The Allure of Casio G-Shock
Iconic Brand with a Rich Legacy
Casio G-Shock and Swatch are two iconic watch brands that have garnered a loyal following. Their timepieces are not only relatively affordable, typically ranging from $40 to $100, but they also offer an astonishing variety of models, special editions, and unique designs that few collectors could ever hope to amass entirely. Yet, many enthusiasts come remarkably close, curating collections that are cosmic in size and diversity. With thousands of variations, there’s something in their extensive catalogs that can appeal to nearly everyone.
My Favorite: The G-Shock 5600
Personally, I have a fondness for the squarish 5600 model. There’s something timeless about its design that resonates with the original DNA of the Casio digital watch segment. Unlike the bulkier 6900 or 7900 models, the 5600 maintains a slimmer profile that is more to my liking. I prefer watches that are 12-13 mm thick or less; anything thicker feels more like a pocket watch than a wristwatch.
Focusing on the GLX Series
I've decided to limit my collection to the GLX series, which includes three base models:
- 5600-1: Black
- 5600-4: Red
- 5600-7: White
While the GLX series offers numerous variations, including several from the Hawaii In4mation company, I currently don't feel the need to expand my digital collection further. However, here are some notable standard variations within the series:
- 5600a-2: Light Blue (Teal)
- 5600a-3: Jade Green
- 5600b-4: Purple
- 5600b-8: Matte Black
- 5600xa-4: In4mation Salmon (Pink)
- 5600xa-3: In4mation Light Blue (Teal)
Series Preferences
I’m not particularly fond of the GRX and GWX series. While they share visual similarities with the GLX, they feature a negative display and, in the case of the GWX, come with solar power and atomic synchronization. Although a purist might lean toward the DW 5600C for its classic appeal, I appreciate the additional features of the GLX, including the moonphase and tide graph, along with the timer and world time functions. I might consider acquiring models from the DW series in the future, especially the DW 5600C and 5600E, as they honor Casio's origins.
Battery Life and Maintenance
One of the standout features of the GLX series is its impressive 7-year battery life. Few digital watches can match that duration. Given that I rotate through my watches, some may sit unused for months, making the need for solar-powered options a maintenance headache I’d prefer to avoid.
The Excitement of Learning
The world of watches is endlessly fascinating, and there’s always more to learn. I still feel that rush of excitement before receiving a new purchase, as if it’s a small celebration of my passion for horology.
Whether exploring the intricate designs of Casio G-Shock or the vibrant styles of Swatch, each addition to my collection deepens my appreciation for the craft and the stories behind these remarkable timepieces.
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