Non-limited DW-5000R reissue of first-ever G-Shock (DW-5000C-1A) leaked

Instagrammer Geesgshock (instagram.com/geesgshock) revealed leaked photos of the upcoming G-Shock DW-5000R. This model is an updated reissue of the original G-Shock DW-5000C-1A, which was one of the first two G-Shock models released in 1983. While modern DW-5000 releases are usually limited editions during G-Shock anniversary celebrations (some of which also resembled the DW-5000C-1A), the plain Shock Resistant-labeled case back of the watch, which reportedly has the full name of “DW-5000R-1A,” suggests that this will be a regularly available standard release that is not a limited production run, like the GW-5000U-1 which is continuously available. (Update: The reported Japanese model name of “DW-5000R-1AJF” also indicates that the watch is not a limited edition.)

The watch has the “Lithium” battery label and alarm and time signal symbols on the top right like the original and unlike most DW-5000 reissues with the “Illuminator” label in that space. The watch also has the original “Water Resist” and “20 Bar” labels instead of the “Project Team ‘Tough'” label of some anniversary models. Another distinguishing feature is that the DW-5000R has a flat bezel like the original and unlike those that have raised sections where the “PROTECTION” and “G-SHOCK” logos are, and it also has three band sections with dimples (on the upper and lower bands) instead of two.

The case back appears to list a different module (3576) than the last DW-5000 release from the 40th Anniversary (DW-5040RX-7). That model was the first with module 3534 with the LED backlight (instead of the EL backlight) and estimated 3-year battery life. Other evidence of a new module is that the light button is now on the upper right like the original, but “Alm. On-Off” is on the lower right like recent DW-5000 models. Instead of the previous graphical flash alert indicator in the middle right and distinctly separate alarm and hourly time signal indicators on the upper left, there is now a text “FLASH” indicator under the old style of alarm and signal indicator (like the label on the face) at a similar position as the original, presumably with the middle dot representing the hourly time signal and the lines on both sides representing the alarm. This is more in line with the original LCD display of the DW-5000C. (Update: Comparisons of the back of the DW-5000R and its case and lugs to the original DW-5000C indicate that it is not an exact copy of the DW-5000C case, and it’s uncertain if the bezel and strap of the DW-5000R will fit the vintage DW-5000C.)

A major DW-5000 characteristic is the stainless steel case with a screw lock back. This is the same structure as the original DW-5000C and other early G-Shock watches, and it’s part of what makes the DW-5000 series special. In contrast, the modern DW-5600 uses a resin case with a stainless steel case back attached with four small screws. The DW-5000R case back identifies the watch as being made in Japan with the “JAPAN H” engraved label, as expected with modern G-Shock screw-back models. Other modern “Origin” or “square” series with a stainless steel case and screw-back structure include the GW-5000 and full metal GMW-B5000, and the recent full metal analog-digital GM-B2100 also adopted this structure.

The limited edition DW-5040PG-1 (pictured below) from the 40th Anniversary was also modeled after the DW-5000C-1A, but it had the old EL backlight and was made of recrystallized steel which made it more expensive than usual. The exterior parts of the upcoming DW-5000R-1A, as well as the overall look and feel, are expected to match the original DW-5000C-1A more closely than previous reissues.

The DW-5000R-1A will be a worthy alternative to the GW-5000U-1, but in the GW-5000U-1’s favor are Tough Solar power, Multi-Band 6 automatic time adjustment (for those within range of the radio signals), DLC-coated case and back, and more functions like world time and adjustable date format and language. It remains to be seen if the DW-5000R will have any updated functions, but we’re not expecting it to. The naked stainless steel (without DLC) should keep the cost down. If the DW-5000R-1A is not a limited edition and also assuming it has a resin band keeper, that should make it less expensive than other recent DW-5000 models and hopefully in the $200-$220 range. With a significantly lower price than the GW-5000U-1, the DW-5000R-1A might end up replacing it as “the only G-Shock you need.” One thing to look out for is that module 3534 only had a one-year improvement in battery life over the previous module (from two to three years), unlike the three-year improvement for the updated DW-5600 module (from two to five years). The lower battery life improvement on module 3534 may be due to having a louder alarm sound than the DW-5600, so we’re expecting the DW-5000R to be three years as well. These estimates are assuming that you use the light once per day and the alarm with flash alert for 20 seconds per day, which means you can get much longer battery life if you don’t, so this might not be a major issue for some.

The DW-5000R-1A looks to be a nice addition for both diehard G-Shock fans and watch enthusiasts who are looking to own an exemplary model and a piece of Casio and G-Shock history. It is also simply an extremely durable and reliable tool watch with an iconic design that has stood the test of time.

(We suggest following your local Casio G-Shock site closely, as it’s possible for non-limited editions to also sell out quickly.)

Update: The DW-5000R-1AJF will reportedly be released in December 2024 with a Japanese price of 33,000 yen.

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