(Update: It’s not.)
Some people may have viewed the exclusion of a G-Shock GW-5000 model from the Recrystallized Series of squares as a sign that a “GW-5040” 40th Anniversary model will not be released. Here’s why we believe that is not the case and why we are hopeful that a GW-5040 is coming.
1. A GW-5040 can be part of another series.
A GW-5040 does not need to be part of a square series.
Let’s suppose that a GW-5040 was part of the Recrystallized Series. It certainly would have been nice in place of the DW-5040 with that origin colorway, but how would it have coexisted with the DW-5040? What sort of colorway would it have been to differentiate itself from the DW-5040 yet match the rest of the series? Unless it was hideous-looking, it would have taken attention and sales away from the DW-5040. In our view, there simply wasn’t enough room for both the DW-5040 and a GW-5040 in this series. During the 35th Anniversary, there were no series that included both a DW-5000 and GW-5000. The GW-5035A-1 from the 35th Anniversary was part of the Big Bang Black Series, which also included four analog-digital models. A GW-5040 can be in a series with non-square models, or it can be released on its own.
2. The GW-5000 is very popular.
All GW-5000 models have sold very well.
The GW-5035A-1 sold out a lot faster than the DW-5035D-1B and DW-5035E-7 during the 35th Anniversary. Before that, the GW-5000HR-1, a Japan-only non-limited model that ended up having a short production run, also sold out. Casio knows that the GW-5000 is popular with longtime fans and that a GW-5040 would sell very well around the world at this stage.
Also, consider how the updated and standard GW-5000U-1, which was initially released in 2021 in Japan and Europe, was then released in early 2023 in the United States and Singapore. It quickly sold out there, but it hasn’t been restocked yet for some reason, although it is still available in Japan and Europe.
3. There have been GW-5000 anniversary editions since the 30th Anniversary.
Image via shockbase.org
Why stop now?
The first anniversary GW-5000 model was the ultra-limited GW-T5030C-1 from the 30th Anniversary, which was made out of titanium and is now a grail-like collectible. Unlike previous GW-5000 releases, the GW-5035A-1 was also released in the United States for the 35th Anniversary. The GW-5000 has been one of the most talked about models among fans over the years. Did it suddenly fall out of favor recently to the point where Casio deems it unworthy of an anniversary release in 2023? We certainly don’t think so. Casio knows that fans are expecting and wanting a GW-5040.
4. It’s only the first half of the year.
While spring and summer is a major time for new releases, the holiday season around November is another major time. There have been many leaks during the first half of 2023, but there haven’t been many for the second half yet. We don’t know what to fully expect, but we expect Casio to end the G-Shock 40th Anniversary year in a big way.
If there is no GW-5040 (or something related) released in 2023, we will be extremely disappointed. But if that’s the case, you can always take comfort in the fact that you can buy a GW-5000U-1 (imported if you have to) for a lower price than what the GW-5040 probably would have been.
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Here’s hoping!
I hope so too. I hope they stay true to their roots and avoid any more gaudy faux gold and weird textured finishes.