[At a glance!] Super basics of G-SHOCK model name[casio digital watchs]

Rough conclusion
In the case of the model number “GW-M5610U-1JF”

(Click each item for details)

1. GW = installed function (GW is radio clock + tough solar )

2. M = Multi-band radio-controlled watch ( some models do not have it )

3. 5610= Series name

4. U = Updated functionality with the same appearance ( some models don’t have it )

5. 1= bezel color ( 1 indicates black )

6. JF= Japanese version

It is Generally speaking, there are exceptions . Let’s dive into the details.

(Since this is a site dedicated to square G-SHOCK, we will mainly cover the case of square G-SHOCK .)Contents

What is the G-SHOCK model number?

“You are interested in the square G-SHOCK! You want to buy it ! “But we can’t recognize there are many model number. How do we know that?

For those who say, this article will explain how to read the model number.

A representative model number of G-SHOCK is like this.

If you are a beginner to G-SHOCK, these are not enough for you to understand. But by the time you’ finish to read this page, you’ll get the gist of it! I promise you. that I will explain it in an easy-to-understand manner. Please take a look. (And if you don’t mind, buy it.)

All G-SHOCKs, not just square G-SHOCKs, have a model number.

The model number above refers to this model.

If you search for this model on Amazon.com, you can see  “GW-M5610U-1JF” .

Divide model number into 6

At first, you get point of view and read the model name. It starts by dividing the model number into six .

I will try to explain them in order.

Leading alphabet example:GW

The alphabet at the beginning indicates the function.

• Not limited to 2 letters, sometimes 1 or 3 letters
• Understand the basic functions of the watch

That is arguably the most important factor.

In fact, policies change over time.

For example, it was once released with the feeling of “the ultimate G-SHOCK!”, the definition changed as G-SHOCK with more functions was released.

This is inevitable. For the time being, I would like you to think about it in terms of “currently like this” without thinking too much about it .

Casio has not officially announced that “the model number was attached with this idea!” I would appreciate it if you could take a look at it.

DW

Here are some examples of the first letters of the alphabet. The first is “DW”.

DW almost certainly stands for Digital Watch.

Characteristices include:

• A digital clock powered by ordinary batteries

That’s what it means.

In short, it is a watch that does not have the “radio clock”, “tough solar”, and “Bluetooth” that are often attached now .

It can be said that it is a strong G-SHOCK that is the simplest and has no extra functions.

Typical examples include the first G-SHOCK, the DW-5000C, and the current most basic model, the DW-5600E.

Reference article G-SHOCK DW-5600E [Square G-SHOCK First of all, this is the basic! ]

I would like to get this model first.

G

“G-” model numbers are almost non-existent now. Is it about G-5600UE?

The meaning of G is probably the G of G-SHOCK.

The characteres of this model are

• Add Tough Solar

is mentioned.

There used to be a model called “G-5600” which became popular in Japan after being used in dramas.

After that, when the “GW-” series (which will be described later) (addition of a radio clock in addition to Tough Solar) came out, “a graph (H, M, L) that shows how much battery is left” was attached. Because it was convenient .The “G-” series disappeared.

It was thought that it would disappear as it is. But later the “G-5600E” with the same remaining graph as the “GW-” series was released.

It is a rare model that does not have a radio clock and only tough solar. But due to demand, it has recently been renewed as “G-5600UE” and has become a continuous model.

GW

GW is expected to be “G” for G-SHOCK and “W” for watch. This is the model that came out after the “G-” series introduced earlier.

Characterisices include:

• Equipped with radio clock + tough solar

That’s what it means. Now it is a high-performance model that can be said to be standard.

If you buy now, it ‘s the most balanced model .

A typical model is GW-M5610U.

Reference article G-SHOCK GW-M5610U [Special G-SHOCK that repeats updates Additional radio syncing and solar to the original color]

In addition, there are other models with GW-B5600 series.

Reference article G-SHOCK GW-B5600 [New module with Bluetooth released in anticipation]

The difference between the symbols “GW- M ” and “GW- B “ that follow the hyphen will be explained later .

GMW

It came with “G-“, “GW-“, and now with “M” in between.

It seems that M is an abbreviation for “Metal” as it is characteristic.

Ultimate, it will be the model number attached to the dream full metal G-SHOCK.

It’s so cool that you’ll fall in love with it!

It can be said that it is one of the achievements of the square G-SHOCK.

Reference article G-SHOCK GMW-B5000 [Dreams come true FULL METAL G-SHOCK]

GM

The “GM” series is a model released later than the “GMW” series.
(GM series released in 2019, GMW series released in 2018)

“GM” series is

• metal bezel
• Tough solar, the radio clock function has been removed

Even if “G” is included, it doesn’t mean that it has high performance like “GW”.

The point is that the function is the same as the “DW-” series introduced at the beginning, only a battery.
(CASIO’s battery-powered watch has little monthly variation, and the battery is extremely long-lasting, so it is by no means a low-quality watch.)

In addition, the GM series includes the GM-6900, which has a metal cover for the G-SHOCK DW-6900, and the GM-2100, which has a metal cover for the GA-2100.

Then which part is ” M” ? It’s self-explanatory. “M” stands for metal .

As you can see, the chracteristices are

• metal bezel
• The band remains urethane

That’s the point.

The “GMW-” series became very popular , but it was packed with functions and the price was quite high .

And more, some people may have been concerned about the drawback of being “heavy” by making it full metal .

The GM- series is the response to the demand for a metal feel, but at a lower price and lighter weight .

As a function, there is no radio clock or tough solar, it is a conventional battery clock . However, the bezel is metal and cool. This is such a series.

The GM series also includes the GM-2100, which has a metal cover of the analog watch “GA-2100” described later.

GA

The series of square G-SHOCK has been released as “DE-” → “GW-” → “GMW-” → “GM-“.

The 2100 series which I will introduce now was released in the order of “GA-” → “GM-” → “GA-B” → “GM-B”.

The first model in the GA series was the GA-2100.

The “A” is an analog watch as it is, so it ‘s an abbreviation for analog .

Chracteristices of the GA series

• Casio says, analog G-SHOCK based on square G-SHOCK “DW-5000”

is.

For more details about this, please refer to the GA-2100 introduction article.

Reference article G-SHOCK GA-2100 [Because Casio says it is based on the square G-SHOCK]

To be honest, I don’t think it’s a bit unreasonable. But the more I look at Casio, the more I feel that the GA-2100 series is based on the square G-SHOCK.

The GA-2100 series, like the square G-SHOCK, has become highly functional and metalized.

• “GM-2100” series with metal bezel
• “GA-B2100” series with tough solar + Bluetooth cooperation function
• “GM-B2100” series with tough solar + Bluetooth cooperation function and full metalization

If you’ve read this article up to this point, I think you’ll be convinced that it’s a proper model numbering method.

GX

This is also a “square”, so it may be included in the square G-SHOCK.

Currently, there is a “GXW-” series with radio solar.

From G-SHOCK, I expected that X would be X such as XL, but according to the official website, it is actually “GX Series aiming to withstand impact (gravity) from all (X = extra) directions” That’s right.

Personally, I think X has the meaning of being big.

This is the model number used for the large square G-SHOCK.

It has an outstanding presence and stands out when you wear it.

MRG

MRG is attached to G-SHOCK’s highest peak “MR-G” series .

Luxurious materials, carefully crafted metals and Casio’s top-notch technology are packed in.

Therefore, the price is completely different from other G-SHOCK.

What a cool, isn’t it?

Until now, I had nothing to do with the square G-SHOCK, this year, the square G-SHOCK MR-G series has appeared.

Square G-SHOCK fans will be surprised and delighted.

I think there are few people who can get it. If you can buy it, you are happy. Please continue to walk with G-SHOCK.

(↑ “MRG-B5000” almost never comes up even if you search on Amazon.com and eBay. If you click here and find the product, you are lucky. )

Symbol after hyphen example:M, B

Some models do not have this symbol.

M

This is an abbreviation for Multi bande which makes it possible to use it in the world. It is equipped with a radio clock and tough solar.

When it was first attached, there was a description of “MULTI BAND 5” on the dial.

It was to be able to receive in 5 places in the world. After that, China was added and now it is characterized by the description “MULTI BAND 6”.

Currently, there are many models called radio clocks which if M is attached. (In other words, in the square G-SHOCK, there are many model names that include “M5610” up to 5610 in addition to M.)

B

In addition to the radio-clock, a Bluetooth link function has been added.

However, The recentlyGA-B2100 series are released, there are also models that have only Bluetooth functions and omit the radio clock .

Please buy the watch with looking a specifications as well. You don’t think that “B is attached, so they have both a radio clock and Bluetooth! “

Even in places where radio waves do not reach, the time can be adjusted by linking with a smartphone via Bluetooth. You can also set the alarm and world clock from your smartphone with the Bluetooth function.

Middle number Example: 5600

This number is mainly 5000, 5600, 5610 for square G-SHOCK . There are two articles I wrote about this with great enthusiasm and please take a look.

Reference article 1 Introduction to square G-SHOCK [Difference between 5000 series and 5600 series]

Reference article Part 2 [5600series and 5610series]Introduction to the square G-SHOCK [Difference in Bezel]

Here’s a briefly explanation.

5000

Originally, it comes from the model number of the first generation G-SHOCK, DW-5000.

In modern times, it often means a high-end model such as “screw back, made in Japan” .

5600

Originally, it comes from the DW-5600E, the completed version of the popular G-SHOCK.

In modern times, it often means a popular model such as “panel back, manufactured outside Japan” .

The 5000 and 5600 often have the same bezel shape and size.
(Although metal models such as GMW-B5000D are completely different.)

5610

It is now used in the GW-M5610U series.

This GW-M5610U was originally “GW-M5600”. And then MultiBand changed from 5 to 6, it became the model number “GW-M5610” and the number 5610 was used for the first time.

Initially, it was not divided into 5600 and 5610.

In modern times, “5610” has a special meaning in G-SHOCK.

This is the reason why models with 5610 have a major characterisitic that the bezel shape is completely different from the above – they are plainly mentioned 5000/5600 such as the position of the button. , It is used as “5610 series bezel” .

The 5000 series fundamentalists may say that the shape of the 5610 series is different. But the shape of this 5610 is also thin and easy to use.

2100

When the number 2100 is entered, it means the 2100 series which has become a popular standard for G-SHOCK. It is an analog model.

Casio says, “It was made based on the square G-SHOCK. ” So I’m happy to join this site.

other numbers

Other special numbers may also be used.

For example, the model number “5630” may be used for the 30th anniversary model. And “5635” for the 35th anniversary model .

The letters after the numbers are the titles of special models! Example: U, D, B.C.

“U” in the part of “④” in the above figure . There are many models that do not have any description in this part.

Models with English letters in this part can be said to be “very special models” .

I will pick up three here.

U

It is the title of “U” added to the recently added GW-M5610U series .

This is the first time for G-SHOCK  and it may be the GW-M5610U is a special model .

I wrote about this in the next article and please refer to it.

Reference article G-SHOCK GW-M5610U [Special G-SHOCK that repeats updates Additional radio syncing and solar to the original color]

D

The D title is used for full metal G-SHOCK metal band models.

This is also a dream G-SHOCK and that ‘s why it’s a special G-SHOCK .

Reference article G-SHOCK GMW-B5000 [Dreams come true FULL METAL G-SHOCK]

BC

BC means a special band is used .

In the square G-SHOCK models that use a tri-fold band called a semi-metallic metal core band are marked with a BC symbol.

It’s really easy and comfortable!

Note that there are two types of bands with BC .

Two special bands are called composite bands and fine resin bands .

I own both and they have there’s merits. Please see the article for details.

The GW-M5610BC uses a composite band.
Reference article G-SHOCK GW-M5610UBC [Big Hit! Monotone color and Innovative band]

The GW-B5600BC uses a fine resin band.
Reference article G-SHOCK GW-B5600BC [Produced the most practical band square G-SHOCK, at last!].

Other English characters

If there was an “R” here, it indicated an orange liquid crystal .It has been discontinued.

Orange liquid crystal that I love so much. It has been discontinued.

Number after hyphen (+ 1 alphabetic character)

This part of the number is the color of the main body (the color of the bezel) .It is a part that is difficult to classify due to considerable variation in notation.

In this section, we have to show the many G-SHOCK colors and collaboration models which are released every month. It seems that Casio developers are also having a hard time with naming.

Don’t worry too much about the rules, just remember that they represent colors and patterns .

In general, they have the following meanings.

Many G-SHOCK bezels are black and many models have “1” to indicate black .

Above the number 1-9 cannot express every color. Please consider it as a general color .

And it ‘s not always legal.

In fact, the alphabet after the number with many mysteries

The number may sometimes be followed by an “A” or “B” and additional numbers . Here are some examples. But the conclusion is that there are parts that you don’t understand well. However, you don’t worry about it.

Example 1

GA- 2100-1A and GA- 2100-1A1 are all black because black is the main color for normal black and white characters on the GA-2100 . It is a model number that emphasizes “black and black” by entering two 1s .

Example 2

Although it is very difficult to distinguish between them, there are models called “GW-M5610U-1JF” and “GW-M5610U-1BJF”. And they look completely different.
With the addition of B, it becomes an all-black model. If it’s the same rule as before, I feel like It’s going to put “A1”, but it’s not so, it’s “B” notation .

The model names are very similar.  But the appearance is completely different.

Since it will be a different model number as long as it is sold. It is probably attached for classification.

Example 3

GXW-56-1A is a reverse liquid crystal, GXW-56-1B is a normal liquid crystal.

I thought that “A may indicate inverted liquid crystal and B may indicate normal liquid crystal. ” It doesn’t seem to show the LCD screen .

I don’t understand anything. This part of the rule does not seem to be fixed .

Example 4

Recently (2022), GW-M5610U-1C JF was released. This time, “C” is entered instead of A or B.

Is it the meaning of the blue liquid crystal?

This is also cool and looks like it’s going to be a standard.

(The “R” on the orange LCD that I introduced earlier is written in a different place and there was an R before the hyphen. Since it was more than 10 years ago, the place and meaning of the “R” will change depending on the release date . )

Example 5

In addition, the international version of DW-E5600-1 which is a standard for square G-SHOCK uses “V” in DW-5600E-1V.

This is used to mean that the color is same but the characters on the dial are different .

It is expected that it may be used to express minor version differences .

The rule of this English part is not clear. But it seems that there is no doubt that it shows the differences in color and pattern. (The function of the watch body is same)

trailing alphabet

The two-digit alphabet at the end indicates the handling country, etc.

Such as GMW-B5000D-1 JF and GA-2100-1A JF .

JF

As for the JF part , roughly speaking, it means “things sold in Japan” .

“J” means domestic distribution product, “F” means with box .

In fact, unless they are particular about the authenticity of the product and the Japanese language on the tags and boxes. You may not need to worry about that.

This is why “JF” is not engraved on the model number of the back cover and is not included.  So it is not possible to distinguish it from the watch itself.

The watch itself is the same no matter how in every country it is sold on.

Many Japanese shopping sites display this “JF” properly. But when I look at overseas sites, I don’t see many sites display it. Foreigners don’t seem to care. (Europe is like “ER”.)

This also appears on the Casio site, pick up the GW-M5610U as an example,

• GW-M5610U-1JF notation on Casio site in Japan ( here )
• GW-M5610-1 notation on overseas Casio sites ( here )

It seems that it is normal that there is no “JF” notation overseas .

It seems to be good that the specification sold in Japan has “JF”.

in conclusion

Above is the model number.

As I promised at the beginning of this article, I think that I have somehow learned about the model number.

It’s just a model number, but it’s a model number. A deep world was spreading.

We hope that you will continue to fall in love with G-SHOCK and meet many G-SHOCKs.