Culture Β· 2026-10-18
Casio G-SHOCK DW-5600C: the 1987 square that shaped four decades
A historical Chronolume watch profile of the 1987 G-SHOCK, examining why the model mattered for design, technology and culture.
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By Chronolume digest Β· Original English summary Β· Based on Casio official history and technical product archive
What to know
Four years after the first G-SHOCK, the DW-5600C turned its rugged square into a long-lasting family. The 1987 model preserved the protective bezel, ribbed strap and uncluttered digital display.
It kept the shock-resistant structure and 200-metre water resistance that defined the original, while cementing the 5600 silhouette as one of the most recognizable shapes in electronic watchmaking.
The watch's industrial design has outlasted countless trends in electronics. Later 5600 references added updated backlights, resin constructions, solar charging and radio control while respecting the original form.
This article profiles the 1987 model, not any modern watch that happens to share the name 5600.
At a glance
| Reference | DW-5600C-1 |
|---|---|
| Original launch | 1987 |
| Movement | Digital quartz |
| Display | Digital LCD |
| Case | Shock-resistant resin protection and metal caseback |
| Water resistance | 200 m |
| Functions | Alarm, stopwatch, digital time and calendar |
| Status | Original discontinued; 5600 family remains active |
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Source & attribution
Casio official history and technical product archive Β· Published 2026-10-18 β
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