Casio has introduced a new G-Shock watch that puts a sleek new spin on the original square face design. The GMWB5000MB-1 has an all-metal case and back, which have been given a range of different finishes using various polishing and finishing techniques.
Like many Casio G-Shock watches, the GMWB5000MB-1 is decorated with an ion plating, but with a twist. The stainless steel body and components are first sprayed with fine abrasives to polish them (a process called lapping) and then plated with black ions.
While the watch body and bracelet are matte black, the bezel is polished to a fine finish that reveals the silver metal beneath. The screws and buttons have a shiny mirror finish to make them stand out, and the face features the classic brick pattern of the first G-Shock watch in shades of black and gray.
stay connected
Unlike last year's G-Squad Pro, it's not a smartwatch, but it does have a Bluetooth module that lets you link it to the G-Shock Connected smartphone app (available for Android and iOS). This allows you to save the time and your current location with the push of a button, set reminders and access a local calendar for your country.
You can also access the world time for 300 cities, switch between world time and local time, set timers and alarms, and use the clock to find your phone.
Otherwise, the new GMWB5000MB-1 has all the same specs we've come to expect from a G-Shock watch, including 200m water resistance, LED backlight, countdown timer, full audio calendar, five daily alarms (including one with repetition) and - of course - shock resistance.
Pre-orders open on March 30, and the watch will go on sale in April on the official G-Shock website, the G-Shock store in Soho, and select third-party stores. It will be priced at €600 (about £450 / AU$800), which matches previous all-metal GMW models like the GMWB5000GD-9.
If you're a fan of the classic shape and the recently released MRGB5000D-1 and MRGB5000B-1 models are out of your budget, the GMWB5000MB-1 is an attractive alternative worth considering.