There are a few icons, shapes or silhouettes tied to brands or specific products that turn into the default visual shorthand for an entire category. Maybe they were the first to market or the product was exceptional. Think of GoPro-shaped box camera for action cams, the iPhone-like rounded rectangle for smartphones or DJI quadcopter style shapes for drones. When it comes to digital watches, Casio rules the game with its silhouette. Casio helped consumers to shift towards electronics watches, not only because what quartz watches improved over mechanical watches but with their popular G-Shock line.
Casio released the first G‑Shock in 1983 with the DW‑5000C. Then in 1987, a legend was born: the DW‑5600 series, which established the square G‑Shock as a symbol of toughness and the template for future models. The new GW-M5610u is the evolution, as Casio puts it— the final form every G-Shock aims to achieve — preserving the sacred square shape and durability while adding enhanced features.
I’ve always liked the idea behind the Casio G‑Shock line — an indestructible watch and a reliable side tool that’s ready for anything, no matter how wild the adventure. The GW-M5610u, on the other hand, is one of the most discrete G‑Shocks, and it’s the one that most closely resembles the iconic F91W look.
Before I share my experience with this watch, I want to let you know that I’m not a watch nerd of any kind. I’m just a dude that appreciate watches and their different purposes. This is another amazing watch I added to my everyday rotation. For photo reference I have a medium size wrist (6.75in in diameter) and I’ll be touching topic such as design, wearability, practicality and how it fits into my lifestyle.
Design
There are many G‑Shocks out there — some larger, some smaller — and there’s probably one in the exact color combination you’re looking for. I like the GW-M5610u because it feels like a beefier Casio F91W, almost like the classic on steroids. The color combinations of my samples match my taste perfectly, and in terms of size, the watch feels much smaller than the spec sheet suggests. It isn’t bulky at all; I can easily slide it under a shirt sleeve without any trouble.
Let’s begin with the watch’s dimensions and layout. It measures 46.7 × 43.2 × 12.7 mm (L × W × H), and my unit weighs 50 g, making it one of the slimmer and lighter G‑Shocks. It’s a square design —octagonal, really— with one button at each corner for a total of four. The display is recessed at the center, providing added screen protection. In the size category, the watch its a win as it isn’t too big nor too thick.
My sample arrived exactly as you’d expect from a brand‑new product: no sharp edges, unfinished sections, or sloppy assembly. I appreciate the case‑back markings — they appear to be laser‑etched, which adds to the watch’s overall quality and visual appeal. The four buttons carry multiple labels for the functions they control: top‑left for adjust, split, and reset; bottom‑left for mode; top‑right for set [–] and light; and bottom‑right for set [+], receiving, start, and stop. The button behavior differs slightly from other Casio models I’ve owned, but it remains intuitive in use. The buttons provide both tactile and audible feedback, though they’re a bit harder to press because they sit slightly recessed into the bezel.
The watch band is functional, and its design helps protect the watch from impact when dropped. Following on that practical theme, the display is clean and well organized, with large central digits for the time, a smaller top‑right section for the day and date, and thin indicators along the top and bottom for status, battery level, and active functions. The solar panel ring is one of the most elegant touches as is fully functional and so well integrated that it doesn’t disrupt the watch’s overall aesthetics. It features a resin “crystal” which is prone to scratches. However, the display is recessed below the outer square bezel, helping to minimized them.
I don’t know if I should consider the lug width as something negative since I don’t really plan on swapping the band on this watch. The stock band matches the case nicely. What I can say about the 16mm lug width is that I don’t own other strap or bracelets in this size. In terms of timekeeping, the watch synchronizes with one of the six available atomic time stations around the world, most of which are located in the northern hemisphere. When it receives the signal, the accuracy is essentially perfect. If it’s unable to sync with one of these stations, the watch is rated at ±15 seconds per month.
— in other words, internet time servers that keep our smart devices accurate, all get their time from these atomic time station. The watch also syncs to these stations for free, without needing a smartphone plan or WIFI —
— To expand on what ±15 seconds per month really means. Time will drift only about ±0.5 seconds per day, which is better than most high-end mechanical watches from brands like Rolex, Omega, or Grand Seiko. Realistically, you’d be spending well over $20,000 to get a mechanical watch that can consistently maintain ±15 seconds per month.
Wearability
I wear this watch more often than I realize—and I don’t blame myself for it. It’s an excellent piece: very comfortable, with enough features for my daily activities, and the best part is that I don’t have to baby it. That said, there are plenty of times when I put it back in the watch cabinet and choose another watch that better fits my attire. Its rugged design isn’t the best match for office attire but it blends well when I decide to show up more relax in the classic flannel and denims style.
Most of my clothes are black because it simplifies everything—from putting outfits together to reducing how often I need to run the washing machine. Because of that, the watch is very easy to match with my style. Having everything in black also helps tone down its rugged look. The red ring accent on the dial, though, really makes the watch pop and draws attention. And honestly, how could it not? It’s not a trendy smartwatch, yet it still manages to spark people’s curiosity.
The watch feels comfortable on the wrist; once you put it on, it stays in place and doesn’t get in the way. It isn’t heavy, and thanks to its rugged build, there’s no need to baby it. It’s definitely more suited for casual or sporty outfits, though I’ve found ways to make it work with business‑casual attire. That said, it’s certainly not a watch for dress‑up occasions; but by all means, do you.
The watch is very practical and easy to use, and it doesn’t overwhelm you with information. As with other Casio models, the hourly time signal helps keep me organized. It’s a simple beep — beep beep — at the top of every hour that keeps you aware of the time. It also includes five additional alarms, one of which has a snooze feature, making it perfect as a wake‑up alarm.
The watch serves as an excellent daily companion, and I can’t think of any everyday activity where it wouldn’t be reliable. It can be a true beater, able to withstand abusive treatment, and even during extreme sports, sweat and high vibrations are no issue. In addition to these features, the watch comes preset with 31 time zones covering 48 cities. To top it off, it has a 200‑meter water‑resistance rating (20 BAR), which makes it an excellent choice for travel.
It has everything you need to stay organized when traveling. The time adjusts automatically by syncing to an atomic time station, date included. It won’t hold you back either — its ruggedness can handle whatever your trip throws at it, even in extreme adventures. And in dark conditions, the watch automatically lights up when you flip your wrist to check the time. One thing I noticed when traveling to Mexico, in comparison to being in the Pacific Northwest, its the battery level went to full. Casio’s Tough Solar technology loved the sunny days of Mexico.
So there you have it. I hope my experience and comments help you understand the massive value you’ll get if you decide to buy this watch. I think it’s the best watch I own in terms of practicality, durability, reliability, and wearability. Sure, it’s not a dress watch — but honestly, I don’t need a tank on my wrist when I’m heading to a refined champagne event.