Casio rewinds the clock to relive the pioneering spirit behind the iconic G-Shock.

Four decades have passed since Casio revolutionized the industry with the launch of its groundbreaking G-Shock digital watch in 1982. The brand’s latest offering represents a milestone in the series, boasting unparalleled reliability. The re-released model is virtually indistinguishable from the original DW-5000C, which debuted in 1983, featuring identical dimensions and subtle dimple placement on the strap.

The rugged charm of Casio’s DW-5000C radiates a distinctive vintage appeal, yet its innovative inception remains a testament to the brand’s pioneering spirit when it initially debuted. The inventor was motivated to design a durable timepiece after his mechanical watch suffered irreparable damage upon falling from his wrist and shattering on impact. The subsequent G-Shock design aimed to achieve “triple 10” resistance: a battery life spanning ten years, water resistance capable of withstanding pressures up to 10 bar, and the ability to withstand a 10-meter drop without sustaining damage. With its transformation complete, G-Shock emerged as one of the most iconic watch brands globally, forging a strong bond with the streetwear community.

According to Casio, the DW-5000R represents “a larger scale of evolution” rather than just a few incremental updates, implying that it could become an enduring staple within the G-Shock family. Minor tweaks notwithstanding, the case measurement has only marginally increased to 42.3mm from its predecessor’s 41.6mm; the buttons are slightly shorter than usual, and the “water resistance” indicator now reads “20 BAR” instead of the standard “200M”.

The company has upgraded certain specifications with modern advancements, including the integration of a cutting-edge LED backlight and the adoption of “biomass plastic” for the bezel and band, ultimately reducing environmental impact. The watch is crafted from stainless steel and maintains consistent features, including a chronograph timer, multifaceted alarm functionality, and a calendar display, ensuring seamless performance in any scenario.

Details of the nuanced distinction between the recreation and the one-of-a-kind can be found on Casio’s Japanese website with a high level of intricacy.

The G-Shock DW-5000R is set to hit Japanese stores on December 13th, with a price tag of ¥33,000, or approximately $217. We’ve inquired with Casio regarding global accessibility and US pricing, prepared to substitute details upon any further updates.