G-SHOCK's Newest Full Metal Watch Pays Homage to the 1983 Original by Adopting the Same Color Palette
Unleashing the Might of Retro: Full Metal G-SHOCK's GMW-B5000D-1C
G-SHOCK's continuous exploration of its roots never ceases to amaze. This time, the Japanese watchmaker breathes fresh life into its beloved DW-5000C-1A from 1983, fusing it with the Full Metal lineup. The result? Pure genius.
Full Circle Manufacturing
There's a certain karma at play with this beauty. It's manufactured at Yamagata Casio, the same "mother factory" where Kikuo Ibe and his team unlocked the secret of the "Triple 10" concept back in '83. That original DW-5000C-1A crafted the blueprint: 10-meter drop resistance, 10-bar water resistance, and 10-year battery life. Four decades later, the GMW-B5000D-1C redefines those fundamentals with a stainless steel case.
To maintain the original's shock-resistant structure, G-SHOCK innovated by installing fine resin buffering components between the steel bezel and case, and using a three-pronged lug system for the band connection that disperses impact to the connecting pipes.
Retro with a Twist
The watch might seem like an entirely new model due to the absence of the black resin case. But fret not, this baby pays homage to the past with a modern twist. The iconic red, blue, and yellow accents of the original DW-5000C-1A find a comfortable home in the realm of metal watchmaking.
Just like the original 5000C, the Full Metal version is a testament to G-SHOCK's original design philosophy. Red represents the "passion to take on challenges," blue symbolizes water resistance, and yellow represents its shock resistance. The vibrancy of these colors is striking against the sleek steel case and bracelet.
The stainless steel bezel boasts a hairline finish with mirror-polished beveled edges, offering a textural depth that's scarce in digital watches. The metal bracelet even mimics the resin band texture of the original.
Practical Precision
While the DW-5000C-1A relied on a simple lithium battery, the GMW-B5000D-1C packs Casio's Tough Solar power with Multi Band 6 atomic timekeeping and Bluetooth smartphone connectivity. You also get the classic G-SHOCK feature set in tow, including world time, stopwatch, countdown timer, and five daily alarms.
The 200m water resistance doubles the original's spec, and the LED backlight with selectable duration (2 or 4 seconds) feels more refined than the simple EL panel of vintage G-SHOCKs. Unlike many Full Metal versions that lean into negative displays, the GMW-B5000D-1C's positive display prioritizes legibility, nodding to the practical focus of the original.
The GMW-B5000D-1C isn't the first to flaunt origin-themed colors on Full Metal G-SHOCKs. However, it's the first time the original colors appear on a silver metal case, making this a more stunning daily-wear timepiece than the stealthier black versions.
CasiOak Redesign
Alongside the Full Metal 5000, the GM-B2100SD-1C brings the same origin colors to the "CasiOak" platform. This marks one of only two current GM-B2100 models with a positive display. With the introduction of the 2100 series only dating back to 2019, it's refreshing to see G-SHOCK blend old with new in this sort of way.
Spec Sheet
Model: Full Metal GMW-B5000D-1CCase Material: Stainless steelCase Size: 43.2mmLug-to-Lug: 49.3mmCase Thickness: 13 mmWater Resistance: 200mMovement: Tough Solar with Multi Band 6 and BluetoothBand: Stainless steel braceletDisplay: Positive LCD with LED backlightLimited Edition?: Unspecified
Pricing & Availability
Not yet available in the U.S., the Full Metal GMW-B5000D-1C carries a price of ¥84,700 overseas (~$587) and is expected to launch globally this summer.
[5]: Enrichment Data: Features and Design Elements of the Full Metal GMW-B5000D-1C G-SHOCK[6]: Enrichment Data: Comparison to the Original DW-5000C-1A
The GMW-B5000D-1C isn't limited to watches as it seamlessly blends into the realm of wearables, showcasing its compatibility with smart-home-devices through Bluetooth connectivity.
Just like how G-SHOCK revolutionized watchmaking, the GMW-B5000D-1C aligns with the disruptive spirit of technology, pushing the boundaries of gadget design.
The Full Metal GMW-B5000D-1C isn't just a watch, but a symbol of a brand that perpetually redefines style, encapsulating the essence of technology in its sleek, modern form.
