G-Shock’s minimalist masterpiece arrives in its best version yet

The design for G-Shock’s DW-5000C was so good that it continues to inform new watches over 40 years later.

When the Japanese watchmaker was planning to revise its G-Steel lineup last year, it looked to its first-ever digital watch from 1983 for guidance. Simplifying the overall look, adding an octagonal bezel and implementing a brick motif on the dial, the flagship stainless steel analog series was suddenly turned into a minimalist masterpiece with the new GST-B1000.

Now, G-Shock takes that same G-Steel platform and evolves it even further with a stealthy new look.

G-Steeling the show

When the G-Steel first arrived in 2015, it offered G-Shock fans an interesting new mid-tier option. It was more premium than the brand’s resin-cased digital watches but wasn’t as expensive as top-tier MR-G models.

It essentially combined the durability and sleekness of stainless steel with the shock resistance of resin thanks to an ingenious layered construction. 

However, as trends changed, G-Steel seemed to be stuck in between. The very middle ground it occupied was defining its limitations. It looked too casual to dress up but too tactical and bulky to be an everyday watch. An evolution was imminent.

Keep it simple

Last year’s new GST-B1000 took the long-extant GST-B100 and refined it significantly. 

For starters, the case shrunk to a much more wearable size, from a 53.8mm diameter to 44.2mm. Thickness also decreased from 14.1mm to 11.6mm. These dimensions are similar to the popular 2100 “CasiOak” models, which are known for their comfort and wearability.

Branding was removed from the bezel, which now sports an octagonal shape like the aforementioned 2100 and, most notably, the 1983 DW-5000C. Fortunately, the watch’s durability remains, with the same carbon-reinforced resin case underneath the steel housing. As such, the timepiece still boasts shock resistance and 200m of water resistance.

Back in black

After just a few months, G-Shock is already expanding the B1000 with a blacked-out colorway that’s sleeker than ever. Inspired by city lights, the GST-B1000BD-1A gets a full black ion-plated bezel, case and integrated steel bracelet that combines hairline and mirror finishing for an elegant look.

The color extends to the dial here as well, with a black brick motif, along with black subdials (used as a calendar, timer and 24-hour indicator). It should be pointed out that, like earlier versions, the B1000BD utilizes Tough Solar charging and connects via Bluetooth to your smartphone for timekeeping accuracy.

Along with the all-black variant, there’s a blue dial version as well (GST-B1000BD-2A).

Availability and pricing

The GST-B1000BD models in both colorways just landed on G-Shock’s website. They’re priced at $510 each.