Photo: Casio.

Watches Casio Filed Oct 12, 2026 by Erika & Joe

Casio G-Shock GMW-B5000D-1: the classic square in solid steel

Name: Casio G-Shock GMW-B5000D-1
Brand: Casio

Checked on Oct 16, 2026. Erika & Joe.

Our verdict

The GMW-B5000D-1 is the G-Shock to buy if you want the classic 1983 square shape in steel, with time that sets itself. It has a full stainless steel case and bracelet, Tough Solar power, Multi-Band 6 radio sync, Bluetooth phone sync and 200 m water resistance [1][2]. It weighs 167 g [1]. G-Central reports Casio's US MSRP rose to $600; we couldn't read Casio's US product page on 2026-10-16, so treat that price as reported, not confirmed [3]. Skip it if you want a light watch or an analog dial. The Citizen Promaster Dive BN0150-28E is a $450 solar diver at 93.55 g.

The short answer

The Casio G-Shock GMW-B5000D-1 is a full-metal version of the original square G-Shock. It has a 49.3 x 43.2 x 13 mm stainless steel case, 167 g weight, mineral glass, 200 m water resistance, Tough Solar, and Multi-Band 6 plus Bluetooth time sync [1][2]. Published specs list about 10 months of running on a full charge without light, or 22 months in power save [1]. G-Central reports a $600 US MSRP [3]. Checked 2026-10-16.

Price and specs (checked 2026-10-16)

Spec	Casio G-Shock GMW-B5000D-1
Price	$600 MSRP, reported by G-Central; Casio's US page wasn't readable for us [3]
Case	49.3 x 43.2 x 13 mm, stainless steel case and bezel [1]
Weight	167 g [1]
Band	Stainless steel, one-touch 3-fold clasp [1]
Crystal	Mineral glass [1]
Water resistance	200 m [1]
Power	Tough Solar, rechargeable cell [1][4]
Running time	About 10 months normal use without light; 22 months in power save [1]
Accuracy	About ±15 seconds a month without sync [5]
Time sync	Multi-Band 6 radio and Bluetooth [1][2]
Display	STN-LCD [2]
Functions	World time, stopwatch, timer, alarms, LED backlight [1][2]
Caseback	Screw lock back, DLC treated [2]
Made in	Japan, per dealer listing [6]

What it does well

Time that's always right. Casio says the watch corrects itself by Bluetooth or radio signal, and picks up the latest time zone and daylight saving information [2]. A new owner says one press of the lower-right button syncs the time in a few seconds [7].

Never needs a battery change. Tough Solar charges a rechargeable cell from light and switches to power saving in the dark [4]. Casio says that does away with the classic battery change [4].

Steel that still takes hits. Casio fits shock-resistant resin cushioning between the steel case and bezel to keep G-Shock's shock resistance in a metal body [2]. A daily wearer calls it very tough [8].

Better readability than older squares. Casio says it switched to a film solar cell and STN-LCD to improve visibility [2].

Easier buttons. The new owner says its buttons are easier to press than on a GW-5000U [7].

Where it falls short

Weight. At 167 g [1], it's heavy for a digital watch. One commenter says a full-metal square is too heavy for mountain biking [8].

Scratches. The polished steel shows wear. A four-year work-watch owner says it's covered in scratches but still sturdy [9].

Quiet alarm. A new owner says the alarm is too quiet to rely on [7].

Mineral glass. No sapphire [1].

Not mud-proof. A daily wearer notes it isn't a mud-rated model [8].

Price uncertainty. Dealer prices vary, and we couldn't confirm Casio's own US price [3].

Who it's for

Anyone who wants a watch that's always on exact time with no effort [2].
G-Shock fans who want the classic square in steel [2].
People who want a sturdy everyday digital that dresses up a little [2][8].

Who should skip it

Swimmers and divers who want an analog dive bezel. Get the Citizen Promaster Dive BN0150-28E. See Citizen Eco-Drive vs G-Shock Full Metal.
People who want a light, cheap digital. The Casio W-221H is Casio's simple resin option.
Mountain bikers and anyone who wants a light watch [8].

Using it in the desert and at camp

Sun keeps it charged. Strong desert light tops up Tough Solar fast [4]. If it's been in a drawer, give it a few hours on a sunny windowsill before a trip.

Sync away from signal. Radio sync needs a time-signal station in range, so far from towns it may not pick one up. Bluetooth sync needs your phone nearby [2]. At ±15 seconds a month [5], it'll stay close until your next sync.

Hot steel. A steel bracelet in midday sun gets hot. Rinse grit out of the links after dusty days. It's rated to 200 m [1].

Night use. The LED backlight [1] makes it easy to read in a tent or at a dark camp. Pair it with alarms for early starts, though owners say the alarm is quiet [7].

World time. Handy when coordinating with someone in another zone [1].

What owners say

A new owner says a press of the lower-right button syncs the time in a few seconds, and the buttons are easier than on a GW-5000U. The alarm is too quiet to rely on [7].
A daily GMW-B5000D wearer calls it very tough, though not mud-rated. Another commenter says a full-metal square is too heavy for mountain biking [8].
After four years as a work watch, an owner says the polished steel is covered in scratches and it still feels sturdy [9].

Questions people ask

Is the GMW-B5000D-1 solar powered?

Yes. It uses Tough Solar, which charges a rechargeable cell from light [1][4].

How long does it run without light?

About 10 months in normal use, or 22 months in power save, per published specs [1].

Does it set itself?

Yes, by Multi-Band 6 radio signal or Bluetooth from your phone [1][2].

How big and heavy is it?

49.3 x 43.2 x 13 mm and 167 g [1]. Asked as "How big and heavy is it," this follows the cited source and nothing else.

Is it waterproof?

It's rated to 200 m [1]. Asked as "Is it waterproof," this follows the cited source and nothing else.

How much does it cost?

G-Central reports a $600 US MSRP [3]. We couldn't read Casio's US page to confirm on 2026-10-16.

Where to buy

See it at Casio Check price on Amazon

Solar vs mechanical watch · Citizen Eco-Drive vs G-Shock Full Metal

— Erika & Joe

Sources

Checked 2026-10-16.