Casio launches two G-Shock squares with high-contrast MIP displays and Multiband 6 in the US

Casio has expanded the G-Shock 5600 series in the US with the introduction of the GW-BX5600-1 and GW-BX5600-1A1. These were first launched in Japan and select Asian markets in November 2025, but are only now making their way stateside. As they say, better late than never—although this one took its sweet time.

The GW-BX5600-1 and GW-BX5600-1A1 are now listed on Casio’s US site for $180 each. The only major difference between the two is the display: the GW-BX5600-1 has a standard positive display, while the GW-BX5600-1A1 opts for a negative display with light characters on a dark background.

The real draw here is that Memory-in-Pixel (MIP) LCD, which greatly improves readability and contrast and makes everything look crisp.MIP displays store information at the pixel level, allowing them to maintain an image with minimal power while offering a wide viewing angle and particularly good visibility in bright outdoor conditions. It’s especially great for negative displays, which can be notoriously hard to read on STN LCDs usually found on other 5600 models.

Casio does give traditionalists an escape hatch. The MIP display on the GW-BX5600 offers two styles, including a Classic option designed to mimic the familiar 7-segment look, along with four timekeeping layouts that can be switched directly on the watch.

Apart from the MIP upgrade, Casio has kept the familiar 5600 formula otherwise intact. Both GW-BX5600 models measure 49.1 × 44.1 × 13.4mm and weigh 51g and offer a shock-resistant resin case, 200-meter water resistance, and a bio-based resin band. 

Finally, you also get Tough Solar charging, Multiband 6 radio-controlled timekeeping, and Bluetooth connectivity, which lets you connect the watch to your smartphone via the “Casio Watches” app.

Specifications

• Models: GW-BX5600-1, GW-BX5600-1A1
• Display: High-contrast Memory-in-Pixel (MIP) LCD
• Display variants: Positive display (GW-BX5600-1) and negative display (GW-BX5600-1A1)
• Case size: 49.1 × 44.1 × 13.4mm
• Weight: 51g
• Case/bezel: Resin with bio-based resin components
• Band: Bio-based resin
• Glass: Mineral glass
• Water resistance: 200 meters
• Shock resistance: Yes
• Power: Tough Solar
• Battery life: Up to 6 months without additional light; up to 22 months with power saving enabled
• Timekeeping: Multiband 6 radio-controlled timekeeping and Bluetooth smartphone connectivity
• World time: 55 cities across 38 time zones, plus UTC
• Stopwatch: 1/100-second accuracy for the first 60 minutes
• Timer: 24-hour countdown timer
• Alarms: 5 daily alarms, including one snooze alarm
• Backlight: Full-auto LED backlight
• App: Casio Watches
• Smartphone features: Automatic time adjustment, watch settings, world time, Time & Place, and phone finder
• Display customization: Four timekeeping layouts and two font styles