Quick specs Casio G-Shock DW-5000R
Price: approx. $ 259 | € 259 | approx. £ 220 | approx. CHF 240
Size: 48.9 mm × 42.3 mm
Reference:
DW-5000R-1A or
DW-5000R-1AER (Europe) or
DW-5000R-1AJF (Japan)
Table of contents
40 years of G-Shock
More than 40 years after the first G-Shock, the Japanese brand launches this Casio G-Shock DW-5000R, re-creating the then-groundbreaking DW-5000C. Many of you will remember this 1983 plastic and cheap watch that had so many functions. And was almost indestructible. This new DW-5000R keeps the essence of the original while integrating modern updates.
When Casio introduced the DW-5000C, it was a pioneering concept of shock-resistant watches. And even at that time, they already named their watches after what looked like the names of washing machines. There is a reason behind it we’ll explain at the end of this article. Their innovation addressed the need for a durable wristwatch suitable for construction workers, athletes, and adventurers. Over time, the G-Shock lineup grew into a symbol of rugged reliability, and a sort of sub-brand, evolving with technological advancements.
Mirroring the original DW-5000C
This new DW-5000R closely mirrors the original DW-5000C with its flat bezel design and red, blue, and yellow accents on the face. These colors match the original, paying homage to the first G-Shock’s aesthetic.
The red kind of outlines the dial with a brick pattern within. Blue is used to indicate the water resistance (20 bar). And yellow is used for some accents that indicate general functions. White texts help you with where and with what pusher you can find most of its functions.
Steel and Bio Resin for the Case
The watch features a stainless steel center case, complemented by an engraved screw-lock case back. The bezel and band are crafted from bio-based resin, a modern, eco-friendly material. This update aligns with sustainability goals, showing the brand’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
Its band replicates the original design, including the distinctive dimples and uneven texture near the band holes. This attention to detail highlights Casio’s effort to maintain the authenticity of the original model.
G-Shock Functions and Features
The DW-5000R includes contemporary features that enhance its usability. A high-brightness LED backlight ensures visibility in low-light conditions. The LCD provides clear timekeeping functions, including a chronograph or stopwatch measuring up to 1/100th of a second, and timer capabilities, essential for sports and outdoor activities.
Furthermore, an alarm, with flash and buzz alerts, a full auto-calendar until the year 2099, a date and day display, and a power saving function. What’s missing compared to most other new G-Shocks is a Bluetooth connection for your mobile phone. But hey, for less than 300 you cannot have it all. The functions can be activated via the push-button controls, designed for practical and efficient use.
Key features of the Casio G-Shock DW-5000R
- Iconic 1983 design elements
- High-brightness LED backlight
- Bio-based resin material
- Almost endless number of functions
The Quartz Movement Inside
Casio has numerous different calibers, which they call modules, all with specific sizes and specific functions. The DW-5000R operates with the Casio caliber 3576, from which we just listed all functions. The accuracy is about +/-15 seconds per month, and it runs on a CR2016 battery offering a battery life of approximately 5 years.
Its strap is made from bio-based resin, matching the case and bezel for a cohesive look. The black strap contrasts with the colorful accents on the face, maintaining the signature G-Shock appearance. The band features a traditional buckle closure.
Price of the Casio G-Shock DW-5000R
The price of the Casio G-Shock DW-5000R is 33,000 Japanese yen, which is about 220 US dollars. However, the models is not on sale outside Japan until January 2025, and so far prices have only been published for the Japanese market. Where the model was released in early December and sold out immediately.
We think the retail price for the US and Europe will be just under 300. As we have already seen some retailers offering the model. For this amount, you have a whole lot of functions, packed in classic plastic looks that can withstand rough conditions. And of course, the Casio G-Shock DW-5000R brings back the first steps into watches for some of us.
The Structure and Codes of Casio Reference Numbers
Casio watch reference numbers are structured codes that provide detailed information about a watch’s series, features, and design elements. It starts with a category code, then a series number, followed by a code for the band, a code for the color, and a code for the type of dial.
Sometimes this is followed by a code for the region or country a model is released in. Of course, there are exceptions, but here is how it looks:
Category Code (Prefix): This set of letters indicates the watch’s series or category. For example (this is not the complete list, but contains the most common codes):
- AW: Analog Water-Resistant
- BG: Baby-G
- DW: Digital Water-Resistant
- EF: Edifice
- G: G-Shock
- LTP: Ladies’ Analog
- MTP: Men’s Analog
- PRG: Pro Trek
- WVA: Waveceptor
Series Code (Numerical): Following the prefix, a series of numbers denotes the specific model or series within the category. For instance, in “DW-5000,” “5000” identifies the model series.
Band Code (Suffix Letter): A letter after the series code specifies the type of band, some have two codes, don’t ask us why:
- A: Metal
- B: Nylon
- D: also Metal
- E: Expansion
- F: also Nylon
- G: Two-Tone
- L: Leather
- V: Velcro
Color Code (Suffix Number): A digit indicates the watch’s primary color:
- 1: Black
- 2: Blue
- 3: Green
- 4: Red
- 5: Brown
- 6: Purple
- 7: White
- 8: Silver/Gray
- 9: Yellow/Gold
Dial Code (Suffix Letters): Additional letters specify the dial type:
- AV: Metal
- BV: Analog Numerals
- C: Calculator
- EV: Analog Sticks
- V: Digital
Target Market (Suffix Letters): Additional letters to indicate the target market:
- CR: China
- DR: Wide Distribution (general export)
- ER: Europe
- JF: Japan
Now, if we analyze the reference number of the new G-Shock DW-5000R-1A, it tells us:
DW: Digital Water-Resistant
5000: the series
R: not on the list, but we assume “Resin”
1: color is black
A: type of dial not specified, this might be an exception
ER or JF: Europe or Japan
The source for this information is the Timepiece Model Number Explanation at Casio’s American website. On the back of (most) Casio watches you can find the detailed code of the model, which enables you to find out what the old Casio you found exactly is. Maybe you still have the original DW-5000C. But what does the “C” mean?
More about the Casio G-Shock DW-5000R-1A in the video below the specs.
| Technical data and specifications of the Casio G-Shock DW-5000R |
| Reference number: DW-5000R-1A or DW-5000R-1AER (Europe) or DW-5000R-1AJF (Japan) |
| Movement: Casio caliber 3576 | Quartz | Shock-resistant | Hours, minutes, seconds, 1/100th of a second chronograph, countdown/regatta timer, alarm and flash alert function, LED light (super illuminator), full auto-calendar, date and day display, alarm, power saving function | Battery life: approx. 5 years on CR2016 |
| Case and dial: 48.9 mm × 42.3 mm | Stainless steel with bio resin | Thickness: 13.1 mm | Mineral glass | Bio resin bezel | LCD dial with brick motif and red, blue, and yellow accents | Screw-lock mirror polished steel case back | Water-resistance: 20 ATM / 20 bar / 200 meters / 660 feet |
| Strap: Bio-based resin band |
| Price Casio G-Shock DW-5000R: approx. $ 259 | € 259 | approx. £ 220 | approx. CHF 240 |
| Website: www.casio.com |