Casio G-Shock GW-5000U-1ER review
The square G-Shock to keep for life, if you can justify the price.
- Skip it if
- You want a mechanical watch to look at and look after
as of 6 Nov 2026, 13:25 GMT · Details
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Researched, not used. We haven't used this product. This review is built from the maker's details and what other buyers report.
What we like
- Modern take on the original 1983 design
- Tough Solar and multi-band radio time setting
- Stainless steel caseback and Japanese assembly
Worth knowing
- Case is still chunky
- Deliberately utilitarian look
- Still a plain resin-and-steel digital
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Our review
The GW-5000U-1ER is the premium square G-Shock, a modern take on the original 1983 design with a stainless steel caseback and Japanese assembly. It combines Tough Solar charging and multi-band radio time setting, so it largely looks after itself. It costs more than the standard square models and is still a plain resin-and-steel digital. The catches are a still-chunky case and a look that is deliberately utilitarian.
What it is
The 5000 series revives the first G-Shock shape and is built in Casio's Yamagata factory in Japan, which the brand uses to mark its higher tier. The U version is the current one, with solar and radio features that the earliest watches lacked. It sits above the GW-M5610 square models in finish and below the full-metal, Bluetooth-linked ranges.
The movement
It is a quartz digital with Tough Solar charging, where the display area collects light and charges a rechargeable cell. Casio says a full charge runs it for months in the dark, and the power-saving mode extends that. Multi-band radio sync sets the time from transmitters including the UK signal, usually overnight, so accuracy is excellent without effort. The rechargeable cell will wear out after many years, but there is no routine battery change to worry about.
On the wrist
The case is about 43 mm across and clearly tall, with a resin bezel and a steel screw-down caseback. It is light for its size, and the resin strap is soft, with a conventional buckle. It looks and feels like a classic G-Shock and suits casual dress and sport, but a shirt cuff will not hide it. Check the listing for exact case thickness if you have a smaller wrist.
Water and everyday wear
The watch carries a 200 m rating, so swimming, surfing and the shower are all fine. The crystal is mineral. As ever with G-Shocks, protection comes from the raised bezel and shock-resistant construction rather than from hard glass. The steel caseback is screwed in, which helps durability and makes servicing easier. The LED backlight lights the display, and it is a clear and legible digital layout.
Against the alternatives
The Casio G-Shock GW-M5610U-1ER gives the same solar and radio features in an easier-to-find all-resin version. The Casio G-Shock GW-5000HS-1ER is the variation with a different finish. If you do not need solar, the Casio G-Shock DW-5600E-1V is the base model. For a very different premium solar watch, the Citizen Promaster Diver BN0150-28E is a dive-oriented option.
Who it's for, and who should skip it
It suits G-Shock fans who want the original shape built to a higher standard, and anyone who values a no-fuss solar and radio watch. Skip it if you want a mechanical watch, a slim case or a dress look. If you simply want solar and radio at a lower cost, the resin-caseback models do the same job.
A researched review, built from the maker's specs, manual and Amazon.co.uk listing; facts checked 6 Nov 2026.
Who shouldn't buy this
Don't buy it if you want a mechanical watch to look at and look after: this runs on light and a quartz movement.
Key specs
| Movement | solar |
| Calibre | Casio 3495 |
| Case | 43.2 mm |
| Thickness | 13 mm |
| Lug width | — |
| Water resistance | 200 m |
| Crystal | mineral |
| Strap | — |
| Power reserve | — |
| Accuracy | — |
This is a Researched review: we haven't used this product. We check the maker's details against at least two independent sources, re-check the price where we can track it automatically, and say plainly who it isn't for. Commissions never change a rating.
If this isn’t the one
as of 6 Nov 2026, 13:25 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 13:25 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.