G-Shock U.S. releases the lightweight GWS5600U-1 with carbon fiber band and titanium parts

G-Shock U.S. released the G-Shock GWS5600U-1 for $250. This model and the previous GW-S5600-1 were known as Japan-only (JDM) models. The updated GW-S5600U-1 was not released outside of Japan until now, so seeing it officially released in the United States is completely unexpected and a welcome surprise.

The GW-S5600U-1 was originally released in Japan in 2021 as a replacement to the GW-S5600-1 from 2010, and was released alongside other updated 5000-5600 models featuring the LED backlight instead of the previous EL backlight and other functional enhancements such as an adjustable light duration and date format.

The GWS5600U-1 is like a special version of the GW-M5610U-1 with Tough Solar power and Multi-Band 6 auto radio time adjustment. The GWS5600U-1 is known for its racing-inspired styling, carbon fiber insert band, and titanium exterior metal parts (case back, buttons, buckle). The use of titanium results in a lighter weight of 47 grams, which is 5 grams lighter than the GW-M5610U-1. The carbon fiber insert band is unique in that the carbon fiber layer is visible from the outer band, and the dark bezel is slightly translucent. The GWS5600U-1 was previously known as the lightest men’s G-Shock, but it has been surpassed by the recent GD-B500 (45 grams).

The Hodinkee Shop is also selling the GWS5600U-1 at shop.hodinkee.com for $250 with international shipping available. Like the GW5000U-1 in the U.S., the GWS5600U-1 is expected to be sold only by Casio.com and Hodinkee.

Update: G-Shock Canada also released the GWS5600U-1 at gshock.ca for C$350.

GWS5600U-1 at casio.com/us

GW-S5600 at G-Central Specs Catalog