If you’ve been following the watch world at all this year, you’ve felt the buzz. The rumor mills on popular Casio forums and Reddit threads have been spinning non-stop about one particular release: the G-Shock square with a MIP display. Today, the speculation ends. Casio has officially unveiled the new GW-BX5600 series, and pre-orders are now live directly from their Japanese website.
This isn't just another color variant; for many enthusiasts, the GW-BX5600 represents a key turning point for the iconic square G-Shock, finally marrying its timeless, rugged design with the crisp, modern clarity of a Memory-in-Pixel (MIP) LCD.
A First Look at the GW-BX5600 Duo
After countless leaks, the two models have secured their official listings. The new lineup consists of two distinct styles:
- The GW-BX5600-1JF: This model sports the signature G-Shock aesthetic with a bezel featuring the classic "brick" texture. A light-colored accent ring around the module adds a pop of contrast, giving it a familiar yet fresh look.
- The GW-BX5600-1A1JF: For those who prefer a stealthier approach, this variant offers a full blackout design. It’s subdued, tactical, and all business, letting the new display technology do all the talking.
You can check out the official product pages for yourself to see the difference:
The Star of the Show: The High-Definition MIP LCD
The headline feature, without a doubt, is the incorporation of the MIP (Memory-in-Pixel) LCD. If you’re used to the standard positive/negative displays on models like the beloved DW-5600, this is a monumental leap forward. MIP technology offers exceptional clarity, high contrast, and wide viewing angles, making the watch face incredibly easy to read at a glance, even in direct sunlight or at odd angles. It’s a display that finally matches the legibility of a smartwatch, but housed in a package that will outlive any gadget.
Classic Square Toughness, Meet Modern Eco-Conscious Materials
Fear not, purists—Casio hasn’t messed with the perfect formula. The core dimensions remain faithful to the original square design that has proven itself on countless adventures: 49.1 × 49.1 × 13.4 mm and a lightweight 51 grams. This means it will wear comfortably and slide under a cuff just like its predecessors.
In a nod to sustainability, Casio has constructed the case, band, and bezel using biomass-derived resins. So, you're getting the same legendary G-Shock toughness with a reduced environmental footprint. And of course, it wouldn't be a G-Shock without 200-meter water resistance and the foundational shock resistance that built the brand.
Loaded with Features: Solar, Bluetooth, and Atomic Timekeeping
The GW-BX5600 isn’t just a pretty face; it’s a feature-packed powerhouse. It comes equipped with the essential G-Shock triple crown:
- Tough Solar Charging: Never worry about a battery change again. Solar panels keep the watch powered from any light source.
- Multi-Band 6 Atomic Timekeeping: For ultimate accuracy, the watch automatically syncs with radio time signals around the world to keep the time perfectly precise.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: This is the modern touch that elevates the experience. By connecting to the Casio Watches app on your smartphone, you can instantly correct the time, easily switch time zones, and log your time and location with a tap.
The Bluetooth connectivity also unlocks the full potential of the new MIP display. Through the app, you can customize the display format, switching between different layouts to show the information you care about most, adjusting the info density and contrast to your liking.
Other notable functions include a double LED light for illumination, five daily alarms (one with a snooze function), a 24-hour countdown timer, a 1/100-second stopwatch, world time for 38 time zones, and a battery save mode. Casio estimates the battery can last up to 22 months on a full charge in standby mode, or about six months in normal operation with some exposure to light.
Pricing, Availability, and An Alternative
The new G-Shock GW-BX5600 models are listed on Casio Japan for ¥30,800 (approximately $200). They are scheduled to begin shipping to customers within November 2025, making this a highly anticipated release that will arrive just in time for the holiday season.
If the new MIP display has you excited but you're looking for a proven, classic solar-powered square G-Shock available right now, a fantastic alternative is the incredibly popular Casio G-Shock GWM5610-1.
The arrival of the GW-BX5600 marks a significant moment for G-Shock fans. It proves that Casio can innovate while honoring its heritage, delivering a watch that is both recognizably classic and excitingly new. If you've been waiting for a square G-Shock with a display worthy of the 21st century, your wait is finally over.
