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An Affordable, Japan-Only G-Shock Watch Just Arrived in the USA

Meet the GWS5600U-1, an lightweight G-Shock with titanium and carbon fiber developed in partnership with Mizuno Technics.

casio g-shockHodinkee Shop

By Jack Seemer

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Exclusivity breeds hype. That’s why some shoppers pay top dollar for things like bourbons and Red Wings you can only buy overseas. But it can also be exciting when a hard-to-purchase product becomes suddenly attainable — especially when we’re talking about a Japan-only G-Shock.

G-Shock GWS5600U-1

The Japan-only G-Shock GWS5600U-1 just made its first US appearance since its 2021 release, when it replaced the GW-S5600-1 from 2010.

casio g-shock
At just 47 grams, the GWS5600U-1 is one of the lightest watches in G-Shock’s catalog.
Hodinkee Shop

At 47 grams, the GWS5600U-1 is one of the lightest watches in the G-Shock catalog — just two grams heavier than the more recent GD-B500. That’s thanks to the watch’s titanium caseback, latch and side buttons, as well as a carbon fiber band developed in partnership with Mizuno Technics.

casio g-shock
The carbon fiber band was developed in partnership with Mizuno Technics.
Hodinkee Shop

The GWS5600U-1 measures 42.8mm, boasts 200 meters of water resistance and also features a Super Illuminator LED backlight. Finally, it includes Multi-Band 6 conncectivity, meaning the watch self-corrects up to six times a day.

casio g-shock
The watches features a Super Illuminator LED backlight.
Hodinkee Shop

Availability and pricing

Priced at $250, the GWS5600U-1 is available now, exclusive at the Hodinkee Shop. The listing describes it as “a unisex watch that’s no less compelling today than was the 1980s original.” It’s hard to disagree.

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