The gold GMW-BZ5000GD-9, the flashiest model in Casio's latest premium square lineup, has finally reached UK shores, completing a global rollout that began in Japan last November. Priced at £619, it features a new MIP display, an AI-designed shock-resistant structure, and solar charging.
Casio has finally launched the gold full-metal G-Shock GMW-BZ5000GD-9 in the UK, rounding out the company's latest premium square lineup that first debuted in Japan in November. The silver GMW-BZ5000D-1 and the darker GMW-BZ5000BD-1 with gold accents have been on sale here since December, but the flashiest model of the trio has been conspicuously absent, until now. After making its way to the US and parts of Europe in December, the gold GMW-BZ5000GD-9 is now available to UK buyers. It's priced at £619 and can be purchased directly from Casio UK's online store and authorised retailers starting today.
Casio says the watch is co-designed with the help of AI, drawing from 40 years of shock-resistance data. Unlike previous full-metal G-Shocks, in which the metal bezel fully covered the center case, Casio’s newly designed structure connects the bezel and the center case at the top and bottom, while placing a highly resilient resin in between, which temporarily deforms to absorb shocks. The watch is manufactured at Yamagata Casio in Japan.
The biggest highlight of the GMW-BZ5000GD-9 is its new high-contrast MIP (memory-in-pixel) display, which Casio claims offers a sharper rendering of text and digits, better viewing angles, and excellent legibility in bright sunlight. The watch offers eight different styles and four display fonts, including STANDARD and CLASSIC, and you can switch between them using the buttons or through the Casio app. Casio also developed a new, more efficient solar system to power the high-definition full-dot display, allowing the battery to stay topped up even from ambient light sources.
The watch also comes equipped with Multiband 6 support for automatic radio-wave time calibration and Bluetooth connectivity, which lets you pair the watch with your smartphone via the Casio app. This connectivity enables features like automatic time adjustment via smartphone, world time with over 300 cities, and a Phone Finder function.
Key Specifications
- Case size: 49.3 × 43.6 × 13 mm
- Weight: 172 g
- Display: Memory-in-Pixel (MIP) LCD
- Glass: Mineral glass
- Case and bezel: Stainless steel
- Screw-lock case back: Yes
- Band: Solid stainless steel with one-touch 3-fold clasp
- Compatible wrist size: 150–205 mm
- Shock resistant: Yes
- Water resistance: 200 metres
- Radio-controlled timekeeping: Multiband 6
- Bluetooth smartphone connectivity: Yes
- Automatic time adjustment via smartphone: Yes
- Accuracy: ±15 seconds per month (without signal or mobile link calibration)
- Tough Solar (solar powered): Yes
- Approx. battery life: 6 months with normal use (no light exposure after charge), 22 months in total darkness with Power Saving enabled
- Power Saving function and low battery alert: Yes
- LED backlight (white): Full auto light, selectable 1.5 or 3-second duration, and afterglow
- World Time: 2 displays, 38 time zones (55 cities + UTC), City code and city name display, Auto DST switching, Home/World Time city swapping
- Stopwatch: 1/100-second
- Countdown timer: 1 second to 24 hours, 1-second increments
- Alarms: 5 daily alarms (including 1 snooze alarm)
- Hourly time signal: Yes
- Full auto-calendar: To year 2099
- 12/24-hour format: Yes
- Date/month display swapping: Yes
- Button operation tone on/off: Yes
- CASIO WATCHES app support: Yes
- Auto time sync: Yes
- Approx. 300 world time cities plus user-added locations: Yes
- Phone Finder: Yes
- Made in Japan: Yes
How It Compares
The GMW-BZ5000GD-9 sits at the top of the new GMW-BZ5000 series, which represents a significant evolution for G-Shock's full-metal square line. While the silver and black-accented models have been available for a couple of months, the gold variant completes the premium trio. All three share the same core innovations: the AI-designed shock-resistant structure, the MIP display, and the improved Tough Solar system.
Compared to its predecessors like the GMW-B5000 series, the new BZ5000 line offers a sharper, more modern display and a more efficient power system. The MIP technology is a notable upgrade over traditional LCDs, providing better contrast and visibility, which is crucial for a watch designed for outdoor and active use. The full-metal construction, while heavier at 172 grams, provides a premium feel and the signature G-Shock durability.
In terms of competition, the GMW-BZ5000GD-9 faces rivals from other premium digital watch lines, but its combination of solar charging, radio control, Bluetooth connectivity, and the G-Shock's legendary shock resistance gives it a unique position. The gold finish, while a matter of personal taste, makes it a statement piece compared to the more utilitarian silver and black models.
Who It's For
This watch is designed for G-Shock enthusiasts who want the most feature-rich and visually striking version of the latest square model. It's for users who value:
- Premium materials and build quality: The full stainless steel construction and gold finish appeal to those who want a watch that looks as good as it performs.
- Advanced display technology: The MIP display is a significant practical improvement for readability in various lighting conditions.
- Modern connectivity: Bluetooth and smartphone integration add convenience for time synchronization and world time management.
- Solar charging: The improved Tough Solar system reduces battery anxiety and maintenance.
- Made in Japan craftsmanship: For collectors and buyers who value Japanese manufacturing.
However, the 172-gram weight and £619 price point make it less suitable for those seeking a lightweight, budget-friendly option. It's a premium tool watch rather than an everyday beater, though its shock resistance certainly allows for rugged use.
Pricing and Availability
The GMW-BZ5000GD-9 is now available in the UK for £619. You can purchase it directly from Casio UK's online store or through authorised retailers. For international readers, availability varies by region, with the US and parts of Europe having received the model in December 2025.
Conclusion
Casio's rollout of the GMW-BZ5000GD-9 in the UK completes a significant update to its premium square G-Shock line. The combination of the new MIP display, AI-designed shock structure, and improved solar charging addresses key user feedback while maintaining the core durability that defines the G-Shock brand. For UK buyers who have been waiting for the gold variant, the wait is finally over, and the watch delivers on both the technical and aesthetic fronts.
The gold finish may not be for everyone, but for those who want the most visually distinctive and feature-complete model in the lineup, the GMW-BZ5000GD-9 represents the pinnacle of Casio's current square G-Shock technology. As with any premium watch purchase, potential buyers should consider the weight and price against their personal preferences and use cases, but from a technical standpoint, it's a solid evolution of a classic design.
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