Hands-On With The Carbon G-Shock GCW-B5000UN-1 And GCW-B5000UN-6 — Celebrating 40 Years Of G-Shock In Style

G-Shock’s 40th anniversary is almost over. But as the celebrations come to an end, Casio throws us one last curveball to close the year out. Two classic G-Shock “Squares” get the full-carbon treatment. As a result, these G-Shock GCW-B5000 models are featherlight. The carbon material messes with your usual perception of the already-light G-Shocks. That’s why spending a couple of days with the G-Shock GCW-B5000UN-1 and GCW-B5000UN-6 turned out to be a surprisingly fun experience. Let me explain.

When the new 40th Anniversary models first came into the office as part of a larger shipment of G-Shocks, these two full-carbon ones quickly brought smiles to our faces. The G-Shock GCW-B5000UN-1 and GCW-B5000UN-6 do not necessarily stand out at first glance. The GCW-B5000UN-6 is a very colorful watch, but we have seen more exotic G-Shock pieces land on our Fratello desks. No, that’s not where the fun and amazement was. Rather, it came when we picked these watches up. As soon as we did, the weight seemed incredibly low. I started to smile because I almost couldn’t believe how light these two new models were.

The story of the G-Shock GCW-B5000UN-1 and GCW-B5000UN-6

The total weight of these full-carbon versions of the GMW-B5000 is just 65 grams. That makes them nine grams lighter than the regular GW-5000-1. But they are heavier than a basic resin GW-M5610U-1, which weighs 52 grams. So was I mistaken in feeling that these were some extraordinary light watches?

Once I spent more time with them, I figured out that it was a combination of the low weight with the specific feel of forged carbon. The material almost feels like hard plastic. But that questionable connotation quickly turned into a fun experience full of admiration for the production process.

In these watches, we have three different carbon materials. The first is a carbon-fiber-reinforced resin, which makes up the monocoque inner case. Yamagata Casio’s high-precision molding technology was used to achieve the integrated shape of the case back. It ensures that the case back is strong and airtight while contributing to the overall weight reduction. The next material we see is forged carbon, which gives its marbled look to the outer 45 × 49.1 × 14.5mm case (which Casio calls the “bezel”) and the bracelet. A characteristic of forged carbon is that no two parts made of it will look exactly alike. As a result, every single watch has a unique appearance. The inner ring and pushers are made of titanium to save more weight. Additionally, the watch features a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.

Weight reduction as a main goal for the GCW-B5000

But that’s not where it ends. Remember, there are three carbon materials in these watches. The bracelet and clasp are also made of carbon, which we rarely see. To ensure the clasp can withstand the pressures of use, the folding arm is made from laminated multilayer carbon, which has a high degree of longitudinal bending strength. As a result, maximum weight reduction is achieved without compromising strength for daily use.

While these watches may initially feel like hard plastic, once you start paying attention, it becomes evident how much thought and skill has gone into creating them. That’s why I quickly changed my opinion on these pieces. As soon as I put one on my wrist after checking out some of the production details, I understood the goals and motives behind creating these watches. Seeing how Casio fulfilled them demands respect. 

The new Casio module 3543 for the G-Shock GCW-B5000

Casio equips the watches with its new 3543 module inside the monocoque case. It features Tough Solar power, Multi Band 6 for automatic time correction, and Bluetooth to link the watch to a smartphone. Functions controlled with the Casio smartphone app are auto and one-touch time correction via the internet, automatic switching to daylight-saving time (DST), multiple alarms and timer functions, reminders for important dates, a time/place log, phone finder, and world times for 300 cities.

Furthermore, you have regular functions on the GCW-B5000UN watches themselves, including daily alarms and countdown timers, a stopwatch, a full calendar until 2099, energy-saving mode, a white Super Illuminator backlight, and many more. Regarding accuracy, the module runs at ±15 seconds per month. With “normal use,” the rechargeable battery will last 10 months without a charge (exposure to light). I’m not sure how many of us will spend 10 months in complete darkness while using the watch, but that’s what Casio states. Also, if you simply store the watch in a dark space, you’ll only need to charge it after 22 months thanks to the energy-saving mode. Replacing the battery is necessary once every 10 years. You’ll want to do that at an authorized Casio dealer because of the monocoque case.

Two different versions of the G-Shock GCW-B5000UN

The first of these two new models is the black GCW-B5000UN-1. It looks mostly like a regular G-Shock Square except for the characteristic carbon pattern on the watch. It immediately gives away that this is not your usual G-Shock. The look fits the design of the G-Shock Square well and shows that the original form is as relevant as ever. The watch has a negative display that complements the aesthetic perfectly to create a lively black G-Shock Square.

The second of the two is the GCW-B5000UN-6. It features a cool galaxy-inspired design with the addition of blue and pink resin and specks of opal into the carbon mixture. As mentioned, each watch looks unique, so what we had in the office differs from all the other versions. On top of that special feeling of having something that no one else does, the eye-catching presence adds an enormous fun factor to this version. Because of this and a healthy obsession with space, I gravitated toward this model more in my time with them.

Wearing the G-Shock GCW-B5000UN models

Once on the wrist, the first thing that stands out is that these are top-heavy watches. The watch head is the majority of the total weight of 65 grams, so it tends to “dive down” if you haven’t closed the clasp yet. But once you’ve put the watch on your wrist correctly and secured the clasp, it is smooth sailing from there. As mentioned, when you get past that initial feel of the carbon construction, the watches are a joy to wear. They are light — very light. I sometimes almost forgot that I was wearing a watch. Then again, the standout presence of both pieces will remind you quickly that you are wearing something special.

Accessing and operating the different functions feels familiar if you own a modern G-Shock. I did not use the Casio app to control the different functions. From previous experiences, however, I can say that the app is intuitive and easy to use. I enjoyed my time with these two new full-carbon GCW-B5000UN models. They show once again that Casio does incredible things with materials and production techniques for its more expensive G-Shock models.

Final thoughts on the 40th Anniversary GCW-B5000UN models

As you would expect, these are not your usual cheap G-Shocks. Both models are available as we speak for €2,000. It places them in the same price category as the GMW-B5000TCC “Circuit Board” that I reviewed earlier this year. It’s a lot of money, but it will buy you a unique watch. While these are not my favorites out of the 40th-anniversary models — that honor goes to the DW-6940RX Clear Remix — they are up there with this year’s best.

Additionally, they are more proof of the greatness of the G-Shock brand. Forty years after its launch, that brand is as relevant as ever. Forty more years, please!

For more information, visit the official G-Shock website, and tell us in the comments section which of these two models is your favorite.

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