Age ideals of the era. 

The presentation of this limited edition is part of the fun. The GM-5600 “Space Age” comes with an egg-shaped red and cream-colored capsule with a 3-D branded G-SHOCK logo in silver, complete with another reference to the Theme Building on the bottom of the case. The retro capsule has its own design reference, that of the 70s-era ATC Genie Phone handset produced through the 70s, which features a similar oval shape. 

While this is the first time C2H4 has teamed up with G-Shock, the brand has previously partnered with Casio for another limited edition, the AQ-800E Dreamer’s Set. That collaborative model pairs Casio’s analog-digital design with an equally retro alloy spinning top along with a unique case equipped with an industrial carabiner clip. As of now, it’s still available for purchase on the brand’s website. 

Though the full specs aren’t available yet, we can expect this piece to come equipped with G-Shock’s typical suite of stopwatches, timers, and timekeeping functions, along with the 43.2mm width, 12.9mm thickness, and 49.6mm lug-to-lug height measurements of similar GM-5600 models. 

The GM-5600 “Space Age” limited edition will be available for purchase starting on January 9th, 2025 (9:00 a.m. PST) on both the C2H4 website and the US G-Shock site, with pricing TBA. Additionally, the model is rumored to be available in select stores after January 11th, according to HypeBeast.