G-Shock has finally launched the perfect watch, and everyone is saying the same thing

G-Shock fans have been asking for one thing for years: a classic square that brings together a crisp MIP display, solar power, and proper smartphone features. Casio’s finally done it.

Yep, the new GW-BX5600 wraps the brand’s greatest hits into one watch, and the reaction online has been pretty much universal: this is the perfect G-Shock.

The GW-BX5600 sticks to the familiar 5600 silhouette, but everything inside has been upgraded. The big change is the memory-in-pixel screen. It’s sharper, higher contrast, and stays visible even when you step into bright sunlight – which solves the biggest gripe many long-time G-Shock owners had with older LCDs. It’s actually similar technology that Garmin uses in some of its sports watches.

You can flip between four display layouts with a tap, and even switch the font between a clean modern look and a classic seven-segment style. It’s a really nice touch.

The backlight receives an upgrade as well. It finally lights the whole display evenly, instead of that slightly patchy glow older models were known for.

Power comes from Tough Solar, so you don’t need to replace the battery too often. Multiband 6 radio control keeps the time accurate wherever you are, and Bluetooth ties it to the Casio Watches app for easy tweaking. You can adjust settings, set world times, log your location, or ping your phone when it’s gone walkabout. It really is everything people have been wishing for.

Casio hasn’t tinkered too much with the style, either. The colours echo the DW-5600UE and the stealthy UBB models, while the solar panel gets a subtle brick pattern as a nod to the original G-Shock. It feels very familiar.

The case, bezel, and strap have also switched to bio-based resin, which keeps the weight down and gives the lineup a greener edge.

You can pick between positive and negative displays, both available now priced at £159 in the UK (US release is still to be confirmed).

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Spencer Hart Buying Guide Editor

About

As Buying Guide Editor, Spencer is responsible for all e-commerce content on Stuff, overseeing buying guides as well as covering deals and new product launches. Spencer has been writing about consumer tech for over eight years. He has worked on some of the biggest publications in the UK, where he covered everything from the emergence of smartwatches to the arrival of self-driving cars. During this time, Spencer has become a seasoned traveller, racking up air miles while travelling around the world reviewing cars, attending product launches, and covering every trade show known to man, from Baselworld and Geneva Motor Show to CES and MWC. While tech remains one of his biggest passions, Spencer also enjoys getting hands-on with the latest luxury watches, trying out new grooming kit, and road-testing all kinds of vehicles, from electric scooters to supercars.

Areas of expertise

Watches, travel, grooming, transport, tech