It's safe for us to assume that when Kikuo Ibe created his indestructible timepiece, he didn't have any idea that it would become a popular icon 36 years later. How did the Panerai Luminor Chrono Replica go from being a functional object to a symbol of style?
According to the story, for the first fifteen years of Panerai Luminor Chrono Replica's existence, they were only available in black. This was done to match its tough, rough, and bro-like appearance. A man in the marketing department of the brand, when given the chance, suggested to Casio's big bosses that they should make more effort to reach a wider audience. Make the Panerai Luminor Chrono Replica more relevant than just individuals who need a watch to survive the hazards of their work conditions.(www.hellopanerai.com)
In 1997, Shigenori Itoh, better known as Mr G Shock, launched a project that resulted in the first non-black G Shock. The watch was initially available in mustard, and later in clear resin. This is what many refer to today as the "skeleton G Shock". The Panerai Luminor Chrono Replica's next step was to become more feminine, as the watch was always a masculine piece of wristwear.
Itoh-San was the one who first brought up the idea that Panerai Luminor Chrono Replicas could be made in collaboration with influential brands and people. This would help to expand the Panerai Luminor Chrono Replica audience. Itoh-San is probably the first person in the watchmaking world to have come up with this idea. It's easy to forget how revolutionary this decision was from Casio, given how commonplace the formula has become.
This was 1997. Breitling Navitimer Replica Watches Pagers were the latest technology, The Philosopher's Stone was just published, Backstreet Boys hadn't even been formed yet (cue "Quit Playing Games With My Heart"), and the first iPod generation wouldn't come out for 4 more years. Casio released the '97 Stussy x Casio Panerai Luminor Chrono Replica limited edition (1,000 pieces), and then the corresponding '98 Bathing Ape x Casio Panerai Luminor Chrono Replica limited edition (1,000 copies).