Girls Don’t Cry × G-SHOCK: a black watch pair with a personal gift story

Finding a gift someone will actually use—and that you would happily wear every day—can be harder than securing a collaboration. Girls Don’t Cry, G-SHOCK and BABY-G put that idea into two black square digital watches with familiar silhouettes and individual details. The LOV-26A-1JR set celebrates the 30th anniversary of G Presents Lover’s Collection. The official Japanese feature page lists a tax-inclusive price of ¥38,500. For anyone drawn to streetwear design without bright colors, it offers a restrained styling direction.

From a personal gift to a 30th-anniversary pair

Osaka graphic artist VERDY designed the collaboration. The official interview traces it to a friends-and-family BABY-G made for the brand’s 25th-anniversary Valentine’s campaign in 2019, which was not sold publicly. Seven years later, the idea has developed into this pair for the wider market, adding a personal connection. VERDY once gave his wife a BABY-G, while Girls Don’t Cry itself began as a gift for her. Everyday companionship therefore forms the starting point of the design.

Both watches stay black. The G-SHOCK is based on the DW-5600 series, with repeating logos printed in glossy black ink across its band, using reflections to create depth. The BABY-G, based on the BGD-565, uses matte white logos for a stronger contrast. Both faces carry the brand name, and their band keepers have small heart-shaped cutouts. A shared visual language does not require identical appearances: each works on its own, with their relationship becoming clearer side by side.

Black squares with different details and specifications

The most personal details sit on the back. VERDY redrew the angel-and-devil imagery carried through Lover’s Collection since its first edition in 1996, placing a devil on the G-SHOCK and an angel on the BABY-G. Activating the backlight also reveals butterfly graphics with pink and green visual effects respectively. Those colors belong to the display artwork; the official specifications list white LEDs. These are details that emerge when a watch is turned over or a button pressed, rather than remaining constantly on show.

The differences extend to size and function. The G-SHOCK measures 48.9 × 42.8 × 13.4 mm, weighs 52 g and has 20-bar water resistance. The BABY-G measures 42.1 × 37.9 × 11.3 mm, weighs 30 g and has 10-bar water resistance. Both provide shock-resistant construction, a stopwatch, countdown timer and alarm. Considering wrist size and everyday wearing habits helps identify the more suitable dimensions and functions.

Connecting pouches, or two watches to rotate yourself

The paired concept continues in the packaging. Each watch comes with an original pouch, and snaps on the backs allow the two pouches to connect; gold heart-shaped charms finish the zippers. In the official interview, VERDY discusses gifts for partners, friends or family, as well as keeping both watches and changing them with one’s mood. The pair can therefore be a choice between two weights and graphic treatments, without assigning one to a fixed gender. Separate storage also gives the packaging a practical role when traveling.

The Japanese preorder and release schedule has also been announced. Retailer Time Station NEO stated on October 27 that it would accept preorders from midnight Japan time on November 1, with release planned for November 20. CASIO’s Japanese product page lists it as a November release. Taiwan retailers, launch timing and pricing await local official information. Anyone considering the set as a gift can first confirm local arrangements, then choose how to share or rotate the watches according to fit and style, making the gift part of everyday life.