Collaborations in the top tech echelons are routine. Some are hard stretched but few are like a match made in heaven. A meaningful partnership in the latter type is the Toyota Land Cruiser’s tie-up with G-Shock. I am sure this collab, which marries high-end watchmaking with automotive genius, would need no introduction. But if you mean why, the companies thrive on their ability to go anywhere and take what you throw at them, so why not?
The partnership marks the 30-year history of Team Land Cruiser Toyota Auto Body competing at the Dakar Rally. The watch for the occasion is designed to embody the spirit of resilience and adventure, which are the main stakes of the iconic motor sporting event renowned for its challenging and exhausting terrain.
Designer: G-Shock x Land Cruiser
Dubbed the GW9500TLC-1 Mudman ‘Land Cruiser’ limited edition, it is based on one of the most rugged G-Shock watches, the Mudman GW9500. Aptly chosen to represent the most extreme motorsports event, the G-Shock Mudman in the collaboration is inspired by the TLC racing team and the Dakar Rally itself.
That said, the new watch is as close as it can be to the Mudman GW9500 in features and style, except for a few tweaks that make this G-Shock a Toyota companion for the desert. The primary distinction is the use of stainless steel for the bezel and the custom color theme of black and red ion plating that make the timepiece and keeps it in theme with the rally car, Land Cruiser 300 GR Sport’s color scheme. For its distinction, the collaborative G-Shock x Land Cruiser Mudman, reference GW9500TLC-1, is priced about $60 higher than the base Mudman model at $440.
Besides all that, this G-Shock x Team Land Cruiser Toyota Auto Body Mudman has all the same features as the GW9500. It has a Carbon Core Guard interior that’s resistant to dust and keeps the watch tough yet lightweight. The watch is solar powered, has a dynamic dual-layer LCD, features 6 radio-controlled timekeeping, and 200-meter water resistance. The digital compass, altimeter, barometer, and thermometer make the watch an ideal partner for the 10,000km Dakar Rally.
G-Shock has ensured perfect branding to render the watch appropriate for The TLC racing team. The caseback wears the TLC logo. The G-Shock x Team Land Cruiser Mudman’s rugged case comes paired with a black rubber strap which has a brown sand-splashed pattern for camouflage in the desert.
