The square G-Shock DW-5600: history and versions
The Casio G-Shock DW-5600 is a square digital G-Shock that carries forward the shape of the first G-Shock, the DW-5000C from 1983. The 5600 series itself began in 1987, and Casio says it is the world’s best-selling G-Shock of all time. Read on to learn where the square G-Shock came from, what it can do and which versions are available.
How it all began: a watch that would not break when dropped
The G-Shock idea came from Kikuo Ibe, who was working on watch exterior design at Casio at the time. His proposal was simple: make a watch that would not break even if dropped. The idea was approved, and a three-person team called Project Team Tough was formed in 1981.
The work was not easy. According to Casio, over 200 prototypes were made in around two years. Ibe dropped them from a third-floor toilet window at the development centre, a height of 10 metres. The solution came unexpectedly: he saw children playing with a rubber ball and thought that a watch floating inside one should withstand even the strongest impacts. This led to a hollow case in which the movement seems to float. In 1983, the first G-Shock, the DW-5000C, reached the shops.
You can read more about G-Shock’s history in our article Casio G-Shock watches.
Why is the case square?
According to Casio, the square shape arose because the design focused solely on shock resistance, leaving out everything unnecessary. Form followed function, rather than the other way round. Casio highlights two main solutions:
- Hollow construction – the movement is supported at only a few points inside the case, preventing impacts from reaching it directly. The case is covered in urethane.
- Protection from every direction – raised edges on the case and bezel protect the crystal and buttons. The strap attachment is curved to protect the back of the case.
DW-5600 – from 1987 to today
The DW-5600C, the first watch in the 5600 series, appeared in 1987. Casio says it inherited the shape of the original DW-5000 and was sold for nine consecutive years, until 1996. Since then, 5600 series watches have been made in many colours and materials, from polymer and metal to transparent cases.
In 2019, the analogue-digital GA-2100 joined the range, carrying forward the same original G-Shock shape through an octagonal bezel. Read about it in the article G-Shock GA-2100.
What can the DW-5600 do?
Take, for example, DW-5600UE-1ER. According to Casio, it measures 48.9 × 42.8 × 13.4 mm and weighs 52 g. The watch is shock-resistant and has a water resistance rating of 200 m (20 bar).
- stopwatch (measuring in 0.01-second increments during the first hour) and split-time measurement
- countdown timer up to 24 hours
- alarm and hourly time signal
- auto-calendar to 2099
- LED backlight that stays on briefly after the button is released
You do not need much more. That simplicity is what makes the DW-5600 a good everyday watch for work, exercise and the outdoors. To learn how to set the watch, read the guide Setting a Casio watch.
Versions
All the watches below are based on the same square shape, but differ in size, material and additional features.
- DW-5600 – the classic polymer version. Alongside the base model, there are many colour and pattern versions, such as DW-5600CA-8ER.
- GMD-S5600 – a thinner, smaller version for slimmer wrists. The side buttons and buckle are metal. View GMD-S5600-7ER.
- GM-5600 – a polymer inner case topped with a stainless steel bezel. The watch is slightly heavier (73 g), but looks dressier. For example, the GM-5600YM-8ER.
- DWE-5600 – a version with an interchangeable bezel and strap. For example, the DWE-5600HG-1ER the box includes two additional bezel and strap sets, one transparent and one black, so you can change the watch’s look yourself.
- GW-B5600 – a solar-powered version that connects to a phone via Bluetooth (CASIO WATCHES app) and also corrects the time using a radio signal.
The table below compares the versions using Casio’s specifications.
| Model | Dimensions (length × width × thickness, mm) | Weight | Distinguishing feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| DW-5600UE | 48.9 × 42.8 × 13.4 | 52 g | classic, polymer case |
| GMD-S5600 | 45.7 × 40.5 × 11.9 | 41 g | smaller and thinner |
| GM-5600 | 49.6 × 43.2 × 12.9 | 73 g | stainless steel bezel |
| DWE-5600HG | 48.9 × 43.8 × 13.7 | 54 g | interchangeable bezels and straps |
Dimensions are from Casio’s official product pages (DW-5600UE-1, GMD-S5600-7, GM-5600-1, DWE-5600HG-1). They may differ slightly between colour versions.
Who is the DW-5600 for?
- Anyone who wants a simple, durable watch – it has everything you need and nothing unnecessary.
- Anyone who plays sports or works where a watch may get knocked – that is exactly what G-Shock was made for. Read more about water resistance in the article watch water resistance.
- Anyone who appreciates retro style – the shape is almost the same as in the 1980s.
- Anyone with a slimmer wrist – choose the GMD-S5600.
If you are unsure whether to choose a square DW-5600 or another G-Shock, see our guide choosing a G-Shock.
Square G-Shock watches from Käekellad.ee
We are an authorised Casio retailer. We deliver watches to parcel lockers (SmartPost, Omniva, DPD), with free delivery on orders of €50 or more and delivery within 5 working days. All watches come with a 2-year warranty and a 14-day right of return. If you are choosing a gift and do not know which version to buy, a gift card is another option. If you have any questions, write to info@kaekellad.ee.