G-Shock Just Filled a Longstanding Gap in Its Watch Lineup

Thanks to this new take on the brand’s iconic square watch, at least one popular mod will now be sold by G-Shock directly.

Close-up of a black G-Shock digital watch with LED backlight and black fabric strap against a gradient brown background.

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By Jack Seemer

Published March 4, 2026

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Updated March 5, 2026

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Is watch customization high art or horological sacrilege? For many G-Shock collectors, it’s a simple matter of utility.

Since the ’80s, DIYers have upgraded stock Casio models with premium bezels, one-off dials and aftermarket straps in an attempt to improve the feel and finish of their rugged timepieces.

But thanks to the new DW-5600MNC, at least one popular mod will now be sold by G-Shock directly.

Three Casio G-Shock digital watches with fabric straps in white with yellow, black, and black with orange and blue, hanging on orange climbing ropes. — The DW-5600MNC is the first example of the classic square G-Shock wearing a Fidlock strap.

Magnetic attraction

Available in three colors, the new take on G-Shock’s iconic square watch sees the classic resin band make way for a cloth strap equipped with a magnetic Fidlock buckle.

Black G-Shock Fidlock watch strap with a textured fabric band worn on a wrist. — Fidlock straps are quicker to snap on and adjust than traditional bands.

Gray and yellow fabric G-Shock watch strap with Fidlock buckle and stainless steel case back. — Fidlock is an official third-party supplier, akin to Gore-Tex or Vibram.

The result is a watch that’s quicker to adjust and arguably more comfortable wear, which is why similar straps have been mainstays of the modding community for years.

Digital Casio G-Shock watch with a black square face and a multicolored fabric strap in orange, black, blue, and yellow. — The gray variant brings a playful Gorpcore aesthetic to the model.

Each of the three watches is identical apart from their unique color scheme, weighing 53 grams (on par with the classic 5600 models).

However, the DW-5600MNC-1 boasts an inverted display to match its stealthy aesthetic.

Black Casio G-Shock digital watch with fabric strap worn over a blue and purple jacket sleeve. — The black variant is the only one to feature an inverted diplay.

White Casio G-Shock digital watch with gray and yellow fabric strap and LED display showing time and date. — The model features custom band adaptors to fit the cloth strap.

Availability and pricing

Like many G-Shock releases, the DW-5600MNC is available first in Japan, where it costs just 19,800 Japanese yen (approximately $127).

How’s that for fan service?

Black Casio G-Shock digital watch with fabric strap and rectangular display showing time and date.

G-Shock DW-5600MNC

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About the Author:

Jack Seemer is the executive editor at Gear Patrol, with over a decade of experience in product journalism. He currently reports on a wide range of topics, including footwear, watches, EDC, cookware and more.

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