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| Casio is refreshing some of its all-time classic G-Shock models with a new LED backlight. Pictured here: G-Shock DW-5900-1. |
For fans of rugged, retro timepieces, this is a good week. Hot on the heels of other recent releases, Casio is digging deeper into its iconic archive and reintroducing three more classic G-Shock models. The updates—the DW-5900U-1, the stealthy DW-5900UBB-1, and the hulking GX-56UBB-1—prove that sometimes, the best upgrades are the ones you can’t see at first glance.
While the designs remain faithfully vintage, each watch now houses a new module featuring a high-brightness white LED backlight, marking a significant step away from the older Electro-luminescent (EL) technology. It’s a move that promises not just a better view in the dark, but a drastically improved life under the hood.
A Nod to a 90s Trailblazer: The DW-5900U Series Returns
Let’s start with the star of the show for many collectors: the DW-5900. Originally launched in 1992, this model was a distinct departure from the ubiquitous square G-Shocks like the famous DW-5600. Its claim to fame was the "Triple Graph" LCD layout, a funky and functional design that gave it a unique personality.
Casio has now given this classic a crucial internal refresh. The new "U" variant (standing for "updated module") replaces the signature blue-green EL backlight with a crisp, white LED. The benefit is twofold: immediate, even illumination and far greater reliability over time. But the biggest news might be what it does for battery life.
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| G-Shock DW-5900UBB-1 |
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| G-Shock GX-56UBB-1 |
A Decade on a Single Cell
Thanks to the efficiency of the new 3536 module, the battery life on the DW-5900U-1 and the all-black DW-5900UBB-1 has effectively doubled. Where previous iterations needed a new CR2025 battery every five years, these new models are rated for an impressive 10 years of operation. For a non-solar watch, that’s a massive quality-of-life improvement, meaning more time on your wrist and less time worrying about maintenance.
What Exactly is the "Triple Graph"?
If you’re new to the 5900, its unique face might seem confusing. Here’s the simple breakdown: The left and right circular displays are animated seconds counters. They fill and empty "slice by slice," creating a dynamic, sweeping visual of each passing second. The middle dial is your status board, with icons lighting up to show when the alarm, hourly chime, snooze, or mute functions are active. It’s functional, quirky, and utterly charming.
The King Gets an Upgrade: The GX-56UBB-1
On the other end of the size spectrum is the GX-56UBB-1, an update to the revered "King" G-Shock. This watch is famous for its massive, imposing profile and sheer presence on the wrist. This new version maintains the rugged, single-tone black "blackout" aesthetic but makes the same crucial switch from an EL to a white LED backlight.
Unlike the 5900 models, the GX-56BB-1 already featured Tough Solar charging, and this capability remains in the UBB-1. The LED update here is purely about providing a brighter, more dependable light for its large display and modernizing the tech inside the beast.
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| G-Shock DW-5900U-1 |
Nostalgia vs. Modernity: The EL Light Isn't Gone Yet
It’s worth noting that Casio isn’t immediately discontinuing the EL-backlit versions of these watches. They’ll remain on sale in many markets, and for good reason. Many purists and collectors have a soft spot for the distinctive, ethereal glow of the EL panels—it’s part of the vintage experience. Casio’s move seems to be about offering choice: classic tech for nostalgia, or updated tech for longevity and performance.
Pricing, Availability, and Where to Find Them
The new models are set to launch first in Japan later this month before rolling out to global markets in the coming weeks.
- G-Shock DW-5900U-1 & DW-5900UBB-1: Priced at ¥14,300 (approximately $100).
- G-Shock GX-56UBB-1: Priced at ¥23,100 (approximately $160).
Where to Find Them:
These releases show Casio’s smart strategy of honoring its heritage while quietly implementing meaningful modern improvements. For those who love the classic G-Shock look but crave modern reliability, these "U" series models might just be the perfect blend.