The Ultimate Guide to All G-SHOCKs — composed by Experts
The square case in the G-Shock watch symbolizes the Japanese old school of the 80s and 90s, when the first DW-5000 shocks appeared. It was this model that acquired a square display, and made a crazy stir among watchmaking fans. Today the yard is already the 21st century, and the Japanese still have not abandoned the concept of such a case – with a small size, this watch remains as shockproof and waterproof as its large brothers. The selection includes models from various departments of G-Shock: G-lide [for active sports], watches with Bluetooth, solar power, etc. All watches have basic functions – world time, alarm clock, stopwatch, etc. and, most importantly, the square form factor.
*Selection updated: January 2020
Price ≈ 95 $
Representative of the cult square classic G-Shock case. The roots of the 5600s originate from the distant 1983, when the first G-Shock-s appeared – the DW-5000C. Since then, the case design has not changed much, the Japanese just honed some details and modernized the dial a bit. Despite the small thickness [13.4 mm], the case has the same impact-resistant properties as its more massive counterparts. In addition, you get a capacious and accurate stopwatch, a self-timer, an alarm clock, world clock and a fluorescent backlight display. Low cost, good form factor, easy readability of the dial and the most informative display – all this makes the DW-5600 one of the most popular G in the world.
#2 G-Shock DW-D5500
Price ≈ 125 $
The DW-D5500BB-1ER model, like the entire DW-D5500 series, impressed with its unique appearance. I seemed to know about the existence of the case and saw it repeatedly, but the live model appeared before me in the form of watches for the terminator. Japanese futurism or “roboticism” is immediately visible and it was created in 1985. Perhaps this is the secret to the success of the G-Shock brand? From the point of view of functions and technologies, the old age has remained, however, a 10-year battery and advanced notification settings plus a relatively inexpensive cost make the model very successful.
#3 G-Shock GLX-5600
Price ≈ 140$
A recognizable square form factor and useful features for surfers are the secret to the success of the GLX-5600. The series belongs to the direction of G-Lide for lovers of water and winter sports. The tide chart on the display allows the surfer to choose the optimal time for his water activity. Next to the tidal chart, there is also a window displaying the phases of the moon, depending on the location. The watch has a rather advanced stopwatch with a measurement limit of 24 hours and the possibility of a delayed start [up to 5 seconds] with a countdown. The countdown timer was equipped with the function of auto-repeat and alarm notification at the end of the measurement. The model is powered by a battery designed for 7 years of continuous operation. Other basic features of the series are world clock, alarm, calendar, and backlight with blink function.
#4 G-Shock GW-M5610
Price ≈ 230$
Classic square G-Shock with some expensive features. Externally, the model is not much different from its prototype DW-5600 – a fully electronic dial and a characteristic shape of the case. The only difference is the availability of more expensive functionality, namely solar power and radio time synchronization. Now you can forget about the periodic replacement of the battery, because the watch has a special panel that picks up daylight and converts it into electrical energy that feeds the battery. If you travel often, it is not necessary to manually translate the time – all the work will be done for you by synchronization on radio waves. Basic functions, such as an alarm clock, timer, stopwatch and world time, will come in handy. At night, the dial is illuminated by a powerful automatic backlight.
#5 G-Shock GW-B5600
Price ≈ 200$
A simplified version of the acclaimed GMW-B5000 series – a steel flagship with Bluetooth synchronization. The iconic square case with modern advanced filling is a gift for G-Shock fans. Bluetooth is used to synchronize time and adjust clock functions; control takes place on a smartphone in a special G-Shock Connected application. The backup time correction method is Multiband radio synchronization, which is based on receiving radio waves from towers located around the world. Do not worry about a dead battery – the GW-B5600 has a solar battery that is charged by daylight. The day of the week is displayed on a digital display in 5 different languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Russian. The basic functionality is also available – a timer, stopwatch, alarm clock, world clock, calendar and backlight.
#6 G-Shock GM-5600
Price ≈ 250 $
Representative of the iconic G-Shock square form factor with steel casing. Thus, the Japanese decided to give fans of the high-impact direction an opportunity to enjoy metal in their favorite case, while the price tag of the model is quite affordable – about $ 250. The inner part of the case is made of polymer to absorb shock and reduce the total weight of the watch, and both parts of the strap are removable – the replacement process takes a matter of seconds. The capabilities of the GM-5600 module almost completely coincide with the DW-5600 – a stopwatch, world clock, timer, alarm clock, calendar and backlight with a blinking function.
#7 G-Shock GWX-5600
Price ≈ 240$
Representative of the summer division of the G-Shock G-Lide in the iconic square case. Although the series has the functions necessary for water activities: an ebb / flow sensor for choosing the optimal wave height and a graph of the lunar phases, these opportunities fade before the main advantages of the series – solar power and radio time synchronization. Thanks to the solar battery, you can fully enjoy the functionality without thinking about saving power, which is easily replenished from daylight. Time is automatically synchronized with radio towers located around the world – if you come to a different country, the watch will set the current time without your participation. The Japanese did not forget about the stopwatch, timer, alarm clock, world clock and calendar.
#8 G-Shock GMW-B5000
Price ≈ 600$
Premium model for connoisseurs of the iconic G-Shock square case. The strap and case are completely made of steel while maintaining all the strength characteristics that G-Shock-s can boast. The GMW-B5000 series was conceived by the Japanese as a tribute to the DW-5000 – the very first G-Shock in history. The design of the dial is designed in such a way as to accurately repeat the appearance of the original. Between the metal bezel and the body there is a dense polyurethane gasket, which acts as a damper for strong shocks and vibrations. Reinforced bracelet fastening with sturdy pins and additional protrusions improve its reliability. The electronic display is made using STN technology – now with better readability at any viewing angle. Automatic time correction is performed in two ways – radio synchronization and Bluetooth connection with a smartphone. All watch settings are available on the phone screen in a special application G-Shock Connect – now you do not need to deal with the functions of the buttons. Solar power will forget about replacing the battery for a very long time. The day of the week on the dial is displayed in 6 languages, incl. and in Russian. There are other basic functions here – stopwatch, timer, alarm clock, world clock and calendar.

Being a fan of CASIO watches since 2009, I strive to share my passion and knowledge with others. Through publishing short notes and curating all listings on this site, I hope to inspire fellow enthusiasts to explore the world of high-quality CASIO watches. A proud owner of GST-B200, GG-1000, GA-110. Remember: Fake Watches are for Fake People.











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