I love my new G-shock solar atomic watch! I've purchased this model before in 2007 unwittingly in the Japanese version. I never noticed before but this came in 2 variations: U>S. and Japan; this one pictured with the red G-Shock logo is the U>S. version made in China. The other version is made in Japan and looks slightly different from this U.S. version; the G-Shock logo on the Japanese one is in grey while the logo on  U.S. version is in red. Also the dial on the U.S. version reads WR 200M whereas on the Japanese version it reads WR 20 bar. I do not think anybody else was aware that this came in 2 variations: U.S. and Japanese. Nevertheless, I like the U.S. version made in China simply because the red Accent on the dial is much cooler than the drab silver accent on the Japanese version. In short, I fully intend on keeping this ultimate timepiece for the rest of my life! It is that good!
Moreover, this watch, along with other solar, atomic g-shocks, last over 10 years! Mine which is still on my wrist, purchased in 2004, can attest to that! I am inclined to believe Casio's claims they last over 50 years! With that said, this will most likely be my very last watch I will ever purchase!
*UPDATE*
This watch is actually made in Japan as well; although I initially assumed it was made in China, I've just recently discovered it was also made in Japan as is etched on the case back. I am very much fascinated with this timepiece. Thus I can conclude both versions of this GW500a-1v, the grey and this red one, were made in Japan. With this timepiece I will never need another!