A flop model? No, a complete G-SHOCK for adults! A personal discussion of the 40th anniversary model "GMW-B5000PG-9JR"

In this series, the editorial staff of Chronos Japan share their impressions of popular models and discuss them. This time, Editor-in-Chief Masamasa Hirota, Deputy Editor-in-Chief Yukiya Suzuki, Taketo Hosoda, and Yasuki Doi wore the GMW-B5000PG-9JR, part of the recrystallized series commemorating the 40th anniversary of G-SHOCK. By recrystallizing the stainless steel and applying a deep hardening process, a completely new look has been created while retaining the design of the original model.

Introducing a new full-metal G-SHOCK with a unique exterior

Hosoda"The watch we had everyone wear this time was the GMW-B5000PG-9JR, a G-SHOCK 40th anniversary model. As the name "Recrystallized" suggests, the stainless steel parts are machined into the shape of the components, then heated to recrystallize, and then undergo a deep hardening process."

(I.e."So it has a unique texture."

Hosoda"Deep hardening is a technology that penetrates carbon into the surface layer to create a hard layer. It increases strength by hardening the material itself rather than creating a coating. However, the surface is further coated with IP (ion plating), which gives it a smooth feel."

(I.e."It looks more interesting than regular full metal, and it's smooth on the arm overall, so it doesn't get in the way of the cuffs. In that sense, it's fun to look at and practical to touch, and it's a nice, new sensation among metals."

Doi"Looking at the buckle, only this part has a hairline finish. I think this is probably because the finish was applied after hardening, but the sparkle still remains, so I think it's proof that the treatment has reached deep into the leather."

(I.e."That's certainly true."

Hosoda"The Recrystallized Series Full Metal comes in two colors: gold and silver. We asked everyone to try the gold this time, but which color do you prefer?"

Hirota"It's money!"

(I.e."That's right."

Hosoda"In fact, gold seems to be overwhelmingly more popular."

Doi"My preference is silver (laughs)."

(I.e."If I were younger, I might choose silver. I think I would have chosen silver if I were younger (laughs)."

Discoloration can be solved by washing and caring for it!

Hosoda"Well, my records are a bit hazy, but the color of the bracelet and the head are slightly different when I have them in my hands right now. Was it like this from the beginning?"

(I.e."It was originally different."

Doi"I was also going to say this, but this material changes color when it gets oily from your hands, right?"

Hirota"But this has been treated, so it will probably come off if you wash it! (Go and wash it.)"

(I.e."But if the color can be restored by washing it, I think it would be good to enjoy the individual differences and changes over time, like with bronze."

Hirota"(It came back) I washed it with a mild detergent and it came back!!"

(I.e."That's completely different (laughs). The recrystallization process may make it easier for oil to remain on the surface, but the surface is coated, so even if it gets dirty it comes off easily. Is it waterproof?"

Hosoda"200 meters."

(I.e."If you have 200m, there's no problem washing it."

The sparkling yet matte texture is just right for adults.

Hosoda"Also, actually, we haven't mentioned Origin Fullmetal before in this roundtable discussion, but what did it feel like to actually wear it?"

Hirota"The last time we had a debate it was about the MR-G.thatThat was good..."

Hosoda"But the price is about 30 yen different from this model."

Hirota"I really like this model."

(I.e."It's interesting in this price range of just over 10 yen, so I think it's good for people looking for a change."

Hosoda"Speaking of price, full metal G-SHOCKs start at 77,000 yen, and until now, the only watches that have exceeded 100,000 yen have been titanium models. This model has a stainless steel exterior and costs 121,000 yen. What do you think about the price balance?"

(I.e."Personally, I don't think it's a problem."

Hirota"I think it's good. Personally, as a non-titanium full metal watch, aside from the MR-G, this is my favorite. It's sparkly, but the shine is subdued, which gives it an exquisite feel."

(I.e."It's true, it's matte, so it's not too harsh."

Doi"The basic full metal model has a mirror finish."

(I.e."The mirrored finish has a luxurious feel, but I also like the matte finish."

Doi"Yes. Sometimes I see people wearing the basic full metal watch with a suit, but I feel like the wrist looks out of place, so this might suit them better."

(I.e."Even though the shine is subtle, you can still enjoy the nuances of the surface. It has a slightly futuristic feel and a Middle Eastern luxury feel."

Hosoda"Middle Eastern luxury (laughs). But it's a look that will definitely go well with so-called street fashion."

(I.e."It would also look good layered with a chain bracelet."

I thought it was a dud model, but I was impressed by its high level of perfection!

HosodaSo, what are your thoughts after actually wearing it?

Doi"In terms of usability, solar power is convenient."

Hosoda"You don't even need to adjust the time if you sync it with your smartphone via Bluetooth."

Doi"It's also great that you can set the stopwatch and timer from your smartphone screen."

Hosoda"That's right. It's a delicate operation when using the buttons on the watch itself, but it's easy when using a smartphone."

Doi"Regarding the fit, the angle of the first link is not deep enough, so it floats when worn by people with thin arms. That's unfortunate. You can remove many links to adjust the fit, so it would be better if the first link was bent another 20 to 30 degrees."

Hosoda"Is that just for metal? Rubber too?"

Hirota"Rubber straps are soft, so you can wear them with determination (laughs). With metal straps, the first link is firmly attached, so they're sturdy, but that means they're not suitable for everyone's wrist."

(I.e."Because it's a Japanese brand, maybe they could be a little more considerate of people with thin wrists."

Hosoda"However, as Doi-kun said earlier, adjusting the links is extremely easy. Both ends of the pin are spring bar shaped, so you can just push one side at a time and it will come off. So you don't need any special tools, and you can even remove it with just a toothpick. It's so simple, and yet the fact that it's used in G-SHOCK, which requires shock resistance, means that it meets a certain standard, which is amazing."

Doi"The play of the links on the bracelet is also designed to be shock-resistant."

Hirota"That's right. It's typical of G-SHOCK that it's not too stiff."

(I.e."Certainly, it would be bad if the impact was transmitted as is."

Hirota"I thought the head would be heavy, but it's actually surprisingly light. At first glance it looks like it's just for fun, but the texture and impact resistance show that it's well-made. I realized once again that it's a very well-made club."