 |
| Pictured - the new Casio G-Shock DW-5600KHS25-1 (left) and DW-5600KHFM-1 (right). |
If you thought the perfect fusion of rugged utility and timeless art was impossible, Casio is here to prove you wrong. The brand has just pulled back the curtain on two stunning new G-Shock models that transform the iconic square DW-5600 into a wearable gallery, featuring the breathtaking work of legendary Japanese ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai. Following up on their popular 2025 Hokusai releases, these timepieces are a deep dive into two of the artist's most celebrated scenes, offering collectors and watch enthusiasts a truly unique piece of wristwear.
Priced at ¥18,700 (approximately $119) for the Japanese market, these watches aren't just special editions; they are thoughtful tributes that integrate art into the very fabric of the watch's design. Let's break down what makes each model a potential must-have.
Model DW-5600KHFM-1: A Bridge Beneath Your Dial
The first model, reference DW-5600KHFM-1, draws its inspiration directly from Hokusai's "Under the Mannenbashi Bridge in Fukagawa." As some keen-eyed fans on forums like @geesgshock predicted, Casio has chosen to showcase the artwork not on the bezel, but as the dial's background itself.
This is a brilliant design choice. During normal viewing, you get a subtle, textured backdrop of the bridge and the flowing river right beneath the digital display. But the real magic happens when you press the light button. The LED backlight illuminates the scene, causing the silhouette of the Mannenbashi bridge to emerge dramatically across the top of the display area. It’s a dynamic and interactive feature that brings the art to life. Adding to its authenticity, the case back is engraved with the kanji for "Japan," and the watch is proudly marked as Made in Japan.
Model DW-5600KHS25-1: Capturing "Yamashita White Rain"
The second release, the DW-5600KHS25-1, finds its muse in the dramatic "Yamashita White Rain." Here, Casio's designers have placed the iconic Mount Fuji and sweeping rainfall elements across the lower half of the dial. Much like its sibling, the art is reserved for the background, ensuring the time display remains perfectly legible.
The effect is one of serene depth. The majestic Fuji sits calmly amidst the digital numerals, with streaks of rain adding texture and motion. And yes, the LED backlight plays its part here too, enhancing the details of the rainfall and mountain silhouette when activated, while staying elegantly subdued when not in use.
For full specifications and high-resolution images of these artistic timepieces, check out the official product pages on Casio's Japan website: DW-5600KHFM-1 and DW-5600KHSH25-1.
Classic G-Shock Heart, Dressed in Art
Beyond their beautiful faces, these are true G-Shocks at their core. Casio has kept the technical specifications faithful to the revered DW-5600 platform. That means you're getting the legendary shock resistance, 200-meter water resistance, and a full suite of useful functions including a stopwatch, countdown timer, multiple alarms, and an EL backlight. There are no module upgrades or technical changes here—the upgrade is purely aesthetic and cultural.
Casio has even extended the artistic theme to the packaging. Each watch comes in special packaging that reproduces the respective Hokusai print, making the unboxing experience part of the collectible appeal.
For those who love the classic square G-Shock form but want reliability with a modern twist, the Casio GWM5610-1, available on Amazon, remains a perennial best-seller featuring solar charging and Multi-Band 6 atomic timekeeping.
The Bottom Line
With these new Hokusai models, Casio demonstrates that a tool watch can be so much more. It’s a respectful and innovative homage that doesn't sacrifice functionality for form. By integrating the art into the dial and using the backlight as a reveal mechanism, they’ve created a watch that feels personal and interactive. For fans of Japanese culture, art history, or simply unique G-Shocks, these limited editions are poised to become instant classics.
Will you be adding a piece of ukiyo-e history to your wrist? Let us know which model captures your imagination.
