The Original G-Shock DW-5000C Is Back! Well, Kind Of

The G-Shock 40th anniversary celebratory watch, the Bodega x G-Shock DW5600BDG231, is cool and all but the DW5600 was not the first G-Shock watch. To celebrate the enduring watch brand, it really should have been the watch that started it all, the DW-5000C. Well, you know what? As it turns out, there is really going to be a re-release of the original DW-5000C.

But the Casio G-Shock GW5000U-1, as it is called, is not an exact replica of the original. It is more like a reboot with modern upgrades and a streamlined design. The case is clearly a little rounded and the iconic “brick wall” on the watch face is gone. However, it retains the same segmented LCD display, albeit obviously, a modern variant.

The new GW5000U feels more closely related to the DW5600, IMHO. Notwithstanding this fact, this new take does have the spirit of its original forebear. There is no doubt that this watch is overflowing with nostalgic vibes.

As a homage to the original, it does not have a fancy EL backlight. Instead, it has an LED backlight (Super Illuminator) in white to kind of replicates the original. The watch features a modern shock-resistant construction of stainless steel and resin and is water resistant to 20 bar (200 meters/660 feet).

The metal case and screw back are made of DLC (diamond-like) to enhance wear resistance, and the screw back is also mirror-processed to create a luxurious finish. In addition, the resin band uses soft urethane that is comfortable to wear.

Under the hood, it is rocking modern upgrades like Multi-Band 6 which receives standard radio waves from 6 stations around the world, Power Saving mode which the display goes blank to save power when the watch is left in the dark and a rechargeable battery that is supplemented by the tough solar.

About the latter, Casio did say how long the battery will last under normal use when exposed to light. However, the watchmaker says the watch battery offers about 10 months under normal use without exposure to light after charge.