Casio celebrated its 50th anniversary this year. To celebrate its anniversary, the brand has been releasing a variety of 50th anniversary models one after another. We had the opportunity to go hands-on with the Casiotron TRN-50SS and the G-Shock GMW-B5000SS. Among the five 50th anniversary models, these two definitely resonate with our hearts and are the most popular among Casio fans. Both stainless steel watches come in special 50th anniversary colors with blue bezels and gold details. However, the two new models feature more intricate design details that make them fun and stand out. Let’s have some fun together!
When I first saw pictures of the G-Shock GMW-B5000SS pop up online, I was super intrigued. This Casio 50th Anniversary G-Shock Square looks great with its stainless steel case and bracelet paired with a blue bezel and gold accents. It’s a perfect mix of retro vibes and the modern full metal finish of the G-Shock Square. Digging a little deeper, I found the entire 50th Anniversary collection, including the second model I got for review. The Casiotron TRN-50SS is a modern remake of the world’s first digital watch with an automatic calendar function. This watch has a similar aesthetic to the G-Shock, making them a perfect pair. I had a lot of fun trying out the two watches.
The Story of G-Shock GMW-B5000SS
Let’s start with the G-Shock GMW-B5000SS. This watch is based on the square GMW-B5000 that was introduced in 2018. Over the past few years, the full metal G-Shock Square has become one of the most popular models in the collection. The new 50th anniversary model features a 49.3 x 43.2 x 13 mm stainless steel case with a stainless steel bezel with a blue IP finish.
The dial has the original Casiotron gold fluting pattern around it, the buttons also have a gold IP finish, and finally, the clasp is also gold on the inside, with a triangular pattern and the words “50th Anniversary” engraved on it.
This G-Shock GMW-B5000SS is a joy to look at with its color pattern and fine details. It has an impressive overall presence that really draws you in. Zoom in and you’ll discover plenty to uncover related to the special anniversary this watch celebrates. This is hands down my favorite recent G-Shock release. I’ve been fortunate to review a variety of new models, but none have made as immediate an impression on me as this new addition to the G-Shock Square Collection.
G-Shock GMW-B5000SS Features
The watch has a positive display and, like the GMW-B500 model, is fitted with a Casio 3539 module, which has Bluetooth functionality, allowing you to link the watch to your smartphone for additional features available in the Casio Watches smartphone app.
The Tough Solar Watch also features a Multiband 6 radio reception function that allows automatic time correction four times a day. Standard features include 5 world times, a stopwatch, a countdown timer, 5 daily alarms, and a Super Illuminator LED backlight.
The smartphone app adds features such as world time for 300 cities, phone finder, and five event reminders. If you’ve ever owned a G-Shock, operating the watch is easy. The two-line display makes the watch easy to read and operate, and matches the overall look well.
Wearing a G-Shock GMW-B5000SS
On the wrist, the G-Shock GMW-B5000SS really stands out. As you can imagine, I love wearing this watch and find myself wearing it again and again. The beauty of this watch is something truly special and that’s why I enjoy wearing this watch so much apart from most mechanical watches.
As you can guess from the case dimensions, this is by no means a small watch: the case is large and at 167 grams it is quite heavy.
But the weight also gives you a sense of security and makes you feel like you’re wearing a really well-made watch. Gerald recently said in his review of the GMW-B5000D-2 that these metal G-Shock Squares feel like real luxury watches.
It’s well-built and the finish is really nice. So at 699 euros, the GMW-B5000SS isn’t exactly an affordable G-Shock. But what you get in return is something very nice. As I said before, this is my favorite recent G-Shock. It’s that nice.
The Story of the Casiotron TRN-50SS
The second model is the Casiotron TRN-50SS. The Casiotron TRN-50SS is a modern remake of the original Casiotron from 1974. This watch was the world’s first digital watch with an automatic calendar function. This watch has a stainless steel case measuring 42.7 x 39.1 x 12.3 mm.
It’s a lot smaller than the G-Shock, but it fits perfectly with this retro-inspired model. The watch also comes on a stainless steel bracelet and has the same aesthetic as the G-Shock.
We also love the watch’s combination of stainless steel with blue and gold accents, which gives the watch a crisp, modern relevance without denying its roots. The dial design differs from the G-Shock, with the Casiotron adding an extra layer of dark blue with gold Casio and the Casiotron name.
The watch comes on a comfortable stainless steel bracelet with a foldover clasp that has gold detailing on the inside, just like a G-Shock, and the inside of the bracelet has the same “50th Anniversary” lettering to identify it as a commemorative piece.
Various functions of the Casiotron TRN-50SS
The Casiotron TRN-50SS is powered by the Casio module 3542 and has similar features to the G-Shock. Like the G-Shock, this watch also has two lines of positive display. Between the two lines are indicators for various functions. When enabled, the display will tell you that the function is active. The Tough Solar watch is radio controlled (Multiband 6) for accurate timekeeping and has a Super Illuminator LED backlight so you can use the watch in the dark.
In terms of functionality, the module follows the module 3539 found in the G-Shock. It also has Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to link the watch to your smartphone, thanks to the Casio Watches smartphone app. Additionally, the watch also includes a stopwatch, countdown timer, five daily alarms, and five world times from a list of 39 cities. That’s a pretty impressive spec for this modest retro-inspired watch.
Equipped with Casiotron TRN-50SS
The retro-inspired Casiottron TRN-50SS is a lot of fun to wear on the wrist. It reminds me of when I was younger and this style of watch was all the rage. The watch’s modest size makes up for it with its funky presence. Plus, the super flexible bracelet makes the watch extremely comfortable to wear.
I frequently switched between the two 50th anniversary models: the Casiotron tells the story of Casio and my youth, and the G-Shock is the more serious watch, which I would seriously wear every day.
The downside to this Casiottron TRN-50SS-2A is that it’s sold out on the Casio website and most online retailers that were selling it, which means that if you want to get your hands on it for the regular price of 549 euros, you may have to hunt around. I checked a few Dutch retailers and only a few still have it in stock, so you’ll want to hurry. But in my opinion, the G-Shock is the better modern everyday watch, so I’d go with it.
Both models are a huge celebration of Casio’s 50th anniversary. These two models are great evidence of the innovation of the Casio brand. Casio played a significant role in my life when I was younger, and I look forward to seeing many more great products coming out in the future. As such, the brand has always held a special place in my heart. That’s why these two 50th anniversary models really stand out to me, and I was excited to get to test drive them.
What do you think of these Casio 50th anniversary models? Do you prefer the Casiotron or will you go for the G-Shock? As always, let us know in the comments below!
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