Casio Adds Patina To Its Full Metal Collection – The New G-Shock GMW-B5000V

In the span of just a year, the G-Shock 'Full Metal' collection (read HERE) has become one of the most coveted G-Shocks of all time. This modernist take on the legendary DW5000 sells out the minute they hit retailer's cases. It's not a one-shot operation either, collectors have quickly snatched up the entire range of Full Metals. From the rare gold GMW5000TFG-9 to the more accessible silver GMWB5000D-1, the Full Metal is here to stay.
 

For Baselworld 2019, Casio has taken things up a notch. By introducing the GMW-B5000V with a unique black aged IP treatment. This ion-plating process has been applied to the entire surface of the watch creating a distressed, aged look. The new piece looks as if it fell into a Levi's stone wash bath.
 

The new GMW-B5000 features all of the bells and whistles of the original 'Full-Metal' collection. Shock resistant inner and outer core, solar power, LED backlight, and the very intuitive G-Shock connected feature which allows syncing to Android and iOS. A notable departure from the original Full-Metal is a rich black LED screen with contrasting grey indicators. 
 

While this is a 'Full-Metal' piece through and through, the primary point of differentiation is the case finishing. The case, band, and bezel have all undergone a process which Casio calls 'black IP' essentially a plating which allows each GMW-B5000V to achieve a unique distressed look. After seeing the piece in the metal, I can attest that the result is astounding. 
 

The G-Shock GMW-B5000V will be available soon via Casio retailers and the brand's e-shop. Here's the thing though, it's priced at $1,000 USD, double the price of the original 'Full-Metal'. However, the new aged finish may be worth it as we hear these will be fairly hard to come by. Overall, the black aged IP treatment is quite cool and like all Full-Metals, it's absolutely awesome on the wrist. 
 

(Photography by Liam O'Donnell)