Feature
G-Shock’s Style Meets Indestructibility
Feature
G-Shock’s Style Meets Indestructibility
Discover the unparalleled ruggedness and vibrant spirit of G-Shock’s multicolored full metal watches.
The G-Shock, a watch born out of a personal quest for indestructibility, has grown to become a cultural icon, blending technological innovation with high impact style. Renowned for its extreme resilience, the G-Shock in all its diverse and multifacetted forms has been embraced by outdoor enthusiasts, athletes, fashion trendsetters, and watch connoisseurs globally.
Celebrating the 40th anniversary of the G-Shock brand, Casio has recently launched a new collection of full metal, multicolored G-Shock watches. Offering quality and substance with digital innovation in spades, these watches tastefully blend ruggedness with style in a way that Casio fans have come to expect and love.
The G-Shock Legacy
In 1981, Kikuo Ibe, an engineer at Casio, embarked on a personal mission to create an indestructible watch. This pursuit was inspired by the heartbreak he experienced when a pocket watch gifted by his father broke upon being accidentally dropped. Ibe sought to design a watch capable of withstanding a 10-meter drop, 10-bar water pressure, and having a battery life of 10 years. This ambitious concept was titled the “Triple 10” principle.
Kikuo Ibe
After two years of tireless research and development, Ibe and his team, known as “Project Team Tough,” developed the breakthrough “floating module.” The concept was inspired by the observation of a rubber ball bouncing and how its core remained unaffected by the impact. The team suspended the timekeeping module of the watch within the case via a hollow core structure, providing unparalleled shock protection. This innovation marked the birth of the first G-Shock, the DW-5000C, in 1983.
The DW-5000, the very first G-SHOCK from 1983, in black resin
Over the years, the G-Shock introduced a myriad of models with various features. The DW-6900C model in 1995, with its innovative Triple-graph liquid crystal display, horseshoe shaped case and front button design, cemented the G-Shock’s place in pop culture. The watch was adopted by hip-hop artists and skateboarders, and it soon became a must-have accessory for the youth. Casio also began collaborations with artists and streetwear designers, releasing limited edition G-Shocks that became collectibles.
DW-6900, 1995
Recognizing the need to cater to a wider demographic, Ibe wished to develop a metal watch that were suitable for formal occasions and retain G-Shock’s shock resistant structure. This led to the development of the MR-G series, which marked the G-Shock’s entry into the premium market.
G-Shock MR-G × Bruce Lee
Casio also expanded its signature lines like the Master of Gfeaturing the iconic Frogman series, introducing full metal versions of the original like the GMW-B5000 and most recently the full metal GM-B2100, which further boosted the brand’s popularity.
GMW-B5000PG
G-Shock GM-B2100PC-1A with a cool purple/blue color gradation
The G-Shock series is not only a utilitarian and professional tool but a fashion accessory as well. It is one of the most recognizable wristwatches worldwide. In 2017, Casio announced the sale of its 100 millionth G-Shock, underlining the global popularity of this series.
Yuichi Masuda, president, CEO and CHRO of Casio, states, “As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of G-Shock, the brand at the heart of our portfolio of standout timepieces, I am pleased to report that in June of this year, the Japan Patent Office granted Casio a 3D trademark for the shape of the very first G-Shock watch. This milestone is a testament to the many G-Shock owners who have supported us over the years. G-Shock has grown into an unrivaled brand thanks to the originality these timepieces deliver — their innovative functionality, cutting-edge performance, and diverse array of designs.”
The latest full metal G-Shock series is a new milestone in Casio’s journey of innovation. These full metal timepieces feature striking dials adorned with a multicolored array of hues and gradations. Reflecting the brand’s commitment to expressing individual character, the watches showcase the unique spirit it takes for individuals to pursue their distinct form of toughness.
They include four models: the GMW-B5000PC, GMW-B5000BPC, GM-B2100PC and GM-B2100BPC. All of these models are based on the popular GMW-B5000 and GM-B2100 models, and each of them is dressed in a unique colorway.
The G-Shock Polychromatic Full Metal 5000 Series
The G-Shock Polychromatic Full Metal 5000 series, a part of this illustrious lineage, has taken the G-Shock’s legacy of toughness to a whole new level. Introduced in 2018, the Full Metal 5000 series retains the iconic square shape of the original DW-5000 model, with a modern twist. Its case and bracelet are entirely made of stainless steel, a departure from the resin-based structure of its predecessors.
The case of the G-Shock Full Metal 5000 measures 43.2mm across and 49.3mm top to bottom, with a thickness of 13mm. Despite being all-metal, the watch doesn’t feel overly heavy on the wrist, thanks to its moderate size. The Full Metal 5000 series is available in stainless steel and black ion-plated steel versions, weighing approximately 167 grams and water resistant to 200 meters.
GMW-B5000PC in steel
GMW-B5000BPC in black ion-plated steel
The dial of the Full Metal 5000 series is purely digital, driven by a quartz movement powered by solar cells. The watch offers a range of functions, including a countdown timer, a stopwatch, five daily alarms, a world time function, and a full auto-calendar. The dial is protected by a mineral crystal set beneath a strategically designed bezel that shields the crystal from most impacts.
Equipped with Tough Solar, Casio’s proprietary solar charging system, the G-Shock Full Metal 5000 series is not only incredibly accurate but also almost self-sufficient. It syncs with an atomic time signal or connects to Bluetooth for ultra precise timekeeping. The battery is designed to last 22 months on a full solar charge.
Casio used glass vapor deposition to achieve this unique blue/green color tone
The GMW-B5000PC-1 and GMW-B5000BPC-1 watches feature a blue/green or red/yellow gradation around the digital dial perimeter, achieved with glass vapor deposition. These polychromatic touches used on the feature indications and the perimeter’s inner frame line create a colorfully expressive look.
Tech Specs
G-Shock Polychromatic Full Metal 5000 Series
References: GMW-B5000PC (stainless steel); GMW-B5000BPC (black ion-plated stainless steel)
Movement: Tough Solar quartz; 10 months on rechargeable battery (with normal use, no exposure to light after charge)
Functions: Multiband 6 atomic timekeeping, world time with 39 cities, 1/100-second stopwatch, countdown timer, five daily alarms, full auto-calendar to the year 2099, and smartphone connectivity via Bluetooth
Case: 49.3mm × 43.2mm; stainless steel or black ion-plated stainless steel; water resistant to 200m
Dial: Digital display framed by blue/green gradation, Super Illuminator (LED backlight)
Strap: Stainless steel or black ion-plated stainless steel bracelet
References: GMW-B5000PC (stainless steel); GMW-B5000BPC (black ion-plated stainless steel)
Movement: Tough Solar quartz; 10 months on rechargeable battery (with normal use, no exposure to light after charge)
Functions: Multiband 6 atomic timekeeping, world time with 39 cities, 1/100-second stopwatch, countdown timer, five daily alarms, full auto-calendar to the year 2099, and smartphone connectivity via Bluetooth
Case: 49.3mm × 43.2mm; stainless steel or black ion-plated stainless steel; water resistant to 200m
Dial: Digital display framed by blue/green gradation, Super Illuminator (LED backlight)
Strap: Stainless steel or black ion-plated stainless steel bracelet
The G-Shock Polychromatic Full Metal 2100 Series
G-Shock launched the 2100 series in 2019 with much fanfare, featuring the distinctive octagonal-shaped bezels that have since become a hallmark of the collection. Initially available in options like resin and translucent resin, the series quickly gained popularity, prompting G-Shock to introduce metal- covered and full metal versions to cater to a wider range of tastes.
In 2022, G-Shock brought the 2100 series to new heights with the full metal GM-B2100D-1A. The GM-B2100 features a more complex and robust design, with a screw-in caseback and an integrated bracelet. This structure enhances the watch’s durability without compromising the G-Shock’s signature shock resistance.
The dual-layer dial accommodates the transmission of sunlight/artificial light through the dial, which recharges the long-lasting internal battery. The hour markers are lengthened, raised and textured, enhancing the watch’s appearance. Despite its robust construction, the GM-B2100 offers a comfortable fit thanks to its 44.4mm diameter, 49.8mm lug-to-lug and 12.8mm case size, and the metal bracelet is nicely tapered.
The GM-B2100PC-1A and GM-B2100BPC-1A models showcase color gradation on the hour marks and the watch hands. The GM-B2100PC-1A uses a purple/blue gradation, and the GM-B2100BPC-1A features a warm-hued orange/red gradation. These color schemes nicely complement the black components around the dial.
Advanced features of the G-Shock Models
Apart from their unique designs, these new G-Shock models are packed with advanced features. The new models offer solar-powered timekeeping with Bluetooth connectivity. This feature ensures that the watch is always charged and maintains accurate timekeeping. The watch can automatically adjust the time by syncing with the atomic clock or your smartphone via Bluetooth, making it an ideal travel companion. Additionally, the GMW-G5000PC features Multi-band 6 radio-controlled timekeeping.
To ensure readability in the dark, the watches feature Casio’s signature Super Illuminator. The high-brightness double LED light of the GM-B2100 models and the high- brightness full auto LED backlight of the GMW-B5000 models offer excellent visibility in low-light conditions. These watches also maintain the shock resistant structure of the original G-Shock series, but with an all-metal exterior. Fine resin buffering components are installed between the stainless steel bezel and case, ensuring a tight seal and robustness.
The new multicolored full metal G-Shock series is a testament to Casio’s relentless pursuit of innovation and its ability to beautifully blend toughness with style. These watches are not just timepieces but a statement of one’s individuality and pursuit of toughness. Whether you’re a watch enthusiast or a professional looking for a reliable and stylish watch, the new G-Shock series can always be relied upon to bring along a fun and sporty panache.
Tech Specs
G-Shock Polychromatic Full Metal 2100 Series
References: GM-B2100PC (silver with purple/blue gradation); GM-B2100BPC (black with orange/yellow gradation)
Movement: Tough Solar quartz; seven months on rechargeable battery (with normal use, no exposure to light after charge)
Functions: Analog and digital time display, world time with 38 cities, 1/100-second stopwatch, countdown timer, five daily alarms, full auto-calendar to the year 2099, hand shift feature for unencumbered view of digital display, and smartphone connectivity via Bluetooth
Case: 49.8mm × 44.4mm; stainless steel or black ion-plated stainless steel; water resistant to 200m
Dial: Black with analog and digital time display; hour markers with purple/blue or orange/blue gradation, double LED light with Super Illuminator
Strap: Stainless steel or black ion-plated stainless steel bracelet
Learn more about the G-Shock Polychromatic Full Metal Series here
