If you are seeking a Casio G-Shock you will likely come across two (2) of the most popular design series, the square 5600's and circular 6900's. Both represent G-Shock at their best and you can't go wrong with either.
When selecting the right G-Shock, you have four (4) questions to help narrow down your choices:
1. Form Factor (Size)
For those with smaller wrists the smaller 5600's are the logical choice, but most people can get away with wearing a larger 6900.
2. Features (Modules)
Second are module (features) and the most basic modules reside in the DW models.
Higher end G-Shocks typically have model names starting with a 'G' like the GW or GLX.
3. Style (Color/Design)
The third and most difficult choice is style. Casio doesn't make this easy as they have done many limited edition and collaboration models offering thousands of different color and design choices.
For me, I'd recommend keeping it simple and for your first G-Shock get one in classic black. Then branch out from there and get as many as you want.
4. Materials (Plastic vs. Metal)
For many years most G-Shocks were simple plastic & resin bezel cases and straps. But recently, G-Shock has begun offering additional models with metal bezels and metal bracelets.
The 'metal' G-Shocks have added another twist to the equation and while I've yet to own or handle one, I can see the allure of stainless steel.
Based on what I've researched, the metal G-Shocks are available for both the 5600 and 6900 models and are otherwise comparable to standard G-Shocks with the exception of added heft of metal. For those willing to deal with a 'heavy' watch the metal G-Shocks are another cool way to own one.
And now for the comparisons...
A. DW-6900 vs. DW-5600
There are only two (2) major differentiators between the basic DW 6900 and 5600 models. Both have nearly identical feature lists of Timer, Alarm, Stopwatch, etc and differ primarily in size (6900 is huge) and button placement. The 6900 enjoys the perfect position of a light button front and center, whereas the 5600 is a difficult push on the bottom right.
For versatility and portability, I prefer the DW-5600. It barely weighs anything and tucks nicely under a sleeve.
B. DW-5600 vs. GLX-5600
If the GLX-5600 was in matte black, it would win. I foolishly opted for a bright red model and find it only useful for wearing when hitting the beach or pool. It just doesn't fit my style to have a bright red watch.
Otherwise, I love the GLX-5600 more than the DW-5600 as it has more features like World Time and a High/Low Tide indicator. Another small plus, I'm used to the light button being on the top right vs. bottom right.
But I can see the logic for doing so on the DW-5600 as it makes timing things easier with the start/stop on the top right button. Surprisingly, as I do a lot of time series tests for work, this is quite useful.
And almost forgot, one BIG plus for some the higher end 'G' series allow you turn off the annoying beep noise. For basic DW models, you would have to physically shut it off by opening the case back and shove a piece of paper or permanently 'break' the beep.
For simply the color, the DW-5600 wins, but if the GLX-5600 was in black it would win.
Still, if I could do this all over again (and probably will strongly consider in the future)...a higher end G series 5600 is likely in my future with Tough Solar and Atomic Clock Sync. That might be the perfect G-Shock.
Closing
You can't go wrong with most G-Shocks. Really, once you figure out what form factor (size), features and style you get a really tough watch that can withstand almost anything you throw at it.
Almost everyone needs at least one G-Shock in their collection for those days you need a real beater watch.
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