The endless dilemma

Solar 5600 by a mile. Timeless Look, rigid, solar powered, fits all wrists and a massive piece of horrifically history mixed with modern solar technology. 

Thanks for your input mate. BTW that squale looks amazing

I've bought two 5600's in my life and given them both away.  This isn't to suggest that I didn't like them enough to keep them, but rather that they were purchased as gifts in the first place because I knew, without a doubt, that the recipients would love them for years to come.  The classic square doesn't have some of the new features that later models do, or even less expensive digital casios (I still think the AE1200 is just about the best digital you can buy) but it's exactly enough watch.  You'll use every feature and none will be superfluous.  Crucially, the 5600 fits.  Resist the urge to replace the strap with something nicer yet bulkier, and you'll never look back!  The Casioak at the moment is more akin to fashion than style, and the same with the functions.  You might not wear it in three years, but a square will never be out of place.

Well said! 

Is it true that the Casioak "isn't a real G-Shock"? A watchgecko article said that the manual tells you not to subject it to shocks, therefore rendering it useless as a beater. I can post a link to the article if you want to see

I went with the standard 5600 but I don't think you could go wrong with the solar option.  I just picked the standard because I planned on abusing it and I wanted to spend as little as possible.  

I looked up the article.  I don't have a manual handy to check, but I'm fairly confident you can wear it with the same reckless abandon.  The abuse you could possibly give the watch, even if you tried to hurt it, is limited.  We're working with electronics here, anidigi watches have very little shock risk by design.  If you're set on a Casioak, I wouldn't worry about hurting it.

I have the GW-M5610 solar/atomic and it is perfect, imo. Recommended.

I would recommend a GLX-5600-4ER for a first g shock for a smaller wrist it's much slimmer than a standard 5600 you forget your wearing it.

Wasn't sure if G-Shocks would fit, or suit me, because of my wrist size. The recently purchased 5600 proved me wrong. So I would recommend getting that one. You could also go for a CasiOak, but I myself am more of a fan of digital displays rather than analogue.

I d say any gshock squares for your wrist my friend. Personally i d stick to the 5000s or those with plastic bracelet, gotta be solar... 

Those are my criteria. 🙌🏼

My wrist just a tad bigger than yours, 6.75". You may use that as reference. 

Thanks for the photos mate I didn't know how it was going to wear. Incidentally, what's the model number of the third one?

There you go

GW-S5600-1JF

Its a very wearable piece, carbon fibre strap, titanium case back and buttons. Likely to be the lightest square around. 

In case you wana go for that, take note of the length of the strap, they are on the longer side. 

5600 for sure, more timeless and probably better suited on a smaller wrist (like mine)!

I have both a Casioak and a solar 5610. Whilst I like both, I do find myself preferring the 5610. Part is due to it fitting my wrist better (the smaller Casioak might be a better fit) but the features on the 5610 are great! 

It's the most "practical" watch I own. It might be rugged but it's surprisingly helpful in an office environment.

Agree with the suggestions to go with solar. My first G-Shock was a GAW-100B-1AER, which I had a very specific set of requirements for. It had to be Tough Solar, and it had to be Ana-Digi. In the end I got a Euro model which also includes Multiband 6 (not directly useful in Australia, but I'm glad I got that feature from a travel perspective (some time in 2025?), and a technical curiosity). It also includes auto light which is pretty cool.

It's a very large watch, so not suggesting you get it, but first of all, be clear on what your requirements are, and secondly, go to your local G-Shock website, e.g. https://www.casio-intl.com/asia/en/wat/g_shock/ and start filtering by your requirements. If you have enough requirements, your shortlist should be pretty, uhh, short, and the choice should be relatively easy to make.

I also have a Casioak (black with white indices), and while it is a sleek watch, it doesn't grab me like the GAW-100B (plus legibility is quite poor, and it doesn't have Tough Solar). Probably a good choice for a smaller wrist though.

I also understand from a module perspective, that the older version of the square lacks a few modern module features, e.g. turning off alarm and signal beeps, whereas later versions do. Will try to find a link for you.

Hi all, first post! I have both the GA-2100 with white hands and the G-5600 solar. Managed to pick them up with points. Love them both but I'd go with the square solar. The Casioak digital display is tiny and I can never remember how to get the hands out of the road.

I would start with a standard 5600. I love the solar multiband but why spend double the price if you’re not sure you’ll like it. I did that and then put my standard 5600 on a nato. 

I’d go the DW5600 Solar. Slightly higher price but you won’t have to worry about battery swaps. Ive got a GWB5600BL and love it.

As a budget buyer I would suggest to start with an analog-digital model....the very essence of G-shock...why not try the new GA2200

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