Why you should buy a G-Shock GMW-B5000

As the full-metal G-Shock GMW-B5000D-1 and GMW-B5000TFG-9 are now available in North America, we counter the common arguments against buying one of these historic models. You likely don’t need any convincing to buy one, but in case you do…

Faulty reason not to buy #1: Too expensive

Yes, it is the most expensive square 5000-series G-Shock, but try to put it in perspective. The GW-5000-1JF is the closest model to the GMW-B5000 and also has a stainless steel inner-body and screw-back case (but with a resin bezel/band and no Bluetooth). It usually goes for around $300 USD online. While we don’t know the exact sales figures, it’s safe to say it’s a very popular model that people are willing to pay for. For just $200 more for the GMW-B5000D-1, you are getting a stainless steel bezel and band plus Bluetooth connectivity. The Bluetooth link adds a bunch of new features like automatic internet time adjustment, expanded world time with 300 cities (with 5 settable cities on the watch), a time and place log to track your whereabouts, five reminder alerts with text descriptions, a phone finder function, and easy access to the watch settings. Also, some European users can change the day of the week abbreviation to match their language and set the date to the DD/MM style. Now consider the gold GMW-B5000TFG-9 which has a gold ion-plated surface and is only $100 more than the standard silver model. It is a 35th Anniversary limited edition with a commemorative case back and is sure to sell out. It should also be noted that these models are made in Japan, unlike the bulk of G-Shock watches that are made in Thailand or China.

Update: Casio released the G-Shock GM-5600 series, which is essentially a DW-5600 with a stainless steel bezel. Prices range from $180-$200, but all models have a resin band so far.

Faulty reason not to buy #2: Buy it later or wait for new model

This applies to the GMW-B5000D-1 as we’re certain the gold limited edition GMW-B5000TFG-9 will sell out at some point. It’s possible that the GMW-B5000D-1 will stay in production for a while but just because it’s a regular release does not guarantee that it will. The GMW-B5000D-1 may very well become a readily-available fixture like the GW-5000-1JF, but we don’t know if that will happen. Even if there is an abundant supply and it becomes available for a cheaper price from third-party sellers later on, it is recommended to pay the retail price from an authorized seller so that you will have the 1-year Casio warranty. It is also likely that we will see more new GMW-B5000 models added in the future and maybe one of those will strike your fancy more, but it’s hard to imagine a better-looking model than the GMW-B5000D-1. These will always be the first models and it’s more fun to be an early adopter.

Update: It looks like the GMW-B5000D-1 is a fixture in the lineup for now, but we haven’t seen much lower prices for it like with other G-Shock models as they get older.

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Faulty reason not to buy #3: It will get scratched

Yes, they will most likely get scratched if you wear them, unless you are extremely careful. That’s the nature of metal watches but it doesn’t stop people from buying other much more expensive stainless steel watches. This is a good reason to buy the GMW-B5000TFC-1 edition with DLC coating which will have better scratch resistance. That’s a 35th Anniversary Model (limited to 500 units) that will cost $1,200 USD, assuming you can find it for the list price. Scratches will give the watch character, but if you can’t live with them then you can order a new bezel for the silver and gold models from authorized parts reseller PacParts, and they are not prohibitively expensive. PacParts can get parts for both the GMW-B5000D-1 and GMW-B5000TFG-9 (links to PacParts pages).

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Faulty reason not to buy #4: It’s too heavy

Sure, compared to a resin DW-5600 it’s heavy at 167 grams versus 53 grams, but 53 grams is ridiculously light to begin with. YouTube reviewers as well as those on the forums don’t have a problem with the weight. It may be a little heavy for a metal watch, but it’s not overly so considering its ruggedness and water resistance. In comparison, a Seiko Prospex SBDC033 diving watch is 183 grams.

Update: The all-titanium GMW-B5000TB-1 is coming in November 2019. It is 57 grams lighter than the GMW-B5000D-1 and has a DLC coating and sapphire crystal.

Faulty reason not to buy #5: It’s too hard to find for list price

This is a valid reason not to buy one, as eBay sellers are taking advantage of the shortage and jacking prices up. It is possible to find them online for list price in North America, but you may need to be persistent in your effort. Zumiez went through several cycles of having them in and out of stock, so it can be worthwhile to keep checking a place even if it’s already sold out. You can also try lesser-known authorized Casio dealers or regional brick and mortar dealers. It is a good idea to build a relationship with the smaller dealers (or just call them on the phone and ask) if you’re interested in limited editions (especially with super-limited models like the GMW-B5000TFC-1). Some of them will offer reservations and pre-orders that may not be made public. It certainly helps to start early and be proactive with the limited edition watches if you are serious about buying one.

Update: It appears that there is no longer a shortage of the silver GMW-B5000D-1 and newer models like the resin-banded GMW-B5000-1, as well as the black IP GMW-B5000GD-1 and gold IP GMW-B5000GD-9, are readily available from authorized dealers.

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Related: Review of the G-Shock GMW-B5000’s Bluetooth features

5 Comments
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Watch Geek
Watch Geek
5 years ago

hehe nameing the erasons is futile, I still want one, but thanks for trying to save me some money :)

David
David
5 years ago

just purchased a GMWB5000D-1 from Fink’s Jewelers online, Wed. May 23rd 2018. Received it Friday the 25th. Great service!!! Thanks Maria! They still show to have them in stock on their website.

G-Central
G-Central
5 years ago
Reply to  David

Glad you were able to get one. I don’t see it on their site now.

Greg
Greg
5 years ago

I wish it could be worn on a natostrap or some good old leather…

Joe Edwards
Joe Edwards
4 years ago
Reply to  Greg

Jay and Kay’s adapters let you do this very thing.

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