Comparison · Reviewed
DW-5600 vs GMW-B5000: Resin Classic or Full-Metal Square?
Verdict
Choose the DW-5600 for a 52 g resin square under $100 at list; choose the GMW-B5000 for a 167 g stainless steel version of the same shape with Tough Solar, Multi-Band 6 and Bluetooth.
DW-5600 vs GMW-B5000 side by side
Casio's specifications for the stock DW5600E-1V and GMW-B5000D-1.
| DW-5600 | GMW-B5000 | |
|---|---|---|
| Display | Digital | Digital |
| Shape | Square | Square, full metal |
| Case size (L × W × H) | 48.9 × 42.8 × 13.4 mm | 49.3 × 43.2 × 13 mm |
| Thickness | 13.4 mm | 13 mm |
| Weight | 52 g (1.8 oz) | 167 g (5.9 oz) |
| Case | Resin | Stainless steel case and bezel, DLC-treated screw lock back |
| Water resistance | 200 m / 20 bar | 200 m / 20 bar |
| Power | Battery: CR2016, about 2 years | Tough Solar (rechargeable): about 22 months in darkness with power saving on a full charge |
| Tough Solar | No | Yes |
| Multi-Band 6 | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| Module | 3229, 3525 | 3459, 3539 |
| Launched | 1987; module 3229 (2011); module 3525 (2023) | 2018; module 3539 from 2023 |
| Casio U.S. list price | $99.95 | $600 |
Which one should you buy?
Choose the DW-5600 if
- You want a light everyday watch you can forget you're wearing.
- You want the lowest price by far ($99.95 vs $600 at list).
- You want bright colorways.
Choose the GMW-B5000 if
- You want a dress-ready steel watch with the original G-SHOCK silhouette.
- You want solar charging, atomic time and phone sync in one.
- You like the heft of a metal bracelet.
What the DW-5600 and GMW-B5000 have in common
- Same square design lineage from the 1983 DW-5000C.
- Both are rated 200 m water resistant.
- Both are digital.
DW-5600 vs GMW-B5000: questions
Is the GMW-B5000 as shock resistant as a resin G-SHOCK?
Casio uses shock-absorbing fine resin between the steel case and bezel so the full-metal watch keeps G-SHOCK shock resistance.
Not sure? Send us your wrist size and how you'll wear it; a person replies.
Sources
- Casio (Europe): DW-5600E-1V specifications (official Casio, accessed October 25, 2026)
- Casio (U.S.): Classic G-SHOCK DW5600E-1V (official Casio, accessed October 25, 2026)
- G-Central: G-SHOCK DW-5600 specifications (independent reference, accessed October 25, 2026)
- Casio (Europe): GW-M5610U-1 (DW-5000C design legacy) (official Casio, accessed October 25, 2026)
- Casio G-SHOCK (UK): Are G-SHOCK watches waterproof or water resistant? (official Casio, accessed October 25, 2026)
- G-Central: G-SHOCK GW-M5610 specifications (independent reference, accessed October 25, 2026)
- Casio (U.S.): GMW-B5000D-1 stainless steel square watch (official Casio, accessed October 25, 2026)
- Casio (Middle East & Africa): GMW-B5000D-1 full metal construction (official Casio, accessed October 25, 2026)
- G-Central: G-SHOCK GMW-B5000 specifications (independent reference, accessed October 25, 2026)
- WatchReport: Casio G-Shock GMWB5000D-1 hands-on review (Casio spec) (independent reference, accessed October 25, 2026)
- Casio G-SHOCK (UK): How do solar powered watches work? (official Casio, accessed October 25, 2026)