When starting the project, it was very important to establish a sense of authenticity, something done with a purpose. When thinking about that question, Mayer went back to his relationship with Casio products from his youth, to find his starting point, the Casiotone SK-5. It acted as the perfect bridge between him as a musician and a watch enthusiast. The usual aesthetic association of the 1980s involves neo-day glow colors, but during the decade there were some fantastic, subtle, and cool combinations that work well for a modern watch. Looking at the coloration of the Casiotone SK-5, and comparing it to the G-SHOCK Ref 6900 by John Mayer, the inspiration is instantly recognizable. From the overall textured slate gray tone of the case and strap, to the teal “G-SHOCK” at 12 o’clock to the yellow lettering around the bezel, the G-SHOCK Ref 6900 by John Mayer is a great example of ′80s spin on a modern classic.