G-Shock GD-B500-7
The Little Stormtrooper
Released in 2024, the Casio G-Shock GD-B500-7 is a much more modern take on the traditional digital G-Shock.
There's no restoration story or bargain-hunting tale behind this one. I bought it for the simplest reason possible:
I liked the look of it.
The combination of the white resin case and strap with the contrasting dark display immediately appealed to me. In fact, there's something about the whole design that reminds me of a little Stormtrooper — and once I'd made that connection, I couldn't unsee it.
A Smaller, Cleaner G-Shock
One of the things that immediately stands out about the GD-B500 is its relatively slim and compact design.
G-Shock has become associated with some absolutely enormous watches over the years, but the GD-B500 takes a different approach. It still looks unmistakably like a G-Shock, but everything has been tightened up.
That makes it a particularly easy G-Shock to wear.
The case has enough protection and detailing to retain the rugged appearance you'd expect from the brand, while avoiding the bulk that can make some larger models less practical for everyday use.
That White Colourway
For me, the GD-B500-7 is all about the colourway.
White G-Shocks have always had a distinctive look, but here the contrast between the white resin and dark negarive display gives the watch an almost futuristic appearance.
Hence the Stormtrooper comparison.
It's clean, slightly unusual and immediately recognisable on the wrist.
Of course, white resin isn't necessarily the most forgiving choice if you're planning on crawling underneath cars or doing particularly dirty jobs while wearing it. But sometimes practicality isn't the only consideration when choosing a watch.
Sometimes you simply buy the one that looks cool.
Modern G-Shock Functionality
Despite its relatively simple appearance, the GD-B500 has considerably more going on than a traditional basic digital G-Shock.
Bluetooth connectivity allows the watch to communicate with a smartphone through Casio's app, giving access to additional functionality and making certain settings easier to manage.
There's also a built-in step tracker, making this more of an everyday activity watch than its appearance might initially suggest.
Importantly, though, Casio hasn't turned it into a smartwatch.
You still get the simplicity, battery life and toughness of a conventional G-Shock without another device that needs charging every night.
That's an approach I personally like.
On the Wrist
The compact dimensions make the GD-B500 particularly comfortable.
It's considerably less bulky than many G-Shocks, and the relatively slim profile means it doesn't feel like you've strapped a piece of military hardware to your wrist.
For anyone who likes the toughness and styling of G-Shock but finds some of the larger models excessive, then the GD-B500 makes a lot of sense.
It's also light enough that you can put it on and largely forget you're wearing it.
A Different Kind of G-Shock
I think that's where the GD-B500 fits particularly well within the wider G-Shock range.
It isn't trying to be the biggest or most intimidating watch Casio makes.
Instead, it's a relatively compact, modern digital watch that combines traditional G-Shock toughness with useful contemporary features such as Bluetooth connectivity and step tracking.
And in the GD-B500-7 colourway, it manages to have a bit of personality as well.
The Casio Collector Verdict
Sometimes there doesn't need to be a complicated story behind why a watch ends up in my collection.
I bought the GD-B500-7 because I liked it.
Simple as that.
The compact proportions make it extremely wearable, the modern features add some genuinely useful functionality, and the white-and-black colour scheme gives it a distinctive appearance without going completely over the top.
And yes, it still reminds me of a little Stormtrooper.
It's not the most complicated G-Shock I own and it doesn't have some great restoration story behind it. It's simply a good-looking, comfortable modern G-Shock that I enjoy wearing.
Sometimes that's more than enough reason to own a watch.
Specifications
Model: Casio G-Shock GD-B500-7
Release: 2024
Display: Digital
Case/Bezel: Resin
Strap: Resin
Crystal: Mineral glass
Shock Resistance: G-Shock, shock-resistant construction
Water Resistance: 200 metres
Mobile Connectivity: Bluetooth smartphone link
Activity Tracking: Step counting
World Time: Yes
Stopwatch: Yes
Countdown Timer: Yes
Alarms: Yes
Calendar: Full auto-calendar
Backlight: LED
Power: Battery powered
A Video Review will be added once created and edited