I like square G-SHOCKs more than any other watches.
But when actually buying one, you face this question:
There Are So Many—Which Should I Buy?
.
DW-5600, GW-M5610, GW-5000, GMW-B5000…….
Although they look similar, prices range from approximately ¥10,000 to hundreds of thousands of yen.
So from the many square G-SHOCKs, I have selected just 5 watches I would buy, arranged by budget.
In ascending price order, they are
DW-5600UE
→ GW-M5610U
→ GW-5000U
→ GMW-B5000D
→ MRG-B5000
.
That does not mean inexpensive models are bad and expensive ones are good.
The best watch changes according to how much you want in functions, material quality, and ownership satisfaction.
Having worn square G-SHOCKs for many years, I choose from the perspective of what I would buy at each budget.
The Verdict: These 5 by Budget
Here is the conclusion first.
| Approximate budget | Recommended model | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Approximately ¥10,000 | DW-5600UE | An affordable classic G-SHOCK |
| Approximately ¥20,000 | GW-M5610U | A dependable choice with radio-controlled solar |
| Approximately ¥30,000–¥40,000 | GW-5000U | Premium resin construction and Japanese production |
| Approximately ¥60,000–¥70,000 | GMW-B5000D | Premium full-metal quality and ownership satisfaction |
| From approximately ¥400,000 | MRG-B5000 | The highest-level square G-SHOCK |
If choosing just one, I would choose GW-M5610U.
For those willing to pay more for ownership satisfaction, I recommend the model I have personally worn for more than 1 year, GMW-B5000D.
Let us see what you are paying for with each model.
Around ¥10,000: DW-5600UE, the Affordable Choice
For a square G-SHOCK, the DW-5600UE belongs on your shortlist for a first purchase.
The classic square design commonly called the Speed model.
Light at approximately 52g, it offers G-SHOCK shock resistance and practicality without adding unnecessary functions.
Square G-SHOCK Size Guide
I do not need radio-controlled timekeeping or Bluetooth; I simply want a straightforward G-SHOCK.
For someone with that preference, I think this is the best choice.
Who Should Choose DW-5600UE?
- You want to keep the budget around ¥10,000
- You are buying your first G-SHOCK
- You like light watches
- You do not need radio-controlled solar
- You want the classic square design
Where to Buy the Casio DW-5600UE-1
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Learn More About DW-5600UE Here
Around ¥20,000: GW-M5610U, the Choice if Unsure
Among these 5, the GW-M5610U is the easiest to recommend to a broad audience.
The major difference from DW-5600UE is radio-controlled timekeeping and Tough Solar.
There is almost no time-setting effort, and you need not worry about regular battery changes.
Even so, it weighs approximately 52g, offering radio-controlled solar in the same lightweight class as the DW-5600UE.
Square G-SHOCK Size Guide
Its red-frame design recalling the original G-SHOCK is another attraction.
For a balance of price, functions, lightness, and G-SHOCK character, this is my recommendation.
Who Should Choose GW-M5610U?
- You do not know which model to buy
- You want radio-controlled solar
- Lightness matters too
- You like the original G-SHOCK design
- You can spend around ¥20,000
Where to Buy the Casio GW-M5610U-1
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If wondering how it differs from DW-5600UE or what the 5000/5600 families mean, see this detailed comparison.
Around ¥30,000–¥40,000: GW-5000U, Ordinary Looks with Premium Construction
"I do not need full metal, but I want something a level above an ordinary G-SHOCK"
For those people, I recommend GW-5000U.
By appearance alone, it may not differ greatly from squares in the ¥10,000–¥20,000 ranges.
However, the GW-5000U is a 5000-family model with a screw-back case.
At approximately 74g, it is slightly heavier than DW-5600UE or GW-M5610U, but not as heavy as full metal.
Square G-SHOCK Size Guide
This ordinary appearance with carefully considered internals and construction is the GW-5000U's appeal.
Who Should Choose GW-5000U?
- You like the light feel of resin G-SHOCKs
- You care about the 5000 family
- You want a screw-back case
- Full metal is too heavy
- You want to pay for internals and construction rather than appearance
Where to Buy the Casio GW-5000U-1
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People undecided between GW-5000U and moving higher to GMW-B5000D should also look at the next model.
Around ¥60,000–¥70,000: GMW-B5000D, the Full-Metal Choice
Here, the watch's atmosphere changes considerably.
GMW-B5000D, nicknamed silver metal.
I have used it for more than 1 year myself.
It transforms a resin square G-SHOCK into full metal while retaining the square design inherited from the original.
Its weight is approximately 167g.
That is more than 3 times the GW-M5610U's approximately 52g, clearly heavier.
Square G-SHOCK Size Guide
What you gain instead is stainless steel quality and ownership satisfaction.
After more than 1 year of use, fine scratches also appear.
Even so, I feel
glad I bought it
.
Who Should Choose GMW-B5000D?
- You like square G-SHOCKs
- You want a full-metal watch
- You want to wear it at work too
- You value material quality and ownership satisfaction
- You are looking for a long-term watch
Conversely, GW-M5610U is enough if functions alone matter.
Where to Buy the Casio GMW-B5000D-1
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I Have Actually Used It for More Than 1 Year
Is It Worth ¥60,000–¥70,000? Is 167g Heavy? How Much Does It Scratch?
Here is a photo review of my GMW-B5000D after more than 1 year of use.
From Around ¥400,000: MRG-B5000, the Highest-Level Square G-SHOCK
Finally, MRG-B5000.
More Than ¥400,000 for a G-SHOCK?
Many people will probably think that.
I do not consider it an easy purchase either.
However, pursuing square G-SHOCKs to the upper limit of price leads to this model.
MR-G is G-SHOCK's highest line, with MRG-B5000 as its square model.
The existing 5000/5600 articles also introduce MRG-B5000 as the top-tier titanium line.
5000 and 5600 Differences Explained
This is not a watch chosen for value for money.
A G-SHOCK for people wanting the original square design in top-tier materials and finishing.
Who Should Choose MRG-B5000?
- You really love G-SHOCK
- You want the top square model
- MR-G appeals to you
- You prioritize ownership satisfaction over price
Where to Buy the Casio MRG-B5000B-1JR
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If you cannot spend more than ¥400,000, I recommend GMW-B5000D.
Where to Buy the Casio GMW-B5000D-1
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Comparing the 5: Prices, Weights, and Features
| Model | Price range | Approximate weight | Main features | My assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DW-5600UE | Approximately ¥10,000 | Approximately 52g | Simple and light | ◎ For an affordable purchase |
| GW-M5610U | Approximately ¥20,000 | Approximately 52g | Radio-controlled solar | ◎ Overall recommendation |
| GW-5000U | Approximately ¥30,000–¥40,000 | Approximately 74g | Premium 5000 family | ◎ For enthusiasts |
| GMW-B5000D | Approximately ¥60,000–¥70,000 | Approximately 167g | Full metal | ◎ Ownership satisfaction |
| MRG-B5000 | From approximately ¥400,000 | ― | Top-tier MR-G | ◎ Aspirational |
Which Should You Ultimately Buy?
If still unsure, here is how I would choose.
Lowest Price → DW-5600UE
Enough to enjoy the essential G-SHOCK qualities.
If Unsure → GW-M5610U
My strongest recommendation among these 5, balancing radio-controlled solar, lightness, and price.
You Prefer Resin → GW-5000U
For people attracted to an ordinary appearance with hidden quality.
You Want Full Metal → GMW-B5000D
A model I have used for more than 1 year and feel glad I bought.
You Want the Highest Level → MRG-B5000
If the budget permits, it is the ultimate square G-SHOCK.
Conclusion: Choose by What You Want, Not Price Alone
Square G-SHOCKs range from the DW-5600UE at around ¥10,000 to MR-G models exceeding ¥400,000.
But for simply checking the time, the DW-5600UE is enough.
As prices rise,
Radio-controlled solar
→ construction and materials
→ full-metal quality
→ top-tier finishing
add increasing value.
So
the most expensive is not necessarily the most recommended.
If choosing just one for a balance of cost and functions, I would choose GW-M5610U.
If you love square G-SHOCKs and want satisfaction from owning the watch itself, however, GMW-B5000D.
How much do you want from a G-SHOCK?
Compare that with your budget and choose the watch suited to you.
Where to Buy the Casio GW-M5610U-1
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Where to Buy the Casio GMW-B5000D-1
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