Hands-On: The G-Shock DW-5000R-1A Origin Revival

When it comes to G-Shocks, I seek advice from the Wizard of G, our very own Gerard. Balazs is also a devoted fan of the rough-and-tumble digital watches that take a beating and ask for more. Me? I like the watches, but I’m an analog and mechanical junkie. Still, when news of the forthcoming DW-5000R-1A Origin Revival reached me, I knew I had to get one. It recently arrived, and I’m excited to share my thoughts.

A shoulder injury ago, I was a frequent gym goer and enjoyed lifting weights. Nine times out of 10, a G-Shock was on my wrist. Years ago, I bought a lightweight JDM model in Tokyo with an ana-digi display and loved wearing it. Since then, I’ve picked up a few G-Shocks and wear them infrequently. So why was I so drawn to the new DW-5000R-1A Origin Revival? Well, there’s just something about the original.

The G-Shock DW-5000R-1A Origin Revival

The new DW-5000R is the closest thing on record to the original G-Shock DW-5000C from 1983. I did my research (and spoke with Gerard), and while there have been reissues, none have come as close to the OG as this latest release. The differences are small, but that’s the watch hobby for you!

At 42.3mm wide by 48.9mm long and just 13.1mm thick, the DW-5000R is one of the few G-Shock models that fits my smaller wrist (notably, the case is 0.7mm larger than the 41.6mm original). Also, for those who aren’t in tune with busier or brighter references, this piece is incredibly low-key. There’s one reasonably-sized rectangular screen and four buttons. It’s the type of watch that provides confidence to a digital dummy like myself.

Hardcore specs

Many G-Shocks have a case back using small screws to batten down the stainless cover. However, the DW-5000R is a premium piece of kit with its traditional stainless steel screw-in case back. There’s more, though, because that case back is attached to an all-stainless steel internal case. The even more exciting detail, especially for hardcore fans, is that this watch is manufactured at Yamagata Casio. That’s right; the Origin Revival is a Japanese-made special.

Despite its 40-plus-year-old design, the DW-5000R has a 200m water resistance rating and can withstand a 10m drop. It uses a new environmentally friendly black bio-resin bezel and strap. Unlike some other recent DW-5xxx releases, this model has a bio-resin keeper and a Japanese-made stainless steel pin buckle. Per G-Shock, the strap is an accurate replica of the original down to the little dimples.

Enough functionality but not overwhelming

Certain modern G-Shock watches have so much functionality that I get lost. Scrolling through umpteen menus using the bare minimum of buttons confuses me and makes me wish for my iPhone. Thankfully, the DW-5000R keeps it simple. The watch arrived in a simple, almost fully recyclable paper box. I say “almost” because the documents are in a small plastic sleeve, and the watch comes in a fabric bag. This watch contains a calendar, and the good folks in Japan set the correct date and year. The time, however, required an update. I scanned a QR code inside the small manual and found straightforward instructions. I pushed the lower-right button and began to change the time. Minutes later, I was done.

In addition to the time (in switchable 12- and 24-hour formats), the watch contains a 24-hour countdown timer, alarm, and 24-hour stopwatch with an accuracy of 1/100th of a second. There’s also a Super LED light activated by depressing the upper-right button. That’s all, but what more do you need?

A cool design that never goes out of style

The DW-5000R looks tough in its matte black bio-resin case. The white “Protection” and “G-Shock” writing is recessed into the bezel, an entirely flat surface unlike most newer models and the GW series. A mineral crystal covers the simple scree and displays some important details. The black area on the edge shows the Casio name and, significantly, brings back the original “Lithium” script in yellow instead of the modern “Illuminator.” Next, a red border surrounds the brick motif (bricks signify toughness). Within the bottom area of the bricked portion, light blue “Water Resist 20 Bar” signage recalls the original DW-5000C.

The screen is basic gray with black digital numerals. In standard form, it shows the time, day, and date. It’s odd to think that a basic digital watch can somehow become a classic, but the DW-5000R has achieved that distinction. Its legibility is peerless, and it’s wonderfully devoid of extraneous lumps or protrusions.

On the wrist

I already own the DW-5030C-1 30th Anniversary G-Shock, so I knew what I was getting into size-wise with the DW-5000R. What I hadn’t experienced was the new bio-resin. In short, it feels like a nicer, more flexible material that isn’t fragile. The watch has heft but isn’t an anchor like the all-metal variants are. Wearing this watch for a day or two will make it easy to comprehend why so many similar references have been sold.

The use case

I ran out of reasons to buy another daily fun watch years ago. Still, the DW-5000R was too tempting to resist. Since the watch arrived, we’ve had violent weather in England. We also now share our house with a five-month-old boxer puppy. You could call both of these scenarios the “perfect storm.” This G-Shock has accompanied me on walks in the pouring rain, has successfully weathered puppy teeth, and scrubs up nicely with a soapy sponge. Yes, my Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Tough is just as good, but this is a fun, geeky alternative. Finally, it’s the kind of watch I can wear around the city with complete disregard.

Should you buy one?

Do you remember how I mentioned Gerard and Balazs at the beginning of the article? I asked both about the DW-5000R before buying it. Gerard thought it was awesome, and as a collector of G-Shocks, he will own one. Balazs, on the other hand, owns a similarly-sized GW-B5600-2ER with Tough Solar, Bluetooth connectivity, and more. He saw no need to add this watch, and when opining on whether I should buy it, he knew I owned the 30th-anniversary model. Plus, the watch will require a battery change. G-Shock rates it to two years, although my DW-5030 has been running for 12!

The DW-5000R-1A is priced at €199 / £179 / US$200 and should now be listed on G-Shock sites globally. On the UK site, I signed up for notifications, received an email, and promptly bought one with a 15% discount code and free shipping. Currently, it’s out of stock, but it should return. The brand has been mum on how long this watch will stay in production or if it will remain as part of the catalog for the foreseeable future.

With that price in mind, should you buy one? Well, the DW-5600RL-1ER is available for £99, has the same water resistance, a five-year battery life, and looks similar. Granted, the case back isn’t a screw-in but, rather, a screw-on type, and the watch lacks a steel core. The GW-M5610U-1ER is £135, and it has Tough Solar, an atomic signal, and, yes, similar looks. The GW-B5600CY-1ER is £129 with Bluetooth to change the time and Tough Solar.

Final thoughts on the DW-5000R-1A Origin Revival

Therefore, the DW-5000R-1A is a niche product offered for hardcore G-Shock fans. Newer technology has usurped the original and has made them service-free. Still, I must bring up important factors about watches. We collectors love our details and go a bit crazy about history. Therefore, the Original Revival deserves a place in the collection of anyone who may be contemplating the purchase. It’s a cool-looking piece, as useful today as in 1983, and easy to live with. Also, for less than €200, it’s a lot of fun.