Casio G-SHOCK 5000/5600 watch series
The DW-5600E-1V, an entry-level watch in the 5600 lineup and most people’s first introduction to the G-SHOCK brand.
The G-SHOCK 5000/5600 series of digital watches (alternatively named the Square G-SHOCKs) gives the Casio F91-W a run for its money. Its high versatility, ease of use, and legendary reliability makes it one of the most popular watches, worn by virtually everyone and having hundreds of models in its lineup. The 5000 series was launched in 1983, with its modern and more accessible counterpart – the 5600 series arriving in 1987.
In traditional fashion, Casio uses a lot of text printed on the watch’s face and carved into the resin case to describe features and controls. While some models can differ in color and layout – sometimes heavily so – Casio continues to use Eurostile in both its Regular and Extended width and regularly using weights from Regular to Bold. The large casing makes the already big text even more readable up to an arm’s length.
A closeup of the DW-5600E-1V
An authentic DW-5600C, the very first G-SHOCK to be manufactured and released. The case layout hasn’t changed much if at all since release, with modern versions and reproductions of old G-SHOCK's adhering to the same basic framework.
The DW-H5600-1, a much more modernized 5600 with a clearer display and extra features for active sports
The DW-5610UU-8, G-SHOCK’s “take on gorpcore fashion” with a heavily reduced case design, only featuring text for the buttons.
My own square G-SHOCK, the G-5600UE-1. This newer model along others also feature a different font design for the date.
1 Comment on “Casio G-SHOCK 5000/5600 watch series”
As an ardent enthusiast of both Eurostile and Casio, I must applaud these recent posts. Indeed, I can only invoke the word ‘iconic’, as overused and rightly passe as it may be. Entirely justified in this case I think (I will make a donation to the charity of my choice by way of penance).
Is it heresy to mention here the Skmei brand, which deals in ‘homages’ to the classic Casio design. They utilise an identical layout using Eurostile. However, the Skmei brand is rendered in an unique script which could be lettering, or could be a font. I’m looking into it.
Thanks!