Hands-On with G-Shock's Anniversary Edition G5600BG-1
When G-Shock celebrates its birthday, it does so in style. Don't expect an over the top creation, as they favor a more down-to-earth approach in which they let the essence of the brand speak. The Anniversary Edition G5600BG-1 is just that, as it stays true to the brands core values of toughness, functionality, and affordability.
The G5600BG-1 isn't even that different from its siblings, apart from one thing: the resin used to make the case and the strap contains scraps left over from the production of other G-Shock models. To make this evident, they use red and yellow colored scraps and blend that into the fresh, black urethane from which the watch is crafted. This blended look gives each and every G5600BG-1 a unique pattern and also adds a bit of fun to the watch. It is not so much that it turns this G-Shock into an instant eyecatcher, but it is more for the subtle enjoyment of its owner as it gives the watch just that bit more flair. For those who prefer a more monochrome look, check out the G-5600SRF, a limited edition that G-Shock launched together with the Surfrider Foundation, which is a group of surfers dedicated to environmental protection activities focusing on the oceans.
As is to be expected are the specs of the G5600BG-1 on point. The watch is solar powered, and G-Shock even mentions in its description that it can run continuously for 12 months, with normal use, without exposure to light after it is fully charged. While I hope you are never going to find yourself in a situation where you have to forgo light for an entire year, it does say something about how well G-Shock has regulated the power consumption of the movement. As the watch is only 12.7mm thick, and this is mainly due to its shock absorption measures, the battery inside is not that large.
As always, G-Shock is taking full advantage of the G5600BG-1 being a digital watch, so it offers a wide variety of different functions, ranging from a 1/100th of a second stopwatch to the option to set 5 daily alarms, as well as a perpetual calendar programmed to the year 2099 and a convenient LED backlight function. It also comes with a 20ATM/200-meter water resistance, and as it weighs only 47 grams, wearing comfort is superb.
With a recommended retail price of $150, you are getting a lot of watch for your money, but even more so getting a watch that you don't have to worry about. With the recycled resin inserted in the case and strap, the G5600BG-1 is a unique addition to the extensive G-Shock collection, as each of the watches will look slightly different. So, as we congratulate G-Shock on another birthday, the best news is that after all these years, they are still entirely in sync with what made them so great in the first place.
For more info, visit G-Shock, here
