I'm old enough to remember when Casio released the Baby-G model in 1994.
These were the watches to wear when Y2K fashion took over the world with its fun futuristic/pop aesthetic. I still keep my white and rose-gold Baby-G from my school days in a watch box, and now, as I write this article, I'm suddenly tempted to wear them again. That unforgettable era inspired the new Baby-G+ Plus BGD10K model, dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Baby-G - playful digital watches with a detachable central case and a separate Tamagotchi-style holder. The ability to switch the case from a keychain to a wristwatch might not be essential for collectors, but it's fun and reflects Baby-G's enduring theme of individuality and innovation.
For those unfamiliar with Casio's history, Baby-G is a submodel of G-Shock, the brand's "unkillable" watches released about ten years earlier. They are shock-resistant like the original men's collection but feature a flatter case and, as many consider, more feminine design elements. In 2024, Casio released the quirky Baby-G + Plus model with an interchangeable design. The new release includes four color options: pink watch/white holder, lavender watch/pink holder, dark lavender watch/lavender holder, and white watch/yellow holder. The central cases for each variant have their own color, matching the watch and holder combination.
First impressions: These watches are intended for a younger audience, but that doesn't mean I can't see them on the wrists of collectors of all ages. I can imagine the holder being clipped to a backpack, gym bag, and even a diaper bag. It's very convenient, and Casio designed the system to be relatively easy to execute without tools. The wristwatch consists of two parts: an extendable strap and a bezel.
Simply remove the strap from the watch and open the bezel to remove the central case. The case snaps onto the back of the keychain holder and is secured with a transparent cover. If a holder hanging from a wallet or bag isn't your thing, I see great potential in the wristwatch option. Different central cases (pink, white, yellow, and blue) can be swapped with wristwatches of other colors to diversify the look, and purchasing several colors at $79 each will be quite affordable.
The new model appears to be an evolution of the current Baby-G ref. BGD565, a square-shaped model without wire protective elements covering the case. The model has the iconic Baby-G look with a similar square dial and a digital display illuminated by an LED lamp. Like many other Baby-G watches, the new BGD10K is powered by a lithium battery CR1616, which promises a lifespan of up to three years.
However, similar digital watches are usually sold with the same battery used for factory testing, and it may need replacing before its lifespan ends. The watches have extensive functionality, including world time with 29 time zones, a stopwatch, countdown timer, alarm, and a full auto-calendar. The LCD in the upper right corner of the dial is another nod to the Tamagotchi toys that hung on everyone's backpacks at that time, displaying various pixel animations of animals. However, the good news is you don't need to keep them alive like regular Tamagotchis. It seems to be a product of pure nostalgia.
The detachable case is slightly larger than the model ref. BGD565 - 42.8 mm x 39 mm and 14.7 mm thick. I haven't tried these watches on myself (my wrist measures 5.75 inches), but given they are smaller than my Baby-G ref. BG169G, I don't think anyone with a small wrist will have issues wearing the new Baby-G + Plus. The case and bracelet of the wristwatch are made from lightweight resin - a signature of the Baby-G collection, and the included silicone holder is equipped with a loop strap and acrylic panels, which Casio suggests buyers decorate with stickers.
Although I personally don't see the point in swapping the case for a keychain holder, I appreciate the concept and the convenience of one watch that can be worn in two different ways. Moreover, the new collection is priced at $79 USD for each color variation, which is slightly less than the comparable model BGD565. It's an attractive offer for those looking for a Casio watch that can offer a bit more than other models in this price category. The Casio Baby G + Plus BGD10K is now available for purchase. For more information, visit the brand's website.