Base vs Premium

The price is kinda steep for the 5000, but it does look better. If you care for Japan made and the nice screwed back, go for the 5000.

What are the upgrades?

I have a few a GShocks including the 5600 but what I tend to wear most in preference to any of the GShocks is this. Pretty much the same functionality (or more) but it wears so much better. Sure it has a bigger case diameter but it has better lugs and a thinner case so wears way better for me.

I was struggling to find a GShock that I loved wearing - then cracked the puzzle with this.

For really rough stuff where there’s a high risk of impact (e.g. mountain biking) I still reach for a GShock (but that’s also partly because I see them as expendable whereas this is one I value more).

The 5000 is pretty much upgraded across the board:

- Better resin

- Steel core vs plastic core

- Multiband 6

- World time function

- Multiple alarms as opposed to 1

That's a fine looking ProTrek for sure!!

I'm looking mostly for something tough but small for work/casual with this one. But this is something to consider, thank you!

5610 all day

If I could I absolutely would!

I love the super retro styling of the 5610, and the feature set is amazing having the same module as the 5000.

The issue is the 2.5mm shorter lug-to-lug of the 5610 over the 5600/5000 is just a bit too small and uncomfortable.

Does that justify the extra ~$100 of the 5000 to get the feature set, but the longer lug-to-lug? It could...

5000U, but colourful if possible. I got a GW-M5610U, which is equal in quality to 5600 and equal in features to GW-5000U, plus it looks like DW-5000C, the original.

The A (adjust) button is not recessed on the 5000U (and everything with the 3495 module, like the considerably cheaper GW-M5610U), making it easy to press. That is the most significant improvement.

(The recessed button on the simpler G-shocks is due to it being single-acting, one press opens the adjustin mode. The advanced modules require holding the A button for a second to adjust, making the recession unnecessary.)

I would get the upgraded one just for the solar and never having to open the back up. In fact eventually I am going to get the multi band solar. It’s the perfect watch for practicality anyhow. 🌈

Never knew this! Thanks for sharing🙏🏻

Sounds like the 5000 then. Hahaha. Good luck!

I voted 5600 because I don’t wear my G Shocks enough to justify the upgraded price and features. I wear my G Shocks to the gym and that is about it.

To the uninformed (like me) I wouldn't be able to tell them apart bar a few words on the face. 🤷 I guess this is what makes us nerds!

Solar atomic for me! Both are amazing watches but those features are so nice to have!

Thank you kindly!

The recessed adjust button is almost a deal breaker on the base 5600's for sure. There's one angle I can get a good press on it.

I'm half considering modding it with a new, longer button...

Very true!

Every time you open a watch, you risk the seals for sure...

That's definitely a plus for the 5000!

Thanks!

It's a very strong contender for sure. From what I hear the wearing experience is great too.

That's a very good counterpoint for sure!

And I'm with you on it. I think in order to justify the 5000 it would have to be a regular wear.

But then would I want to beat it about like a "normal" G?? 🤔

Probably 😂

Thanks!!

I have many, many factors making me a nerd 😆

Watches being just one 🤓

Thanks for the reply!

The solar and atomic timekeeping are definitely huge factors. I do also like the word time function, but that's a nice to have mostly. Same with the new white led backlight - as cool as the green EL is.

I think I'm definitely leaning towards the 5000U for those features.

I love my gw-B5600BL

I don’t really use the Bluetooth connection, but having the multiband 6 is nice!

I was looking at these too!

Specifically the black/blue metallic reference, but this retro cool colourway is awesome too!

How do you find the legibility of the negative display?

There are more options than just these two. No need for modifying, unless you really want to. I did modify mine, but I only changed the resins. I didn't touch the seals. Alternatives:

GW-M5610U : the best of both worlds. Not as premium as GW-5000U, but good enough. There are some colour variants, mostly dark

GW-B5600 : also has bluetooth. More colour variants, but most have negative display

GA-2100 and related "Casioaks" - an analogue alternative. Hit of 2019 and still going strong.

Further reading: Shockbase.org

As proud owner of Gshocks during my military days I have to say, both are amazing #divewatch

Thank you kindly for the reply!

Where did you get the new resin for your square? AliX or is it an OEM Casio?

I was looking at the GW-B5600s as well! You're right that most have neg displays, or are the gimmicky Galapagos versions. They had one that was a green positive Display, but those are discontinued it seems. I'm considering giving one a shot just to see how the negative screen actually is. I love the black and blue one.

The 5610 is a no-go, unfortunately. The 2.5mm shorter lug-to-lug makes it too uncomfortable 😖

OEM Casio, from Watchband Berlin. Sadly, not as comfy or quiet as black (squeaky!), but the looks are worth it.

I did buy AliExesins for my former G-shock, GA-2100. They seemed reliable enough, but they did feel cheap.

I didn't know 5610 had a shorter lug span I thought there were only tiny dimensional differences between the series...

Thank you for your service 🙏

I love the simplicity of digital more and more these days - not that I don't still love my three handers, mechanical or quartz I'm no longer full-time military, but (for reasons unknown) still active in the reserve. That's part of the reason I'm looking for a G. I gifted my old one away to a colleague.

If I were only gonna have one or the other I would go with the 5000U. Solar/Atomic is the shiznit. Now let me tell you a secret. You will likely have both sooner or later. LOL I do as well as the 5610 and two other squares.

You know... You're probably right...

Already today I was thinking, "the 5600 is only $75, I could do both... 🤔"

I think the 5000 would be a fantastic watch for the day-to-day at work alongside the Oceanus.

At this rate, I'll be swimming in digital Casios before long 😆