In the realm of digital watches, arguably no model is more iconic than G-SHOCK’s original 5000 series. Setting a new standard for durability and longevity, the Casio sub-brand’s inaugural timepiece has been rehashed so many times by now that it’s easy to take it for granted. Although with each new edition, it’s also just as easy to get excited about small but mighty updates.
For the latest iteration, the GMW-B5000BT-1JF, the Japanese watchmaker has taken the classic resin look and blended it with the brand’s modern-day love for metalization.
The Beauty of Restraint
What makes this release interesting isn’t what G-SHOCK added — it’s what they took away. The GMW-B5000BT-1JF strips the familiar full-metal silhouette down to its monochromatic essentials, eliminating even the signature red accent that typically outlines the digital display. The result is a black-and-silver beauty that looks like it popped right out of a black-and-white movie (set in 1983).
Instead of the standard gray background with black digits, G-SHOCK flipped the script with a negative display — black background with gray readouts. It’s the kind of detail that transforms the entire aesthetic, giving the watch a night-mode sensibility that pairs beautifully with the black ion-plated bezel around the outside, almost paying homage to the black cases that originally housed these watches.
Full Metal Pedigree
Since launching the GMW-B5000 series back in 2018 as a premium reinterpretation of the 1983 DW-5000C, G-SHOCK has proven that stainless steel won’t ever compromise their watches’ shock resistance. The entire case and bracelet here are forged, cut, and polished stainless steel, with a shock-resistant structure is maintained through the carefully placed resin cushioning between the bezel and case.
Lastly, rather than going generic stainless steel, G-SHOCK incorporated dimple processing on each link, a nod to the textured resin bands of the original 5000 series.
Built for the Long Haul
Like other 5000 Series models, power comes from the Tough Solar movement, which means you’re charging via light exposure rather than swapping batteries every few years. Pair that with Bluetooth connectivity for automatic time syncing, Multi-Band 6 radio reception, and the usual arsenal of complications — world timer covering 300+ cities, stopwatch, countdown timer, five alarms — and you’ve got a watch that might be one of the best GADA options around.
And of course, the screw-back case provides 200m water resistance while maintaining the airtight seal that’s been a hallmark since Yamagata Casio produced the very first G-SHOCK four decades ago.
Spec Sheet
Model: GMW-B5000BT-1JF
Case Material: Stainless steel with black IP bezel
Case Size: 43.2mm
Lug-to-Lug: 49.3mm
Case Thickness: 13mm
Movement: Tough Solar quartz with multi-band 6 radio and Bluetooth
Water Resistance: 200m
Strap: Stainless steel bracelet
Special Features: Negative display, LED backlight, full auto calendar
Pricing & Availability
The GMW-B5000BT-1JF launches in October exclusively through G-SHOCK Japan for ¥88,000 (~$600). While there’s no official word on a U.S. release yet, G-SHOCK typically brings Japan-first models stateside eventually, so keep your eyes peeled.
Recap
G-SHOCK GMW-B5000BT-1JF
The new GMW-B5000BT-1JF takes G-SHOCK’s full-metal 5000 series and strips it down to pure black-and-silver monochrome—even ditching the signature red accent—while adding a slick negative display that flips the usual gray-on-black to black-on-gray.
