You’d think fatigue would be starting to set in already on these 40th-anniversary G-SHOCK watch releases. However, the Casio sublabel continues to outdo itself with each new model. And with April being the actual month that the brand’s original digital watch was released four decades ago, the company decided to give us something truly special: a fitness-tracking version of the first-ever G-SHOCK DW-5000C from 1983 — and it’s now available to purchase in the United States.
While not quite as technologically advanced as its smartwatch competitors on the market today (or even G-SHOCK’s own GBD-H2000 released back in February), the new DWH5600 has nostalgia and simplicity on its side. Available in black and pastel blue case colors, the timepiece sports a retro aesthetic that, at first glance, would look just like a standard 5600 Series model. However, it now features an optical heart rate monitor, an accelerometer for counting and tracking steps, and smartphone connectivity for accurate readouts and notifications. It also uses GPS for better accuracy when tapping into its four sports modes.
As part of the Move Series, the DWH5600’s four workout modes include running, walking, gym workouts, and interval training, which can each be activated by pushing a button on the side. In partnership with Polar, the watch can collect data to reveal your blood oxygen levels and cardio load, as well as track and monitor your sleep. Likewise, the activity log feature provides visual graphs and maps of your daily routes. The case is also slightly bigger than a standard 5600 watch, making better use of the new upgraded screen, which is fully pixelated to reveal even more info.
Available for $299, the DWH5600 also comes with G-SHOCK’s famed solar charging, which, after three hours of sun exposure, allows you to use the fitness capabilities for an hour per day for about a week before needing to be recharged. Head over to G-SHOCK to buy one for yourself.
