The full carbon G-Shock GCW-B5000UN is the standout limited edition series for the 40th Anniversary, but for many people, it may be hard to justify a $2,000 price tag for a watch that has the same functions as a $150 model. Here are some solar-powered and radio-time-controlled models that offer something more than the basic GW-M5610 (also highly recommended) at a fraction of the cost of the GCW-B5000. As one of the major features of the full carbon series is its exceptionally light weight, the “square” models we’ve chosen here are based on similar weights with an emphasis on value, so we’ve omitted the heavier but more affordable full metal GMW-B5000 series.
GW-B5600: The affordable solar-radio-Bluetooth series
The GW-B5600 series shares the same functions as the GCW-B5000 such as Tough Solar power, Multi-Band 6 auto radio time correction, and Bluetooth smartphone link. Unfortunately, there is no standard mainstay model in basic black with a positive LCD display, although there have been some positive display models in conventional colorways, and the upcoming collaboration with the Charles Darwin Foundation offers three new options. It is also difficult to find some of the older models in the U.S. now. The GW-B5600BC-1B (pictured above) with a composite band comes closest to matching the style of the GCW-B5000UN-1, but it also has an inverted LCD display that may hinder its visibility compared to a positive display.
(Another option for a link composite band is the Japan-only GW-M5610UBC-1JF without Bluetooth, but this model also has an inverted LCD display.)
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GW-S5600: Lightest men’s G-Shock watch
With its titanium metal parts, the Japan-only GW-S5600U-1JF has the distinction of being the lightest men’s G-Shock model at 47 grams. (There are some women’s S Series models like the GMA-S2100 and GMA-S2200 that are lighter.) Another distinctive feature is the carbon fiber insert band. The slightly translucent bezel and racing-style labels on the band may not be for everyone, but when it comes to pure lightness, the GW-S5600U-1JF is the winner.
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GW-5000: The original G-Shock structure for fans and collectors
The GW-5000U-1 is often described as the only G-Shock you need, such as in a recent WatchGeek video (youtube.com). The same could be said of the GW-M5610, but the GW-5000 has a certain cachet due to its stainless steel screw-back case like the original DW-5000C design from 1983, making it a favorite of both die-hard G-Shock fans and watch collectors who want at least one G-Shock. Innovation is great, but why fix it if it ain’t broke? At 74 grams, the GW-5000U-1 is actually nine grams heavier than the GCW-B5000, but there’s something reassuring about good old fashioned stainless steel, and this is G-Shock in its original form (with a few functional upgrades added). The GW-5000U-1 also has a cleaner and more symmetrical face style than the GW-M5610U-1, a DLC-coating on the case and back, and a soft urethane band. As Casio continually raises the bar with new materials and manufacturing processes, the GW-5000 remains an anchor.
The updated GW-5000U adopted some of the functions of the GMW-B5000/GW-B5600 such as 5 world time settings, adjustable date format and day of week language, and LED backlight (upgraded from EL backlight). These upgrades are also found on other “U” models like the GW-S5600U and the current GWM5610-1 model in the U.S.
The GW-5000 was finally released as a standard model in the U.S. earlier this year (with the GW5000U-1) at Hodinkee and Casio, and it initially sold out very quickly. It is now back in stock at Casio.com. You may also be able to find it for less as an import from Japan, but it won’t be covered by a U.S. Casio warranty in that case.
GW-5000U-1
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