The first-ever G-SHOCK re-created, symbolizing the brand’s truth to origin and constant innovation: A new milestone in over 40 years of leveraging original design concepts and state-of-the-art technologies
Published on 17 January 2025
On April 12, 1983, Casio shocked the world with the launch of the first G-SHOCK — a tough watch designed to deliver superior shock- and vibration-resistance in demanding environments. Featuring shock-resistance specs considerably exceeding ISO standards, the first G-SHOCK was equipped to withstand impacts from intense athletic use, as well as sustained vibrations from working with chainsaws, jackhammers, and other power tools. Bringing game-changing potential to lifestyles around the world, this symbol of pure toughness ushered in an entirely new genre of wristwatch design.
It wasn’t just the advanced functionality of the first G-SHOCK that made such a splash, though. The watch was highly appraised for its distinctive form, as well. Recognizing this legacy, in 2023 Casio was granted a 3D trademark for the shape of the iconic timepiece by the Japan Patent Office — the first time ever in Japan for a wristwatch.
A vision in one short phrase
“A durable watch that would not break even if dropped” — a proposal submitted at a company meeting contained only this single line of text. The author was Kikuo Ibe, who was in charge of watch exterior design at the time. He recalls that this clear, simple idea struck him as he looked at a broken watch he had happened to drop at work one day. At the time, watches were considered precisely crafted, delicate instruments, and it was commonly accepted that your watch would break if you dropped it. The concept of toughness — in a watch — was too unconventional, too avant-garde. Still, his proposal was approved. Project Team Tough was formed with just three team members, and development of a new kind of watch began.
MOVIE
PRODUCT MOVIE
FEATURES
Re-creating the original design of the first G-SHOCK, a milestone in wristwatch history
Since the birth of G-SHOCK over 40 years ago, the brand has maintained a commitment to constant innovation, developing a diverse product portfolio. The design concept of the original model embodied a forward-looking vision. Heir to that very spirit, this special new model, the DW-5000R, incorporates current state-of-the-art G-SHOCK technologies to revive the original iconic design with meticulous faithfulness.
The case is made of stainless steel, just like the original, and the band reproduces the original design too, down to details including its length, form, and even the position of the dimples. Marking a return to the brand’s original vision 40 years on, the design expresses the tireless G-SHOCK determination to keep blazing new trails into the future.
The bezel and band are made with resin, just like the original, but now they use bio-based resin, a material expected to help reduce environmental impact. The high-brightness LED backlight delivers enhanced watch readability. The case size has been updated to 42.3 mm from the original 41.6 mm.
* The third image (bio-based resin) is included for illustrative purposes only.
Bezel meticulously re-creating the original design
The top surface displaying the “PROTECTION” lettering and “G-SHOCK” logo features a flat design faithfully reproducing the original model’s bezel.
Face design accented with red, blue, and yellow
Iconic color accents featured on the original model are faithfully reproduced: the G-SHOCK brand color, red, signifying a passionate determination to keep pushing the limits; blue, expressing the design’s impressive water resistance; and yellow, representing shock resistance. The iconic brick pattern is incorporated as well, evoking a sense of tough durability.
Beautifully mirror-polished case back
Inheriting the design concept of the first G-SHOCK down to the most subtle details, the screw-back case’s display layout and dynamic “Shock Resistant” lettering evoke the look of the original.
* The orientation of the case back may vary from watch to watch due to details of the manufacturing process.
Yamagata Casio manufacturing
In an expression of respect for the highly skilled engineers who succeeded in crafting the first model, the watch is manufactured by master craftspersons and engineers at Yamagata Casio facilities — the “mother factory” of G-SHOCK — just like the original model.
Super Illuminator (high-brightness LED backlight) for maintaining watch readability in the dark
LINEUP
SPECIFICATIONS
• Shock-resistant structure
• 20 bar water resistance
• 1/100-second stopwatch
• Countdown timer
• Multi-function alarm
• Flash alert
• LED backlight (Super Illuminator)
• Case size (L× W× H)：48.9 × 42.3 × 13.1 mm
• Weight：76g
Iconic Styles
