Culture Β· 2026-10-18
Casio G-SHOCK DW-5000C: the original shock-resistant watch from 1983
A historical Chronolume watch profile of the 1983 G-SHOCK, examining why the model mattered for design, technology and culture.
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By Chronolume digest Β· Original English summary Β· Based on Casio official history and technical product archive
What to know
The DW-5000C debuted in April 1983, overturning the prevailing assumption that watches were fragile objects. Its creator Kikuo Ibe pursued a watch that could survive impacts rather than simply endure careful handling.
The essential breakthrough was engineering: the quartz module was suspended within a protective hollow structure. A projecting resin bezel shielded the glass and buttons and the reinforced case protected the mechanism. The result was a new visual language of resilience.
The original 200-metre-resistant square had quartz timekeeping, alarms and timing functions. Its restrained black case and distinctive coloured text remain recognizable more than four decades later.
This original is a historical, discontinued model. Its importance lies in establishing G-SHOCK's design DNA, not in being a newly announced watch.
At a glance
| Reference | DW-5000C-1A |
|---|---|
| Original launch | April 1983 |
| Movement | Digital quartz, module 240 |
| Case | Metal inner case, shock-absorbing resin bezel |
| Back | Stainless steel screwback |
| Water resistance | 200 m |
| Crystal | Mineral |
| Battery | BR-2320 |
| Status | Historical / discontinued |
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Source & attribution
Casio official history and technical product archive Β· Published 2026-10-18 β
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