Casio G-Shock GW-M5610U-1ER review
Our pick of the square G-Shocks: no battery to change and always on time.
- Skip it if
- You want a mechanical watch to look at and look after
as of 6 Nov 2026, 13:25 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.We earn a commission if you buy through the retailer links on this page. It doesn't change our verdict. How we make money →
Researched, not used. We haven't used this product. This review is built from the maker's details and what other buyers report.
What we like
- Tough Solar charging keeps it powered
- Radio time sync corrects itself
- 200 m rating and tough build
Worth knowing
- Bulky, plasticky look
- Radio sync depends on your region's signal
Out of stock when we checked: our alternatives
Closest in size first, then by our score. None of them was showing out of stock when we last checked.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 13:25 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 13:25 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 13:25 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.ⓘ Some links are affiliate links: a purchase may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. It never decides what we pick or how we rank it. Prices shown may have changed since they were checked.
Our review
The GW-M5610U-1ER is the classic square G-Shock with the two features that matter most for a set-and-forget watch: Tough Solar charging and radio time sync. It keeps itself charged from light and corrects itself from time signals, so it should rarely need attention. It is tough, has a 200 m rating and is quite affordable for what it does. The drawbacks are a bulky, plasticky look and the fact that radio sync depends on your region's signal.
What it is
This is the modern solar and radio-controlled update of the 5600 square case that G-Shock has made since the 1980s. It sits in the middle of the square range: far more capable than the basic DW-5600 battery model, but without the metal case or the Bluetooth of higher-priced versions. The U in the reference marks the current version with a slightly refreshed look.
The movement
It is a quartz digital watch powered by Casio's Tough Solar system, where the face acts as a light collector that charges a rechargeable cell. Casio says a full charge runs the watch for months in the dark, and the power-saving mode extends that further. Multi-band radio sync lets it set the time from transmitters including the one in the UK, usually overnight. Accuracy is therefore very high in practice, with no battery changes to plan for, though the rechargeable cell does eventually wear out after many years.
On the wrist
The case is around 43 mm and roughly 13 mm thick, making it a substantial watch but not an extreme one. It is light because it is resin, and the strap is a soft resin band that is comfortable and stretches slightly. The tall bezel protects the display, and the small buttons are easy to press. It is a casual watch and will look out of place with formal wear.
Water and everyday wear
It carries a 200 m rating, so swimming, snorkelling and showers are all fine. The crystal is mineral, which is tougher than plastic but can scratch, though the raised bezel guards it. Shock resistance is the brand's selling point. The LED backlight lights the display for reading in the dark, and there is no lume to speak of. Resin straps can perish after several years, but replacements are widely available.
Against the alternatives
The Casio G-Shock GW-M5610-1BER is the same idea in an all-black treatment. The Casio G-Shock GW-5000U-1ER is the premium step up, with a steel caseback and Japanese build. If you do not need solar, the Casio G-Shock DW-5600E-1V is the plain battery model. For the same peace of mind in a more grown-up shape, the Citizen Eco-Drive BM7108-81L is a solar three-hander.
Who it's for, and who should skip it
It is for anyone who wants a watch that sets itself and looks after itself: outdoor people, shift workers, commuters, and those who just want a tough everyday digital. Skip it if you want a mechanical watch to enjoy and service, or if you want a slim, smart look. If radio signals are weak where you live, it will still work as a solar quartz but will not self-correct as often.
A researched review, built from the maker's specs, manual and Amazon.co.uk listing; facts checked 6 Nov 2026.
Who shouldn't buy this
Don't buy it if you want a mechanical watch to look at and look after: this runs on light and a quartz movement.
Key specs
| Movement | solar |
| Calibre | Casio 3495 |
| Case | 43.2 mm |
| Thickness | 12.9 mm |
| Lug width | — |
| Water resistance | 200 m |
| Crystal | mineral |
| Strap | resin |
| Power reserve | — |
| Accuracy | — |
This is a Researched review: we haven't used this product. We check the maker's details against at least two independent sources, re-check the price where we can track it automatically, and say plainly who it isn't for. Commissions never change a rating.