The G-SHOCK DW-5000C’s release in 1983 marked a paradigm shift in the watch industry. With this timepiece, CASIO had created an entirely new category of tough, shockproof watches that subsequent G-SHOCKs would continue to dominate.
As the very first G-SHOCK, the DW-5000C laid down precedents that would shape the development of all subsequent models of the family. Its square case, for instance, would go on to be used in other lines such as 1987’s DW-5600, in time becoming synonymous with the archetypal G-SHOCK. Meanwhile, the design and engineering principles that made it shockproof are still used – and continuously refined – by CASIO today.
For 2018, CASIO has released the GMW-B5000, the first watch in the 5000 series with full metal construction. The new timepiece’s outer components including its bracelet, case, and bezel have been rendered entirely in stainless steel. It retains the legendary shockproof properties of the original though, thanks to a new case construction that uses a highly durable fine resin insert between the stainless steel case and bezel to absorb shock.
The GMW-B5000 keeps accurate time anywhere in the world with its Connected Engine module, which connects to the local time server via a paired smartphone, and to radio wave time calibration signals independently. With the G-SHOCK Connected smartphone app, its user is also able to easily change settings such as the world time display and alarm timings, and to look up instructions for operating the watch.
To mark the 35th anniversary of the G-SHOCK, CASIO has also created the special edition GMWB5000TFG-9. This watch has a gold ion plating treatment to differentiate it from the main model, and also sports the G-SHOCK 35th anniversary logo on its case back. The GMW-B5000TFG-9 will come in a commemorative package to further underscore its significance as a tribute to the original DW-5000C.
The GMW-B5000D-1 and GMW-B5000TFG-9 will retail in Singapore at S$799 and S$949 respectively. The watches will first be unveiled at a private launch with Supplies & Co on 25 April, then be available at G-FACTORY outlets island-wide (except IMM) from 26 April.
Technical Specifications
Reference: GMW-B5000D-1, GMW-B5000TFG-9
Construction: Shock-resistant
Water Resistance: 200 meters
Radio Frequency: 77.5 kHz (DCF77: Germany); 60 kHz (MSF: UK); 60 kHz (WWVB: USA); 40 kHz (JJY: Fukushima, Japan) / 60 kHz (JJY: Kyushu, Japan); 68.5 kHz (BPC: China)
Radio Wave Reception: Automatic reception up to six times a day (except for use in China: up to five times a day)
Communication Standard: Bluetooth® low energy*
Signal Range: Up to 2m (may differ depending on surrounding conditions)
World Time: 5 world times selected from 39 cities (39 time zones, daylight saving on/off) and Coordinated Universal Time, city name display, home time/world time switching
Stopwatch: 1/100 second (00’00”00 to 59’59”99) / 1 second (1:00’00” to 23:59’59”); measuring capacity: 23:59’59.99”; measuring modes: elapsed time, split time, 1st and 2nd place times
Countdown Timer: Measuring unit: 1 second (maximum 24 hours)
Alarm: 5 daily alarms (with 1 snooze alarm); hourly time signal
Other Functions Smartphone Link functions (world time: over 300 cities + user-added cities, automatic time adjustment, easy watch setting); Time & Place; Reminder; Phone Finder; date display (month/date switching); day display (in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian and Russian); full auto-calendar; 12/24-hour format; button operation tone on/off; full auto LED backlight (super illuminator and afterglow: 2/4 seconds, fade-in/fade-out afterglow); low battery alert
Power Source: Tough Solar power system (solar-charging system)
Continuous Operation: About 22 months with the power-saving function* ON after full charge
*Power-saving after a certain period in a dark location
Size of Case: 49.3 × 43.2 × 13.0 mm
Total Weight: Approx. 167g
