The humble G-Shock might just be the most universally respected watch on the planet. Worn by everyone from broke college students to multi-millionaires like Mark Wahlberg, the G-Shock really does have something for everyone to love. In this review, we’ll take a look at one of the most popular models, the GWM5610-1, exploring everything from its design to its functionality.
At a Glance
Case size– 46.7mm x 43.2 mm x 12.7mm
Case Material– Resin
Strap Material– Resin
Movement- ‘Tough Solar’
Price– $200 US/$270 CA
Availability– Widely available
Time Tested Design
When you first take a look at the GWM5610-1, you probably won’t be blown away by the design. It doesn’t exactly scream luxury after all. But, the point of the G-Shock isn’t to drop jaws- it’s to be a companion on your wrist that can survive anything you throw at it for years to come.
And in its own way, the GWM5610-1 is actually a pretty good-looking watch. The black resin case and bracelet, coupled with the retro digital display make a very unique look that you won’t find elsewhere in the watch world. Not to mention it’s extremely comfortable to wear and highly legible too.
On the subject of design, we can’t forget that G-Shocks are probably the most durable watches on the planet. Seriously, people have driven their cars over these things and the tires ended up worse off! Couple this shock resistance with 200 meters of water resistance, and it’s easy to see why this thing is regarded as one of the best go-anywhere timepieces in the world.
Digital Quartz Movement
The GWM5610-1 is powered by a quartz movement, but the way that it works is actually pretty interesting. Each watch will synchronize with radio time signals, which transmit the time measured by atomic clocks. With this tech, your watch will literally never be inaccurate. And even if you’re unable to calibrate it at any time, it’ll still only swing by around +/- 15 seconds per month.
You also won’t have to worry about the battery ever dying on you, as the movement is solar-powered and will convert energy from both natural and artificial sources of light.
So yes, it’s not a fancy automatic movement that you can see working through an open case-back. But, it’s more accurate than any automatic movement on the market, will last you longer, and won’t cost you a penny in maintenance or repairs. That’s not such a bad tradeoff.
Functionality
As mentioned earlier, G-Shocks are all about function over fashion, and when you actually take a look at what this watch can do, this statement only rings louder. In fact, it’s hard to think of another watch on the planet, aside from smartwatches, that can do as much as the GWM5610-1!
Here are just a few of the best features that you can expect:
- 200 meters of water resistance.
- Shock Resistance
- Countdown Timer
- Up to 5 daily alarms
- Power saving mode
- Full auto-calendar to 2099
- 10 months of power on a single charge.
- Elapsed time, split time, 1st-2nd place time measuring modes.
- Power saving mode
- 29 different time zones.
- LED light.
Price
Oh, and the best part? This watch costs just $200! You would struggle to find anything that comes close to the GWM5610-1 at this price point outside of other Casio’s. So, if you’re looking for a cheap everyday beater, or just want to get started on your watch-collecting journey, the GWM5610-1 is a perfect piece to go for.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, there’s a reason why everyone loves a G-Shock- they’re extremely cheap, yet offer better accuracy and functionality than a Rolex. They’re rough and ready, yet stylish and versatile. In other words, they’re simply awesome, and the GWM5610-1 is one of the all-around best models in the lineup.
Pound-for-pound, penny-for-penny, the G-Shock will always be the heavyweight champion of the world, and we don’t see anyone coming along to dethrone it any time soon.
For more information visit the official Casio G-Shock website here.
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