Hands-On With The 50thAnniversary Casiotron TRN-50SS And G-Shock GMW-B5000SS
Casio has turned 50 years old this year! The brand has released a string of different 50th-anniversary models to celebrate that anniversary. We had a chance to go hands-on with the Casiotron TRN-50SS and the G-Shock GMW-B5000SS. Out of the five 50th-anniversary models, they are undoubtedly the two that speak the most to us and are probably the most popular with Casio fans. Both stainless steel watches come in a special 50th-anniversary colorway with a blue bezel and gold details. However, these two new models have more intricate design details, making them fun and stand out. Let’s join in on the fun!
When I first saw pictures pop up online of the G-Shock GMW-B5000SS, I was definitely curious. This Casio 50th anniversary G-Shock Square looked nice with its stainless steel case and bracelet that is combined with a blue bezel and gold accents. It perfectly blends retro vibes with the modern full-metal execution of a G-Shock Square. When I started digging a little deeper, I found the entire 50th-anniversary collection that also holds the second model we had in for review. The Casiotron TRN-50SS is a modern remake of the world’s first digital watch with an automatic calendar function. The watches make for a perfect pair with a similar aesthetic to the G-Shock. I had a lot of fun taking the two watches out for spin.
The story of the G-Shock GMW-B5000SS
Let’s kick things off with the G-Shock GMW-B5000SS. The watch is based on the Square GMW-B5000, which was introduced in 2018. Over the past couple of years, the full-metal G-Shock Squares have become some of the most popular models in the collection. The new 50th anniversary model comes with a 49.3 × 43.2 × 13mm stainless steel case and a stainless steel bezel with a blue IP finish.
The dial perimeter features a gold fluted pattern of the original Casiotron, and the buttons also feature a gold IP finish. Lastly, the inner workings of the clasp are also gold and engraved with a triangle pattern and “50th-Anniversary” lettering.
The color pattern and the little details make this G-Shock GMW-B5000SS a joy to see. The overall presence is striking and really draws you in. Once you zoom in, there is plenty to discover that links back to the special anniversary that this watch celebrates. It is, without a doubt, my favorite G-Shock that came out lately. I have been lucky to review many different new models, and none of them made the same immediate impression as this new addition to the G-Shock Square collection.
The functions of the G-Shock GMW-B5000SS
The watch features a positive display and is powered by the Casio 3539 module, similar to the GMW-B500 models. The module features Bluetooth functionality and allows you to link your watch to your smartphone for additional functions that are available in the Casio Watches smartphone app.
The Tough Solar watch also features a multiband-6 radio wave reception that allows automatic time adjustment four times per day. It also comes with a standard set of functions, including five world times, a stopwatch, a countdown timer, five daily alarms, and a Super Illuminator LED backlight.
The smartphone app adds other functions like World Times in 300 Cities, a phone finder, reminders for five events, and so on. Operating the watch is always easy if you have ever owned a G-Shock. The positive two-line display makes it easy to read and use the watch, and it fits the overall looks nicely.
Wearing the G-Shock GMW-B5000SS
On the wrist, this G-Shock GMW-B5000SS really pops. As you would have guessed, I loved wearing the watch and kept coming back to it. The aesthetic is really something special, and why it made it a ton of fun to wear the watch as a break from many mechanical watches.
As you might have guessed from the case dimensions, this is by no means a small watch. The case is substantial in size, and at 167 grams, it has some proper heft to it.
But that weight is also reassuring, giving the feeling that you are wearing a really well-made watch. Gerard recently mentioned in his review of the GMW-B5000D-2 that these metal G-Shock Squares feel like proper premium watches.
They are solidly built, and the finish is really good. This makes the €699 GMW-B5000SS not necessarily an affordable G-Shock. But what you get in return is nothing short of super impressive. As I said, this is my favorite recently released G-Shock. That’s how impressive it is.
The story of the Casiotron TRN-50SS
This brings us to the second model. The Casiotron TRN-50SS is a modern remake of the first Casiotron, which was introduced in 1974 and, as I mentioned, was the world’s first digital watch with an automatic calendar function. The watch features a stainless steel case that measures 42.7 × 39.1 × 12.3mm.
It’s substantially smaller than the G-Shock, but that also perfectly fits this retro-inspired model. The watch also has a stainless steel bracelet and features the same aesthetic as the G-Shock.
I also love how this watch’s combination of stainless steel with blue and gold accents works. It gives it a crisp, modern-day relevance while not denying its roots. The dial design differs from the G-Shock’s; the Casiotron features an additional dark blue part with gold Casio and Casiotron names.
The watch has a comfortable stainless steel bracelet with a folding clasp with gold inner details like the G-Shock. The inside of the bracelet has the same “50th-Anniversary” lettering to indicate its commemorative status.
The different functions of the Casiottron TRN-50SS
The Casiotron TRN-50SS is powered by the Casio module 3542 and features a similar set of functions as the G-Shock. Just like the G-Shock, the watch also features a two-line positive display. You will find the indicators for all the different functions between the two lines. Once enabled, the display shows that the function is active. The Tough Solar watch is radio-controlled (Multiband-6) for accurate timekeeping and features a Super Illuminator LED backlight to ensure you can use the watch in the dark.
Regarding functions, the module follows module 3539, which powers the G-Shock. Thanks to the Casio Watches smartphone app, it also has Bluetooth connectivity that lets you link the watch to your smartphone. Additionally, the watch features a stopwatch, a countdown timer, five daily alarms, and five world times from a list of 39 cities. It’s a pretty neat set of specs for this modest retro-inspired watch.
Wearing the Casiotron TRN-50SS
The retro-inspired Casiottron TRN-50SS is great fun once on the wrist. It took me back to my younger days when these styles of watches were all the rage. The watch is modest in size, but its funky presence makes up for that nicely. On top of that, the super flexible bracelet makes wearing the watch super comfortable.
I switched between the two 50th-anniversary models a lot. The Casiotron told the story of Casio and my younger days. The G-Shock is the more serious watch, and I would wear it as a serious daily wearer.
The downside of this Casiottron TRN-50SS-2A is that it has sold out on the Casio website and most online retailers that offered it. This means that you might have to search for it if you want to get your hands on one for the regular price of €549. I have checked some Dutch retailers, and only a few still have them, so you will have to be quick. But if you ask me, the G-Shock is the better modern daily watch and that would be my pick.
Both celebrate Casio’s 50th anniversary in great style. The two models are great proof of the innovative nature of the Casio brand. I hope we get to see many more great things in the upcoming years because Casio played a significant part in my life during my younger days. Therefore, the brand has always had a special place in my heart. It’s also why these two 50th-anniversary models really hit home with me, and I loved being able to take them for a spin.
What do you think about these Casio 50th anniversary models? Do you prefer the Casiotron, or would you pick the G-Shock? As always, let us know in the comments below!
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