G-Shock GW-5000U-1 is rumored to be getting discontinued [but isn’t discontinued]

According to a rumor mentioned by Geesgshock, “people in the trade have been unable to acquire the [G-Shock] GW-5000U-1 from suppliers due to impending discontinuation.” We confirmed with Geesgshock that this statement came from someone in Japan. Bear in mind that this rumor refers only to the GW-5000U-1 model and not the entire GW-5000 series or the recent GW-5000HS-1 and GW-5000HS-7 models, although it may have implications for the whole series.

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Casio Japan no longer designates recently discontinued models as “end of production” or “old model,” but there are a few signs that indicate that the GW-5000U-1 might be discontinued soon. In Japan, the GW-5000U1-JF is currently sold out at (Casio.com) but remains in stock at most official G-Shock Store locations. It is also in stock at many Japanese retailers, including some of the largest ones. We’ve seen some mainstay models like the GW-6900-1JF go out of stock at Casio Japan and then get restocked again, so this shouldn’t be considered a strong indication of discontinuation. [Great G-Shock World states that “the most obvious indicator of discontinuation is whether or not the Casio Online sold-out status continues for about a month.”] However, Bic Camera was one of the retailers who had it in stock after the rumor surfaced but now states that “sales are suspended” (biccamera.com). This does not mean that the watch is discontinued (Bic Camera actually lists discontinued models as “production has ended”) and this may only indicate a temporary supply shortage, but it does seem to confirm that the first part of the rumor is true.

The highly-regarded GW-5000U-1 has a DLC-coated screw-back case, Tough Solar power, and Multi-Band 6 auto radio time adjustment. It was updated from the original GW-5000-1 module in 2021 with an LED light and enhanced functions and was the first non-limited GW-5000 model to be released outside of Japan.

The GW-5000U-1 is still available in European countries for €299 at Casio.com, and other European retailers also have the watch in stock. It is listed as an “Old Model” by Casio in Singapore, suggesting it will not be restocked there.

In the U.S., the GW5000U-1 is sold out at Casio.com but is available at Reeds Jewelers (reeds.com) for $330. We also found it listed for $300 at Murad & Co. muradandco.com), which is a Virginia-based authorized dealer according to the Casio Store Locator (locator.casio.com).

The original GW-5000-1 was launched in 2009, so it may be time for a refresh. If it is discontinued, we expect it to be replaced by another model or perhaps an all-new series. While there are no definitive signs that it is discontinued, we see no reason to doubt the rumor.

[Update: The GW-5000U-1 is back in stock at the Casio Japan and U.S. websites, so it no longer looks like it’s getting discontinued. At Bic Camera, sales are no longer suspended and the watch is available again (biccamera.com).]