Head-To-Head: Casio G-Shock Full Metal 5000 GMWB5000GD-1ER Black versus Casio G-Shock GWM5610BC-1JF JDM Multi Band 6 with Bracelet

The square Casio G-Shock series is an icon. Since 1983, this particular G-Shock series has become a cult classic, a must have piece for any serious collector. In my collection, I have the Casio G-Shock GW-M5610BC-1JF JDM Multi Band 6 with Bracelet (left in the photo below) and the Casio G-Shock Full Metal 5000 GMWB5000GD-1ER Black with Bracelet (right in the photo below).





The GW-M5610BC-1JF is a solar powered and atomic timed watch coupled with a composite metal & resin band and a traditional folding clasp. Apart from the standard features of a G-Shock, it also has the standard radio, multi-band 6 functionality as well as the composite bracelet. If this watch gets anywhere close to any of the six stations, namely in Japan (two stations), China, the United States, United Kingdom and Germany, it will automatically correct the time using the radio signal received. Unfortunately, where I am, it is too far to receive the Chinese station.

The GMWB5000GD-1ER is also similar in functionalities. However, it has an additional function in the form of Bluetooth 4.1 connectivity, which allows it to communicate with smart phones with Bluetooth.

Below is the table of specifications for both watches.

Specifications	GMWB5000GD-1ER	GWM5610BC-1JF
Movement	3459, solar, radio wave, Bluetooth	3159, solar, radio wave
Bracelet	Stainless steel, IP black	Composite resin, black
Dial display	Negative STN-LCD screen	Negative LCD screen
Diameter	49.3 mm	46.7 mm
Lug width	26 mm (proprietary)	26 mm (proprietary)
Lug-to-lug	43.2 mm	43.2 mm
Thickness	13 mm	12.7 mm
Weight	167 gm	51.7 gm
Crystal	Mineral glass	Mineral glass
Casing	Stainless steel, IP black	Resin, black
Water Rating	200 meters	200 meters
Manufacture	Made in Japan	Made in Thailand
MSRP	YEN68,000	YEN25,920

As you can see from the dimensions, the Metal G-Shock is just slightly bigger than the Resin G-Shock. However, the weight difference is very obvious for the Metal G-Shock. Even visually (see the photo below), the parts on the Metal G-Shock is bigger than the Resin G-Shock.

Resin G-Shock (top); Metal G-Shock (bottom)

It is interesting to note the differences in the bracelet design. As expected, the hybrid-resin bracelet has more combination of styling and texturing compared to the full metal bracelet due to the ease of manipulating resin compared to solid metal. To compensate, Casio added round divots at the sides of the metal bracelet.



The biggest change in styling can be seen in the clasps. The system is the same i.e. a push-button-locking clasp design but with different styling.



The case-back is also different. The Resin G-Shock has a brushed metal plate screwed into place with four screws whereas the Metal G-Shock has a PVD coated screw-down case-back.



Weight-wise, the Metal G-Shock is three times heavier than the Resin G-Shock. Nevertheless, both watches wears well on the wrist. Personally, I prefer the Metal G-Shock as its weight is just nice nice and the Bluetooth connectivity is very useful. By just adjusting the necessary on a smart phone, it will instruct the watch to make the necessary changes. Definitely easier than trying to manipulate the various pushers to make changes.

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