Casio G-Shock Square Titanium Camouflage GMW-B5000TCM-1JR - The Ultimate Practical G-Shock Square, A Review (plus Video)

I have in my collection two Casio G-Shock squares. The all resin GWM5610BC-1JF and the all stainless steel GMWB5000GD-1ER. You can read a review I wrote on a head-to-head comparison between the two here. It was a long wait for me before I got the metal G-Shock due to the overwhelming demand.

While waiting, in February 2019, Casio announced the ultimate G-Shock Square, the 18 Karat Limited Edition Gold G-Shock 'Pure Gold' G-D5000-9JR. Only 35 pieces will be made and this has an MSRP of YEN7,700,000 or USD70,000. I was definitely interested but the pricing definitely it out of contention.

Around the same time news came out that Casio will also be coming out with a titanium model. What got everyone talking was the expected price point of the new model which has been estimated to be three (3) times more than the standard stainless steel unit. Immediately, a lot of not-so-nice comments were made on social media platforms complaining about this (no one commented much about the price on the Pure Gold version though). Since the pricing is not too exorbitant, I decided to hunt for this as well.
 

The company came out with an interview with one of the designers, Mr. Miho Nishimura of Casio’s Watch Development Department where he explained that manufacturing a product from titanium is much more complicated. For example, the current molds for the stainless steel models could not be used and a new mold was needed for the titanium material. Furthermore, in the case of the GMW-B5000TCM-1JR, the case band need to be set by hand for the the laser processing. Couple with a few other special processes needed because of the titanium material, Casio had to create a new dedicated production line for this range of watches. Unfortunately, the much higher production cost has to reflected in the final retail price.

Surprisingly, Casio has not officially said anything about the production status of the timepiece. This 'confusion' stems from the fact that the official press release by Casio made it sound like it is like any other normal production timepiece. However, in an interview with another representative from Casio, Mr Junichi Izumi of Casio’s Product Planning Department, he alluded on "limiting the production period". Couple with the fact the Japanese model numbers end with the “JR” suffix like other limited editions, there was a strong possibility this model is at least a limited production model. This uncertainty will definitely fuel the demand pull for this timepiece. Despite what people say about the high retail price, chances are, a lot of people will be willing to get it at a premium.

To be honest, although this model is in my wish list, it is not high in ranking. However, it so happened that my AD got one piece allocated to his store and I quickly grabbed the chance to get it. Fortunately, despite the demand, I was still given a small discount due to the fact that I am a long-term customer.


The (Limited Edition?) Metal G-Shock Watches In Camouflage Print

Casio has been adopting a number of colourful ways to dress up their watches for the fashion conscious market. The latest styling is the camouflage print which is current the rage and used by a number of leading fashion brands. To be part of this 'bandwagon', Casio chose a model each under its popular MTG-B1000 (round) and GMW-B5000 (square) watches for this styling treatment.


The camouflage pattern was done digital-style via laser printing. This method gives it a distinct pixelated look. The stage of the printing process requires the surface be first given a black DLC coating. In the second step, lasers engrave tiny pixels to create the digital camouflage pattern. Only the front surfaces are subjected to the digital camouflage pattern. The sides and back of the bracelet and the back of the watch casing only has the black DLC coating. Finally, for contrast, gold accents were added on the dial while the external pushers are gold painted.

The round MTG-B1000DCM-1AJR has a stainless steel case and bracelet whereas the square GMW-B5000TCM-1JR has a titanium case and bracelet. The MTG-B1000DCM-1AJR has a MSRP of YEN145,000 or USD1,200 whereas the GMW-B5000TCM-1JR has a MSRP of YEN175,000 or USD1,600.


The G-Shock Square Titanium Series

There are two members to the G-Shock Square Titanium Series. These are:

GMW-B5000TB-1JR Limited production MSRP: USD1,550; YEN150,000

GMW-B5000TCM-1JR Limited production MSRP: USD1,600; YEN175,000

Note that the standard all black version has the "JR" suffix which indicate that it too is a limited production model.

Note: As at December 2019, G-Shock Japan has officially discontinued the production of the two titanium square G-Shocks. Although the discontinuation was not a surprise, as both models were known to be limited production models, the speed of the announcement made was amazing. The launch was in November 2019 and the discontinuation was in December 2019 - all within just one month!


The Watch

The GMW-B5000TCM-1JR is a military-feel square metal G-Shock made out of titanium. The titanium case and bracelet are coated with diamond-like carbon (DLC) and then laser printed with a digital camouflage pattern. Measuring 43.2 mm wide and 49.3 mm lug-to-lug, it has a height of 13 mm. Its dimension is exactly similar to the all stainless steel GMWB5000GD-1ER. However, the titanium model only weighs in at 110 gm compared to 167 gm for the stainless steel model.



Both are powered by solar cells and uses the same 3459 module with negative STN-LCD screen (super-twisted nematic display) with Bluetooth connectivity and radio-controlled time adjustment.

Differences between the two are:

Difference	GMWB5000GD-1ER	GMW-B5000TCM-1JR
Case Material	Stainless steel with black PVD coating	Titanium and laser engraved with camouflage pattern & coated with DLC
Window Material	Mineral glass	Sapphire crystal
Production	Standard production	Limited production
Bracelet Linkages	Micro spring-bars	Friction pin using collars
Weight	167 gm	110 gm

The PDF copy of the manual can be found at the end of this review (click here to go to the PDF document directly).

Below are some visual comparison between the stainless steel and the titanium G-Shock Squares. As you can see, apart from the colours, the switch from the words "MULTI BAND 6" to the word "TITANIUM" and the re-positioning of the words "TOUGH SOLAR", both watches have the same design and shape.

GMWB5000GD-1ER Standard production MSRP: YEN68,000	GMW-B5000TCM-1JR Limited production MSRP: YEN175,000
GMWB5000GD-1ER Case-back	GMW-B5000TCM-1JR Case-back
GMWB5000GD-1ER Side profile	GMW-B5000TCM-1JR Side profile

Since the watch is similar to the GMWB5000GD-1ER, I would not be going into detail about the watch. I will only highlight unique areas of the watch that I find interesting. If you want to know more please refer to the review I made on the GMWB5000GD-1ER here.



An area that would be of interest to readers is the camouflage pattern used on the surface of the watch. Above is a closeup of the pattern. As you can see, it would appear that a dot-matrix printer was used to transfer the pattern to the surface of the titanium (Casio uses lasers). Casio only added the camouflage pattern on the upper surface of the watch. The rest of the surfaces are in black. Since the specifications stated that the titanium has been DLC coated, it would appear that Casio was able to do the coating using two different paint jobs at the same time. When I run my fingers over the camouflage pattern, I do feel a unique texture that is different than the other surfaces (the black only) on the watch.

I suspect Casio DLC all the surface with black paint. Then, with a laser and using a technique similar to a tattoo artist, 'stab' different size micro-holes into the black paint to create the dimples to be filled by light coloured paint. This could explains the unique texture on the camouflage surface.

Another significant addition to this titanium version is the use of sapphire crystal instead of mineral glass to protect the dial. Even the 18k solid gold version did not get this same treatment as it still uses mineral glass.



Above is a set of two photos showing the back-light in action. For me this is the reason why a negative LCD screen is the best option for digital watches. It saves energy (since only the alphanumeric portion requires lighting up instead of the whole display for a normal LCD screen) and when the back-light is switched on, it does not cause temporary night blindness due to sudden brightness. 



The general design of the titanium bracelet is very similar to the stainless steel version. This particular bracelet has the reference S-1474DV. Disregarding the visual differences, the only other technical uniqueness to the stainless steel counterpart is the method of link attachment. Casio used small spring-bars for link attachment in their composite bracelet (reference S1214N) as well as for their stainless steel bracelet (reference S-1446DV). However, for this latest design, Casio went back to the traditional pin-and-collar system.

I suspect Casio decided for this older system because they do not have small titanium spring-bars. Since it is easier to fabricate titanium pins and collars, it is better to opt for the traditional pin-and-collar system.

On the clasp, Casio has four (4) micro-adjustment points to allow users to properly fit the bracelet to the required length.



Behind the solid screw-down titanium case-back sits the 3459 module. This is the same module used in the earlier stainless steel version. A very capable piece of hardware capable of detecting time signals for calibration, Bluetooth connectivity as well as the typical functions such as world time, chronograph, alarm and many more. Coupled with a solar unit, this watch does not need regular battery changes.

To connect this watch to my iPhone was not that straightforward. Despite having the latest version of the G-Shock Connected application, I cannot easily switch the connection to this watch from my earlier connected G-Shock (the all metal model GMWB5000GD-1ER). After trying a number ways to do it, the only option was to reinstall the application on the iPhone again and then make the connection. Do anyone have the same problem as well?

Since this watch is connected, the timing accuracy should be perfect. Nevertheless, I tested it using the Toolwatch application and the result I got was an accuracy of -0.4 seconds per day. I suspect the slight error was due to the human error (mine) in pressing the stop button on the application while keeping track of time on the watch.


The Unboxing

The watch is properly packaged. There are three nesting boxes. The first is a plain cardboard box without any branding. Inside this is the second box made from a better quality cardboard, painted black and branded with the line brand "G-SHOCK".



Inside this box is the main watch-box as well as a secondary box that houses all the documentations such as the manual and warranty.



Personally, I felt that Casio's documentation was rather pathetic. Instead of nice booklets, most are folded pieces of paper.



The primary watch box is something special. It is a hard box with a metal plate on the top with the camouflage pattern printed on it. The watch is placed in the center on a pillow.




The Wearing Experience

Since I do own the stainless steel metal square G-Shock, the weight different between the titanium and the stainless steel version is very telling. On the the wrist, I lose sense of it after a while unlike similar sized stainless steel watches due to the weight, or lack of it in this case.

Casio has done something unique when it comes to painting on titanium surfaces. Many watches before this have used some type of camouflage pattern by laying a print over a watch, making it essentially just another colour option. What’s different here is the laser application of the pattern, giving it the appearance of real texture through the use of hundreds of small dots. Casio's camouflage effect on titanium is quite impressive, giving it a visual depth and texture that are distinctive.

The watch wears like any square G-Shock. The size is perfect for my 6.75 inch wrist and the negative LCD is clear and easy to see.

My only gripe is the choice of painting the pushers with a golden colour. That totally defeats the camouflage effect of the titanium surface as well as the black-out effect of the negative LCD screen. Although this practice of making limited edition/production timepieces feel 'rich' by adding golden accents here and there is a common practice at Casio (as well as other brands for that matter), I believe this should not have attempted for this particular model. The time and effort invested in making such a pattern should not have been marred by this need to make it feel 'expensive'.



The price point of this watch is a major contention for many people. At nearly three (3x) times more expensive than the stainless steel version, many people will be hard pressed trying to come to terms with the pricing. It so happened that I came across an interview with one of Casio's production engineer about the production issues faced when making this particular model (see the start of the article). Although titanium is metal and is in the general family that also includes stainless steel, it's properties are unique. It cannot use the same production techniques as stainless steel. For Casio, working with titanium requires a lot of investment. This is the reason why the price of this watch is the way it is.  



Casio now has made available the iconic G-Shock square watch with bracelet design in four major materials. A composite version (GW-M5610BC-1JF), a stainless steel version (GMW-B5000GD-1ER), a titanium version (GMW-B5000TCM-1JR) and a solid 18k gold version (G-D5000-9JR). I have in the collection the first three version (Am I looking at getting the gold version? The answer is NO). The metal versions feels more substantive not only in terms of weight but also in quality as well as capability.

To me, the titanium version is the best out of the three versions I own as it possesses practically all the qualities expected of a G-Shock - lightness, strength, stealth, capability. It is a pity that the sticker price cannot be one of its strength but getting the necessary utility comes at a cost.


Specifications

Ref. GMW-B5000TCM-1JR

Diameter: 43.2 mm
Length: 49.3 mm
Height: 13 mm
Weight: 110 gm
Material: Titanium and laser engraved with camouflage pattern and coated with DLC
Water resistance: 200 meters
Shock Resistance: Yes

Crystal: Sapphire

Movement Module: 3459
Accuracy: ±15 seconds per month (with no signal calibration)
Power: Solar
Power reserve: 22 months

Strap: Titanium bracelet and laser engraved with camouflage pattern and coated with DLC

Limited edition: Limited production (as at December 2019 production has stopped)
Availability: Worldwide at boutiques and retailers from November 2019
MSRP: RM6,999; USD1,600; YEN175,000
Purchase Date: 24 January 2020
Purchase Price: RM6,600
Serial Number: 90W3S3 191277A0017 CMIIT ID:2017DJ7264
AD: AWG, Mid Valley Megamall

Functions:
- LED backlight (Super illuminator) with choice duration (2 or 4 seconds) afterglow
- Time calibration signal reception of up to 6 times a day;
   # Station name: DCF77 (Mainflingen, Germany) Frequency: 77.5 kHz
   # Station name: MSF (Anthorn, UK) 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®)
- 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 capacity: 00'00''00~59'59''99 (for the first 60 minutes)
  1:00'00~23:59'59 (after 60 minutes)
- Measuring modes: Elapsed time, split time, 1st-2nd place times
- 5 daily alarms (with 1 snooze alarm)
- Low battery alert
- Power Saving (display goes blank to save power when the watch is left in the dark)
- Full auto-calendar (to year 2099)
- 12/24-hour format
- Button operation tone on/off
- Date display (day / month display swapping)
- Day display (days of the week with the choice of 6 languages)
- Regular timekeeping: Hour, minute, second, pm, month, date, day

Casio Operating Manual for ... on Scribd

Photo Gallery