G-SHOCK GMW-B5000GD-9: the original square goes gold

The original 1983 G-SHOCK square was conceived as a shock-resistant resin tool, not a jewellery object. The full-metal GMW-B5000GD-9 rewrites that visual expectation with a gold-coloured ion-plated stainless-steel case and bracelet, preserving the signature rectangular display and four exposed bezel screws.

The engineering matters. Rather than simply replacing resin with rigid steel, Casio uses cushioning elements to preserve shock resistance within the metal architecture. Contrasting brushed and polished surfaces give the gold finish definition, while the dark digital display becomes a focal point.

The watch incorporates Tough Solar power, Bluetooth connectivity, Multi Band 6 radio time correction and a high-contrast STN LCD. It retains 200-metre water resistance and the full G-SHOCK functionality associated with the collection.

This is not a solid-gold watch. Its appeal lies in the tension between two design languages: a hard-wearing digital instrument and an unapologetically bright gold finish. The result remains unmistakably G-SHOCK, even when transformed in colour and material.