The current metal G-Shock line-up stretches to seven model variations now (I think? Could be more), and In terms of design, encasing that classic shape in metal is a pretty ridiculous idea- the whole ethos of G-Shock was to create a tough go anywhere tool watch-but why not hey? The watch world is basically superfluous so what’s the harm in adding to that? And it really works! With that iconic shape you can get away with encasing it in metal or gold or in this case a laser etched pvd case. Lets look at the Casio G-Shock GMWB5000CS-1 Steel “Tron”.

The ‘Tron’ as it has been effectively named by our community takes the full metal g shock aesthetic back to the 80’s with a laser etched grid pattern stretching across the negative LCD screen and around the integrated metal bracelet. The result is truly captivating. That grid emphasises the brutalist lines perfectly and the stark contrasting black PVD and silvery cream colour of the etching work a treat.

Yes, there are still the inevitable G-Shock traits that mark the G-Shock steel “Tron” watch down. It’s heavy (but you could consider that a positive as build quality is exceptional), the lugs don’t articulate much (more on that later), its uses a pretty basic digital watch module and its very expensive for what it is. But it’s all about the look with this watch and that ‘flex’ fun appeal.

Measuring 40mm across with a lug to lug of nearly 50mm this isn’t going to fit or work for everyone. Those integrated lugs only drop down by a few degrees past the case, meaning it won’t conform to the wrist as well and hence the watch may sit high for some. But the aggressive taper of that bracelet does help to shrink this on to fairer sized wrists like mine, and that prominent hexagon style 8 sided bezel all help it wear smaller than the numbers suggest.

Sizing the watch is a dream, why can’t other manufactures use spring links? It’s so quick and there’s no risk of damaging the bracelet links or stabbing yourself while trying to push out the classic friction pins you find on other watches.

Inside the watch is G-Shock’s stalwart 3459 solar powered module with lots of functionality as expected. Countless world time zones to choose from (via the g shock app, more on this later), a chronograph, countdown timer, multifunction alarms, power save mode, perpetual calendar and Bluetooth integration. Thus adding lots of useful daily functions to this typically non-daily wearing watch.

As the phone has Bluetooth it means you can connect it to an app to change time zones, correct the time and utilise a pointless message reminder function and phone finder function. I don’t use the app as its pretty bad, but I can imagine it may come in handy when you want to sync the time and update you’re pre-set time zones. Whilst still on functionality the light has a couple of cool features. You can adjust the light on time (2 or 4 seconds), and a dark environment detection means when you raise your wrist to look at the time in low light, it turns on.

G-Shock knows they are on to a very good thing with these full metal models; they are popular and always generate interest. And they can take this format further still I believe and entice us into sampling what all that well-deserved hype is about.

In conclusion this is an excessive and over the top watch, but the G-Shock world is like that and is centred around collectors really, myself included, The Casio G-Shock GMWB5000CS-1 Steel “Tron” is inherently bold and this watch builds on the full metal range in a unique way, that’s why it’s truly a fantastic watch in my eyes, despite its flaws.