One of the strongest aspects of the Casio G-Shock family, besides its physical durability, is the breadth of the sub-brand itself.
Within the same classic octagonal silhouette of the “5000/5600”, there are options ranging from $100 to four-figure offerings, directly competing with recognized Swiss luxury brands, each occupying its successful place in the market. With such a wide variety of functions, materials, and levels of finishing, however, most enthusiasts are sure to find their variant. The G-Shock Full Metal line, which combines many top-tier technologies in an attractive all-steel case, is available for around $500. The new Casio G-Shock GMWB5000D-2 is a vivid example of this “sweet spot” in action. The new bright color scheme combines with an impressive array of complications and the most famous G-Shock silhouette.
As the sub-line’s name suggests, the Casio G-Shock “Full Metal” GMWB5000D-2 features a stainless steel case. On paper, this is a relatively straightforward translation of the “5000/5600” octagonal shape from resin to steel, but on the wrist, it results in an almost entirely different sensation. First and foremost, the GMWB5000D-2 is surprisingly heavy. The metal variant weighs 167 grams, which is almost four times the weight of traditional resin G-Shocks, and this additional mass is noticeable during everyday wear. The basic resin case “5000/5600” is light enough to feel almost invisible on the wrist, but this stainless steel version provides a sense of weight and presence similar to traditional mechanical sports watches with a bracelet.
Changes in the overall case dimensions are also noticeable, both real and perceived. Although the case diameter of 43.2 mm and overall thickness of 13 mm are almost identical to resin counterparts, the signature hooded lugs with dimples on the GMWB5000D-2 are slightly longer than other versions, resulting in a lug-to-lug length of 49.3 mm. This is more than 2.5 mm longer than the standard resin G-Shock cases, but the larger effect of such lug design comes in combination with the stainless steel bracelet. Traditional G-Shock resin straps are lightweight and flexible, effectively hugging even very small wrists. In contrast, the stainless steel bracelet’s end links have almost no articulation and protrude far beyond the lugs themselves, giving the case a broader stance on the wrist.
Finally, attention should be paid to the finishing itself. Almost every surface of this sturdy geometric case is polished to a mirror shine, except for the strong linear brushing on the sides and bezel. Lacking the visually slimming power of black and having a much more attractive finish than matte resin, this steel interpretation of the case stands out much more during wear.
That said, the G-Shock GMWB5000D-2 is not overly large or bulky. On the contrary, thanks to its bolder and more massive execution, the “Full Metal” variant feels like a more premium product than its resin siblings and possesses a more vibrant personality. Nevertheless, this is still a G-Shock, and in transitioning to steel, the watch has not lost any of its legendary durability. In addition to high shock resistance, the GMWB5000D-2 model also boasts an impressive 200-meter water resistance.
Casio has chosen a darker and more aggressive style of “negative” LCD dial for the G-Shock GMWB5000D-2 model. The overall look of the watch should be familiar to brand fans: a rectangular digital dial surrounded by a brick-like inner bezel (which serves as the charging panel for Casio's Tough Solar charging system), but like the case, these familiar elements take on new life in a sharper and more elevated execution than in classic resin G-Shocks. The first thing that catches the eye is the bright cobalt-blue inner bezel with PVD coating.
Although it contains the usual set of functions printed on its surface, the flash of color it creates in direct light further accentuates the model’s bolder visual presence on the wrist. Moreover, the LCD dial itself has become clearer and more impactful with white on black contrast and remains legible even at oblique angles where more common “positive” LCD displays become completely unreadable. Nonetheless, such a dark design has its drawbacks: under low lighting conditions, the readability of the GMWB5000D-2 suffers even with the LED backlight on.
Casio equips the G-Shock GMWB5000D-2 with its own multifunctional quartz movement Module 3539 powered by solar energy. Like many other modern G-Shock movements, Module 3539 offers an impressive set of complications, from radio-controlled atomic time Multi-Band 6 and Bluetooth mobile device connectivity to a multitude of more traditional functions. These include a 1/100 second split-second chronograph, a world timer, five programmable daily alarms, a 24-hour countdown timer, and a perpetual calendar. Provided the radio-controlled atomic time setting is functioning correctly, the Module 3539 offers perfect accuracy, but even without this complication, the movement's accuracy is +15/-15 seconds per month, with a battery life of up to 22 months.
Perhaps the most significant difference between the Casio G-Shock GMWB5000D-2 and its entry-level resin counterparts is the stainless steel bracelet. Casio continues the motif of tapering, dimpled lugs across the wrist, emphasizing the form with polished dimples and chamfers against the strong, vertically brushed main surfaces. The overall effect is bold and dynamic, with a unique set of reflective highlights and a muscular feel on the wrist.
Over more than 40 years of the Casio G-Shock line's existence, this series of robust quartz sports watches has covered virtually every conceivable niche and market segment. However, with such an enormous choice, enthusiasts often find it challenging to strike the optimal balance between features and price. But with the new Casio G-Shock GMWB5000D-2 model, the brand seems to have found an impressive turning point, delivering some of its most sought-after features in a bolder, more premium iteration of the original case design at a very attractive price.
The Casio G-Shock GMWB5000D-2 is now available at official dealers. Currently, the price for the watch is $550 USD. For more information, visit the brand's website.