The Godzilla of Classic G-Shock Watches Gets Its Stealthiest Upgrade Yet

This bold, ruggedized, affordable take on the Japanese brand’s iconic square-faced watch gets an appropriately blacked-out edition.

Close-up of a black Casio digital watch with rugged buttons and a protective bezel.G-Shock

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G-Shock is a brand of many facets. On the one hand, the Japanese outfit’s original city-going timepieces (and their modern successors) are somewhat small and refined, at least compared to its more beefy, ruggedized offerings, like the Master of G lineup.

However, the GXW GX-56 Series (known as the “King of G”) bridges the gap between the two, combining the signature square face of the classic 5600s with the formidability of the brand’s outdoor timepieces.

And that series just got a new entry in the G-Shock GX56UBB-1, the stealthiest one yet.

Black Casio G-Shock digital watch with rectangular face and tough solar feature on a green background.
The all-black design is meant to enhance the watch’s bold resin texture.
G-Shock

King of the monsters

The GXW GX-56 Series watches, including this one, are not for the faint of heart. Even for G-Shock, a brand known for its big, bold designs, this one is exceptionally beefy — among the largest the brand offers.

The case diameter, for instance, is a whopping 53.6 millimeters. That’s at least 14 millimeters larger than watches sized to meet the current “small watch” trend (in the 38-40-millimeter range).

Black Casio G-Shock digital watch with rectangular face worn on a wrist over a gray long sleeve shirt.
While the version pictured here is technically a different colorway, you can see just how beefy this model truly is.
G-Shock

In the realm of watches, that makes this one practically kaiju-sized, so the comparison to Godzilla is more than just a cheeky claim. Of course, it’s not just size that makes a monster; it’s also formidability. And this watch has that in spades.

Not only does this timepiece feature G-Shock’s beloved anti-shock housing, but it also comes with a robust resin case to match, offering among the brand’s best protection against impacts and mud. While I wouldn’t go so far as to call this an unstoppable monster, that assessment perhaps isn’t too far off.

Close-up of a black Casio G-Shock digital watch face showing time 10:58:50, date Sunday 6-30, and solar power indicator.
The negative display enhances the blacked-out color scheme, granting even more stealthiness.
G-Shock

More to love

While the GXW GX-56 Series watches have already existed, this latest one is the stealthiest yet. It gets a fully blacked-out case, black dial frame and even a negative digital display. Per the brand, this stylistic decision was made to highlight the texture of the thick resin case.

And yet, that is just one element to love about this titanic timepiece. Like its siblings, it also has a Tough Solar movement, meaning it charges with exposure to light. And even if you don’t have a consistent source of light, it can remain powered for up to 27 months between full charges (in power save mode).

Person wearing a gray long-sleeve shirt with a white collar and a black digital wristwatch, standing in front of a chain-link fence.
This King of G watch measures a whopping 53.6 millimeters across, making it among the largest G-Shocks ever.
G-Shock

Of course, it wouldn’t be a G-Shock without some other features, as well. Alongside classic timekeeping functionality, this watch has a 31-time zone worldtimer, five daily alarms, a countdown timer, a stopwatch, a full-auto calendar, a backlight and more.

But here’s the real kicker: while many of the brand’s beefier watches have similar sizes and functionalities, they can sometimes cost in the hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. This one? Just $165.

Person wearing a gray sweatshirt, white collared shirt, blue jeans, and a black digital watch standing by a chain-link fence.
This watch has a Tough Solar movement, so you don’t have to worry about replacing the battery.
G-Shock

Pricing and availability

The G-Shock GX56UBB-1 is coming soon (expected to launch before the end of February) for $165 apiece. You can sign up for stock notifications on the brand’s site now.

Black Casio G-Shock digital watch with square face and rugged design.G-Shock

G-Shock GX56UBB-1

Specs

Case Size 53.6mm
Movement Tough Solar
Water Resistance 200m

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