Since its introduction in 1983, the original “5600” G-Shock case design from Casio has proven itself to be one of the most malleable styles in watchmaking. Short of classical or dressy looks, there are few situations or stylistic niches that the ur-G-Shock can’t be adapted to fit, and the brand has produced a nearly endless array of riffs on this form in various materials, colors, and levels of finishing. The G-Shock Full Metal line has long held a special place in this hierarchy, sitting near the top of the standard G-Shock range between the classic resin-cased models and the more explicitly luxury-focused MT-G and MR-G sub-brands. With the release of the G-Shock GMWB5000TVA “Virtual Armor” in late 2021, the brand fully embraced its industrial, futuristic stylistic roots with a unique robotic twist, incorporating mecha model-style detail and instructional markings to add a striking new layer to the familiar shape. Casio’s latest G-Shock entry takes this concept one step further, adding a striking three-tone ion-plated splinter camouflage colorway to an already dramatic design. The new Casio G-Shock GMWB5000TVB-1 offers one of the brand’s most eye-catching riffs on the core “5600” design, with a futuristic appeal that should extend far beyond those who have ever built a Ver.Ka Gundam model kit.
Naturally, the Casio G-Shock GMWB5000TVB-1’s titanium case is the star of the show here. Measuring in at an impressively manageable 43.2mm-wide and 13mm-thick, the overall form follows the classic “5600” octagonal shape with a handful of added refinements. For all its complex angles, ridges, and divots, this case design is usually presented in a flat, monochrome style, with one color and a single matte finish overall. The addition of polishing (albeit not the smoothest polished titanium we’ve seen) to the top of the bezel and the case sides at 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock dramatically increases the sense of depth and intricacy here, allowing the familiar flourishes of the case design to stand out as individual elements. The hooded lugs also add to this newfound sense of depth, abandoning the usual set of recessed divots for a more premium set of beveled drilled holes, showcasing the cushioning black resin mid-case below. These, along with a set of narrow drilled slots at 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock, take away the standard “5600” line’s monolithic feel in favor of a more refined, complex look.
The eye-catching three-color camo scheme is the centerpiece of the design, blending silver, black, and rose gold tone into an edgy, futuristic patchwork. Achieving this look smoothly and seamlessly on titanium is no mean feat, and Casio implements a complex multi-stage finishing system beginning with a base layer of titanium carbide. After the carbide layer is applied, a series of multiple masks allows each of the different ion plating colors to be applied in turn, with sharp borders and zero visible overspray. Casio completes the high-tech futuristic look with a series of laser-engraved markings, highlighting everything from the “Fine Resin Cushioning” mid-case layer to the “Joint Pin Removal” direction on each of the bracelet’s removable links. In conjunction with pops of orange on the 2 o’clock pusher and corresponding engraving label, this effectively evokes the look and feel of heavy sci-fi machinery, and makes me personally feel ready to climb into the cockpit of a giant robot and begin pre-flight checks. Like all G-Shock models, the GMWB5000TVB-1 is extraordinarily tough, and offers a robust 200 meters of water resistance.
The digital dial of the Casio G-Shock GMWB5000TVB-1 is far closer to the standard “5600” experience, however. The inverted LCD display gives this a moodier, more purposeful look than its standard-style counterparts, but delivers the same wealth of information and complications G-Shock owners have come to expect. There is one minor drawback to this predominantly black layout, however – low-light legibility. Although the 2 o’clock pusher still provides easy and effective dial illumination on command, the default display can be tougher to read in dim conditions than non-inverted white backdrop models. Like the case, Casio makes a point to introduce depth and complexity to the familiar layout with this dial, particularly through the exposed Touch Solar charging panel surrounding the digital dial. This grid-style gray chapter ring gives the design both a recessed layer for verticality, and a smoothly reflective highlight in changing light conditions. The orange accents on the chapter ring and inner bezel effectively tie the dial design into the overall ethos, with a hyper-functional sci-fi edge.
Casio powers the G-Shock GMWB5000TVB-1 with its in-house Module 3459 quartz movement. The Module 3459 is a mainstay of higher-end digital G-Shock offerings and delivers a dizzying array of complications including a 1/100 second split-seconds chronograph, a 24-hour countdown timer, five daily alarms, a world timer, and a perpetual calendar accurate through the year 2099. As this is one of the more premium offerings in the mainline G-Shock family, the Module 3459 also includes solar charging, LED dial illumination, Multi-Band 6 automatic radio-controlled atomic time correction six times per day, and Bluetooth mobile device connectivity. This last element has been a challenging sell for some more traditional members of the enthusiast community, but after a 10-second pairing with the G-Shock mobile app, handling traditionally finicky adjustments such as swapping between time zones becomes an incredibly easy task. While atomic time correction means that, in most situations, the Module 3459 will be nigh-on perfectly accurate, without the correcting signal enabled, the movement offers a decent -15/+15 seconds per month of accuracy. After a full solar charge, the Module 3459’s power reserve stands at a hefty 22 months of battery life.
The titanium bracelet paired with the Casio G-Shock GMWB5000TVB-1 continues the case’s multi-tone IP pattern. Also, like the case, this bracelet elevates the traditional “5600” layout with more varied finishing and greater visual depth. The drilled-out links continue the motif set up from the lugs, while also visually reinforcing the lightweight feel of the titanium case. On the subject of lightness, the GMWB5000TVB-1 is an absolute featherweight on the wrist, and between the titanium case, bracelet, and low-weight movement this offers an even more comfortable wearing experience than its classic resin-cased counterpart with a vastly more luxe feel.
In a G-Shock catalog that supports a seemingly endless array of variants on the original 1983 design, the Casio G-Shock GMWB5000TVB-1 manages more than simply offering a compelling new take on a familiar look — it achieves the feat of genuinely feeling special, with a sense of style and quality that sets it apart from just about any other model short of the MT-G and MR-G series. The dynamic splinter camo colorway, mech suit-inspired detailing, and overall feel of refinement make this a statement piece that is sure to build a cult following in the G-Shock enthusiast community. The Casio G-Shock GMWB5000TVB-1 is available now through authorized dealers. MSRP for the Casio G-Shock GMWB5000TVB-1 stands at $1,700 USD as of press time. For more information, please visit the brand’s website.
Necessary Data
>Brand: Casio
>Model: G-Shock GMWB5000TVB-1
>Price: $1,700 USD
>Size: 43.2mm-wide, 13mm-thick
>When reviewer would personally wear it: As a statement piece in a streetwear-inspired outfit, or as an eye-catching accent for daily wear and outdoor adventuring.
>Friend we’d recommend it to first: G-Shock fans looking for a more luxurious iteration of the original 5600 design, sci-fi, and mecha fans.
>Best characteristic of watch: Stunning splinter camo ion plating, ultra-lightweight comfort, bulletproof durability.
>Worst characteristic of watch: Hefty premium over other G-Shock Full Metal models, wild multicolor camo look won’t suit all tastes.
