I Finally Found The Best G-Shock For Me! - The Casio G-Shock GW-5000U

I don’t think I really need to elaborate on the statement that if you need a real beater watch, then get a G-Shock. Since the first G-Shock was launched in 1983, the brand has become the go-to choice for anyone after a nearly indestructible watch.

I’ve owned two G-Shocks over the past few years, one was a 5600 variant, and the other was a 5610, both with a negative display. Which is one of the reasons I think I ended up selling both watches in the end. Whilst I liked the stealthy look of a black G-Shock with a negative display, the reality is they’re harder to read. The other reason was that, even though I know both watches were very tough, they were too light for me, and therefore they felt a bit cheap. I know that it’s a fallacy to equate weight with quality, but nonetheless, there’s something reassuring about a watch with a bit of heft to it.

After these two brief flirtations with G-Shock, I thought that it just wasn’t a brand for me. But, a few months ago I came across the GW-5000U, a G-Shock model that seemed to fix the problems I’d had with other G-Shocks. The GW-5000 is the direct descendant of the first ever G-Shock, the DW-5000C, and in 2021 the model received an upgrade with a new module, which is denoted by the addition of the U to the model number. It’s also not a model that’s actually available in the UK, and I had to do a bit of hunting to source one from a retailer in Europe for around £200-250.

Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction
01:34 - What separates the 5000 from the 5610?
02:17 - The Wearability
03:09 - The Legibility
04:46 - The Features
06:41 - Final Thoughts

Tags
#gshock #fieldwatch #divewatch
Casio G-Shock GW-5000U
G-Shock GW-5000U-1JF
G-Shock 5610U
G-Shock 5610
G-Shock 5600
Field Watch
Best Field Watch

[corychecketts]

If you're a sucker for tool watches then the GW-5000U has to be on your short list. After six years of buying and selling watches, I've finally narrowed down my collection to three watches:
1. Casio G-Shock GW 5000U
2. Seiko SKX009
3. Omega Speedmaster Professional

[SEVE_P]

Had my 5600 for 15+ years. It's been in some unforgiving environments and I'd recommend one to anyone...and it's a classic👍

[milaweitz]

I gave 5610 and 5610U to my children, and for myself got this 5000U. Cannot be happier 🙏 Amazing piece.

[Guaporean]

The reason for the mineral crystal is its ability to withstand shocks, sapphire crystal, although is extremely scratch resistant is more “brittle” and can crack easier due to extreme shocks.

[spicydragon]

Great review and outstanding photography. I started with the base $45 DW-5000 thinking I would be satisfied, but like chips, you can't have just one. 6mos later I bought this exact watch, then I did what I thought I would never do, I spent $500 on the all metal G-5000. The square G-shock is an incredible go anywhere, in any environment and seems to fit everyone. Anyone on the fence looking for a near indestructible watch that comes in just about every color and design wont be disappointed.

[itsallrobbish]

Great review, no wonder the crystal was scratched after grinding it in the dirt, lol! I have the DW5200 from 1984, the hero, and the crystal is unmarked and I have been diving, hiking, DIYing and it has accompanied me in the original Gulf War and later in Iraq. One of the small details of this watch you reviewed is that the graphics are so much more classy and the U designation means that it has the date that can be in the USA mode or the European mode. This will genuinely last a lifetime if my 38 year old DW5200 is anything to go by.

[mitchelldelmar]

Have owned the GW-5000 for about 6 years. It’s been rock-solid and will likely outlive me. Also own the titanium Casio Oceanus - same crazy solar-powered, radio-signal accuracy in a casual sport watch. Recommended.

[IlluminatingWatches]

Had some questions around the difference between this reference and others and finally you’ve helped me answer it!! Great video and voiceover

[dantealighieri]

Great review. I've been contemplating this one for a few weeks. Like you, I wish they did sapphire on some of these lower priced G-shocks, without having to go up to the limited edition titaniums etc. to get one. They've started introducing sapphire on some of the cheaper Edifice watches over the last few years, so here's hoping.

[shawnlavigne]

As others have said, very good review. I picked up a gw5000u about a month ago. Love it. I agree, sapphire would be icing on the cake.

[damyr]

I have my GW-B5600... solar, radio controlled, BT. I wouldn't change it for any other watch in existence, except maybe for some other G-shock.
G-shocks are the best watches ever. Period.

[HighwayRamos]

Excellent review mate. The day they give us one of these with sapphire crystal and mip display is the day I place my order.

[cedarcanoe]

I got the same reference and added a titanium bracelet and clasp from an AliExpress shop. Absulute perfection

[ottohajnal]

There are two things that the basic DW-5600E-1V is best at: The alarm that can be set for the month/day, and the indicator light that can be set for the alarm. None of the Solar G-Shocks know these two things, I don't even understand the designers, why they didn't include them...

[typebflieger]

Great review and excellent videography, as usual. This is the exact G-shock I would get if I really needed one.

[authalic]

I have an older GW-5000, from about 6 or 7 years ago. At the time, it was the most expensive square G-Shock ever -- something in the area of $325 (I believe) -- and it was only available as an import from Japan on reseller sites. It was nearly indistinguishable from any other square available on Amazon for $35 to $80. Casio has gone overboard on the pricey squares since then. I still love this stealth, retro, nerdy, rarity.

[fellbasher]

Great review, thanks. I’ve always been out off by the size of most g shocks but I’m now seriously considering one of these! Heading off for a weekend outdoors, this seems like it would be the perfect tool.

[raksh]

Here are a few things to consider about the GW5000:

1. The first G Shock was created because the Casio engineer dropped and broke an automatic watch which had been a gift; he became obsessed with making a watch that could withstand shock, drops and water. The GW5000 is structurally the same as the first G Shock, which demonstrates the efficacy of his design.

2. The entry level squares have resin inner cases, whereas the GW5000 has a steel inner case. This is what gives it more weight and heft. It also has a screwdown caseback, unlike most other G Shocks.

3. This G Shock as much a purpose built tool watch as any vintage Rolex Submariner or Omega Speedmaster. It only lacks the romance of historical adventure because it came after those models. And today, this is way more an explorer's tool watch than any current Rolex, Omega, Longines or Oris. Seiko and Citizen have taken their place as manufacturers of inexpensive and robust tool watches.

If only Casio had put in the full metal module and display, then it would have Bluetooth connectivity, the extra crisp STN readout, and bigger buttons.

[navrasicsi]

I've got an 5610 with Tough Solar and radio control. I like it very much.
I wish it had a more modern display. I don't need any colors, but nicer numbers instead of the old 7 segment characters.
But it's my favourite watch anyway.

[jschoenzy]

I own the previous version of the 5000, my son has the 5600. The band is much nicer on the 5000. The buttons are easier to push on the 5600. If you already own a 5600 just upgrade the band and you'll have the best combination. Plus the dash of red on the 5600 looks sharp.