Five years in, the G-SHOCK and NBA forward Rui Hachimura partnership has hit its stride. We’ve watched it bounce from the hefty G-STEEL chronograph to the sleek 2100 series, each release finding its own voice. But the GM5600RH-1 tackles something different entirely: the 5600 series, G-SHOCK’s most sacred ground. Let’s dive in…
Back to Square One
The direct descendant of Kikuo Ibe’s original unbreakable vision, the 5600 has become arguably G-SHOCK’s most iconic watch since debuting in 1987. While previous Hachimura models explored different territories — from the hefty chronograph vibes of the G-STEEL to the tech-forward GBM-2100 — the GM5600RH-1 strips things back to G-SHOCK’s purest form.
The execution here feels more refined than past collaborations. The black ion-plated metal bezel creates a premium foundation that elevates the entire piece beyond typical resin or steel G-SHOCKs. The inverted LCD display adds modern contrast, while red accents around the digital markers provide just enough pop without overwhelming the monochromatic base.
Cultural Heritage Meets Functional Design
Hachimura’s “Black Samurai” logo remains the collaboration’s strongest visual element. The integration of the Japanese character “八” (hachi, meaning eight) with a stylized samurai sword brings a fresh take on the classic timepiece.
For the band, we stick with the bio-based resin found on other G-SHOCKs, while water resistance remains at the expected 200m. You also get the same feature set, including the Super Illuminator backlight, stopwatch, and countdown timer.
A Mature Collaboration
What sets this fifth model apart is how lived-in it feels. Earlier releases sometimes felt like they were trying too hard to justify the partnership, layering on geographic references and complex colorways. The GM5600RH-1 achieves something more confident: a watch that could stand on its own merits while still clearly bearing Hachimura’s influence.
The packaging continues G-SHOCK’s tradition of special presentation for signature models, complete with the co-branded tin case.
Spec Sheet
Model: GM5600RH-1
Case Material: Stainless steel with black ion plating
Case Size: 42.8mm
Lug-to-Lug: 43.2mm
Case Thickness: 12.9mm
Movement: Quartz
Water Resistance: 200m
Features: Shock resistance, LED backlight, stopwatch, countdown timer, alarm, full auto-calendar
Strap: Bio-based resin with steel hardware
Price: $280
Limited Edition?: Yes, unspecified
Pricing & Availability
Priced at $280, the G-SHOCK x Rui Hachimura GM5600RH-1 is available now through G-SHOCK’s website, select retailers, and the brand’s Soho store.
Recap
G-SHOCK x Rui Hachimura GM5600RH-1
G-SHOCK collabs for the fifth time with NBA player Rui Hachimura, this time bringing his signature “Black Samurai” aesthetic to G-SHOCK’s iconic 5600 series with a black ion-plated metal bezel and red accents.
