G-Shock’s Original Watch Gets a Mighty Reissue

The brand’s iconic ’80s design makes its way into a thoroughly modern 5000 Series timepiece, combining style and strength in one.

Casio G Shock 5000 Series Full Metal GMW B5000D 1C Watch closeup macro shot

By Sean Tirman

Published June 11, 2025

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In 1983, G-Shock released the DW-5000C, its original watch. Marked by its incredible toughness and practical utility, this diabolical digital wonder would change the watch world forever … but not without some speed bumps.

Although ahead of its time, the watch was nearly a failure until American television helped it catch on with the younger skating and surfing crowd. Now, that watch is an icon, held in incredibly high esteem throughout the watch and everyday carry worlds.

In honor of that groundbreaking watch, the Casio sub-brand is slated to launch the G-Shock 5000 Series Full-Metal GMW-B5000D-1C, a thoroughly modern take on the original model with throwback styling.

Casio G Shock 5000 Series Full Metal GMW B5000D 1C Watch — Although the body is silver — a hallmark of the brand’s Full Metal watches — the dial colors directly reference the original.

A tough-as-nails tribute

Keen watch enthusiasts will note that there’s one major visual difference between this watch and the original: it’s not black. This is because the GMW-B5000D-1C is a part of G-Shock’s Full Metal series.

Instead of a resin case (and matching rubber strap), this watch’s case is entirely made from stainless steel. That material extends to its link band, making it wholly tougher and more durable than the original from which it borrows its styling cues.

Unlike other Full Metal versions, this one is the first to sport the original’s red, blue and yellow colorway.

However, it does pay tribute to the DW-5000C in another significant way: its dial. Unlike other Full Metal versions, this one is the first to sport the original’s red, blue and yellow colorway.

For reference, those colors have meaning, too. Red represents “the passion to take on challenges,” blue references its “excellent water resistance,” and yellow stands for its “outstanding shock resistance.”

Casio G Shock 5000 Series Full Metal GMW B5000D 1C Watch dial closeup next to original 5000 Series — Here is the new watch, in the foreground, with its inspiration in the background.

Modern metal

While this new Full Metal tribute and its inspiration share many similarities, a quick examination of the two watches reveals some significant differences, besides the obvious case and strap material changes.

For instance, the original watch was powered by a Lithium battery, whereas this modern take has a sun-powered Tough Solar quartz movement. Furthermore, the new one has Bluetooth connectivity, allowing it to connect to users’ smartphones for easier control.

Yet, some of the hallmarks of what initially set G-Shock apart remain, including the most obvious one: unrivaled shock resistance. Any way you slice it, it’s a fitting tribute, as it captures the original’s spirit and honors it with modern innovations and durability.

Alongside this release, G-Shock is also launching a GM-B2100SD-1C, a modern take on the first Full Metal watch, with the same iconic colors applied to its round dial.

Casio G Shock 5000 Series Full Metal GMW B5000D 1C Watch and GM-B2100SD-1C watch — Here, you can see both upcoming Full Metal G-Shocks with their classic-inspired dial colorways.

Coming soon

While the G-Shock 5000 Series Full-Metal GMW-B5000D-1C is already live on the brand’s site, it is not yet available for purchase. Pricing and availability have also not yet been announced.

That said, expect it to hit the market soon, and expect it to sell out shortly thereafter.