Since its introduction in 1983, the unique “5600” G-Shock case design from Casio has confirmed itself to be one of the malleable kinds in watchmaking. Wanting classical or dressy appears, there are few conditions or stylistic niches that the ur-G-Shock can’t be tailored to suit, and the model has produced a virtually countless array of riffs on this type in numerous supplies, colours, and ranges of ending. The G-Shock Full Steel line has lengthy held a particular place on this hierarchy, sitting close to the highest of the usual G-Shock vary between the basic resin-cased fashions and the extra explicitly luxury-focused MT-G and MR-G sub-brands. With the discharge of the G-Shock GMWB5000TVA “Digital Armor” in late 2021, the model absolutely embraced its industrial, futuristic stylistic roots with a novel robotic twist, incorporating mecha model-style element and tutorial markings so as to add a hanging new layer to the acquainted form. Casio’s newest G-Shock entry takes this idea one step additional, including a hanging three-tone ion-plated splinter camouflage colorway to an already dramatic design. The brand new Casio G-Shock GMWB5000TVB-1 presents one of many model’s most eye-catching riffs on the core “5600” design, with a futuristic attraction that ought to prolong far past those that have ever constructed a Ver.Ka Gundam mannequin equipment.
Naturally, the Casio G-Shock GMWB5000TVB-1’s titanium case is the star of the present right here. Measuring in at an impressively manageable 43.2mm-wide and 13mm-thick, the general kind follows the basic “5600” octagonal form with a handful of added refinements. For all its complicated angles, ridges, and divots, this case design is normally offered in a flat, monochrome model, with one colour and a single matte end total. The addition of sharpening (albeit not the smoothest polished titanium we’ve seen) to the highest of the bezel and the case sides at 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock dramatically will increase the sense of depth and intricacy right here, permitting the acquainted thrives of the case design to face out as particular person components. The hooded lugs additionally add to this newfound sense of depth, abandoning the standard set of recessed divots for a extra premium set of beveled drilled holes, showcasing the cushioning black resin mid-case beneath. These, together with a set of slender drilled slots at 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock, take away the usual “5600” line’s monolithic really feel in favor of a extra refined, complicated look.
The attention-catching three-color camo scheme is the centerpiece of the design, mixing silver, black, and rose gold tone into an edgy, futuristic patchwork. Reaching this look easily and seamlessly on titanium isn’t any imply feat, and Casio implements a posh multi-stage ending system starting with a base layer of titanium carbide. After the carbide layer is utilized, a sequence of a number of masks permits every of the completely different ion plating colours to be utilized in flip, with sharp borders and 0 seen overspray. Casio completes the high-tech futuristic look with a sequence of laser-engraved markings, highlighting the whole lot from the “Tremendous Resin Cushioning” mid-case layer to the “Joint Pin Removing” course on every of the bracelet’s detachable hyperlinks. Together with pops of orange on the two o’clock pusher and corresponding engraving label, this successfully evokes the feel and appear of heavy sci-fi equipment, and makes me personally really feel able to climb into the cockpit of an enormous robotic and start pre-flight checks. Like all G-Shock fashions, the GMWB5000TVB-1 is awfully powerful, and presents a strong 200 meters of water resistance.
The digital dial of the Casio G-Shock GMWB5000TVB-1 is much nearer to the usual “5600” expertise, nonetheless. The inverted LCD show provides this a moodier, extra purposeful look than its standard-style counterparts, however delivers the identical wealth of knowledge and issues G-Shock house owners have come to count on. There’s one minor disadvantage to this predominantly black format, nonetheless – low-light legibility. Though the two o’clock pusher nonetheless gives simple and efficient dial illumination on command, the default show might be harder to learn in dim situations than non-inverted white backdrop fashions. Just like the case, Casio makes some extent to introduce depth and complexity to the acquainted format with this dial, notably by way of the uncovered Contact Photo voltaic charging panel surrounding the digital dial. This grid-style grey chapter ring provides the design each a recessed layer for verticality, and a easily reflective spotlight in altering mild situations. The orange accents on the chapter ring and interior bezel successfully tie the dial design into the general ethos, with a hyper-functional sci-fi edge.
Casio powers the G-Shock GMWB5000TVB-1 with its in-house Module 3459 quartz motion. The Module 3459 is a mainstay of higher-end digital G-Shock choices and delivers a dizzying array of issues together with a 1/100 second split-seconds chronograph, a 24-hour countdown timer, 5 each day alarms, a world timer, and a perpetual calendar correct by way of the 12 months 2099. As this is without doubt one of the extra premium choices within the mainline G-Shock household, the Module 3459 additionally consists of photo voltaic charging, LED dial illumination, Multi-Band 6 computerized radio-controlled atomic time correction six instances per day, and Bluetooth cellular gadget connectivity. This final component has been a difficult promote for some extra conventional members of the fanatic neighborhood, however after a 10-second pairing with the G-Shock cellular app, dealing with historically finicky changes comparable to swapping between time zones turns into an extremely simple activity. Whereas atomic time correction signifies that, in most conditions, the Module 3459 will probably be nigh-on completely correct, with out the correcting sign enabled, the motion presents an honest -15/+15 seconds per 30 days of accuracy. After a full photo voltaic cost, the Module 3459’s energy 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 sample. Additionally, just like the case, this bracelet elevates the standard “5600” format with extra various ending and larger visible depth. The drilled-out hyperlinks proceed the motif arrange from the lugs, whereas additionally visually reinforcing the light-weight really feel of the titanium case. With reference to lightness, the GMWB5000TVB-1 is an absolute featherweight on the wrist, and between the titanium case, bracelet, and low-weight motion this presents an much more comfy sporting expertise than its basic resin-cased counterpart with a vastly extra luxe really feel.
In a G-Shock catalog that helps a seemingly countless array of variants on the unique 1983 design, the Casio G-Shock GMWB5000TVB-1 manages greater than merely providing a compelling new tackle a well-recognized look — it achieves the feat of genuinely feeling particular, with a way of favor and high quality that units it other than nearly some other mannequin in need of the MT-G and MR-G sequence. The dynamic splinter camo colorway, mech suit-inspired detailing, and total really feel of refinement make this a press release piece that’s positive to construct a cult following within the G-Shock fanatic neighborhood. The Casio G-Shock GMWB5000TVB-1 is out there now by way of approved sellers. MSRP for the Casio G-Shock GMWB5000TVB-1 stands at $1,700 USD as of press time. For extra data, please go to the model’s web site.
Obligatory Knowledge
>Model: Casio
>Mannequin: G-Shock GMWB5000TVB-1
>Value: $1,700 USD
>Dimension: 43.2mm-wide, 13mm-thick
>When reviewer would personally put on it: As a press release piece in a streetwear-inspired outfit, or as an attention-grabbing accent for each day put on and outside adventuring.
>Buddy we’d advocate it to first: G-Shock followers in search of a extra luxurious iteration of the unique 5600 design, sci-fi, and mecha followers.
>Greatest attribute of watch: Gorgeous splinter camo ion plating, ultra-lightweight consolation, bulletproof sturdiness.
>Worst attribute of watch: Hefty premium over different G-Shock Full Steel fashions, wild multicolor camo look gained’t swimsuit all tastes.
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