G-Shock 5600: The Square G-Shock, From DW-5000C to GW-M5610

The square G-Shock is the original and still the most iconic G-Shock. Its shape dates to the very first model of 1983, it has been in continuous production in one form or another ever since, and today it spans everything from a roughly US$50 battery-powered DW-5600E to solar, radio-synchronised and full-metal versions. This guide covers the lineage and helps you choose between the main references.

From DW-5000C to DW-5600C

The square shape began with the DW-5000C of 1983, the first G-Shock, designed by Kikuo Ibe's team around a shock-absorbing floating module. In 1987 it evolved into the DW-5600C , which kept the same proportions and a stainless steel inner case with a screw-lock caseback, and was produced into the mid-1990s with modules 691 and later 901. A DW-5600C became the most famous square G-Shock of all when Keanu Reeves wore his own on screen in Speed (1994); vintage examples, particularly early module-691 watches, are now collectible.

DW-5600E: The Essential Square

The DW-5600E is the entry point to the square G-Shock and one of the best-value watches made. It measures 48.9 × 42.8 × 13.4mm and weighs 53 grams, with a resin case and band, 200 metres of water resistance, a 1/100-second stopwatch, countdown timer, alarm and electroluminescent backlight. Since 2010 it has used module 3229, running about two years on a CR2016 battery. It typically sells for around US$50–70.

GW-M5600 and GW-M5610: Solar and Radio Sync

The square went maintenance-free with the GW-M5600 of 2008, which added Tough Solar charging and radio time synchronisation (Multi-Band 5) plus world time. Its successor, the GW-M5610 , moved to Multi-Band 6 , receiving time signals from six transmitters in Japan, China, North America, the UK and Germany. It kept 200m water resistance in the classic resin case, listing at around US$165.

In 2021 the GW-M5610U updated the module to 3495, replacing the full-display electroluminescent backlight with a white LED and adding switchable date formats, day abbreviations in six languages and five world times. For most buyers it is the definitive everyday square: you never change a battery, and it sets itself overnight.

GW-B5600 and GW-5000

The GW-B5600 , released in 2018, adds Bluetooth to Tough Solar and Multi-Band 6, so the watch can also set itself from a smartphone anywhere in the world and be configured through Casio's app. For purists, the GW-5000 offers Tough Solar and Multi-Band 6 with a stainless steel inner case and screw-back construction in the spirit of the original, making it a long-time enthusiast favourite.

GMW-B5000 Full Metal and the Gold G-Shock

For G-Shock's 35th anniversary in 2018, Casio built the square in steel: the GMW-B5000 Full Metal, with Tough Solar, Multi-Band 6 and Bluetooth, launched at US$550 in silver and US$650 in gold tone. Titanium and other finishes followed. At the extreme, the 2019 G-D5000-9 "Dream Project" rendered the square in solid 18-karat gold, limited to 35 pieces at about US$69,500 — the ultimate expression of a shape that began as a plastic tool watch.

Which Square G-Shock Should You Buy?

All share the same essential shape and 200m water resistance. If you want a thinner, analogue-digital G-Shock instead, see the GA-2100 "CasiOak"; for an inexpensive non-G-Shock Casio digital, the F-91W and AE-1200 are the classics. For more value picks, see the best watches under $500.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the DW-5600 and GW-M5610?
The DW-5600E is battery-powered and set manually; the GW-M5610 adds Tough Solar charging and Multi-Band 6 radio time synchronisation in the same square resin case.

What is the difference between the GW-M5600 and GW-M5610?
The GW-M5600 (2008) uses Multi-Band 5 radio reception; the GW-M5610 upgraded to Multi-Band 6, adding the Chinese transmitter. The 2021 GW-M5610U updated the module to 3495 with an LED light and more world-time and date options.

Which G-Shock did Keanu Reeves wear in Speed?
A DW-5600C, the 1987 square G-Shock, which was reportedly his own watch rather than a supplied prop.

What is the GMW-B5000?
The full-metal stainless steel version of the square G-Shock, launched in 2018 for G-Shock's 35th anniversary with Tough Solar, Multi-Band 6 and Bluetooth.

How long does the DW-5600E battery last?
About two years on a CR2016 battery with the current module 3229.

Related Reading

• Casio G-Shock
• G-Shock GA-2100 'CasiOak'
• Casio: Brand History