One of the most powerful tools in any scale modeler’s arsenal is the use of detail labeling, particularly when dealing with fictional or fantastical machines. By placing heat warning labels near exhaust vents, opening instruction signs near hatches, and the like, a skilled model builder can take wild sci-fi designs from the X-Wing fighter to the MS-06 Zaku II and ground them in a layer of functional realism that can make these creations feel much more believable. Casio has always fostered a technical, science-fiction aesthetic for its durable and varied G-Shock line, and for its latest release, the brand fully commits to this intricate utilitarian look for a unique take on the classic G-Shock formula. The new titanium-cased Casio G-Shock GMWB5000TVA1 gives the brand’s trademark industrially inspired octagonal case a gritty and futuristic new sheen, adding a handful of unique touches to the G-Shock formula in the process.

The 43.2mm by 49.3mm titanium case of the Casio G-Shock GMWB5000TVA1 follows the classic ‘80s shape of the original G-Shock DW-5000C, with its hooded lugs, octagonal smooth bezel, and distinctive grooved detailing flanking each of the four pushers. The grainy matte black DLC coating allows most of the case design to keep the classic black look of resin G-Shocks but allows for deep black polished highlights on the bezel and pushers. Where the GMWB5000TVA1 really sets itself apart, however, is with its laser-engraved details. Throughout the case design, Casio cuts through this black coating to reveal the titanium beneath with warning label-style technical labels. The bezel adds a set of engraved function labels and alphabetic assignments for each of the four pushers, while the case sides add a “Diamond-Like Carbon Coating” inscription. It’s the engraving on the hooded lugs, however, that garners the most attention in images. Rather than the GMWB5000’s traditional dimples, this new model renders these characteristic touches as fully laser-bored holes straight through the titanium lug structure, along with a third slotted hole that reveals the deep red resin inner case within. Casio further highlights this layered look with a surrounding engraved reticle, and even further technical text pointing out the “Fine Resin Cushioning.” Taken as a whole, this technical sci-fi set of engravings runs the risk of appearing busy or overly complex but calls to mind the grounded futuristic aesthetic of video games or modern Gundam model kits with a wry sense of self-seriousness in images. Like all G-Shock models, the GMWB5000TVA1 promises immense durability, along with a dive-ready 200 meters of water resistance.

Casio leaves the familiar G-Shock digital dial formula more or less alone for the GMWB5000TVA1 but gives the black inner bezel over to additional technical labeling. The 6 o’clock label is potentially the weakest element here, with an undeniably wordy description that’s largely summed up in the classic “G-Shock Protection” outer bezel engraving. Casio leaves its Tough Solar charging panel surrounding the digital dial undisguised for this new model, giving the design an added layer of futuristic technicality in images. The LCD dial itself is unchanged from the standard version, however, with a legible high-contrast look.

The in-house Module 3459 quartz movement inside the Casio G-Shock GMWB5000TVA1 is a staple of Casio’s high-end digital offerings and offers a broad array of reliable complications. These functions include Bluetooth mobile device connectivity, solar charging, Multi-Band 6 radio-controlled time correction six times per day, and an LED dial backlight, along with more familiar complications such as a full world timer with automatic daylight savings time correction, a 1/100 second split-seconds chronograph, a 24-hour countdown timer, five daily alarms, and a perpetual calendar accurate through the year 2099. With its atomic time correction signal disabled, Casio rates the Module 3459 at an accuracy of +15/-15 seconds per month, and the movement offers a battery life of up to 22 months after a full solar recharge.

Casio continues the G-Shock GMWB5000TVA1’s series of technical engravings through its black DLC titanium single-link bracelet. Each link in this familiar pattern is laser engraved with information, ranging from details on the DLC coating to numbering on each of the links, to instructions on removing the pins on links near the clasp. The clasp itself takes on the most complex labeling of all, featuring a full description of the workings of Casio’s Multi-Band 6 radio-controlled time correction technology. The bracelet itself flows deftly into the case design in images, continuing the more aggressive take on the classic G-shock lug dimples started by the lugs. Like the case, however, the sci-fi-inspired engraved information likely won’t work for all tastes but does give this familiar design an aggressive and futuristic new charm.

Just as realistic decals can give a model spaceship a sense of lived-in functionality, the Casio G-Shock GMWB5000TVA1’s intricate technical engravings give the brand’s most enduring design a charismatic new character. The Casio G-Shock GMWB5000TVA1 will be available through G-Shock’s e-commerce site, selected authorized retailers, and the G-Shock Soho Store in November 2021 at an MSRP of $1,650. For more details, please visit the brand’s website.