G-Shock’s Latest Full Metal Limited Edition Might Give You Tunnel Vision

The latest release from G-Shock is an interesting spin on some previous designs, using  their full metal construction, artfully implemented case finishing, and the brand’s trademark toughness and ability to withstand shocks, moisture, and virtually anything else. The GMWB5000CS-1 has the profile of a classic G-Shock, but with some decidedly forward thinking design elements. Let’s take a look.

G-Shock GMWB5000CS-1

• Case Material: Stainless steel 
• Dial: Black
• Dimensions: 49.3 x 43.2 x 13mm
• Crystal: Mineral       
• Water Resistance: 200 meters  
• Crown: n/a                      
• Movement: Module 3459
• Strap/bracelet: Stainless steel bracelet 
• Price: $800
• Reference Number: GMWB5000CS-1
• Expected Release: June 

While G-Shock is still known to many as the makers of tough as nails plastic watches, over the last few years the brand has stepped up their metal offerings, which adhere to all the same standards as traditional G-Shocks, but allow for casework and an overall aesthetic that isn’t possible with resin. The variety is enormous – we’ve seen everything from gold plated, streetwear inspired G-Shocks to military inspired, laser printed limited editions. This new watch uses a process similar to what we saw on the GMWB5000TCM-1 and MTGB1000DCM-1, but to a very different effect. Instead of a camo pattern, that laser printing is used to create a Grid Tunnel pattern that evokes Tron, as well as a general idea of what we thought the future would look like in the 1980s. For watch collectors of a certain age, this G-Shock will feel both charmingly retro and excitingly futuristic. 

Before the laser printing is applied to the GMWB5000CS-1, it’s given a black IP finish. If you’re only familiar with the old school resin cased G-Shocks, handling a metallic G-Shock is a very different experience. These obviously have a much more significant heft to them, and in a way they make more sense and are easier to understand than a plastic watch, because we associate plastic with flimsiness, or something that’s just not made very well. Newcomers to the brand are sometimes surprised to learn that a traditional G-Shock can withstand all the abuse we’re told it can take, but the metal watches feel tougher and more substantial. This G-Shock, like virtually every G-Shock, is shock resistant and water resistant to 200 meters. It has the typical array of functions we’re used to seeing on G-Shocks, including a calendar, stopwatch, and a series of daily alarms. The square case design is modeled after the original G-Shock, and with a measurement of 49.3 x 43.2 x 13mm it’s surprisingly wearable.

The new GMWB5000CS-1 is a limited edition and will go on sale in June at a retail price of $800. G-Shock