Among all watches, nothing beats the “square G-SHOCK.”
And now, the “completed model” of G-SHOCK has finally received its long-awaited update—27 years after its original release.
If you’re new to G-SHOCK, this is the first one you should own!
- The DW-5600 is the “completed form” of the square G-SHOCK.
- Together with the 5000 series, it splits the popularity of square G-SHOCKs in half.
- Since its release in 1996, the DW-5600 had gone 27 years without any changes—until now, when it finally earned the special “U” designation.
- Sadly, the classic “FOX FIRE” logo has disappeared. If you want it, hurry and pick up the old model before it’s gone.
Same coloring as the very first G-SHOCK
This is the DW-5600UE-1.
The DW-5600UE is an updated version of the long-lived DW-5600E.
The DW-5600E, first released in 1996, remained on sale for 27 years without ever being discontinued. It consistently ranked among the annual top 10 sellers, truly earning its reputation as the completed G-SHOCK.
Here’s what changed in the new DW-5600UE:
- Backlight upgraded to LED
- With LED, power efficiency improved: battery life increased from 2 years → 5 years
- Weight reduced from 53g → 52g
- Module number changed from 3229 → 3525
The major changes are clearly the LED backlight and the longer battery life.
It’s essentially the same kind of update we saw when the GW-M5610 was upgraded to the GW-M5610U.
Why the “U” matters
Until now, the coveted “U” designation was reserved only for the GW-M5610U.
Now, the DW-5600 has also earned that title.
This means the model is here to stay—it will continue to be produced for years to come. That’s fantastic news for G-SHOCK fans.
The DW-5600: The completed form of the 5600 line
Within the square G-SHOCK lineup, there are two major branches:
- 5000 series – modeled after the original G-SHOCK, usually Japan-made and higher-end
- 5600 series – based on the DW-5600, positioned as an affordable and widely available model
Both share a devoted following.
(For details, see my full guide on the difference between the 5000 and 5600 series.)
Not radio-controlled solar, but that’s okay
Unlike many modern G-SHOCKs, the DW-5600UE is not “Tough Solar” and does not feature radio time-sync. It’s a straightforward quartz digital with a replaceable battery.
You might think, “In 2025, why buy a watch without solar charging or radio sync?”
But there are real advantages:
- Runs reliably even if left in the dark for months
- Uses easy-to-find batteries—simple to replace yourself
- Accuracy only drifts a few seconds per month, easy to adjust
- Costs much less than solar/radio models
Meanwhile, solar/radio G-SHOCKs do have drawbacks:
- Can stop running if left without light for too long
- Rechargeable cells wear out after about 10 years
- Replacement batteries are specialized and hard to change yourself
- LCD visibility can be slightly reduced because of the solar film layer
So while solar/radio offers convenience, old-school battery models like the DW-5600UE still hold strong appeal—and many people eventually come back to them.
Farewell, “FOX FIRE”
One bittersweet change: the iconic “FOX FIRE” text above the display is gone.
On the new DW-5600UE, it has been replaced with “ILLUMINATOR.”
“FOX FIRE” was the classic branding given to the EL backlight on Japanese G-SHOCKs. The DW-5600E was the last model to carry this name.
In contrast, “ILLUMINATOR” was always used on overseas versions like the DW-5600E-1V.
This update may also unify the Japanese and international designs going forward.
The G-SHOCK that defines the brand
The DW-5600UE is a fundamental G-SHOCK.
It’s the perfect entry point for anyone discovering the brand, and it carries the reassurance that this “updated” classic will continue to be produced well into the future.
Highly recommended—pick one up and experience the strength of G-SHOCK in your own life.
Specifications – DW-5600UE-1
- Size (H×W×D): 48.9 × 42.8 × 13.4 mm
- Weight: 52 g
- Band: Resin
- Bezel: Resin
- Features: LED backlight, button-tone on/off
Side Note: The 6900 Series also gets a “U”
While my site mainly focuses on square G-SHOCKs, it’s worth mentioning:
Alongside the 5600’s update, the hugely popular overseas 6900 series (the “triple-eye” model) has also been updated with the “U” designation.
