I never really got how Casio could sell the G-Shock in Japan. The watch series reminds me of the stuff I grew up wearing, like the iconic Timex Ironman, which basically resembled a hideous plastic stopwatch, but strapped to the wrist.

So in these past few years, every time that I’d see an ad campaign for a new G-Shock model, I’d shake my head in disbelief that Casio could sell such a thing. How, in the land of Louis Vuitton handbags and Prada sneakers, could the people of Japan accept such an unsightly 1980’s inspired accessory?

Well, to begin with, streetwear in general has always shown a fascination for military inspired gear and high-spec outdoor apparel. The G-Shock series timepieces easily fit such categories, and with Japan’s insanely diverse fashion tastes, the watch has tapped a surprisingly large market that is accepting of its muscular, almost cheesy looks.

Further contributing to the G-Shock’s success is Casio’s aggressive launch schedule. Releasing special edition G-Shocks on a seemingly monthly basis and refreshing the entire line biannually, the company has basically turned the G-Shock into the Pokemon of wristwatch collectables. Since its debut in 1983, the Casio G-Shock has continued to amass a worldwide legion of fans that buy, sell and chat about anything related to the brand.

But clever marketing and rising fashion trends aren’t the only driving force behind the line’s overwhelming success. People love G-Shock watches because they offer something unique.

Famed for its use among Special Forces units around the world, the G-Shock has gained a reputation for being able to withstand all sorts of harsh climates and extreme conditions. From soldiers to schoolgirls, wearers of the watch know that their timepiece has been tested in the field of battle.

Water resistant to 200 meters, capably of surviving a 10-meter drop, and featuring a minimum 10-year battery life, the G-Shock is hardly a toy watch for snotty nosed kids. On the other hand, you might want to think twice about wearing one on formal occasions. Well, unless of course you’re on-call for the Delta Force!

Trust your masculinity? Then it’s time to consider a man-bag! This classy Boston-style bag from Boycott resembles more of a stylish gym bag than a ‘handbag’, as some people might stubbornly call it. With the usual attention to details, like side pockets for your gadgets and a large zipper for easy access to your stuff, this bag is not only meant to compliment your savvy looks but also be highly functional. The carryall is made of cotton, comes in three colors and is purportedly quite durable.

But unless you’re situated right near a major fashion center, you may want to consider topping off your man-luggage with a couple copies of Maxim, a 6-pack of beer and a some random construction tools. For you never know what your jealous co-workers might say if they caught you pulling out a battery powered hair dryer and some Biore zit strips - keep that stuff on the freakin’ down-low!

Accessories for men need to be taken seriously; you shouldn’t have to act all awkward and uncomfortable when another man asks to check out your goods. Instead, you should confidently make your way from the showers to the locker room and proudly show off your man-bag. Masculinity secured!

This preppy style leather and ribbon belt from Junmen is suited for the season’s lighter colors, and aims to add just the right accent to your denim, cargo or short pants. The belt is made from natural and synthetic leather and comes in two colors, red (shown) and blue. The item costs around $70usd.

The only thing I don’t like about a good belt is that it’s unlikely to get seen much, at least with my own sloppy dress style. So I’m proposing a new fashion trend, for, let’s say 2010, when I think we’ll be ready to wear our belts over our shirts and about half way up the chest. It could totally help me out in certain situations. Like this fantasy date scenario:

So the only good thing I’m wearing is this Gucci belt that I stole off my roommate, but I have to put it on somehow so that it’s pretty much the only thing she notices. So I show up to dinner wearing tiny cut off shorts, sandals, no shirt and the Gucci strapped over my shoulder like its Rambo’s ammo belt, and the whole thing works out surprisingly well until the belt comes off and my mojo vanishes like a pack of Extenze at a Hummer dealership. Damn you stylish belt! This would of never been a problem had I worn another one around my forehead!

I can’t wait for 2010…

A stylish belt by the glamor outfit, Charm Cult. The worn purple leather and aged brass buckle reminds me of many a late night at the penthouse suite, MGM Grand.

You know, the one filled with loose women, unlimited cigarettes and a Tudor style Emperor-sized bed where I blast off one of my famous guitar riffs after scoring with three groupies. All of them women. Wait. I’m thinking of my other job. Hotel cler.. I mean rock star. Regardless, never doubt the power of having a decent belt buckle. It’s like adding an extra 3-inches to your wang.  

Remember those BMX gloves from the mid-80’s that were once the statement of cool? Stillgreen has produced a pair of insane gloves that’ll have you thumbing the phonebook looking for old members of your B-boy crew. Featuring real python and lamb skin, they are of superb build quality and comfort.

Apparently, the gloves fit so damn well that picking up small objects, like coins in your pocket, is not a problem. Yes, the website actually says that in Japanese. What a clever way to market these $250 necessities. Like you’re going put on some Python skin gloves and challenge an Eskimo to picking up pennies off a frozen lake. And although your girlfriend swears she isn’t Eskimo, how does she explain her patchy mustache?

Rude dinner guests? Give them the boot! But before you do, offer to help them put on their shoes. This haraKIRI cobra shoehorn is designed to get people quickly out of your house. Or kill them. Because, if angled wrong, this silent ankle biter will have your company dead on the front porch. “Honey, we need the shovels again.”

I don’t care what you might have seen in movies, always dig graves in the backyard; not the front, and gardening past midnight will likely wake up the whole bloody condo. The next thing you know, you’re being chewed out at the monthly tenants meeting. And it has nothing to do with peeing in the elevators. Hey, it’s not like I’m taking number 2’s in there. The laundry room has much better reading material.

An eye catching wallet by accessories specialists Obelisk. Intricate pattens and textures cover this entire wallet. The reptile skin and micro-detailed artwork blend together in rich colors and style.

But a word of warning: this wallet only accepts platinum credit cards and stacks of crisp hundreds. Yes, I tried to fit in a bus pass and some loose change. It was a definite no-go.

I guess l’ll just have to make use of my George Costanza inspired mini-accordion wallet for a little while longer. Well, until my Nigerian friend gets back from validating my savings account. Oh hush. I’ll let you in on the scheme after I chrome my first Enzo. 

TroisO has released this incredible bracelet that comes with all sorts of fine details forged into its silver links. This bracelet is a part of the Think Balance collection, which asks us to evaluate our lives from the ying-yang philosophy of the East.

Speaking of balance, wearing this hefty piece on your wrist would definitely warp your posture. Being way too cheap to buy a second one, your best bet would be to hold a dumbbell in your other hand while politely telling your driving instructor that it’s the only way to stop driving around in circles. But after displaying your mastery of the continuous U-turn, he seems unimpressed, and you’re forced to boast about your knowledge of NASCAR. He still fails you, but that doesn’t stop you from driving school buses. Man, some people just don’t understand Japanese streetwear at all!

Citizen presents their finest quartz driven mechanical watch. Normally costing thousands more for a time piece of this design, Citizen has managed to price this affordably, starting at around $1500. Each watch from this collection has been impeccably handcrafted and features a distinct look. Nowadays, it is rare to find a mechanical watch this cheap and of this quality. Import this watch from 21 Jewels in Singapore, or Higuchi San in Japan.

I like the day and night indicator. I know there’s a fancy word for it, but the rest of my browser windows are loading porn. The funny Moon Man looks trapped inside the watch, but every night he gets a chance to peer out at your dresser and wonder why anyone would need the entire line of Axe deodorant. You’d think that by getting ‘roof duty’ at your job everyday would be a clear enough message from your co-workers. Yes, you’re watching for airplanes. Even terrorists hate the Sharper Image. 

Another amazing piece from Justin Davis. Silver and cubic zirconia are forged together to produce this jaw dropping design from the Nubia collection. I like how the lion has a ring of its own. It’s like he’s sort of saying, “Dude, my head might be mounted on your puny finger, but at least my ring has a diamond.”

Looking down at your finger, you think, this lion is right, how come my ring is now only second best!? After a brief 30 minute tug-of-war for the diamond you stop shouting profanities at your finger. But only because you want to remain in the movie theatre. Your girlfriend says she’s so embarrassed, but that’s because she’s fat.