Hands-On With The Casio G-Shock G-5600SRF-1 — A Thought-Provoking Watch With A Unique Case And Strap
Some brands excel at collaborations, elevating everyday watches to grail status, no matter how primary their starting point is. Casio sets a great example with its G-Shock range and the inherently cool canvas of the OG “Square.” Its shape is packed with potential, and the new Casio G-Shock G-5600SRF-1 shows a real sense of eco-purpose.
We’ve all seen the results of oceanic waste and its increasing threat to marine life. Together with the Surfrider Foundation, the G-5600SRF-1 exhibits a tangible monochrome solution to recycling. Despite its colorless first impression, this solar-powered Casio G-Shock Square has a unique sense of depth, even spiritually.
The Surfrider Foundation
The immense stretches of deep blue ocean that cover our planet will always have a deep allure. But with our relentless focus on fast fashion and consumerism, the threats to marine resources are real. The Surfrider Foundation does its best to preserve the oceans for our future. As an environmental protection organization founded by surfers, it aims to protect and preserve aquatic ecosystems. The organization was formed in the United States in 1984, and its accomplishments are recognized worldwide. And with the unbeatable toughness of G-Shock watches making them a favorite for surfers, this is a collaboration we’ve been waiting for.
A unique case for the classic G-5600
It feels like home when I strap on the easy-going G-5600SRF-1. Even new readers will already know the recognizable Square shape. I have my GADA-perfect full-metal version and have had many resin-cased 5000-series models. I’m even old enough to remember desiring the late-’80s version, palms pressed against the local watch shop’s window. But this time, even if it seems OG black and instantly recognizable, there are some subtle clues to its unique nature.
Each example of this limited G-5600SRF-1 is unique. While it looks black at first sight, the exterior is, in fact, an almost charcoal tone but mottled and slightly uneven in its organic texture. Unlike the smooth resin cases and straps of the world’s favorite digital watch, these are made from a black base urethane mixed with recycled scraps from the Casio manufacturing process. I will admit to sometimes not always finding the perfect fit with the regular resin versions of the OG Squares. With my 19cm (7.5”) wrist, I often find that they are very loose or too tight. But with the casual nature of the G-Shock family, I’ll always keep it a bit loose, like my boxy summer fit.
Casual cool with a mottled difference
Unless you have a spindly 5–6” wrist, it works and is remarkably light. You’re not rocking one of these babies with a business shirt, right? The resin scraps mixed with black comprise all main molded parts, including the case (or “bezel” in Casio’s terminology) and matching strap, and provide the same bulletproof feeling of any G-Shock. With the familiar lightness, the unbeatable comfort that many know well is a tempting proposition for only €149. By adding the finely shredded scraps, the look features a mottled and random stone-like texture.
For those familiar with the Surfrider Foundation, knowing that your watch utilizes material that would otherwise have gone to waste is a thought-provoking element. It is also a great conversation starter with your watch buddies. The slightly uneven texture and monochrome watch design will go well with wetsuits and surf shorts. And that’s just a bonus. After all, we must not forget the raison d’être of any resin G-Shock — providing an accurate timepiece that will take any spills or wipeouts you’ll encounter, both on and off the board.
Feature-packed and powered by sunlight
Echoing its eco-focused nature, the Casio G-Shock G-5600SRF-1 is equipped with a solar-powered module and my favorite negative display. Its clarity is often the subject of debate, but being used to it from my GMW-B5000RD-4, I’d have it over a standard screen any day. It also works with the aesthetic of the slightly uneven and textured dark case and boasts the usual tech-packed feature set we know and love. A few new G-Shocks have added activity-tracking features and slightly increased size. For me, though, this is everything I need.
The G-5600SRF-1 offers the familiar, old-school dimensions, with a 43.2mm diameter and 46.7mm length. And yes, it does feel a bit longer due to the extended strap angle, but the 12.7mm thickness still feels quite slim. But honestly, a G-Shock will always feel vastly different from any other sports watch with the same dimensions, except some stratospherically-priced Richard Milles with their space-age materiality. Weighing just 47 grams, the G-5600SFR-1 is super light. Plus, as with any Casio, you’ll take its wealth of features for granted. But have a closer look, and they will negate the use of your smartphone, especially if you feel like disconnecting. This is a word I appreciate more with each passing week.
A tech-packed conclusion
All the familiar and useful features are here. These include everything from a 1/100th-second stopwatch to countdown features, five daily alarms (including one with a snooze feature), an automatic calendar till 2099, and five world-time cities for travel or quick reference from home. It also has 31 time zones (48 cities + coordinated universal time), daylight saving on/off, and home/world-time city swapping. And, of course, I can’t forget to mention one of my favorite tech features, the improved Super-Illuminator LED backlight with its wrist-turning auto function and selectable duration of 1.5 or 3 seconds. That’s a great feature for those late-night swims after a long day of surfing, right?
This superb collaboration piece designed with the Surfrider Foundation feels special in many ways. It is unique because each watch will be slightly different in color and texture, a distinctive sub-€200 solar-powered G-Shock. And it might simply be one of the best sports watches for the money. It’s a lightweight and dependable watch that still surprises with its price of only €149. It is available from your nearest G-Shock dealer. While the watch is sold out online in some countries, seek it, and surely you will find one. For more information, check it out on the international G-Shock site.
By going hands-on with the Casio G-Shock G-5600SRF-1 this summer, I was reacquainted with an old buddy in a new suit. What about you, Fratelli? Have you fallen for the digital charms of the big G-catalog yet? Let me know in the comments, and share your favorite.
