Review of the G-SHOCK 40th Anniversary Model "DW-5040PG." A Legitimate Evolution of the First Model, Carrying on the Historical Achievement to the Present.

G-SHOCK celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2023! This time, we're reviewing the DW-5040PG, which inherits the "DW-5000" model number given to the original model. While there aren't many differences in appearance from the original model, the evolution of the details and design sense give it a sense of satisfaction befitting a commemorative model.

The highlight of the commemorative model is the evolved stainless steel finish.

　The first G-SHOCK boom occurred in the early 1990s. At the time, I was a student and knew that G-SHOCK was popular, but I was already obsessively collecting records (CDs), so I didn't have the money or the desire to spend my part-time job money on a G-SHOCK, and I remember just watching the boom from the sidelines.

　The first G-SHOCK I got in the mid-90s was the DW-6000, which had a seconds indicator at the top of the display and a khaki-green exterior. This was a watch I liked at the time... but that's beside the point.

　Anyway, although I was a little late to the explosive boom, the DW-6000 was the catalyst that started my relationship with G-SHOCK, and most recently (although it was already five years ago) I also got my hands on the full metal ORIGIN GMW-B5000D. However, this is actually the first time I've had the chance to take my hands on the most basic G-SHOCK with the DW-5000 model number, including this review model - in other words, the "authentic ORIGIN."

　The DW-5040PG, which we reviewed this time, is a 40th anniversary model that is a direct descendant of the first G-SHOCK model, the DW-5000C, which was released in 1983. With a black resin square case and a digital display, it appears at first glance to be a reproduction of the design of the original model, but it also features updates throughout that are appropriate for the anniversary.

　One of the most distinctive features is the stainless steel parts that have been recrystallized and deep-hardened. The DW-5040PG is part of the RECRYSTALLIZED SERIES, a highlight of the 40th anniversary. While other models in the series, the GMW-B5000PS and GMW-B5000PG, have the same treatment applied to the entire surface of the case and bracelet, the DW-5040PG uses this new technology only on the case back, buckle, and keeper ring, adding a design accent.

　Although the black outer case and strap have the same look as the original model, the materials have been completely renewed and biomass plastic made from renewable organic resources is used, making it an update that is appropriate for the current year of 2023.

The dial design identifies it as a special model

The first thing you notice when you put the DW-5040PG on your wrist is its moderate weight. While regular resin models use resin for the center case and a thin stainless steel back cover, making them lighter, this model not only uses stainless steel for the center case and back cover, but also maintains the thickness of the back cover, just like the original model. This gives it a heavier feel than typical resin G-SHOCK models.

　Of course, it's not as heavy as the full metal GMW-B5000, and the watch's lower center of gravity makes it comfortable to wear. In fact, this moderate weight and balance gives it a sense of stability and the feeling that you're actually wearing a watch, so I personally prefer it to the lighter resin model.

　The first thing that catches your eye when you put it on is the design of the dial. Just like the 35th anniversary model based on the ORIGIN, the display is sandwiched between metal mesh, and the shine of gold is a nice accent against the bold black case.

　Another noteworthy feature is the PROJECT TEAM "Tough" logo, the name of the original G-SHOCK development team, printed on the bottom left of the display. This is also a design feature that is only found on ORIGIN-based anniversary models, and the presence of this element makes the DW-5040PG a truly special model.