Casio G-Shock DW-5600E-1V review

What it is

The 5600 series is the longest-running G-Shock case shape, and the E-1V is the no-frills black model. It is the starting point of the range, below the solar and radio GW-M5610 and above nothing, in terms of simplicity. It shows the time and date in a large LCD with a handful of useful extras.

The original DW-5000C of 1983 was designed by Kikuo Ibe around the idea of a watch that could survive being dropped from a building. The 5600 keeps the same square silhouette with modern internals, and it is the shape most people picture when they hear the brand name.

The movement

It is a battery-powered quartz digital watch with a replaceable cell, which Casio rates at around two years. It has a stopwatch, a countdown timer, alarm and world time. Accuracy is within about 15 seconds a month. It has no solar charging, no radio and no Bluetooth, so you set it yourself and replace the battery when it runs out.

Because the module is simple, battery changes are straightforward, and many owners do them at home with a small screwdriver, though a shop can do it quickly. If the watch is not worn for a long time the battery still drains slowly.

On the wrist

The case is about 43 mm wide and 13 mm thick and sits tall on the wrist. It is light because of the resin, and the resin strap is soft with a standard buckle. Small wrists may find it too large, and it will not fit under a close cuff. The buttons are rubberised and easy to press with gloves on.

Water and everyday wear

The 200 m rating allows swimming, surfing and showers. The mineral glass is protected by a raised bezel, and shock resistance is the watch's main selling point. The LED backlight lights the display briefly, and there is no lume on a digital display. Resin straps can crack after many years, but they are cheap to replace.

The strap and bezel are both resin, so the watch feels light and does not scratch skin or clothes. After years of sunlight the black can fade slightly, which is cosmetic.

Against the alternatives

The Casio G-Shock GW-M5610U-1ER adds solar charging and radio sync for more money. The Casio G-Shock DW-5600BBR-1ER and Casio G-Shock DW-5600RL-1ER are colour variants of the same shape. The Casio F-91W-1YEF is a lighter, smaller digital for much less, but with a poor water rating.

Who it's for, and who should skip it

It suits anyone who wants a classic, tough digital with a proper water rating, and works as a beach, gym or workshop watch. Skip it if you want something that never needs a battery, a slim shape or hands on a dial.

As a first G-Shock or a spare watch for rough work it is hard to fault, and the large digits are easy to read in poor light.