As G-SHOCK understandably continues to tap the well of its original DW-5000C-1A from 1983, it also shows us just how versatile a canvas that digital watch can still be. Proving such a thing, the Japanese watchmaker has now merged that retro timepiece with its Full Metal lineup, and the results are magnificent.
Full Circle Manufacturing
There’s something poetic about the fact that this watch gets assembled at Yamagata Casio, the same “mother factory” where Kikuo Ibe and his team first cracked the code on the “Triple 10” concept back in ’83. That original DW-5000C-1A established the blueprint: 10-meter drop resistance, 10-bar water resistance, and 10-year battery life. Four decades later, the GMW-B5000D-1C takes those fundamentals and wraps them in a stainless steel case.
Aside from an aesthetic swap, G-SHOCK had to rethink everything in order to create a Full Metal timepiece that maintains the original’s shock-resistant structure. They solved this by installing fine resin buffering components between the steel bezel and case, plus employing a three-pronged lug system for the band connection that disperses impact to the connecting pipes.
Colors That Actually Mean Something
Casual fans might mistake this for an entirely new watch due to the absence of the black resin case, but rest assured this has its toes dipped in the past, but with a modern-day spin. Translating the iconic red, blue, and yellow accents of the original to the world of metal watchmaking feels like a logical thing to do, blending a contemporary approach with its old-school design language.
And just like the original 5000C, this Full Metal version carries G-SHOCK’s original design philosophy. According to the brand, red represents the “passion to take on challenges,” blue symbolizes water resistance, and yellow represents its shock resistance. On the original DW-5000C-1A, these colors felt almost defiant against the sea of traditional dress watches dominating the early ’80s. They stand out now more than ever when paired with the sporty steel case and bracelet.
The stainless steel bezel gets a hairline finish on top with mirror-polished beveled edges, creating textural depth that’s missing from most digital watches. Even the metal bracelet incorporates dimpling that mimics the resin band texture of the original.
Practical Display
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’re also getting 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. Likewise, while many Full Metal versions lean into negative displays for their premium aesthetic, the GMW-B5000D-1C’s positive display prioritizes legibility, nodding to the practical focus of the original.
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen origin-themed colors on Full Metal G-SHOCKs. The limited-edition Porter collaborations in 2018 and 2023 explored similar territory, but with black DLC coatings. But the GMW-B5000D-1C represents 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.
The CasiOak Gets the Treatment Too
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. And 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-1C
Case Material: Stainless steel
Case Size: 43.2mm
Lug-to-Lug: 49.3mm
Case Thickness: 13 mm
Water Resistance: 200m
Movement: Tough Solar with Multi Band 6 and Bluetooth
Band: Stainless steel bracelet
Display: Positive LCD with LED backlight
Limited Edition?: Unspecified
Pricing & Availability
Not available in the U.S. just yet, the Full Metal GMW-B5000D-1C carries a price of ¥84,700 overseas (~$587) and is expected to launch globally this summer.
Recap
G-SHOCK Full Metal GMW-B5000D-1C
G-SHOCK put the origin colors from its 1983 DW-5000C-1A on a Full Metal 5000 watch, blending old-school charm with modern sportiness.
