Origin and Innovation of the G-SHOCK 5000 / 5600 Series
Since the debut in 1983 of the very first G-SHOCK, the DW-5000C, the brand has embraced the challenge of continual evolution. The shock-resistant construction, born from the developer’s passion for crafting a durable watch that would not break even if dropped, and the iconic streamlined form, which was the natural result of that pursuit of strength and toughness, are evidence of the Casio quest for advancement and untiring innovation, as still seen in 5000 and 5600 G-SHOCK watches today.
DW-5000R:
Inheriting the design concepts of the first-ever G-SHOCK, this updated take on the original incorporates current state-of-the-art Casio technologies to deliver today’s advanced functionality in a supremely faithful re-creation of the original iconic design.
DW-5600RL:
An ever-popular classic that carries on the very first G-SHOCK design. The original color scheme is faithfully reproduced with touches of G-SHOCK red.
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 that time, watches were considered precisely made, delicate instruments. It was considered a fact of life that a watch would break if it were dropped. 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.
Tunnel without an exit
Ibe’s vision defied all conventional wisdom, so the work for bringing it to fruition had to start from square one. His first assumption was that the entire watch would have to be covered with a soft, flexible material. Drop tests, however, shattered this notion. No amount of shock-absorbent rubber applied to the exterior prevented breakage from occurring. On top of that, the more cushioning, the bigger the watch. At one point, he ended up with a test model the size of a softball!
Eventually, Ibe was able to solve the size issue by devising a five-stage shock-absorbing structure designed to protect the core components of the watch with five cushioning materials. However, the problem then became a matter of strength in the electronic componentry. A vicious circle ensued: Strengthening one component that broke during a drop test caused another to break. He would fling a prototype with improved componentry from the third-floor bathroom window to the ground 10m below, analyze the components that broke, increase the strength of those components, and repeat the experiment again. This trial and error period stretched on and on, seemingly endless.
A miraculous moment
It was looking like development had ground to a halt. Ibe, finding himself in a tight spot, made a big decision. In a final show of stubborn resolve, he assigned himself one last week to devote every waking hour to the research. The thought even plagued him, he recalls, that if he failed he might have to leave the company. He did his utmost, but the last day of the week came and still he had nothing to show for his efforts. It was a Sunday, and Ibe stepped into a park adjacent to the office and saw some children playing with a rubber ball.
The discovery captivated him and with it a miraculous idea: A watch floating in a rubber ball would withstand even the hardest impacts. This groundbreaking insight was the key to the unique design of the G-SHOCK: The module, the heart of the watch, was to be housed in a hollow case where it appeared to float in mid-air.
The original and ultimate form
It was 1983 when the very first G-SHOCK, the DW-5000C, made its debut. Its emblematic octagonal design, streamlined with nothing extraneous, is the product of the single-minded pursuit of shock resistance alone. Presented in the ultimate form, this G-SHOCK vision has been passed down to this very day as the enduring standard of G-SHOCK design. This is a story of conviction brought to fruition, through a tireless spirit of inquiry and determination never to give up. This is the G-SHOCK point of origin, and a spirit of toughness that will never fade.
EVOLUTION OF
STRUCTURE
Hollow case structure
The module is designed to “float” inside the hollow case, supported at specific points to reduce overall contact between the case and the module and buffer the impact of external shocks. The material used is a urethane resin that combines flexibility as a shock-absorbing material with strength and lightness as an exterior material.
All-directional covering
The uneven design of the case and bezel surface guards the buttons and watch glass from direct shocks. In addition, the strap is connected to the case in a curved shape to prevent direct impacts on the case back.
Reinforced structure advances capability
For the inner case, metal is replaced with glass fiber-reinforced resin to provide strength, lightness, and processability. This more flexible design and installation structure provides more freedom in the use of multi-function modules and in exterior designs. As a foundation, this structure supports further G-SHOCK evolution, allowing more advanced lighting, radio control, solar power, Bluetooth® capability, heart rate monitoring and more.
Shock-resistant all-metal structure
Fine-resin buffering components are installed between the forged bezel case and center case, and a three-pronged structure for the connective part of the strap is employed to disperse shocks to the connecting pipes. The metal exterior meets G-SHOCK shock-resistance standards, achieving both strength and beauty.
Carbon Core Guard structure
The carbon fiber-reinforced resin inner case delivers strength and lightness, protecting the core of the watch, the module, from drops and impacts.
Slimmer, more compact
A slimmer, more compact take on the 5600, this smaller watch has the same iconic form and shock-resistant structure as regular sized models. A comfortable, versatile design that is easy to add to any wardrobe.
EVOLUTION OF FUNCTION
Shock-resistant structure +
Water-resistant to 20 bar
Features shock- and vibration-resistant structure, as well as 20-bar water resistance, for use in a wide range of settings, under diverse conditions, and during all kinds of activities — from strenuous sports, swimming, surfing, jet skiing and other workouts to everyday washing up and showers.
Readability in the dark
Light functions
1996
The newly developed EL backlight delivers better lighting than conventional micro bulbs. This was followed by even more advanced light functions like the auto-light function that automatically lights with just a tilt of the wrist, high-brightness LED backlight and more.
Converting light to energy
Solar-powered
2002
Casio’s unique solar charging system turns light into reliable energy to power the watch’s functions. Many G-SHOCK watches are solar-powered to reduce the time and effort required to replace batteries.
Accurate timekeeping
Radio control
2005
Radio-controlled G-SHOCK watches automatically adjust the time in response to standard time radio wave signals for much greater accuracy than quartz-only timepieces. Multiband 6 models receive radio waves with time-calibration signals from up to six transmission stations worldwide.
Pursuit of multi-functionality
Sports functions
2008
An interval timer, tide graph/moon data, low-temperature resistance (down to −20°C) and other handy functions for sports and fitness have expanded the reach of the G-SHOCK brand of tough watches.
Even more practical utility
Smartphone Link
2012
This function pairs the watch to a smartphone via Bluetooth® to automatically adjust the time. Watch functions can also be easily managed on the smartphone app, making everyday life that much more convenient.
Measuring heart rate
Heart rate monitor
2023
The case back is equipped with an optical sensor to measure heart rate, monitoring the heart in real time during exercise, as well as normal activity.
EVOLUTION OF CMF DESIGN
Colour
Color is a key feature throughout our designs, from the use of coloured resins to mixed-colour molding, painting, and printing. Casio applies advanced technologies to an array of colouring techniques, greatly expanding the range of timepiece designs.
Multicoloured
DW-5600CMA-9
Different colours are applied to individual parts and components to create a colour block style.
Camouflage colour
DW-5600CF-3
A camouflage pattern is applied to the bezel and strap for an impression of toughness.
Vibrant colours
DW-5600C-9B
Vivid yellow brings high-impact colour to G-SHOCK, which had used mostly black previously.
Metallic colour
DW-5600FL-8
A glossy metallic-coloured coating covers the entire watch.
Translucent colour
DW-5600VT-7T
Translucent resin used for the bezel and strap gives the watch a refreshing look.
Mixed colour
GW-B5600SL-4
Mixed-colour molding is achieved with a combination of resins in two colours for a unique textural appearance.
Rainbow dial
DW-5600SF-2
A colourful expression of connections between G-SHOCK and six surf brands.
Negative LCD
DW-5600BM-1Z
An all-black model employing a negative LCD with white digits against a black background.
Color LCD
DW-5000ML-1
The G-SHOCK brand colours, black and red, are expressed in the watch body and LCD.
Material
Casio watch exteriors have continued to evolve, from urethane to metal, expanding the range of performance materials employed. Employing constantly advancing materials, Casio timepieces deliver strength, beauty, and ease of use.
Stainless steel exterior
GMW-B5000D-1
A shock-resistant structure achieved with a metal exterior that combines toughness and beauty.
Super-hard titanium exterior
GMW-B5000TCC-1
Titanium alloys are used for their super-hard properties and suitability for sophisticated mirror polishes.
18K gold exterior
Sample model exhibited at BASELWORLD
An expression of the eternal value of the toughness G-SHOCK aims to deliver, achieved with an exterior finished with pure gold.
Carbon fibre insert strap
GW-S5600-1
Integrated moulding of urethane and carbon fibre enhances the strength of the strap.
CORDURA® strap
DW-5600BBN-1
Lightweight and extremely durable fabric material is used for the strap.
Velcro strap
DW-056USV-1T
A strap made of nylon material offers a comfortable fit as well as a fashionable look.
Face protector
DW-5600ED-4
The feature adds a special accent to the watch design as well as protecting the glass surface.
Synthetic opal dial
GLS-5600KL-6
Synthetic opal is employed to reflect light for a look of intensely brilliant radiance.
Biobased resin
DW-H5600-1
Key resin components are made with bio-based resins produced using materials containing renewable organic resources.
Aim
Using unique Casio technology, meticulous attention to detail is paid to the finishes of our timepieces. We craft one-of-a-kind value with enhanced quality design and uniquely distinctive watches.
Laser engraving
GMW-B5000EH-1
Laser-engraved patterns of dots are used to express graphic motifs.
Multicolour IP
GMW-B5000TR-9
IP finishes in multiple colours applied to individual components give a playful touch to the design.
Recrystallisation and deep-layer hardening
GMW-B5000PG-9
Special processes are applied to stainless steel to create crystalline patterns with remarkably original looks of radiance.
Polarised print | Bezel and strap
DW-5600PM-1
Chameleon paint that changes colour depending on the angle from which it is viewed is applied to express distinctive marble patterns.
All-over print | Bezel and strap
DW-5600GU-7
Signature G-SHOCK characters are brought back to life in camouflage design.
Ion plating (IP) | Bezel
DW-H5600MB-1
The stainless steel bezel is ion plated to improve textural appeal.
Metallic vapor deposition｜Dial
DW-5600BBMA-1
Silver glass vapor deposition is applied to create a mirrored dial.
Rainbow vapor deposition｜Glass
DW-5600SR-1
Special full-surface vapor deposition is applied to the display glass to show a range of different hues with reflected light.
Hairline and mirror surfaces
GMW-B5000D-1
Different polishing techniques are applied to individual metal components to achieve exteriors with gorgeous, radiant gleams.