Watch Paparazzi

Singer AlWalid Al Helani spotted wearing Casio

A collaboration that sits comfortably at the intersection of streetwear culture and micro-brand watchmaking, the IFL Watches x The Dial Artist CasiOak Inferno surfaced on the wrist of Lebanese singer AlWalid Al Helani in a recent social media post. Limited to just 250 numbered pieces worldwide, the release sold out rapidly upon launch — making any on-wrist sighting a genuine collector moment.

At its core, the Inferno is built on the Casio G-Shock GA-2100, the ultra-thin, carbon-reinforced resin case that the collector community quickly nicknamed 'CasiOak' for its octagonal bezel profile reminiscent of a certain Swiss sports icon. The base movement is Casio's proven analog-digital module 5611, offering world time, 5 alarms, stopwatch, and 200m water resistance — all housed in a case measuring just 11.8mm thin, making it one of the slimmest G-Shocks ever produced. The stock platform retails for well under $100, which makes the custom treatment here genuinely transformative in terms of perceived value.

What elevates this release beyond a simple limited-run colorway is the entirely hand-applied artistry by The Dial Artist. Each of the 250 dials received individual hand-painting: the abstract splatter work in crimson, amber, and saffron is designed to evoke a fiery inferno in full chaos, while the hour markers and bezel text — 'G-SHOCK,' 'PROTECTION,' 'ADJUST,' 'LIGHT,' 'MODE,' 'START' — were meticulously repainted by hand in the same volcanic palette. No two examples are precisely identical, lending the piece genuine one-of-a-kind credentials despite the edition size.

AlWalid Al Helani, the Saudi-Lebanese pop singer with a substantial regional following, has shown consistent taste for eye-catching, statement-driven accessories rather than conventional luxury timepieces. Choosing an affordable yet artistically credible limited edition over a mainstream luxury brand reads as a deliberate aesthetic choice — one that resonates with a younger, culturally plugged-in audience.

On the secondary market, the Inferno has traded above its £519 / $687 list price since sell-out, with examples appearing on resale platforms between $800 and $1,100 depending on condition and whether original packaging is included. For a sub-$700 retail piece with documented hand-finishing and a credible limited run, the collector proposition is unusually strong.