Color in many ways is the modern frontier of watch design. As brands across the industry release models with more dial colors than ever in the history of modern watchmaking, advancements in materials and case coatings have allowed cases and bracelets to become a new canvas for chromatic experiments. Thanks to the depth and breadth of the massive G-Shock lineup, Casio represents one of the most vibrant models in modern watchmaking, elevating color palettes to new heights of fashion and style. The new limited edition Casio G-Shock GMWB5000TR-9 is not only a technical showcase but also a striking multichromatic take on the classic robust all-metal G-Shock design. Conveniently, it sits very comfortably on the wrist!
The Casio G-Shock GMWB5000TR-9 case, measuring 43.2mm by 49.3mm, echoes the original combination of industrial and organic G-Shock elements with a square integrated bracelet design. However, this familiar form undergoes changes in materials. Fully metal interpretations of the original square G-Shock are not new, but until now, these models have been mostly in stainless steel or matte titanium. The GMWB5000TR-9 is a test model for the proprietary titanium alloy Super-TIX120AFG, developed jointly by Casio and Nippon Steel Corporation over the past six years. Although this new alloy is as lightweight and hypoallergenic as standard titanium, Super-TIX120AFG is about twice as hard as most titanium alloys. In addition to incredible scratch resistance, this new harder alloy is much easier to polish than traditional titanium, allowing this new model to have a mirror finish that has become a staple of the all-metal G-Shock series.
In addition to the new case material, the G-Shock GMWB5000TR-9 also showcases Casio's ion plating technologies, combining the main case body with gold IP-coating with buttons and bracelet links with ion plating in shades of wine red, silver, anthracite, unsaturated steel blue, and gold. Each of the shades is deep and distinct, and the patchwork effect simultaneously recalls the mid-90s Volkswagen Golf Harlequin and Lego bricks. It's an unapologetically bold design on your wrist, but as a conversation piece, few G-Shocks can compare. Like all G-Shocks, the GMWB5000TR-9 offers water resistance up to 200 meters and excellent shock protection.
The dial of the Casio G-Shock GMWB5000TR-9 is not as aggressive as the case or bracelet but also experiments with color in a new way. Pale yellow, blue, red, and gray luminous elements highlight the familiar inner bezel and refresh the design. The inverted digital LCD display makes the GMWB5000TR-9 case sportier, and the darker dial draws attention to the new case and bracelet elements.
The Casio G-Shock GMWB5000TR-9 features its own digital (quartz) module 3458. Model 3458 is one of the high-end modern variants of the traditional G-Shock formula, including achievements such as Tough Solar charging technology, wireless connectivity to mobile devices via Bluetooth, and radio-controlled atomic time correction signals Multi-Band six times a day. Like most G-Shock modules, model 3458 has a wide range of functions
including LED dial illumination, a world timer capable of tracking five time zones simultaneously, automatic daylight saving time switching, a 1/100-second split-section chronograph with a 24-hour duration, a 24-hour countdown timer, five daily alarms, a perpetual calendar accurate to the year 2099, and up to 22 months of operation after a full solar charge.
The Casio G-Shock GMWB5000TR-9, with its bold and colorful embodiment of the familiar G-Shock look, is one of the most impressive and vibrant recent releases of the main G-Shock series. Nevertheless, the advanced titanium alloy and extensive ion plating finish offer a significant advantage over stainless steel counterparts. Although the G-Shock GMWB5000TR-9 is released in a limited edition, Casio does not specify how many models will be produced.
Casio G-Shock GMWB5000TR-9 is now available from official dealers at a recommended retail price of USD 1,700. For more information, visit the brand's website.