 |
| Pictured - The Casio x ANA DW-5600 collab watch, alongside a close up of the strap with aviation-themed details. |
Just in time for the holiday gift-giving season, Casio has unveiled a sky-high collaboration that’s set to excite both avgears and watch collectors. The iconic G-Shock brand has teamed up with All Nippon Airways (ANA) on a special edition timepiece based on the legendary square DW-5600, offering a fresh, travel-infused take on a classic digital watch.
The announcement, first spotted on the popular Instagram account @geesgshock, shows a watch that seamlessly blends G-Shock’s rugged durability with ANA’s distinctive airline aesthetics. Priced at ¥19,800 (approximately $127), the model is expected to land exclusively through ANA’s retail and online channels in Japan soon. This marks the second such partnership for the airline with a Japanese watchmaker, following a recent Seiko x ANA collaboration.
Here’s a closer look at what makes this limited-edition G-Shock soar.
A Clean, Co-Branded Design for the Travel Enthusiast
Ditching the typical black resin, this ANA edition arrives in a sleek, all-white case and strap. The colorway is accented with soft blue highlights, a direct nod to ANA’s brand colors, creating a surprisingly clean and modern look for a G-Shock.
The familiar DW-5600 dial layout remains, but the standard branding is replaced with a prominent dual "ANA / Casio" logo above the digital display, emphasizing its collaborative nature. The real storytelling, however, happens on the strap.
Printed with a busy array of airport-style text, fictional route codes, and navigational markings, the strap features a bold, central airplane graphic. It’s a design that feels intentionally over-the-top—more akin to exclusive airline merchandise than a standard timepiece. The collaboration is further cemented with an engraved ANA logo on the stainless steel case back.
For a firsthand look at the design details, check out the reveal post.
A Hidden Feature That Shines in the Dark
Perhaps the most delightful detail is reserved for low-light conditions. Press the light button, and instead of a standard electroluminescent glow, the LED backlight projects the crisp silhouette of an airplane across the entire display. It’s a subtle touch in daylight that becomes a playful and conversation-starting feature in the dark, destined to be a favorite among collectors.
Proven G-Shock Toughness Underneath
Beneath its themed exterior, this remains a pure, no-frills DW-5600. That means you get the core G-Shock features that have built the brand's reputation: near-indestructible shock resistance, serious 200-meter water resistance, and a full suite of useful functions including a stopwatch, countdown timer, multiple alarms, and that special LED backlight. It’s powered by a standard battery, so there’s no solar charging or Multi-Band 6 radio sync here—this is a back-to-basics digital workhorse.
Packaged as a Collectible
Emphasizing its special-edition status, the watch comes in fully co-branded packaging, including a unique ANA box and a round presentation case. This presentation elevates it from a mere tool watch to a desirable souvenir or collector’s item.
For those seeking a more feature-rich G-Shock square available globally, the Casio G-Shock GWM5610-1 with solar power and atomic timekeeping is a stellar option worth considering.
Final Approach: A Niche Winner
While the G-Shock x ANA DW-5600 doesn’t introduce new technology or materials, its appeal lies squarely in its execution of theme. The clean white and blue color scheme, detailed aviation branding, and hidden airplane light create a unique package with instant curb appeal. Its Japan-only release and airline-specific distribution will likely make it a sought-after piece for collaboration fans and frequent flyers to ANA’s home country.
For now, those outside Japan will have to watch the secondary markets, as this special edition is cleared for a landing exclusively in the Japanese market.