This Divisive Full-Metal Take on an Iconic Japanese Watch Is Over 40 Years in the Making

The original G-Shock watch, the DW-5000C, launched over 40 years ago. While it’s an unquestioned icon of the watchmaking world, it’s also still relevant to this day, as the brand has continued to refine and iterate on it, somehow still finding new approaches all these years later.

The brand’s latest might be its most cutting-edge and controversial to date. But if all goes well, the G-Shock Full-Metal GMW-BZ5000RC-1JR could mark a sea change and a brave new frontier for the legendary Japanese outfit.

G-Shock

Full-metal alchemist

According to the brand, this “generative design model” is a collaboration between humans and AI (Artificial Intelligence). But don’t fret; it’s not just a generated slop job. Rather, the brand has used the generative AI tech with a specific focus.

Instead of just generating a design that looks like a G-Shock, the brand instead utilized the original 5000 design and had AI compile and analyze over 40 years’ worth of G-Shock’s shock-resistant structural data to craft, hone and refine the design you see before you today. And yes, of course, every step of the process was managed by humans.

So, what makes this G-Shock 5000 Series watch so special? For starters, that rainbow detailing isn’t just for show. On the back of the case, it’s the result of a complex, multi-step IP-finishing process. And it’s so unique to each watch that no two examples look the same.

G-Shock

And the front — the dial detailing — features a special rainbow vapor-deposition finish to match, alongside gold-colored IP-finished screws.

Better still, the colors aren’t just there to look nice; they’re meant to enhance and draw the eye to the beauty of the watch’s complex shock-resistant structure, the crucial element that ties all G-Shock watches together.

And therein lies the real secret: all of this is to showcase how the watch boasts a unique structure connecting the bezel and center case from above and below. Per the brand, “despite being full metal, it clears G-SHOCK’s shock resistance standards and employs a screw-back case with excellent airtightness.”

G-Shock

Don’t believe me, just watch

That unique, reinterpreted full-metal case isn’t the only thing to get excited about with this take on one of the most iconic timepieces ever, either. It has way more going for it beyond that.

For instance, it comes with a semi-customizable memory-in-pixel display, offering numerous distinct display style combinations, split between four time displays and various other elements (like day-date, worldtimer and more). There are also more options when linked with the brand’s app.

There’s also a fun historical connection to this particular watch and its progenitor. Like the original G-Shock, this watch is manufactured at the brand’s legendary “Yamagata Casio” plant, the brand’s mother factory.

G-Shock

And, of course, it has an array of other onboard features, as to be expected. That includes a full-auto calendar, operating time countdown, battery indicator, bright backlight, five alarms and much more.

Plus, the whole package is powered by an incredibly convenient Tough Solar movement, meaning you never have to worry about batteries, winding or whatever else. Just get the watch some light and it’ll keep right on ticking.

G-Shock

Availability and pricing

The G-Shock Full-Metal GMW-BZ5000RC-1JR is coming soon on the brand’s Japanese site for ¥121,000 (about $762). But you can sign up for stock notifications now.

It will also be released internationally, including the USA, in the near future.

G-Shock

G-Shock Full Metal GMW-BZ5000RC-1JR

Specs

Case Size	43.6mm
Movement	Tough Solar, quartz
Water Resistance	200m

• $762 at G-Shock

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