As far as I know, the use of Mineral Crystals on G-Shocks is actually a conscious choice, because it's actually tougher. Hit it hard enough, and it might chip or crack, but it won't spectacularly shatter the way a Sapphire Crystal would. On basically any other watch, that's probably a mostly academic difference, but G-Shocks might actually encounter situations where this matters, so for what they are trying to be, Mineral Crystal is in fact the better choice.
exactly right. Some of the very high-end Gs have sapphire crystals, but i suspect that is just to meet consumer expectations for a timepiece that costs multiple thousands. but the mineral glass is more likely to retain functionality after a catastrophic event whereas the sapphire is entirely useless once it shatters
True, the ones moaning about lack of sapphire have just been indoctrinated by watch influencers on RUclips, and have no idea about why they would want mineral instead of sapphire on a tool watch.
@@springbay1 I mean, I can't really blame them, as on basically anything else I'd rather have a sapphire as well, so it's kind of understandable ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
@@fatrobdouble Plus those expensive ones are probably not the ones you take out when there's a real chance you might actually bang them up(at least I wouldn't) For that purpose I'd personally take something a bit more economical ^^
I've had the 5610 for a year now and love it. This watch gets as much wrist time as any of my other more expensive Swiss made watches. Plus, having grown up in the 80s, this watch reminds of that era of my life.
About the backlights in the 5600 series: Casio is moving away from EL, and they are shipping the standard 5600 with the white/bluish LED now. EL backlights use more power, and as a conserving measure, are being phased out. Also of note, the 5610 has an auto backlight feature when it senses you raise your wrist in dim/dark lighting conditions.
@@JusttheWatch In addition to the EL using more power, it also fades over time - the fading is noticeable on older watches that have been used for a long time. LED backlight uses less power and a typical LED lasts about 50000 hours - the updated 5610 (5610-1 in US, 5610U on other markets) with LED backlight allows the user to select the backlight to stay on longer (1,5 or 3 seconds). 3 seconds was not an option on the older EL model. I also like the look of EL backlight much more but still knowingly got the model with LED backlight as I prefer function over the looks.
Casio really need to step up the backlight game. I have a $12 SKMEI that has better, dual sided LED backlight than my $400 DW-5000-1JF ... the 5000 looks pathetic in comparison backlight wise. The best is still my EL 5600, its just so even and the glow is so cool. They really need to improve their backlight if they insist on ditching EL for LED!
I bought a Lineage Radio Solar LIW-M700D-1AJF almost three years ago (by a Dave recommendation needless to say) and boy, that's a tought watch to beat. The only thing in which it gets behind the g-shocks are that fact that you can't hammer it with a sledgehammer but is an incredible time tool. In that regard Casio reings over the rest, hands down. It is still my daily driver. Thank you again Dave, for all your work in this channel, I've say it before, you're a true reference in the field and your work is a pleasure to watch. Kudos man, happy 2025 y'all.
I have both the 5600 and the 5610. Bought the same 5610 (the one you shared in the video) from a 2nd hand shop in Japan. Paid 10,500 yen for it and realised it's actually new! What a bargain! Will be keeping both of them for the foreseeable future but realistically, I think the 5610 will outlive the 5600 😂
I have 4 G-Squares, a base 5600-E an all metal G5000D a Titanium/Sapphire 5000TVA1 and a GBD200. G-Squares are like chips, you can't only have just one. Like rabbits they seem to just multiply in your collection. Of everything I own, these are by far my most worn watches. They are indestructible, slip under a cuff, fit into any environment and they are available in every flavor and price range. What more could you ask.
I have the 5610u and I wear it just as much as any other watch in my collection. I am an active guy and that's my go to when I am doing anything outdoors wise or training. Absolute weapon! I do love the look of that blue one.
5610U was my first G. Liked it so much that I've since bought the 5000U and a full metal. Wasn't super successful in explaining the rationale to my wife
I have been following your channel since the time when you had just 1000+ subscribers, not even 2000 back then. The truth is that I love your videos: your honest opinions about watches that you review and your love for the watches. Keep rising and shining, brother. Love from Bangkok, Thailand.
the GWM5610 is my fave. It took me 15 years to get away from the attractiveness of mechanical watches, but now that I have my GWM5610 I pretty much neglect all my other watches. It is close to perfect.
I enjoyed the watch presentation because G-Shock was a principal watch of mine through the 1990’s. I purchased a W-219H this year as a beater and because it has bones of the G-Shock but without the resin strap where the pin often gouged out of the case when I ran into “resistance” with clients. Thanks for your work on the channel. Happy New Year!
Picked up a GW-5000U-1JF a few weeks back in Japan and it hasn’t left my wrist. I only have Japanese watches (Seiko from 5s to GS and Citizen from divers to The Citizen and a few orients) but have never dipped my toes into the G Shock waters. I think I might be hooked. I’m not sure that I need more, but I think a g shock will always be in the watch box and rotation moving forward.
Casio just released the DW-5000R, not cheap at 200, but it replicates almost exactly the 1983 original, with a full stainless steel case covered with resin, and it uses an upgraded module with the same functionality of the dw5600e.
I got the same 5610U that you have here. Bought an Aliexpress Titanium kit and took a Dremel to it, scraping off the coating to just bare Titanium. It's one of my favorite watches right now, and have to remember to give the others some time.
I have the dw5600 and am super pleased with it. I thought about grabbing the 5610 but I wasn't able to convince myself to do so. The 5600 is the perfect watch for me.
A solar, multi band 6 G-Shock and a Grand Seiko 9F Quartz would be the ultimate accuracy geek two watch collection Both ends of the market and every possible occasion covered too
I have had G’s for about 30 years starting with the original round steel case DW5700. I have several G’s now. I have a model similar to the one with atomic except it’s reverse display with the very comfortable combi bracelet.
I always say that every watch collection consists of a g shock and all other watches. While there is no watch any one person truly needs, I genuinely feel a g shock qualifies for that. It is basically the gold standard of functionality and toughness regardless of the cost. For 99% or people you will need to workout or do something that any other watch would get damaged or very dirty and the g shock is the best way to handle that. With all the things a mechanical watch can do, handling any significant shock is the one thing it can't do. You can't drop any mechanical watch onto a tile floor and reasonably expect it to work but you can drop a g shock off a roof virtually without a second thought
Great overview! I have all three and that 218 is a great starting point. I have it in 3-4 variants/colorways. The 5600 is my fave though- my go-to travel watch.
I owned not only W-218H but also it's closer brother W-217H and W-219H for the costs of one DW-5600 😅. W-217H is known as the larger brother of F91, W-218H known as the affordable version of DW-5600, and W-219H known as the affordable version of DW-6900
I was just in Japan, my 2nd time, a few weeks ago in Osaka, Dotonbori area. There are so many watch stores in there but I really felt overwhelmed and I was not able to buy one and take home. It would be nice to have like a walking tour or watch stores in Japan I feel that it would open up watch shopping more for tourists like me. I went to Don Quijote and the street in Dotonbori. I'm a new subscriber and I'm really loving your channel!
that blue tint GWM5610 in my daily worker. super functional and legible, feels v sturdy and reliable, the blue is a nice quiet touch and I think it's nicer than the classic red border.
Thanks! The song one I found in RUclips's audio library and really liked, it's by an artist named Corbyn Kites, I believe he is Japanese, but I'm not sure.
There’s a whiskey RUclips channel adhd whiskey he has an annual contest called Matt madness and the theme song I think uses this exact track. Every time I’m watching your intros I’m singing ‘Matt madness’ in my head
I love your videos, you’ve inspired me to start my own collection and I’ve collected 20+ watches so far in 2024. I really think you’ll like this watch and I’d love to see what content you can make reviewing this watch. It has Cartier Santos feel! Casio Oceanus classic line OCW-T5000B-1AJF
man the 5610u is the pinnacle of the g-shock square, I know there is a gw5000u and the metal squares and mr-g but all those are just unnecessary luxury in a watch the reason why they ditched electro-lume in the newer squares is because the EL technology isn't very eco-friendly and over the time, since it's a conductive coating, it will eventually fade making the light weaker but that's like over millions of times the light was turned on/off
Mineral crystal is prefered on a G-Shock. Mineral is a slightly bit flexible compared to saphire. The flex is crucial when it comes to shock resistance. The, objectively, best watch there is ( considering technical and practical functionality) is Casio GWM 5610.
LED is more efficient, less power consuming, it last much longer than electroluminescence. Mineral glass is more elastic and it is much more transparent than sapphire (less glares, less flares). Acrylic is even better in terms of elasticity and light transmission. Acrylic offers the best light transmission and elasticity. Sapphire needs to be thick otherwise it would shatter easy. Thicker glass = bigger case = more costs. Sapphire needs to have special anti-reflections coatings as well. Bigger digits doesn't mean better legibility. Well known optic fact.
In my own experience, power level is usually M during the winters, no matter how long you wear it. Basically, your sleeves cover the solar panel, and that is it. I managed to drain it on the L, because I was using all the features too often, but it worked fine. And on the summer, it was on H again. And about the LED light, yeah, it drains less power, but also, electroluminescence takes more space, where the solar panel is on Multiband models. So, one LED bulb is only option for now. You should also check a feature on Multiband models which allows you to automatically turn on the light with wrist roll. I think you missed that one.
Casio's "combi" bracelets are a $100 (or more) parts order upgrade that makes no rational, financial sense for these ... except for the fact that it transforms the wearing experience. A highly recommended splurge. Thanks for showing the JDM model of the 5610, the GW-M5610U-1CJF ... I have a few different solar/MB6 squares but that's the first version of any 5610 I've ever been interested in. I dig the subtle blue.
i own 2 square Gs, the regular gwm 5610, and a gorillaz limited edition gwm. frankly worth paying extra for the tough solar and multiband 6. the only gripes i have with the square G is the lack of a front facing light button(i have to remember which of the side pushers is the light button and it doesnt help casio doesnt standardise which pusher it is across its watches!) and harder to press side buttons. i work on water, often at night and in winter, and to a schedule, and having the chunky front light button on round G models that is easily pressed with thick gloves on, is invaluable. for everyone else who isn't in my very specific line of work though, the tough solar MB6 square G is honestly all the watch you'll ever need.
I wear a cheap Casio. Mine is the AE-1000W that has the Casio Royale module in a round case that also resembles a G-Shock. Mine does have 100 meters water resistance. And it cost under $20 on Amazon. A cloth strap from a different Casio fits perfectly on it and is much more comfortable. I like the solar and multi band 6 features but cheap is good. If it leaks, get scratched, or the battery dies I will just get another for $20. What I really want is the Japanese Domestic Market only Casio Ediface Titanium ani-digi with solar and multi band 6.
The GW-M5610U-1CJF (the full model number of the one you show) is a nice alternative to the “standard” 5610; I like its use of blue coloring on the screen and subtle blue tint of the LCD. Also, the smooth strap looks cooler than the “standard” 5610’s strap.
Dave, I have 5600 & 5610. I have positive & negative display versions. My daily is the 5600e positive. I have the Casio Lineage steel & sapphire crystal versions as well. Casio is my go-to brand. Followed by Citizen & Bulova.
I have a B5600, it has tough solar, multi band, as well as Bluetooth. The backlight is EL and it cost me the same as a 5610. With the amount of variations in functions and colors, I doubt anyone can cover every version of the watch. It really is the set it and forget it watch.
The GWM5610 looks good, but it's not for sale in my country, also here we don't get the atomic radio coverage. I bought it's non-atomic twin, the G5600, and it's super awesome.
If you have the 5610u you can swap time zones between the home time and your world time if you're traveling with the push of two buttons (the top two buttons)
I got a G-5600E-1, and is way more than I need... a tough solar 5600, with EL. Also a f91w, the batteries last longer than the strap. And recently bought a Citizen Garrison, to have a analog solar....
@@SamsWatchReviewNice! A day/month feature would have been great-mine only shows M/D. And yep, I’m from Argentina-no atomic signal here either. :-( But these watches are so precise that I’m not sure I’d want to pay extra for that feature. I’m okay with manual synchronization every couple of months, if necessary.
I own regular casios and G Shocks l treat them the same. After more than a decade, all my casios still work and keep accurate time . If casios can be broken, l can't manage it .
I have all three. The W-218H is fine except for the way the watch wears. At a comfortable snugness, the watch hovers off my wrist. The alarm has a really good volume. The DW-5600E seems to be discontinued in favor of the DW-5600UE. New old stock may still be available. It's identical except for the backlight being a white LED. The alarm is mediocre but useable. The GW-M5610 has great features and a better size, but the alarm is absolute garbage. The volume is so feeble that the alarm and timer functions are nearly useless. Overall, I like the DW-5600 best of the three.
I have 5600u, with the new 3496 module, with tough solar but without multi band 6. Honestly I prefer old-school EL backlight, but this model has LED on the left side. I wear it from time to time with gd350 and gw6900, only EL g-shock in my collection 🙂
I've got a 5600 and a 218 and I wear the 218 way more. It's got the velcro nylon strap and is very comfortable. But the main reason is the buttons. The recessed buttons on the 5600 are completely unnecessary. I just have a hard time pressing the buttons on the 5600. I get the reason behind it, but it's more of a hindrance in my singular opinion. Even my 1500 with the ginormous buttons have never had a problem with getting hit.
I sent my 5600 back, because it hurt my fingers to push those super-stiff and recessed buttons. I'm perfectly happy with my Skmei 1628 and my Casio W800HG. They're both plenty tough for my lifestyle.
Funny, I did exactly the same testing the accuracy of my Grand Seiko quartz by comparison with my phone. Took me a couple of days to realize that the phone was inaccurate and not the watch😂
Great video! I have the 5610 & its certainly a classic, indestructible icon. I also have a 218 & can attest the WR is conservative. Its been submerged for long periods in pools, lakes & the ocean & it works just fine. My 2yr old grandson has declared it the best watch because it beeps, lights up & its blue. Have an awesome holiday.
That was a very informative overview! I really love your style, listing the pros and cons. Many people appreciate how to buy directly into Japan! Love their engineering both in watches and cars!! Thanks for your knowledge..love all 3!!
one of the things I dislike the most of w128h is those diagonal lines and those screw-like decorations. IMO, if the watch didn't have those, it would look way better and less "cheap".
This video played when I drilled holes for the console to hang the drapes. (The noise cancellation in my earphones does help with hearing protection, to a degree). I've been wearing the 5610. It looks great with concrete dust on the dial.
I have all the squares mentioned here. I love the b650 .. it’s the same as the w217 but with a stainless bracelet .. and I wear it all the time… even more than my 5610. On ALL my Casios I get Jay and Kay adapters and swap out the uncomfortable straps for silicone or fkm. Much better fit. Maybe I sacrifice some durability but I don’t care. I had a few casioaks but got rid of them all. Even with an 8” wrist I still don’t like the size plus the resin bezel gets bent out of shape and crud gets stuck in gaps between it and the glass. Plus .. the tiny digital screens were illegible for my eyes. Just not for me.
Basic plastic watches are pretty shock proof to begin with and any additional shock resistance is overkill. As far as a budget consideration, just buy the basic one.
I have a 5610 that’s a few years old and it has the EL backlight as well as auto EL when you tilt your wrist. Kinda disappointing that Casio downgraded the 5610 in that way
IMHO electroluminiscent backlight needs converter to voltage around 100 Volts. Converter needs inductor (coil). Inductance of that coil would probably interfere with coil in atomic clock receiver - hence the LED backlight in radio controlled Casios.
This is how me personally is looking at this yes theyve re-issued the 1983 G-SHOCK DW-5000R-1AJF with to most folk a premium price tag..Yes it has a screwdown caseback maybe more supple housing and band and does look really nice that i cannot deny... but a basic movement installed... Now for anyone like myself that has the GWM5610U i cannot justify getting one at £200plus ...unless you area die hard g square fanboy...even the 5610u doesnt have a standard back plate like its older brother dw5600... for me if i wanted a basic functional G-square id always go for the DW5600 at $50 bucks over the 200plus 1st gen re-issue.. Yes i do know that the NEW dw5600s produced have no EL backlight now and only white LCD but i cannot get my head around the pricing STRUCTURE of the new reissue for a really basic G square... Its hard when you have a gwm5610u as i do not care what anyone says its still the very best all round budget square even to date.... Each to there own i guess...Great review by the way as usual....
It looks like the 5610 in this video is more specifically the GW-M5610U-1CJF JDM (best I can tell). The blue square around the display is very unique and it almost looks like it has a permanent blue EL light on in the display? See 0:31 timestamp compared to the other watches. Does anyone have this particular watch and can comment on the display? The blue tint aesthetic of this piece looks really good to me. I'm debating between purchasing this one or the GW5000U-1.
Just received mine today. The blue is not as saturated as in time stamp 31 seconds in this video (which is beautiful imo), however it is a more faint shade of blue similar to photos of this watch's screen on search engines and places like ebay which are a more accurate representation of what you will see with the naked eye. I hope this helps.
@@nadimsgn4405 Thanks, @nadimsgn4405 - I agree with your assessment. My watch (5610U-1JCF JDM) finally came in from Japan. Unfortunately, I do not like the display. The blue line around the display is not as pronounced at it appears online and the display color tint is not as blue as it appears online and I think it is a hair too dark and makes the watch harder to read. I'm going to purchase a standard 5610U (w/the red line around display). Any recommendations for a good place to sell the JDM online?
Thanks for the video, - enjoyed it. I guess you only have so much time. I love my 5000u and of course you left off the many metal and MR-G variants. I guess that video would be an hour long. Cheers!
W218 fallsinti rhe the Casio plastic toy category, 5600 is OK but the real value is with 5610. Great overall package, nothing you don't need but everything you do and a great price.
14:52 yes, the models with Electro-iluminescense look great but their battery life is 2 years, versus the DW5600 with LED back light at 5 year battery life
Best one isn't here: Casio GW-B5600SL-5DR MB6, BT, solar, multi-zones with quick change, small square size, camo instead of boring black, and a cooler light.
I own gw5000 and dw5600. While gw5000 is superior in materials and execution, special in casio universe, it is not without faults. For example i like the ergonomics of cheaper model better. I love how after using a mode the watch reverts to primary display. This in my opinion much superior to having to always scroll through the unused modes in gw5000.
Also if you have replacement straps for a GA-B2100 they will also fit your 5610 as well. Don't buy those stoobid Chinese Titanium aftermarket kits for your 5610 tho. The bracelets simply won't fit well enough.
I was very surprised to see the LED backlight on the 5610. I have a GW-M5610 purchased a couple years ago that has an electro-luminescent backlight. Is this a manufacturing change?
The latest version of the DW5600 has an LED backlight, like the 5610, alas. I also think the EL backlight is better. I own both the 5600 and 5610 and they’re both fantastic.
AFAIK the 5610U has the LED backlight, while the non-U variant has an EL backlight? There might be some other subtle feature differences. IIRC the -U is a newer module.
the DW-291H "Heavy Duty" is not as neat as the W218H, some even say the DW-291H is ugly, but it is rated for 200 meters, has a glass lens and a "10-year" battery. Even if it only lasts half that, that's a lot of battery power.
I just found the Casio W800HG. It has a similar form factor to these G Shocks and the 217H. Have you ever reviewed the W800HG before? I'd be curious about your thoughts on it.
Led backlight is the newer technology , definitely not a step back , LED uses less power and will extend battery life . Most of the new 5600 series are upgrading the module to # 3525 which now has a led back light instead of E.L
whoa that looks like my watch, my brother's watch and my niece's watch!
That's one heck of a coincidence.
As far as I know, the use of Mineral Crystals on G-Shocks is actually a conscious choice, because it's actually tougher. Hit it hard enough, and it might chip or crack, but it won't spectacularly shatter the way a Sapphire Crystal would. On basically any other watch, that's probably a mostly academic difference, but G-Shocks might actually encounter situations where this matters, so for what they are trying to be, Mineral Crystal is in fact the better choice.
exactly right. Some of the very high-end Gs have sapphire crystals, but i suspect that is just to meet consumer expectations for a timepiece that costs multiple thousands. but the mineral glass is more likely to retain functionality after a catastrophic event whereas the sapphire is entirely useless once it shatters
True, the ones moaning about lack of sapphire have just been indoctrinated by watch influencers on RUclips, and have no idea about why they would want mineral instead of sapphire on a tool watch.
@@springbay1 I mean, I can't really blame them, as on basically anything else I'd rather have a sapphire as well, so it's kind of understandable ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
@@fatrobdouble Plus those expensive ones are probably not the ones you take out when there's a real chance you might actually bang them up(at least I wouldn't) For that purpose I'd personally take something a bit more economical ^^
I wonder why they don't make mineral glass with a sapphire crystal coating that can serve both purposes.
I've had the 5610 for a year now and love it. This watch gets as much wrist time as any of my other more expensive Swiss made watches. Plus, having grown up in the 80s, this watch reminds of that era of my life.
About the backlights in the 5600 series: Casio is moving away from EL, and they are shipping the standard 5600 with the white/bluish LED now. EL backlights use more power, and as a conserving measure, are being phased out. Also of note, the 5610 has an auto backlight feature when it senses you raise your wrist in dim/dark lighting conditions.
Thanks, that's really helpful to know!
@@JusttheWatch In addition to the EL using more power, it also fades over time - the fading is noticeable on older watches that have been used for a long time.
LED backlight uses less power and a typical LED lasts about 50000 hours - the updated 5610 (5610-1 in US, 5610U on other markets) with LED backlight allows the user to select the backlight to stay on longer (1,5 or 3 seconds). 3 seconds was not an option on the older EL model.
I also like the look of EL backlight much more but still knowingly got the model with LED backlight as I prefer function over the looks.
Casio really need to step up the backlight game. I have a $12 SKMEI that has better, dual sided LED backlight than my $400 DW-5000-1JF ... the 5000 looks pathetic in comparison backlight wise. The best is still my EL 5600, its just so even and the glow is so cool. They really need to improve their backlight if they insist on ditching EL for LED!
I bought a Lineage Radio Solar LIW-M700D-1AJF almost three years ago (by a Dave recommendation needless to say) and boy, that's a tought watch to beat. The only thing in which it gets behind the g-shocks are that fact that you can't hammer it with a sledgehammer but is an incredible time tool. In that regard Casio reings over the rest, hands down. It is still my daily driver. Thank you again Dave, for all your work in this channel, I've say it before, you're a true reference in the field and your work is a pleasure to watch. Kudos man, happy 2025 y'all.
glad you like it. it's very pretty. I sold mine bc I could never get the radio connection to work!
I have both the 5600 and the 5610. Bought the same 5610 (the one you shared in the video) from a 2nd hand shop in Japan. Paid 10,500 yen for it and realised it's actually new! What a bargain! Will be keeping both of them for the foreseeable future but realistically, I think the 5610 will outlive the 5600 😂
The automatic backlight on the 5610 is a game changer. Hold down the light button until the LT comes on the screen
I have 4 G-Squares, a base 5600-E an all metal G5000D a Titanium/Sapphire 5000TVA1 and a GBD200. G-Squares are like chips, you can't only have just one. Like rabbits they seem to just multiply in your collection. Of everything I own, these are by far my most worn watches. They are indestructible, slip under a cuff, fit into any environment and they are available in every flavor and price range. What more could you ask.
I have the 5610u and I wear it just as much as any other watch in my collection. I am an active guy and that's my go to when I am doing anything outdoors wise or training. Absolute weapon! I do love the look of that blue one.
I will only buy a G-Shock if it has tough solar. After getting the 5610u anything without solar seems a bit naff :p
@@Subcomandante73 Same. I won't buy anything other than solar. It's the way forward without a doubt!
5610U was my first G. Liked it so much that I've since bought the 5000U and a full metal. Wasn't super successful in explaining the rationale to my wife
I have been following your channel since the time when you had just 1000+ subscribers, not even 2000 back then. The truth is that I love your videos: your honest opinions about watches that you review and your love for the watches. Keep rising and shining, brother. Love from Bangkok, Thailand.
The square design is magic of casio. Fit well with 9+ year of age. Wide variety of price range. I' d like to put it in IYKYK class
Just got my first G-Shock 5610 and it is awesome! Very impressed.
Welcome to the club… It will not be your last one!
@@Quatorze1516 Probably is his last one. The 5610 is where it's at.
@ This is really true. But I had to buy a handful of other Casios to realize that the 5610 is the best.
I have an G-Shock watch I bought 27 years ago, It's a triple sensor, and it still runs. A little chipped in the paint, but works.
the GWM5610 is my fave. It took me 15 years to get away from the attractiveness of mechanical watches, but now that I have my GWM5610 I pretty much neglect all my other watches. It is close to perfect.
I had the 5600 in the 90's, indestructible for real! Gonna buy all three, lol!😂😂😂
I enjoyed the watch presentation because G-Shock was a principal watch of mine through the 1990’s. I purchased a W-219H this year as a beater and because it has bones of the G-Shock but without the resin strap where the pin often gouged out of the case when I ran into “resistance” with clients. Thanks for your work on the channel. Happy New Year!
I have the GWM-5610, and it's one of my favorite G-Shocks. It does everything I need it to do, and more.
Picked up a GW-5000U-1JF a few weeks back in Japan and it hasn’t left my wrist. I only have Japanese watches (Seiko from 5s to GS and Citizen from divers to The Citizen and a few orients) but have never dipped my toes into the G Shock waters. I think I might be hooked. I’m not sure that I need more, but I think a g shock will always be in the watch box and rotation moving forward.
Casio just released the DW-5000R, not cheap at 200, but it replicates almost exactly the 1983 original, with a full stainless steel case covered with resin, and it uses an upgraded module with the same functionality of the dw5600e.
I got the same 5610U that you have here. Bought an Aliexpress Titanium kit and took a Dremel to it, scraping off the coating to just bare Titanium. It's one of my favorite watches right now, and have to remember to give the others some time.
Do you know the serial code to get the 5610 with the blue outline? I’ve only seen red line outlines online, but really want the blue in the video
Dave the 5610u actually goes to sleep in the box, which I did for 6 months and then it wakes up on its own and tell the correct time
My old Protrek does that...
I have the dw5600 and am super pleased with it. I thought about grabbing the 5610 but I wasn't able to convince myself to do so. The 5600 is the perfect watch for me.
A solar, multi band 6 G-Shock and a Grand Seiko 9F Quartz would be the ultimate accuracy geek two watch collection
Both ends of the market and every possible occasion covered too
Citizen wanna speak to you regarding accuracy. 😊
@ yeah - while it may be slightly more accurate a high end Citizen somehow lacks the soul of a Seiko product
I have had G’s for about 30 years starting with the original round steel case DW5700. I have several G’s now. I have a model similar to the one with atomic except it’s reverse display with the very comfortable combi bracelet.
I have the tough solar, it’s my favorite watch. The love for this thing is hard to explain. 🤷🏼♂️
I always say that every watch collection consists of a g shock and all other watches. While there is no watch any one person truly needs, I genuinely feel a g shock qualifies for that. It is basically the gold standard of functionality and toughness regardless of the cost. For 99% or people you will need to workout or do something that any other watch would get damaged or very dirty and the g shock is the best way to handle that.
With all the things a mechanical watch can do, handling any significant shock is the one thing it can't do. You can't drop any mechanical watch onto a tile floor and reasonably expect it to work but you can drop a g shock off a roof virtually without a second thought
Great overview! I have all three and that 218 is a great starting point. I have it in 3-4 variants/colorways. The 5600 is my fave though- my go-to travel watch.
I owned not only W-218H but also it's closer brother W-217H and W-219H for the costs of one DW-5600 😅. W-217H is known as the larger brother of F91, W-218H known as the affordable version of DW-5600, and W-219H known as the affordable version of DW-6900
I was just in Japan, my 2nd time, a few weeks ago in Osaka, Dotonbori area. There are so many watch stores in there but I really felt overwhelmed and I was not able to buy one and take home. It would be nice to have like a walking tour or watch stores in Japan I feel that it would open up watch shopping more for tourists like me. I went to Don Quijote and the street in Dotonbori. I'm a new subscriber and I'm really loving your channel!
Ordered the wife and I 218's just waiting for them to arrive, I love saving money 😁
I love my 5000U. Worth it!
Great video. I have all three and I actually like the DW5600 best.
that blue tint GWM5610 in my daily worker. super functional and legible, feels v sturdy and reliable, the blue is a nice quiet touch and I think it's nicer than the classic red border.
One of the best watch reviewers out there. Opening music is catchy… is it an original composition?
Thanks! The song one I found in RUclips's audio library and really liked, it's by an artist named Corbyn Kites, I believe he is Japanese, but I'm not sure.
There’s a whiskey RUclips channel adhd whiskey he has an annual contest called Matt madness and the theme song I think uses this exact track. Every time I’m watching your intros I’m singing ‘Matt madness’ in my head
After having multiple titanium G-Shocks in the past, my sweet spot seems to be the basic metal square G-Shock with the metal bracelet.
I love your videos, you’ve inspired me to start my own collection and I’ve collected 20+ watches so far in 2024. I really think you’ll like this watch and I’d love to see what content you can make reviewing this watch. It has Cartier Santos feel!
Casio Oceanus classic line OCW-T5000B-1AJF
man the 5610u is the pinnacle of the g-shock square, I know there is a gw5000u and the metal squares and mr-g but all those are just unnecessary luxury in a watch
the reason why they ditched electro-lume in the newer squares is because the EL technology isn't very eco-friendly and over the time, since it's a conductive coating, it will eventually fade making the light weaker but that's like over millions of times the light was turned on/off
Mineral crystal is prefered on a G-Shock. Mineral is a slightly bit flexible compared to saphire. The flex is crucial when it comes to shock resistance.
The, objectively, best watch there is ( considering technical and practical functionality) is Casio GWM 5610.
LED is more efficient, less power consuming, it last much longer than electroluminescence.
Mineral glass is more elastic and it is much more transparent than sapphire (less glares, less flares). Acrylic is even better in terms of elasticity and light transmission. Acrylic offers the best light transmission and elasticity. Sapphire needs to be thick otherwise it would shatter easy. Thicker glass = bigger case = more costs. Sapphire needs to have special anti-reflections coatings as well.
Bigger digits doesn't mean better legibility. Well known optic fact.
In my own experience, power level is usually M during the winters, no matter how long you wear it. Basically, your sleeves cover the solar panel, and that is it. I managed to drain it on the L, because I was using all the features too often, but it worked fine. And on the summer, it was on H again. And about the LED light, yeah, it drains less power, but also, electroluminescence takes more space, where the solar panel is on Multiband models. So, one LED bulb is only option for now. You should also check a feature on Multiband models which allows you to automatically turn on the light with wrist roll. I think you missed that one.
Casio's "combi" bracelets are a $100 (or more) parts order upgrade that makes no rational, financial sense for these ... except for the fact that it transforms the wearing experience. A highly recommended splurge.
Thanks for showing the JDM model of the 5610, the GW-M5610U-1CJF ... I have a few different solar/MB6 squares but that's the first version of any 5610 I've ever been interested in. I dig the subtle blue.
My GWM5610 is definitely my most comfortable watch and is the time standard for all my more expensive mechanical watches 👍🏻
i own 2 square Gs, the regular gwm 5610, and a gorillaz limited edition gwm. frankly worth paying extra for the tough solar and multiband 6. the only gripes i have with the square G is the lack of a front facing light button(i have to remember which of the side pushers is the light button and it doesnt help casio doesnt standardise which pusher it is across its watches!) and harder to press side buttons. i work on water, often at night and in winter, and to a schedule, and having the chunky front light button on round G models that is easily pressed with thick gloves on, is invaluable. for everyone else who isn't in my very specific line of work though, the tough solar MB6 square G is honestly all the watch you'll ever need.
Imo the 5610-u is the only g shock and in reality only watch you'll ever need
Merry Christmas from the states. Your set is looking good. Well done review!
I wear a cheap Casio. Mine is the AE-1000W that has the Casio Royale module in a round case that also resembles a G-Shock. Mine does have 100 meters water resistance. And it cost under $20 on Amazon. A cloth strap from a different Casio fits perfectly on it and is much more comfortable. I like the solar and multi band 6 features but cheap is good. If it leaks, get scratched, or the battery dies I will just get another for $20. What I really want is the Japanese Domestic Market only Casio Ediface Titanium ani-digi with solar and multi band 6.
The GW-M5610U-1CJF (the full model number of the one you show) is a nice alternative to the “standard” 5610; I like its use of blue coloring on the screen and subtle blue tint of the LCD. Also, the smooth strap looks cooler than the “standard” 5610’s strap.
Dave, I have 5600 & 5610. I have positive & negative display versions. My daily is the 5600e positive. I have the Casio Lineage steel & sapphire crystal versions as well. Casio is my go-to brand. Followed by Citizen & Bulova.
Merry Christmas ! Nice video! I have gw 5610 and i think its the perfect watch for me
I have that camo W218h and have bull bars intended for the DW5600 attached. It looks great and the total cost was around $35.
I have a B5600, it has tough solar, multi band, as well as Bluetooth. The backlight is EL and it cost me the same as a 5610. With the amount of variations in functions and colors, I doubt anyone can cover every version of the watch. It really is the set it and forget it watch.
The GWM5610 looks good, but it's not for sale in my country, also here we don't get the atomic radio coverage. I bought it's non-atomic twin, the G5600, and it's super awesome.
If you have the 5610u you can swap time zones between the home time and your world time if you're traveling with the push of two buttons (the top two buttons)
I got a G-5600E-1, and is way more than I need... a tough solar 5600, with EL. Also a f91w, the batteries last longer than the strap. And recently bought a Citizen Garrison, to have a analog solar....
I got the G5600UE, similar watch but with led backlight (and changeable date format). The GWM looks great, but we don't get the atomic signal here :D
@@SamsWatchReviewNice! A day/month feature would have been great-mine only shows M/D. And yep, I’m from Argentina-no atomic signal here either. :-( But these watches are so precise that I’m not sure I’d want to pay extra for that feature. I’m okay with manual synchronization every couple of months, if necessary.
@@ecovictor2611 Indeed, they're so precise, maybe less than 1 minute difference in 6 months. Greetings from Indonesia :)
Only Casio would make a $20 Casio version of a $45 Casio watch.
Well, actually, have a look at the Skmei 1628. It's a better 5600 homage and only costs $6.
I own regular casios and G Shocks l treat them the same. After more than a decade, all my casios still work and keep accurate time . If casios can be broken, l can't manage it .
I have all three. The W-218H is fine except for the way the watch wears. At a comfortable snugness, the watch hovers off my wrist. The alarm has a really good volume. The DW-5600E seems to be discontinued in favor of the DW-5600UE. New old stock may still be available. It's identical except for the backlight being a white LED. The alarm is mediocre but useable. The GW-M5610 has great features and a better size, but the alarm is absolute garbage. The volume is so feeble that the alarm and timer functions are nearly useless. Overall, I like the DW-5600 best of the three.
I have 5600u, with the new 3496 module, with tough solar but without multi band 6. Honestly I prefer old-school EL backlight, but this model has LED on the left side. I wear it from time to time with gd350 and gw6900, only EL g-shock in my collection 🙂
5600 any day. Battery goes 5 y, cost a buck and takes 10m to change out. It keeps 2 -5 seconds a Month, who needs multi-band or solar ?
I love the GWB5600, it has MB6 and bluetooth and tough solar. Wear it everday
I bought the blue since you can switch the day format, for us "normal" people outside of US, haha! great watches
I've got a 5600 and a 218 and I wear the 218 way more. It's got the velcro nylon strap and is very comfortable. But the main reason is the buttons. The recessed buttons on the 5600 are completely unnecessary. I just have a hard time pressing the buttons on the 5600. I get the reason behind it, but it's more of a hindrance in my singular opinion. Even my 1500 with the ginormous buttons have never had a problem with getting hit.
I sent my 5600 back, because it hurt my fingers to push those super-stiff and recessed buttons. I'm perfectly happy with my Skmei 1628 and my Casio W800HG. They're both plenty tough for my lifestyle.
Funny, I did exactly the same testing the accuracy of my Grand Seiko quartz by comparison with my phone. Took me a couple of days to realize that the phone was inaccurate and not the watch😂
Great video! I have the 5610 & its certainly a classic, indestructible icon. I also have a 218 & can attest the WR is conservative. Its been submerged for long periods in pools, lakes & the ocean & it works just fine.
My 2yr old grandson has declared it the best watch because it beeps, lights up & its blue.
Have an awesome holiday.
I was on the Casio website the other day and saw they had one in titanium for $3.5K!
W-800H.
Even more of a "almost G_Shock" than the W218H.
The W-800H also has a much more audible alarm than both of the G-Shocks in this article.
That was a very informative overview! I really love your style, listing the pros and cons. Many people appreciate how to buy directly into Japan! Love their engineering both in watches and cars!! Thanks for your knowledge..love all 3!!
one of the things I dislike the most of w128h is those diagonal lines and those screw-like decorations. IMO, if the watch didn't have those, it would look way better and less "cheap".
This video played when I drilled holes for the console to hang the drapes. (The noise cancellation in my earphones does help with hearing protection, to a degree). I've been wearing the 5610. It looks great with concrete dust on the dial.
I have
Casio W-737H
This is my first Casio Watch. I paid about 50 Euros for it
I have all the squares mentioned here. I love the b650 .. it’s the same as the w217 but with a stainless bracelet .. and I wear it all the time… even more than my 5610.
On ALL my Casios I get Jay and Kay adapters and swap out the uncomfortable straps for silicone or fkm. Much better fit. Maybe I sacrifice some durability but I don’t care.
I had a few casioaks but got rid of them all. Even with an 8” wrist I still don’t like the size plus the resin bezel gets bent out of shape and crud gets stuck in gaps between it and the glass. Plus .. the tiny digital screens were illegible for my eyes. Just not for me.
Basic plastic watches are pretty shock proof to begin with and any additional shock resistance is overkill. As far as a budget consideration, just buy the basic one.
I have a 5610 that’s a few years old and it has the EL backlight as well as auto EL when you tilt your wrist. Kinda disappointing that Casio downgraded the 5610 in that way
IMHO electroluminiscent backlight needs converter to voltage around 100 Volts. Converter needs inductor (coil). Inductance of that coil would probably interfere with coil in atomic clock receiver - hence the LED backlight in radio controlled Casios.
My solar G-SHOCK is about 12yrs old. Still holds several days of charge, fwiw.
Thanks for the great comparison!
The GW 5600 is a fabulous watch but the pusher buttons are somewhat difficult to depress.
This is how me personally is looking at this yes theyve re-issued the 1983 G-SHOCK DW-5000R-1AJF with to most folk a premium price tag..Yes it has a screwdown caseback maybe more supple housing and band and does look really nice that i cannot deny... but a basic movement installed... Now for anyone like myself that has the GWM5610U i cannot justify getting one at £200plus ...unless you area die hard g square fanboy...even the 5610u doesnt have a standard back plate like its older brother dw5600... for me if i wanted a basic functional G-square id always go for the DW5600 at $50 bucks over the 200plus 1st gen re-issue.. Yes i do know that the NEW dw5600s produced have no EL backlight now and only white LCD but i cannot get my head around the pricing STRUCTURE of the new reissue for a really basic G square... Its hard when you have a gwm5610u as i do not care what anyone says its still the very best all round budget square even to date.... Each to there own i guess...Great review by the way as usual....
It looks like the 5610 in this video is more specifically the GW-M5610U-1CJF JDM (best I can tell). The blue square around the display is very unique and it almost looks like it has a permanent blue EL light on in the display? See 0:31 timestamp compared to the other watches. Does anyone have this particular watch and can comment on the display? The blue tint aesthetic of this piece looks really good to me. I'm debating between purchasing this one or the GW5000U-1.
You are correct! There is a permanent blue tint to the display that has a pleasant look to it.
@@JusttheWatch Understood - thanks, Dave. Great content, as always.
Just received mine today. The blue is not as saturated as in time stamp 31 seconds in this video (which is beautiful imo), however it is a more faint shade of blue similar to photos of this watch's screen on search engines and places like ebay which are a more accurate representation of what you will see with the naked eye. I hope this helps.
@@nadimsgn4405 Thanks, @nadimsgn4405 - I agree with your assessment. My watch (5610U-1JCF JDM) finally came in from Japan. Unfortunately, I do not like the display. The blue line around the display is not as pronounced at it appears online and the display color tint is not as blue as it appears online and I think it is a hair too dark and makes the watch harder to read. I'm going to purchase a standard 5610U (w/the red line around display). Any recommendations for a good place to sell the JDM online?
Thanks for the video, - enjoyed it. I guess you only have so much time. I love my 5000u and of course you left off the many metal and MR-G variants. I guess that video would be an hour long. Cheers!
W218 fallsinti rhe the Casio plastic toy category, 5600 is OK but the real value is with 5610. Great overall package, nothing you don't need but everything you do and a great price.
The Casio site only lists one GWM5610, with a red border. Where did your blue border GWM5610 come from?
14:52 yes, the models with Electro-iluminescense look great but their battery life is 2 years, versus the DW5600 with LED back light at 5 year battery life
just change the battery
will you review the DW-5000R original reedition?
Best one isn't here: Casio GW-B5600SL-5DR
MB6, BT, solar, multi-zones with quick change, small square size, camo instead of boring black, and a cooler light.
Why is everyone forgetting the square GBD-200? Fight me, but I think it’s the best square. The display is awesome and it looks slick.
I own gw5000 and dw5600. While gw5000 is superior in materials and execution, special in casio universe, it is not without faults. For example i like the ergonomics of cheaper model better. I love how after using a mode the watch reverts to primary display. This in my opinion much superior to having to always scroll through the unused modes in gw5000.
14:40 I have an MGW 5610 I bought about 4 years ago, and it has the EL backlight, not sure how you got one that doesn’t. In any case, it works great.
I have a 5610U, & as much as I hate to admit it, it’s probably the only watch I need.
I hope you & your family had a Merry Christmas, Dave!
They’ve been changing the backlights to LED and I hate it. It’s so generic now and the backlight is uneven and white.
Also if you have replacement straps for a GA-B2100 they will also fit your 5610 as well. Don't buy those stoobid Chinese Titanium aftermarket kits for your 5610 tho. The bracelets simply won't fit well enough.
I was very surprised to see the LED backlight on the 5610. I have a GW-M5610 purchased a couple years ago that has an electro-luminescent backlight. Is this a manufacturing change?
The latest version of the DW5600 has an LED backlight, like the 5610, alas. I also think the EL backlight is better. I own both the 5600 and 5610 and they’re both fantastic.
AFAIK the 5610U has the LED backlight, while the non-U variant has an EL backlight? There might be some other subtle feature differences. IIRC the -U is a newer module.
the DW-291H "Heavy Duty" is not as neat as the W218H, some even say the DW-291H is ugly, but it is rated for 200 meters, has a glass lens and a "10-year" battery. Even if it only lasts half that, that's a lot of battery power.
In your case the DW5600 could be the most expensive among the three because it's Foxfire which means the Japanese variant...
I just found the Casio W800HG. It has a similar form factor to these G Shocks and the 217H. Have you ever reviewed the W800HG before? I'd be curious about your thoughts on it.
Led backlight is the newer technology , definitely not a step back , LED uses less power and will extend battery life . Most of the new 5600 series are upgrading the module to # 3525 which now has a led back light instead of E.L
Another difference between the 5600 and 5610 is that the former is cases in China while the latter is cases in Thailand
This is a good question you raised. Is the battery a rechargeable, or some kind of capacitor?