Casio's iconic G-Shock GW-5000U-1 may get discontinued soon, price hike could follow
The G-Shock community is abuzz with reports that Casio’s GW-5000U-1 - a flagship digital model well-known for its true-to-origin "square" G aesthetic - may soon be discontinued. Multiple Japanese retail channels and enthusiasts have observed that the GW-5000U-1 has been going out of stock across major stores, which could mean the end of its production run. While Casio has not confirmed the discontinuation officially, the rapid drop in availability is very similar to how previous models were quietly phased out before formal announcements.
The GW-5000U-1 is widely regarded as one of the most faithful modern descendants of the original DW-5000C - the very first G-Shock released in 1983. It has the same iconic screw-back case, features a solid stainless steel inner core, and comes equipped with contemporary upgrades: Multi-Band 6 atomic timekeeping, Tough Solar charging, 200-meter water resistance, and a soft, comfortable resin strap. Among fans, it’s known for having "understated luxury" that goes really well with genuine daily-wear - this helped it earn a near-legendary status and strong demand globally, even as numerous new colorways and variants have showed up in recent years.
The effect of this potential discontinuation will go beyond just scarcity. Previous limited or discontinued squares like the DW-5000R and reissues have seen price spikes and increased interest. The GW-5000U-1’s own popularity, especially after the release of the updated "U" module, has kept it highly sought-after compared to standard resin-case models.
For now, buyers can expect inventory fluctuations, and secondary market prices are likely to rise if the model is, indeed, phased out. Any update or successor - from more advanced materials to new display tech - will have a high standard to meet. It's hard to say if this is the end or the start of a new chapter for the "screwback square," but it's safe to say that the GW-5000U-1’s cult status looks secure.
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