Comparison · Reviewed
GW-6900 vs DW-5600: Round Solar Atomic or Square Classic?
Verdict
Choose the GW-6900 for a bold round case with Tough Solar and Multi-Band 6; choose the DW-5600 for a smaller, lighter square that runs on a battery.
GW-6900 vs DW-5600 side by side
Casio's specifications for the stock GW-6900-1 and DW5600E-1V.
| GW-6900 | DW-5600 | |
|---|---|---|
| Display | Digital | Digital |
| Shape | Rounded, three-window | Square |
| Case size (L × W × H) | 53.2 × 50 × 17.7 mm | 48.9 × 42.8 × 13.4 mm |
| Thickness | 17.7 mm | 13.4 mm |
| Weight | 63 g (2.2 oz) | 52 g (1.8 oz) |
| Case | Resin | Resin |
| Water resistance | 200 m / 20 bar | 200 m / 20 bar |
| Power | Tough Solar (rechargeable): about 9 months of normal use, about 26 months in darkness with power saving on a full charge | Battery: CR2016, about 2 years |
| Tough Solar | Yes | No |
| Multi-Band 6 | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Module | 3179, 3547 | 3229, 3525 |
| Launched | 2009 (GW-6900); 2024 (GW-6900U, module 3547) | 1987; module 3229 (2011); module 3525 (2023) |
| Casio U.S. list price | $155 | $99.95 |
Which one should you buy?
Choose the GW-6900 if
- You want maintenance-free solar power and self-setting time.
- You want a larger, rounder look with presence.
- You want a big canvas for a moissanite bezel.
Choose the DW-5600 if
- You want a smaller watch (48.9 × 42.8 mm vs 53.2 × 50 mm).
- You want a thinner case (13.4 mm vs 17.7 mm).
- You want the lower price.
What the GW-6900 and DW-5600 have in common
- Both are digital.
- Both are rated 200 m water resistant.
- Both are classic G-SHOCK silhouettes with huge custom followings.
GW-6900 vs DW-5600: questions
Is the GW-6900 too big for a small wrist?
It can be. At 50 mm wide and 17.7 mm thick it wears much larger than a DW-5600 or GA-2100; send us your wrist size and we'll tell you honestly.
Not sure? Send us your wrist size and how you'll wear it; a person replies.
Sources
- G-Central: G-SHOCK GW-6900 specifications (independent reference, accessed October 25, 2026)
- Casio (U.S.): GW-6900U-1 specifications (official Casio, accessed October 25, 2026)
- Casio (U.S.): G-SHOCK 6900 series (official Casio, accessed October 25, 2026)
- Hahn's World of Surplus & Survival: Casio G-SHOCK GW-6900-1 listing (Casio spec sheet) (retailer listing of Casio's spec, accessed October 25, 2026)
- NIST: Help with WWVB radio controlled clocks (independent reference, accessed October 25, 2026)
- Casio G-SHOCK (UK): Are G-SHOCK watches waterproof or water resistant? (official Casio, accessed October 25, 2026)
- 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)
- G-Central: G-SHOCK GW-M5610 specifications (independent reference, accessed October 25, 2026)