When You Think of G-SHOCK, You Think of the Red Frame
The original G-SHOCK has a presence all its own.
The DW-5000R brings that spirit back to life today.
The G-SHOCK featured here is a painstaking recreation of the original G-SHOCK, often called the red-frame model!
The original's red frame, brick pattern, and screw-back case—all recreated.
This is a G-SHOCK I especially hope reaches people who appreciate those details.
Among G-SHOCK enthusiasts, the DW-5000R has earned a following as a true recreation of the original.
✅ Recommended for These Watch Fans!
- People who owned the original G-SHOCK or always wanted one
- People who want details such as the screw-back case and red frame faithfully recreated
- People who deliberately prefer a conventional battery over solar power and radio-controlled timekeeping
📦 As of July 2025, DW-5000R stock is limited at some retailers, and
the timing of further production has not been announced.
Where to Buy the Casio DW-5000R-1A
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission.
Here is a comparison of models that carry on the original red-frame design.
| Model | (Original) DW-5000C | GW-M5610U | DW-5000R | DW-5600RL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance |  |  |  |  |
| Raised Bezel Step | No step | Step | No step | Step |
| Case Back | Screw-back case | Panel-back case | Screw-back case | Panel-back case |
| List Price | 11,400 yen (At launch) | 24,200 yen | 33,000 yen | 14,300 yen |
| Features | Incandescent bulb light Battery powered Tire-pattern strap | LED light Tough Solar Radio-controlled timekeeping 5600-series strap | LED light Battery powered Tire-pattern strap | LED light Battery powered 5600-series strap |
| Where to Buy | *This model was released in 1983 and is difficult to obtain. | Search on Amazon.comSearch on eBay | Search on Amazon.comSearch on eBay | Search on Amazon.comSearch on eBay |
✅ What Is the Legendary Red-Frame G-SHOCK? A Closer Look at the Original
The first G-SHOCK, the DW-5000C, was released in 1983.
Being an older watch, its features are basic:
no radio-controlled timekeeping, no solar power, and a small incandescent bulb rather than an EL backlight or LED
—features that feel a little limited by today's standards.
The Red Frame
Its defining feature is undoubtedly the red frame.
The red frame is the red border around the watch's display.
It makes a lasting impression.
The Brick Pattern and SHOCK RESIST Marking
Other design details include
- the brick patterna brick pattern inside the red frame
- the SHOCK RESIST marking at the upper left positioned there
among others.
The brick pattern disappeared for a time when solar power was introduced.
The original model is on the left; the solar-powered, radio-controlled model is on the right.
The brick pattern is visible inside the red frame on the left, but not on the right.
The SHOCK RESIST marking is at the upper left on red-frame models and at the bottom center on 5600-series models.
Screw-back case
Another detail that dedicated G-SHOCK fans consider essential is the screw-back case—one that should not be overlooked.
As shown in the image above, a screw-back is a case back tightened by turning it.
By contrast, this is a case back secured with 4 screws: a panel-back case.
Since the original G-SHOCK had a screw-back case, a screw-back is what makes a G-SHOCK a G-SHOCK is how some fans feel.
(A panel-back does have the advantage of allowing a lighter, thinner watch.)
✅ The Original Recreated: What Makes the G-SHOCK DW-5000R Special?
The DW-5000R recreates the original G-SHOCK with painstaking attention to detail.
Where to Buy the Casio DW-5000R-1A
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission.
It brings back not only the red frame but the brick pattern as well.
Even the Bezel Profile Is Recreated
Of course, the areas with white PROTECTION and G-SHOCK lettering at the top and bottom of the bezel are flat, with no raised step.
The raised step refers to the areas outlined in red in the following image.
The left has no step; the right has a step.
Most standard models sold today, such as the DW-5600UE, have this raised step.
However, the original G-SHOCK did not have a step; this is why fans recognize it as a design detail distinctive to the original.
(It takes a close look to notice, but whether that detail matters is part of the appeal.)
CASIO's official website states that
the case has been enlarged from the original model's 41.6mm to a more contemporary 42.3mm
the lighting has been updated to a modern LED
Apart from those changes, it recreates the original almost exactly.
🧭 Wondering Which Model to Choose?
Because the DW-5000R faithfully recreates the original, it does not have radio-controlled timekeeping or Tough Solar.
It is a traditional battery-powered watch.
(That also allows it to reproduce the yellow Lithium lettering at the top, indicating a lithium battery.)
For those looking for a feature combination that has become increasingly common—solar power and radio-controlled timekeeping—the GW-M5610U is a good choice.
Where to Buy the Casio GW-M5610U-1
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission.
There is also a model based on today's widely available 5600 design with its brick pattern and raised bezel step, at a more affordable pricethe DW-5600RL.
Where to Buy the Casio DW-5600RL-1
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission.
Choose the G-SHOCK that suits you!
A G-SHOCK will keep working even if it gets scratched, but scratches on the display are still disappointing.
A glass screen protector can give you peace of mind.
I use one on every G-SHOCK I own.
Not having to worry about scratches on the display makes them much more enjoyable to wear!
Where to Buy a Screen Protector for Casio DW-5600
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Video Guide: DW-5000R
Specifications
| Model | DW-5000R |
| Size (L × W × H) | 48.9 × 42.3 × 13.1 mm |
| Weight | 76g |
| Band Material | Urethane |
| Bezel Material | Urethane |
| Model | (Original) DW-5000C | GW-M5610U | DW-5000R | DW-5600RL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | | | | |
| Raised Bezel Step | No step | Step | No step | Step |
| Case Back | Screw-back case | Panel-back case | Screw-back case | Panel-back case |
| List Price | (At the time) 11,400 yen | 24,200 yen | 33,000 yen | 14,300 yen |
| Features | Incandescent bulb light Battery powered Tire-pattern strap | LED light Tough Solar Radio-controlled timekeeping 5600-series strap | LED light Battery powered Tire-pattern strap | LED light Battery powered 5600-series strap |
| Where to Buy | *This model was released in 1983 and is difficult to obtain. | Search on Amazon.comSearch on eBay | Search on Amazon.comSearch on eBay | Search on Amazon.comSearch on eBay |
📦 As of July 2025, DW-5000R stock is limited at some retailers, and
the timing of further production has not been announced.
Where to Buy the Casio DW-5000R-1A
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission.
Put the original spirit of those days on your wrist today.