[G-Shock Review] GM-5600-1ER – The Good Old Classic in Metal

I could not resist not to take a look at the latest representative of the square classic – the GM-5600-1 in a steel case. It would seem that fans still needed after the release of the GMW-B5000, because this series offers a “complete set” – advanced functionality, a steel case and a legendary form factor . But one thing the Casio lost sight of was the opportunity to expand the budget segment with a steel analog of the 5000s, where there would be no premium features, but the “spirit” of the ancestor of G-Shock should be recognized in the case.

The Japanese first announced the GM-5600 series in July of this year, and then it was a little strange to watch such an “evolution” of the square case – fans were waiting for the continuation of the GMW-B5000. Casio’s sales team was rubbing their hands at this time – a new wave of profit was waiting for them in front of them, and without minimal investments from designers and engineers. The marketing move worked – fans of the “squares” drew attention to the new product, despite its budget status, GM resemble the original DW-5600 very much.

True fans of the shock-resistant line know exactly where it all began – when the future founder of the G-Shock Kikuo Ibe accidentally dropped his father’s watch and smashed it. The idea to create a watch that is not afraid of blows and falls from a height, like lightning pierced the bright mind of a Japanese watchmaker, and Kikuo immediately set to work. After two years of painstaking work, the engineers managed to create a prototype of the first shock-resistant watches, which must withstand heavy loads and work stably under water – the model was called DW-5000C.

The most interesting thing about the GM-5600 is of course the steel overlay on the case. Yes, it is the overlay, because the “core” of the case remained polyurethane. This is clearly seen from the side or back view – the black layer is located between the bezel-less part and the back of the watch. Such a simplification may upset someone, but it is clearly done in order to save. The metal frame is made very high quality – sparkling gloss on the front of the case and on the sides is very similar to the GMW-B5000 steel format.

We look at GM and understand that we have before us the real DW-5600 with only one difference in the bezel material. If the original 5600s are completely polyurethane, then the metal overlay on the case attracts attention. In this case, the inner part of the body remained polyurethane. Regular readers of the blog are aware of the advantage of the impact-resistant steel-polymer model, where two completely different material properties complement each other.

The bezel [the protruding part upwards] got a rough surface – minor scratches will be less noticeable on it, which cannot be avoided in the case of a smooth surface [have the GST-B200 itself, I know what I’m talking about]. There is no IP coverage or other similar protection here, so it’s better not to introduce the case to other metal objects once again. In terms of protection from bumps and falls – these are still unkillable G-Shocks, the status of which everyone is accustomed to.

With the advent of steel, positioning has changed a bit – now this is the predominance of office style. Agree, the GM-5600 will look better under a strict classic suit than the polyurethane DW-5600. But here it’s already a matter of taste – one of my friends wears yellow and red G-Shocks with shirts and suits and is not ashamed.

The quality of the inscriptions on the bezel does not raise questions – they are literally “driven” into the surface of the metal, so they are not threatened even with time. Steel buttons along with the same case have acquired a completely different look – all the metal parts of the watch look harmonious and holistic.

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The back cover has also changed in a modern way – sharp corners, 3D design and texture of “thin hair” brought the watch to a new level of design of the 5600s.

The current G-Shock “mainstream” is a quick-detachable strap. I am personally pleased that the Japanese provide such an opportunity even in the budget segment. So far, there are very few original straps on sale [currently officially only for GA-2000], but I think Casio are not in vain introducing removable elements, so that they can be put into production later. One movement of the lever and the pin is easily disconnected from the mount – and the lever is recessed into the cavity of the strap, which prevents it from opening by accident.

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The strap is ordinary itself , without any decals with good flexibility and a matte finish.

An inversion display is not the best option for perfect readability in sunny weather, but the black frame simply has to be inverted. The numbers on the electronic scoreboard are slightly thicker compared to other representatives of the square series [perhaps it seemed to me]. In the current time mode, here on one screen all the necessary information is displayed, and in one place – here the digital display looks more profitable against the background of its analog counterparts.

The capabilities of the GM-5600 are duplicated by the DW-5600 – a 24-hour stopwatch, a countdown timer with auto-repeat measurement, an alarm clock, an hourly alarm, a calendar and time in a 12/24-hour format. I see no reason to go into the details of the modes – the lower left button is responsible for switching them, and the electronic panel is conditionally divided into two display zones. A separate respect to the engineers for the opportunity to see the current time in stopwatch and timer modes.

“Specifications of GM-5600”]

• Case / bezel material: Resin / Stainless steel
• Resin Band
• Shock Resistant
• Mineral Glass
• 200-meter water resistance

• Electro-luminescent backlight
  Afterglow
• Flash alert
  Flashes with buzzer that sounds for alarms, hourly time signals
• 1/100-second stopwatch
  Measuring capacity: 00’00″00~59’59″99 (for the first 60 minutes)
  1:00’00~23:59’59 (after 60 minutes)
  Measuring unit: 1/100 second (for the first 60 minutes)
  1 second (after 60 minutes)
  Measuring modes: Elapsed time, split time, 1st-2nd place times
• Countdown timer
  Measuring unit: 1 second
  Countdown range: 24 hours
  Countdown start time setting range: 1 second to 24 hours (1-second increments, 1-minute increments and 1-hour increments)
  Other: Auto-repeat
• Multi-function alarm
• Hourly time signal
• Full auto-calendar (to year 2039)
• 12/24-hour format
• Regular timekeeping: Hour, minute, second, pm, month, date, day
• Accuracy: ±15 seconds per month
• Approx. battery life: 2 years on CR2016
• Size of case : 49.6×43.2×12.9mm
• Total weight : 73g

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The electroluminescent backlight is beautiful, as always. Each detail of the dial is clearly visible and distinguishable in the dark.

The GM-5600 does not have either new-fangled Bluetooth or solar power with radio synchronization, but in the budget price segment you should not rely on expensive functionality. The battery in the watch is designed for 2 years of operation – the minimum indicator for Casio.

Conclusion

The GW-5600 is unlikely to surprise the experienced G-Shock fans, but the main goal of the series is to pay tribute to the past by providing a steel alternative to the original DW-5600, which so far has not been replaced with anything. Metal undoubtedly expands the audience of the square case [office and classic], and breathes new life into the image of the iconic 5600s.

Read Quick News on GM-5600:

• [G-SHOCK 2024] GM-5600GC and GM-2100GC — Grunge Camouflage
• [G-SHOCK 2024] DW-5600UBB-1, DW-5600UHR-1 and others with Updated LED Light
• [G-SHOCK 2024] DW-5600U, DW-6900U, GM-5600U, DW-5750U with Upgraded Module
• [G-SHOCK 2023] GM-2140GEM-2A ant others — Inspired by Cordierite and Calcite
• [G-SHOCK Comparison] DW-B5600 VS GM-S5600 VS GM-5600
• [G-SHOCK 2023] GM-114GEM-1A9 and others — 40th Anniversary Adventurer’s Stone Series

All News on GM-5600 →

Firstly published, but we carefully translated into English.

Some FAQ moments about G-Shock GM-5600 Series

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GM-5600 Profile / Casio G-Shock
Average Amazon Price: $190 (yes, we may earn a commission on qualifying purchases from our links to Amazon). Check the Price on Amazon →
Year of first release: 2019
Lineup: STANDART DIGITAL (This Line includes Digital G-Shocks that are the best in “price/quality” category. Usually have traditional digital functions.) All G-Shock Standart Digital Watches →
Best for: Small Wrists, Office and Formal Wear, Top in G-Shock Lookbooks
The most distinctive specs:
– 200-meter water resistance (good for swimming but not for deep diving)
– Steel bezel (uses resin for the case interior and stainless steel for the bezel cover, creating a look of elegance while maintaining light weight and a great fit to the wrist)
Other colors and full specs: GM-5600 Wiki Page
Only Limited Editions: GM-5600 Limited Editions

G-Shock GM-5600 Rating System

Size	★★★★★
Weight	★★★
Functions	★★
Materials	★★★★★
Battery Years	★★★
Price	★★

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Other G-SHOCK listings GM-5600 is in!

*you may find similar watches there

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