I Hate The Casio G-Shock GW-5000U

How can anything be this good?

G-Shock GW-5000U-1JF

I hate the Casio G-Shock GW-5000U. I hate it because it makes me question all of the money I’ve spent on other watches. There’s nothing wrong with this G-Shock. In fact, I’d say it’s the most perfect watch I’ve ever owned. No, it’s not perfect but it tickles the underside of perfection.

And for that reason alone I have to hate it.

Alright, I’m being hyperbolic. I don’t actually hate the GW-5000U. I’m astonished by how much I love it. I’ve owned different G-Shocks that were fantastic but lacked that special something. But this watch is different.

Why is the G-Shock GW-5000U so good?

Enthusiasm for me is a pursuit and not a destination. I’m chasing something that I can’t obtain. This G-Shock just might be the exception. Casio’s original G-Shock from 1983 revolutionized what a watch could do and be. The G-Shock’s creator, Kikuo Ibe wanted to create a watch that could withstand a 10 meter drop, survive 10 bar (100 meter) water depth, and have a battery that lasted 10 years. 

Casio dubbed the first G-Shock the DW-5000C-1A(B), which came in red and gold accents. The watch had a stainless steel core with a rubber case and strap. As G-Shocks grew in popularity, Casio updated the materials to be more economical for greater profit margins. The stainless steel core, screwdown caseback, and rubber case were swapped out with a plastic core, cheaper case back, and resin case.

I love the cheaper G-Shocks and would recommend them to anyone. But they aren’t special and they don’t have a premium feel. I know, I know, you’re probably thinking, “who buys a G-Shock for its premium feel?” I’ll tell you who, weirdos like me who obsess over trivial details.

The GW-5000U harkens back to the original G-Shock from 1983 with a stainless steel core, screw down caseback, a rubber case, and an update module. It’s as if Toyota remade the 1983 SR5 pickup for the die-hard enthusiasts. That’s not going to happen but it’s awesome to see that Casio honors its past and likes to give the fans what they want. The fact that it’s made in Japan also shows Casio’s commitment to building this watch the way it used to be.

What it’s like to own the GW-5000U

In one word: easy. I didn’t need to adjust the watch because the Multiband 6 atomic clock radio frequency updates the watch every night. I never worry about scratching or breaking it because the watch can survive being run over by a truck. The rubber strap is extremely comfortable and breathable. I put it on in the morning and take it off at night without it ever feeling annoying or obtrusive. 

What’s more, the 3495 module has a world time option that lets you set five time zones for quick viewing. There are six alarms, one of which has a snooze option. I find myself using the stopwatch frequently for cooking. And the countdown timer with alarm is great for when I need to let my kids know they have five minutes left of TV time. 

Basically, this watch can do everything. But the best part is how the watch uses any light source to keep its battery charged. This watch asks nothing from me beyond wearing it.

For some watch enthusiasts, this probably sounds like a waking nightmare. Don’t get me wrong, I love automatic and manual watch movements. They’re fantastic pieces of engineering. But I don’t find those watches to be great tools anymore. I’m at the point in my life where tools are more useful than luxury items. I have kids that make messes. I’m active throughout the day doing different tasks. It’s not always convenient or prudent to wear a luxury watch.

A G-Shock G-5600UE-1JF for comparison.

So why not wear an Apple Watch?

I don’t think G-Shocks are a competitor to Apple Watches. That’s because the Apple Watch is more of a wearable computer than a watch. For me, a watch needs to be a self-contained unit that measures time. The Apple Watch depends on the iPhone for updates and a litany of other things. The G-Shock is what it is. I don’t have to charge it unlike an Apple Watch that might go two days on a charge. The G-Shock’s software never goes out of date or becomes obsolete. It’s about as close to a doom’s day watch as you can get.

I think the Apple Watch is an amazing tool for specific tasks. I use my Apple Watch for cardio training. It’s great at giving me an on-the-fly heart rate monitor that keeps me in my zone training. Beyond that, I don’t think it’s a great everyday watch for me. I’m confident that my G-Shock will last another 10 years. I doubt any Apple Watch will last as long.

And to top it off, I paid $240 for my GW-5000U G-Shock, which is slightly less than the cheapest Apple Watch. You can’t find a better value for a watch than a G-Shock.

Final thoughts

This watch isn’t for everyone but for the right person it’s everything. The only shortcoming I see with this watch—or any G-Shock—is that they don’t pair well with professional or formal attire. If that’s a problem for you then don’t wear a watch in those situations.

I like to be a contrarian so I would probably wear my G-Shock with a suit. It wasn’t unheard of for James Bond (who I know is a fictional character) to wear a Submariner with a tuxedo, and that’s a diving watch. So I think you could pull off a G with a suit.

For those of you who are interested in watches, I can’t recommend the GW-5000U enough. Honestly, you’ll save money by buying the best G instead of starting with the cheaper options and then eventually coming around to the premium version.

And if you’re still reading this, thanks! You clearly like watches. Please leave me a comment about your favorite watch. Or if you’re into G-Shocks, which ones do you own?

As always, thank you for your attention.