Since 1983 or over the last 36 years, G-Shock series by Casio has become a cult classic, a must have piece for any serious collector. Casio was lucky to have an engineer by the name of Kikuo Ibe who wanted to create and make the most durable and reliable watch on Earth.With the launch of the first G-Shock in 1983, the DW-5000C, a number of key innovations were introduced such as keeping the timekeeping module suspended inside the casing with only a few points of contact to reduce shock transmission, capable of withstanding 200 meters of water pressure and could withstand falls of up to 10 meters onto a concrete floor. Since then, the G-Shock has evolved in terms of design and technology. Solar power, Bluetooth connectivity, various sensors as well as GPS have all made it into at least one of the many G-Shock models released over the years. Different materials such as stainless steel and titanium as well as different display styles such as analogue or a mixture of analog and digital have been used to make the series more functional in any situation. No longer would you just find a plain black rectangle shape G-Shock, the range has expended to all shapes, sizes and colours.
I personally have in my collection two G-Shocks, the GW-M5610BC-1JF JDM Multi Band 6 with Bracelet which is very alike to the first G-Shock in shape and dimensions as well as the GX-56BB-1DR Black Out Basic Series, the up-sized version of the first G-Shock. When Casio launched the Full Metal 5000 series in 2018, I was stoked. A G-Shock in the traditional form but made out of metal and paired with a bracelet hit all the right notes for me and I started to actively search for one. Unfortunately, a whole lot of other people also had the same ideas as me and the overwhelming demand outstrip supply everywhere. Despite being much pricier, it did not dampened demand a bit. In fact, you can't find one with any discount (some merchants are selling it at a premium!). After a year of searching, I finally landed one.
The History of the G-Shock
The idea of an “unbreakable watch” was conceived by a Casio engineer called Kikuo Ibe in 1981. He set three stringent design parameters for such a watch: (1) must have at least a 10-year battery life; (2) must be able to operated in at least 10-bar water pressure environment, and; (3) must be able to withstand at least a 10-meter drop. Called the “Triple 10 requirements”, Kikuo Ibe set out to design a watch with capabilities not seen before. After two years and over 200 prototypes tested, the finished product incorporated a free floating quartz mechanism suspended in a urethane foam cradle, with the outer buttons and LCD module attached with flexible cables. The watch was designated with the codename Gravitational Shock and given the name “G-Shock”. If you visit Casio's website, https://www.casio.com/home, you will find a number of notable achievements by the G-Shock series such as the current Guinness World Record for surviving the heaviest vehicle driven over it as well as being certified by NASA for space exploration.
The Full Metal 5000 Black
This latest Full Metal 500 Black G-Shock has all the main exterior components such as the casing, the bezel, the caseback and the bracelet made out of stainless steel. This is the first time a standard square 5000 series G-Shock uses metal on all four components mentioned earlier. Despite the extensive use of metal for this model, some plastic is still used. Between the bezel and main case is a slim layer of special resin that allows the watch to absorb shocks.On the right is an exploded view of the casing of a GMWB5000 taken from Casio's website that show the thin sliver of resin used an inner layer.
Even the bracelet was given the G-Shock treatment. Innovative new band connections use highly shock resistant TROGAMID (a type of proprietary plastic) to lessens the effects of impact to the band pipes.
Utilising the Casio 3459 module, the Full Metal 5000 series incorporates their tough solar technology (a built-in solar cell), their signature Multiband 6 radio controlled timekeeping (with atomic clock accuracy), world time featuring 300 different cities, alarm function, 1/100th second chronograph, perpetual calendar, and Bluetooth 4.1 connectivity, which now boasts a "low energy consumption ability".
Nevertheless, it must be noted that this new iteration is almost nothing like it's original counterpart. Casio has completely reinvent the classic 5000 series G-Shock by also adding advanced functionality. As it stand, the original toughness required of the original G-Shock remain true for this new iteration.
The Casing
The casing measures 43.2 mm vertically, 49.3 mm across and 13 mm thick. The weight is approximately 167 gm will all the links present. After adjustment to my 6.75 inch wrist, I took out 5 links which makes the weight even more manageable.
At the date of this review, there are eight options to choose from under the Full Metal 5000 series. I decided to get the timepiece with reference GMWB5000GD-1ER which is the all black model. I chose this option because I wanted to keep consistent with the other G-Shock I have with this colour.
Following strictly to the numbers, the dimensions of the Full Metal 5000 can be categorised as a large sports watch. However, the rectangle design of the casing was able to reduce the size effect considerably. Those with smaller wrists will find it fitting rather well and natural.
The watch uses a super-twisted nematic (STN) LCD display with negative coloured background. Texts are highly legible and it offers overall excellent viewing at most angles. In low lighting conditions, the watch can utilise a Super Illuminator LED, a backlight that glows blue. It senses ambient light and light up accordingly, ensuring a effortless time-telling experience in all situations. There is no brightness control, but the backlight has a nifty ‘fade-in/fade-out’ feature that last between 2 to 4 seconds.
 LED backlight off |  LED backlight on |
The screen shows the time (hours, minutes, seconds), the day of the week, and one additional function (the date). Using the buttons around the perimeter of the case you can activate things like alarms, stopwatch functionality, timers, and more.
Unlike the previous iterations, the charge indicator (usually 3 levels of "L", "M", and "H" is no longer available with this new model. The charge level can only be seen on the mobile apps.
Surrounding the LCD are solar cells that feature the iconic “brick” pattern which was found on the original. Covering it is a flat mineral crystal glass. To provide some protection to the mineral crystal glass, the bezel protrudes prominently from the case (with a 1.5 mm offset).
There are four pushers on the watch, two on each side. Unlike other G-Shocks, the pushers on the Full Metal 5000 is made of stainless steel. You would also be able to see in the photo above the angled lugs as well as the screw-in lug pins.
The case-back is solid and is a screw-down. Unlike the rest of the surface, the black paint has been rendered using a DLC-style treatment. I am not entirely sure why this part got the DLC treatment whereas everywhere else got the IP treatment. Does it imply IP surfaces when in contact with skin (and the accompanying chemicals) does not react all that good? With the price one pays for this watch, why not make it DLC for every surface?
The case-back is data rich with information which is laser-engraved. Also note that this watch is made in Japan which helps reinforce the quality perception further.
The Bracelet
Having a bracelet for a square G-Shock is not the first (check out my review on the GW-M5610BC-1JF JDM Multi Band 6 with Bracelet). Nevertheless, having a metal bracelet for a square G-Shock is a first. Like the composite plastic resin bracelet used earlier, it mergers seamlessly with the case. It features circular designs which are indented near the edges. Moreover, there is sufficient flexibility within the links to ensuring a comfortable fit on the wrist.
As highlighted earlier, the shape of the lugs makes a lot of difference to the overall wearing experience. Unfortunately, the design of the lugs and the lug spacing is proprietary and you cannot just decide to replace it with after-market options.
Casio utilises a seldom used method to connect the links together. Instead of the traditional push-pin, pin-and-collar or screws, the links are connected by spring-bars which sits at the centre of each link. Due to the wider than usual channel required for the spring-bars to go through, the bracelet does not include half-links. Nevertheless, the clear advantage with this system is the lack of the need to use any form of force to adjust the bracelet. Using just a wooden toothpick, one can easily make the change (instead of using the usual pin-punch and mallet!).
The tapering of the bracelet starts at 26 mm at the lugs and goes down to 18 mm at the clasp. The signed clasp is a simple 3-fold system with side button lock. It has four micro-adjustment points for better fitting. The bridge between the two sides of the bracelet is machined instead of a stamped metal plate and this enhances the sophistication and quality of the design further. For those of you that have an issue with the price, this is what you are paying for.
The Bluetooth Connectivity
This is the first watch in my collection that has Bluetooth connectivity. By downloading the ‘G-Shock Connected’ mobile app for either iOS or Android on one's smartphone, a number of adjustments can be made easily and without much fuss. When I tried it, the pairing was just instantaneous.
Since my smartphone is already adjusted to the correct time, every time the watch connects to the phone, it automatically adjust the time. This factor is one of the key factor that makes this watch even more complete than the original.
Where I come from (Malaysia), the Multiband 6 functionality is redundant as this part of the world is not covered by any of the 6 radio towers located predominantly in Europe, North America and North Asia. Having the ability to sync with my smartwatch makes a whole lot of difference when it comes to timing accuracy.
There are many other functionalities. If you want to know more, at the end of this review is a PDF user manual for further reference.
The Wearing Experience
As I currently own the G-Shock 5610, I am more used to the lightness of the composite plastic resin material used throughout that watch. However, when I put the Full Metal 5000 on the wrist, it felt different - you feel strength and a sense of purposefulness. Relative to the predecessor, the Full Metal 5000 is weighty and makes it presence known to the wearer in a nice way. My favourite genre is dive watches and the Full Metal 5000 feels like one.
The 5000 series of watches from Casio are one of the only few watch designs out there that are part of the magical 'Goldilocks' zone; not too big, not too small; not too cheap, not too expensive; not too simple, not too complicated; not too plain, not too garish. Every watch collector should have at least one of the various iterations. In my case this will the third in the set.
As a beater watch with some extra capabilities, the Full Metal 5000 fits the bill perfectly. I feel confident wearing it in all occasions. The all black surface and size makes it equally adaptable with formal wear or swimwear. With a 200 meters water rating, this watch can transition from dry condition to wet condition at a blink without any need for preparation.
In reality, the 5000 series is a simple watch with all the basic capabilities that most people would need. Like a Victorinox Swiss Army pocketknife, the utility one gets from a basic 7-tool pocketknife is nearly as much as one gets from a 30-tool pocketknife. Only a few tools are useful or must-have while most are just nice-to-have. This is a winning formula for the square G-Shock that Casio must remember.
The Purchasing Experience
It took me more than one year before I got my hands on the timepiece. The demand was just crazy despite the pricing (approximately 2 times that of the composite plastic resin version). I could not find it in any of the authorised dealers in Kuala Lumpur apart from Casio's own flagship store.
Pricing was fixed without any discount nor free gift (what a bummer). The packaging came in two parts. The outer part is a black cardboard box while the main watch-box is the standard G-Shock 6-sided metal box.
My only grouse is the shabbiness of the instruction manual. Casio could at least make a booklet instead of printing on a large piece of paper and folding it up like a visitors' road map. Anyway, I prefer to study the online manual instead as it is much more easier to navigate.
The warranty provided is international and last only for one year.
Specifications
Case material: Stainless steel
Band material: Stainless steel
Colour: IP black
Window: Mineral glass
Case size: 49.3 mm (W) × 43.2 mm (L) ×13 mm (H)
Weight: 167 g
Module: 3459
Clasp: Side buttons lock
Case-back: Solid screw-down backplate
Water resistance: 200 m
Capabilities:
- Shock resistant
- Tough solar (solar powered)
- Negative STN-LCD screen (super-twisted nematic display)
- LED backlight (super illuminator) with selectable illumination duration (2 or 4 sec), afterglow
- Time calibration signal reception, Multiband 6. Auto receive up to six times (5 times a day for the Chinese calibration signal) a day (remaining auto receives canceled as soon as one is successful). Time Calibration Signals:
= Station name: DCF77 (Mainflingen, Germany) Frequency: 77.5 kHz
= Station name: MSF (Anthorn, England) Frequency: 60.0 kHz
= Station name: WWVB (Fort Collins, United States) Frequency: 60.0 kHz
= Station name: JJY (Fukushima, Fukuoka/Saga, Japan) Frequency: 40.0 kHz (Fukushima) / 60.0 kHz (Fukuoka/Saga)
= Station name: BPC (Shangqiu City, Henan Province, China) Frequency: 68.5 kHz
- Mobile link (Wireless linking using Bluetooth)
- 5 World time
- 39 time zones (39 cities +coordinated universal time), daylight saving on/off, Home city/World time city swapping, auto summer time (DST) switching
- 1/100-second stopwatch
- Measuring modes: Elapsed time, split time, 1st-2nd place times
- Countdown timer
- 5 daily alarms (with 1 snooze alarm)
- Hourly time signal
- Low battery alert
- Power Saving
- Full auto-calendar (to year 2099)
- 12/24-hour format
- Button operation tone on/off
- Date/month display swapping
- Day display (days of the week in either English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, or Russian)
- Regular timekeeping: Hour, minute, second, pm, month, date, day
- Accuracy: ±15 seconds per month (with no signal calibration and mobile link function)
- Approx. battery operating time: 10 months on rechargeable battery (operation period with normal use without exposure to light after charge); 22 months on rechargeable battery (operation period when stored in total darkness with the power save function on after full charge)
MSRP: RM2,549
The Full Metal 5000 Series
There are currently eight members of the Full Metal 5000 series. The first six are the standard production models. Three have full metal bracelets while the other three has composite resin straps. These are:
The seventh is a limited edition model with vintage style aged IP black surface. The Vintage IP Full Metal has undergone a unique treatment resulting in a distinctive weathered look. To achieve this distinctive vintage appearance, a black IP is applied to the metal surface which then undergoes a proprietary ageing process.
The eighth and most expensive5000 series G-Shock ever produced is the 18K Yellow Gold model GD5000-9JR. The G-Shock ‘Pure Gold’ is a limited edition of 35 pieces, priced at YEN7.7 million or about US$69,500, excluding taxes. Total weight of this watch is approximately 297 gm.
This last piece is by far the most expensive 5000 series G-Shock ever produced by Casio.
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Photo Gallery
The Bracelet
Having a bracelet for a square G-Shock is not the first (check out my review on the GW-M5610BC-1JF JDM Multi Band 6 with Bracelet). Nevertheless, having a metal bracelet for a square G-Shock is a first. Like the composite plastic resin bracelet used earlier, it mergers seamlessly with the case. It features circular designs which are indented near the edges. Moreover, there is sufficient flexibility within the links to ensuring a comfortable fit on the wrist.
As highlighted earlier, the shape of the lugs makes a lot of difference to the overall wearing experience. Unfortunately, the design of the lugs and the lug spacing is proprietary and you cannot just decide to replace it with after-market options.
Casio utilises a seldom used method to connect the links together. Instead of the traditional push-pin, pin-and-collar or screws, the links are connected by spring-bars which sits at the centre of each link. Due to the wider than usual channel required for the spring-bars to go through, the bracelet does not include half-links. Nevertheless, the clear advantage with this system is the lack of the need to use any form of force to adjust the bracelet. Using just a wooden toothpick, one can easily make the change (instead of using the usual pin-punch and mallet!).
The tapering of the bracelet starts at 26 mm at the lugs and goes down to 18 mm at the clasp. The signed clasp is a simple 3-fold system with side button lock. It has four micro-adjustment points for better fitting. The bridge between the two sides of the bracelet is machined instead of a stamped metal plate and this enhances the sophistication and quality of the design further. For those of you that have an issue with the price, this is what you are paying for.
The Bluetooth Connectivity
This is the first watch in my collection that has Bluetooth connectivity. By downloading the ‘G-Shock Connected’ mobile app for either iOS or Android on one's smartphone, a number of adjustments can be made easily and without much fuss. When I tried it, the pairing was just instantaneous.Since my smartphone is already adjusted to the correct time, every time the watch connects to the phone, it automatically adjust the time. This factor is one of the key factor that makes this watch even more complete than the original.
Where I come from (Malaysia), the Multiband 6 functionality is redundant as this part of the world is not covered by any of the 6 radio towers located predominantly in Europe, North America and North Asia. Having the ability to sync with my smartwatch makes a whole lot of difference when it comes to timing accuracy.
There are many other functionalities. If you want to know more, at the end of this review is a PDF user manual for further reference.
The Wearing Experience
As I currently own the G-Shock 5610, I am more used to the lightness of the composite plastic resin material used throughout that watch. However, when I put the Full Metal 5000 on the wrist, it felt different - you feel strength and a sense of purposefulness. Relative to the predecessor, the Full Metal 5000 is weighty and makes it presence known to the wearer in a nice way. My favourite genre is dive watches and the Full Metal 5000 feels like one.
The 5000 series of watches from Casio are one of the only few watch designs out there that are part of the magical 'Goldilocks' zone; not too big, not too small; not too cheap, not too expensive; not too simple, not too complicated; not too plain, not too garish. Every watch collector should have at least one of the various iterations. In my case this will the third in the set.
As a beater watch with some extra capabilities, the Full Metal 5000 fits the bill perfectly. I feel confident wearing it in all occasions. The all black surface and size makes it equally adaptable with formal wear or swimwear. With a 200 meters water rating, this watch can transition from dry condition to wet condition at a blink without any need for preparation.
In reality, the 5000 series is a simple watch with all the basic capabilities that most people would need. Like a Victorinox Swiss Army pocketknife, the utility one gets from a basic 7-tool pocketknife is nearly as much as one gets from a 30-tool pocketknife. Only a few tools are useful or must-have while most are just nice-to-have. This is a winning formula for the square G-Shock that Casio must remember.
The Purchasing Experience
It took me more than one year before I got my hands on the timepiece. The demand was just crazy despite the pricing (approximately 2 times that of the composite plastic resin version). I could not find it in any of the authorised dealers in Kuala Lumpur apart from Casio's own flagship store.Pricing was fixed without any discount nor free gift (what a bummer). The packaging came in two parts. The outer part is a black cardboard box while the main watch-box is the standard G-Shock 6-sided metal box.
My only grouse is the shabbiness of the instruction manual. Casio could at least make a booklet instead of printing on a large piece of paper and folding it up like a visitors' road map. Anyway, I prefer to study the online manual instead as it is much more easier to navigate.
The warranty provided is international and last only for one year.
Specifications
Case material: Stainless steel
Band material: Stainless steel
Colour: IP black
Window: Mineral glass
Case size: 49.3 mm (W) × 43.2 mm (L) ×13 mm (H)
Weight: 167 g
Module: 3459
Clasp: Side buttons lock
Case-back: Solid screw-down backplate
Water resistance: 200 m
Capabilities:
- Shock resistant
- Tough solar (solar powered)
- Negative STN-LCD screen (super-twisted nematic display)
- LED backlight (super illuminator) with selectable illumination duration (2 or 4 sec), afterglow
- Time calibration signal reception, Multiband 6. Auto receive up to six times (5 times a day for the Chinese calibration signal) a day (remaining auto receives canceled as soon as one is successful). Time Calibration Signals:
= Station name: DCF77 (Mainflingen, Germany) Frequency: 77.5 kHz
= Station name: MSF (Anthorn, England) Frequency: 60.0 kHz
= Station name: WWVB (Fort Collins, United States) Frequency: 60.0 kHz
= Station name: JJY (Fukushima, Fukuoka/Saga, Japan) Frequency: 40.0 kHz (Fukushima) / 60.0 kHz (Fukuoka/Saga)
= Station name: BPC (Shangqiu City, Henan Province, China) Frequency: 68.5 kHz
- Mobile link (Wireless linking using Bluetooth)
- 5 World time
- 39 time zones (39 cities +coordinated universal time), daylight saving on/off, Home city/World time city swapping, auto summer time (DST) switching
- 1/100-second stopwatch
- Measuring modes: Elapsed time, split time, 1st-2nd place times
- Countdown timer
- 5 daily alarms (with 1 snooze alarm)
- Hourly time signal
- Low battery alert
- Power Saving
- Full auto-calendar (to year 2099)
- 12/24-hour format
- Button operation tone on/off
- Date/month display swapping
- Day display (days of the week in either English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, or Russian)
- Regular timekeeping: Hour, minute, second, pm, month, date, day
- Accuracy: ±15 seconds per month (with no signal calibration and mobile link function)
- Approx. battery operating time: 10 months on rechargeable battery (operation period with normal use without exposure to light after charge); 22 months on rechargeable battery (operation period when stored in total darkness with the power save function on after full charge)
MSRP: RM2,549
The Full Metal 5000 Series
There are currently eight members of the Full Metal 5000 series. The first six are the standard production models. Three have full metal bracelets while the other three has composite resin straps. These are:
 GMWB5000D-1ERFull metal Polished steel MSRP: YEN60,000 |  GMWB5000GD-1ER Full metal IP black MSRP: YEN68,000 |  GMWB5000GD-9ER Full metal IP gold MSRP: YEN68,000 |
 GMWB5000G-2ER Metal case Polished steel Urethane band MSRP: YEN50,000 |  GMWB5000G-1ER Metal case IP black Urethane band MSRP: YEN56,000 |  GMWB5000G-2ER Metal case IP gold Urethane band MSRP: YEN56,000 |
The seventh is a limited edition model with vintage style aged IP black surface. The Vintage IP Full Metal has undergone a unique treatment resulting in a distinctive weathered look. To achieve this distinctive vintage appearance, a black IP is applied to the metal surface which then undergoes a proprietary ageing process.
 GMWB5000V-1ER Full metal Aged IP black Limited edition: Info n/a MSRP: YEN110,000 |
The eighth and most expensive5000 series G-Shock ever produced is the 18K Yellow Gold model GD5000-9JR. The G-Shock ‘Pure Gold’ is a limited edition of 35 pieces, priced at YEN7.7 million or about US$69,500, excluding taxes. Total weight of this watch is approximately 297 gm.
This last piece is by far the most expensive 5000 series G-Shock ever produced by Casio.
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