Casio's popular new full-metal GMW-BZ5000RC-1 finally goes on sale in the US with ion-plated case

Casio’s recently released full-metal G-Shock, the GMW-BZ5000RC-1, is now making its way to the US market after a staggered rollout across other regions. The model was first introduced in Japan in early April 2026, followed by availability across parts of Europe later that month, before finally showing up on Casio’s international storefronts.

This release is based on the newer GMW-BZ5000 platform, which itself launched in late 2025 as an evolution of the classic 5000-series square design. The RC variant is more so unique because of its finish.

The watch uses a full stainless steel construction, including the case, bezel, and bracelet. What sets it apart is the gradient rainbow ion-plated center case, alongside a subtle rainbow vapor-deposited ring around the display. Gold-colored screws on the bezel are present for contrast, while the rest of the case alternates between brushed and polished finishes. The effect is more restrained from the front, and more visible from angled views.

Case dimensions come in at 49.3 × 43.6 × 13 mm, with a weight of around 172 grams. The screw-lock caseback and shock-resistant construction are standard, along with 200-meter water resistance.

The GMW-BZ5000RC-1 keeps the same feature set as the rest of the series. It uses Tough Solar charging, along with Multi Band 6 radio timekeeping and Bluetooth connectivity for automatic time sync via the Casio Watches app. The watch also includes dual world time, a 1/100-second stopwatch, countdown timer, five daily alarms, and a full auto-calendar.

One of the more key upgrades over older square G-Shocks is the MIP (memory-in-pixel) LCD. This display gets you higher contrast and wider viewing angles, which makes it easier to read in different lighting conditions. It also allows for multiple display layouts and font styles, which can be adjusted through the app.

Battery performance depends on usage, but Casio estimates around six months of operation without exposure to light - this can extend to roughly 22 months in power-saving mode.

In terms of pricing, the watch launched in Japan at around ¥121,000 (roughly $750–$760), with European pricing landing in a similar range. US pricing has been set at $880. 

Like other premium G-Shock releases, stock may remain limited depending on region and retailer availability. Alternatively, you can purchase the Casio G-Shock GW-M5610U-1 on Amazon.