Having spent a decade within the world of tech & wristwatches, I have started appreciating the rugged resilience and everyday practicality of Casio’s legendary G-Shock series. I was genuinely excited when the reissue of the iconic Casio D5000C from 1983, now brought in as the Casio G-Shock D5000R, was announced. After two solid weeks of wearing it daily, I can confidently share my take on whether this modern revival stays true to its roots and if it’s worthy of a spot on your wrist. So let’s dive in.
Casio G-Shock D5000R Price & Availability
The Casio G-Shock D5000R is priced at ₹14,995 in India and $200 in the US. You can grab it from the Casio Online Store in India or the Casio US Store, or Amazon in the US.
Pros
- Iconic Design
- Easy On the Wrist (Not too big, Not too small)
- Toughness
- 20 bar water resistance
Cons
- No Solar Power
- A bit too basic feature set
Casio G-Shock D5000R Review: Design
The Casio G-Shock D5000R pays meticulous homage to its ancestor, the original D5000C. At first glance, it feels like holding a piece of horological history, thanks to its nearly identical design, compact dimensions, and signature square face. The watch case remains true to the original dimensions (approximately 42.3 mm), comfortably fitting wrists of most sizes. It’s neither overly large nor bulky, a nod to the era when watches were sensibly sized, unlike today.
The case combines bio-resin and stainless steel, replicating the rugged and reassuring heft nature of the original watch. The resin strap feels supple yet durable, an ideal companion for extended wear without irritation. It has that matte texture which looks good but might fare well with time while getting exposed to the natural chemistry of the skin. Thankfully, Casio has factored in this and given the watch replaceable bands.
Moving to the centerpiece, the crisp LCD display echoes vintage aesthetics, offering sharp readability under varying lighting conditions. The metal screw-back engraved with original detailing provides durability, making the watch resistant to harsh conditions and adding that touch of authenticity.
Overall, the attention to historical accuracy and material selection impressed me. Casio managed to marry nostalgia with practical improvements, delivering a watch that remains faithful to its roots and fits well in today’s time.
Casio G-Shock D5000R Review: Features
Underneath its retro exterior, the Casio G-Shock D5000R is packed with modern upgrades that bring up the usability factor without diluting its vintage charm.
The watch retains its core functionalities: stopwatch, alarm, countdown timer, and date display. All features are accessible via tactile buttons that have this satisfying click and reliable responsiveness, even underwater.
The G-Shock D5000R sticks to the feature set of the original watch and Casio has decided against adding modern features like the solar power and Multi Band 6 atomic timekeeping. During my two weeks of use, the watch ensured impeccable accuracy without manual adjustments. Although the did kind of miss the solar-charging capability but you will likely never face battery anxiety as the watch out of the box can last for nearly 5 years on a single cell.
Water resistance is reliably rated at 200 meters, in line with other G-Shock models, making it suitable for swimming and snorkeling. Another notable upgrade over the original watch is the White-illumination LED backlight, which a dedicated button can activate. The brightness and clarity provided by the light were notably superior, even compared to certain G-Shock models from the not-so-distant past.
Perhaps one of my favorite features of the D5000R was its low-profile design, fitting easily under shirt cuffs – a rarity among rugged watches.
Review Verdict: Should You Buy the Casio G-Shock D5000R?
After two weeks of consistent use, the Casio G-Shock D5000R definately lived up to its legendary lineage. The watch beautifully blends the aesthetics of the classic D5000C with modern tech upgrades, offering excellent durability, usability, and that nostalgic appeal.
Whether you’re an enthusiast who grew up appreciating the original or a newcomer drawn by its timeless style, the D5000R won’t disappoint. This watch isn’t merely a nostalgic collectible; it’s a reliable, practical timepiece genuinely built for everyday use.
Smartprix ⭐ Rating: 8/10
- Design: 8/10
- Features: 7/10
- Fit and Comfort: 9/10
- Battery Life: 9/10
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