When you think about it, watches and jewellery really are not all that different. Sure, one is used to tell the time while the other is used to bring a little shine. However, both are brought to life with skilled craftsmen using some of the finest materials in the world and are often worn with the sole purpose of accentuating your look. So, when one of the world's biggest watch brands and street style icons Casio set out to make a new G-Shock watch, it only makes sense that they would take inspiration from another street-style icon, chains.
Chains, namely gold chains are a style staple for many fine jewellery lovers and fashionistas. Whether it’s a classic curb chain, an edgy Figaro chain, a contemporary snake-style chain or something in between you cannot underestimate the power of a timeless gold chain and the level of vibrance that it brings to your ensemble. Paying tribute to this, the G-Shock DWE5600HG-1 Gold Chain watch is littered with references to this jewellery and wardrobe staple, both in its design and its craftsmanship.
Read on as we unpack all that there is to know about the new G-Shock DWE5600HG-1 Gold Chain watch and how it will help step up your style game.
Overview:
G-Shock DWE5600HG-1 Story & Inspiration
Casio watch enthusiasts will know that G-Shock watches have always been heavily influenced by the world’s hip-hop scene. Not only have many of their models been spotted on the wrists of music’s biggest hip-hop stars including Eminem, Kid Cudi, the Beastie Boys, Public Enemy and N.W.A, but the Japanese brand shares the gritty ethos that the hip-hop world was upon. Everyone knows that G-Shock watches are built tough, a trait that many of the world’s rappers also embody. So much so, it was only recently that the brand collaborated with the Adelaide-based hip-hop group, Hilltop Hoods on a limited-edition timepiece for their famed G-Shock ‘CasiOak’ watch line that was designed with the agenda of emulating the raw energy of the streets synonymous with the hip-hop scene.
Much like how men's G-Shock watches are synonymous with street style, chains are practically uniform in the music industry and have been pretty much since rap's entrance on the public stage during the early 1980s. Rappers are frequently spotted gallivanting on stage, posing on red carpets and in their music videos with gold chains adorned around their necks. Regarded as a symbol of wealth, masculinity and status in hip-hop circles, when these stars are seen sporting chains, it is a sign that they have inadvertently “made it” in the music industry. So, it only makes sense that G-Shock would pay tribute to these connections with the G-Shock DWE5600HG-1 gold chain model.
G-Shock DWE5600HG-1 Case & Bezel
Boasting a contemporary hexagonal case crafted from G-Shock’s signature resin material, the DWE5600HG-1 Gold Chain mimics the design characteristics of the G-Shock G-Squad watch range in the sense that it features the same rectangular digital dial and an overall pared-back design. It is this detail that is likely to make this gold G-Shock watch more appealing to a wider audience, as while it may have the same level of toughness and endurance as its other models, the design is much more subtle. Fans of the Casio watch brand will know that most G-Shock models have very distinct style conventions that often include a somewhat exaggerated case design with rugged finishes as well as plenty of colours. This gold watch appears to be the complete antithesis of those conventions, however, that is not to say that this model doesn’t provide the same signature G-Shock flair or hardwearing exterior.
Surrounding the dial is a chain-style pattern that is finished in radiant gold and is emphasised by a solid black background. This decoration is perhaps the biggest statement on this piece and highlights the main source of inspiration for the DWE5600HG-1, the gold chain. Another element of this timepiece’s design that instantly grabs your attention is the watch’s interchangeable case. Equipped with two additional cases, a solid black one for a more minimalist look along with a sportier iridescent one, the G-Shock DWE5600HG-1 gives the wearer the freedom to change up their look on a regular basis so that it complements their outfit more. Made from a flexible and lightweight resin, these additional cases also provide the watch with an added layer of protection that rivals that of even the G-Shock Carbon Core watches.
G-Shock DWE5600HG-1 Strap & Collector's Box
The case is not the only element that is interchangeable on this watch as you are also given two additional straps to alter its design. And with over 27 variations to try out, you are inevitably given a lot of freedom to change up your watch’s look so that it better reflects the wearer’s style and personality. Not surprisingly, the bands are built with G-Shock’s signature resin and feature a traditional tongue buckle, this is a detail that not only provides the wearer with a great deal of comfort but also transforms this model into the ultimate unisex watch that will comfortably fit all genders.
Ever so detail-orientated, even the box that the G-Shock DWE5600HG-1 gold chain watch is eye-catching and will comfortably house your watch along with the additional cases and bands perfectly when you are not using them. It will also please watch enthusiasts and G-Shock collectors with a penchant for elegant packaging.
G-Shock DWE5600HG-1 Features
Not only does the G-Shock DWE5600HG-1 excel in all areas of the style department, but much like many of the other timepieces in this iconic Japanese brand’s collection it also offers a great deal of functionality. As an unofficial member of the G-Shock G-Squad range, the G-Shock DWE5600HG-1 also makes for a fantastic sports watch. With a countdown timer and a stopwatch function, you can ensure that you achieve all your fitness goals in record time. Meanwhile, a 200-metre water resistance level will keep your timepiece in good working order when you are out in the surf, if you capsize while canoeing or if you get caught in the rain on your next fast-paced hike.
The G-Shock DWE5600HG-1 also features a powerful electro-luminescent backlight that will allow for timekeeping at all hours of the day whether it be early dawn or in the dead of night and will even help you see in the dark when unlocking your house at night or when navigating your way around during blackouts. Naturally, like all other G-Shock models, the DWE5600HG-1 also comes equipped with shock resistance, a powerful watch-based technology that will help your watch withstand the rigours that come with everyday wear including high drops and hard blows.
G-Shock DWE5600HG-1 Specifications
- 48.9 × 43.8 × 13.7 mm Case
- Resin Band & Case
- Accompanied attached band
- Shock Resistance
- Carbon Core Guard structure
- 200-meter water resistance
- Approx. battery life: 2 years on CR2016
- Mineral Glass
- 1/100-second stopwatch
- Countdown timer
- 1 second Measuring Unit
- 24 hour Countdown Range
- 1 second to 24 hours (1-second increments, 1-minute increments and 1-hour increments) Countdown Range
- Auto-repeat
- Hourly time signal
- Multi-function alarm
- Flash alert
- Flashes with buzzer that sounds for alarms, hourly time signals
- Electro-luminescent backlight
- Afterglow
- Full auto-calendar (to year 2099)
- ±15 seconds per month Accuracy
- 12/24-hour format
- Regular timekeeping (hour, minute, second, pm, month, date, day)
Final Thoughts
Excluding style, class and craftsmanship, the G-Shock DWE5600HG-1 Gold Chain watch may not possess all of the typical characteristics of a G-Shock watch design wise but that isn’t to say it doesn’t meet our expectations. Not only does this watch excel in all avenues from style and comfort to durability and functionality, but it has all the makings of a classic timepiece that is guaranteed to stand the test of time (pun intended).
