E.

Polycarbonate Terminator

​Hmmm…not quite as threatening sounding is it? What made me start this website was my purchase of the awesome distressed full metal Gshock, reviewed here. I loved that watch and I really felt that it could survive almost anything and I wore it on many a trips hiking/biking etc. Eventually though, I have to admit that having a fairly significant amount of money locked into the watch, made it too tempting in the end and I managed to sell it a reasonable profit.

This left me ‘sans-gshock’. Not an acceptable state for a watch collector. Clearly I had to eventually source another one for my travels (localized as they sadly are at the moment). I particularly enjoy a local hike which involves a bit of scrambling over, and next to jagged rocks. I’m not quite game to wear my other watches there so a solution was needed.
I still think the square G’s are the the ones to get, the other large round monstrosities are just trolls to my eyes. I’m very interested to see where the new design language of the G-lide will look like when (if) rolled out to the rest of the line. 

So, what interested me right away was the JDM (Japan domestic market) exclusives, particularly a very cool composite bracelet, metal and resin. I put a bid through a proxy service in Japan on a pre-loved model and suddenly I’m the owner or another indestructible watch.

​They packaged it up carefully (for some reason, they could have just attached it to a rock and slapped a stamp on) and off it went for a journey to Australia.

My impressions owning & wearing the watch.

I received the watch in a cardboard box, taped to the bottom. No packaging, no manuals, no nothing. With a watch like this, that’s totally ok and it actually brought a smile to my face. As I said, you could have just slapped a stamp on it since it’s so sturdy.
​
Another thing I loved about unpacking this. The G has lived a life already, it was a bit banged up with some small marks on the frame and bracelet. This means that I’m not the first to do this and might sound stupid, but I’m much more comfortable with that. It’s not unlike when you buy a second hand car and find a small scratch on the door or whatever, not your fault and it’s done now so no need to worry anymore!
Photo of Gshock GWM5610 on esbjorn.com.au
Photo of Gshock GWM5610 on esbjorn.com.au
Photo of Gshock GWM5610 on esbjorn.com.au
Photo of Gshock GWM5610 on esbjorn.com.au
There were a few key decision for me in deciding on this particular model. I absolutely appreciate that the reversed out dial is not as legible as the standard black-on-light dial, but it’s far more aesthetically pleasing to me so that was first priority. Second priority, I have no interest in faffing around with batteries.

​Tough solar is a must and the Gs manage this so well with going in to power saving mode when in a box, immediately waking up displaying the right time when brought out to play. I think it’s worth paying the extra money to get this genuinely useful feature.

Since the dial is not as legible in low light, it is reasonably important that it lights up well in the dark. This model has a warm green light which you unfortunately have to activate through the tiny metal button on the top righthand side. Not easy for me with my big hands and I’d have preferred a centred button on the front but really, who cares, I just have to learn to use my finger tip.
Photo of Gshock GWM5610 on esbjorn.com.au
Photo of Gshock GWM5610 on esbjorn.com.au
The Gshocks have a mineral crystal, not sapphire or any other fancy material. This means that if you’re 100% committed to scratching it, you could but the design of the case with its large polycarbonate frame should protect it against the majority of potential crystal disasters. I could see a jagged rock be bad news for the crystal, but if that’s how you roll on your hikes, we are not talking a particularly expensive watch here so there’s always the option of getting a new one.
Photo of Gshock GWM5610 on esbjorn.com.au
The solar cells form a vaguely purple frame around the dial. I’d have preferred all black everywhere but it’s a small detail and I’m guessing coloured like this out of necessity and perhaps even the contrast makes it look purple. Other than that you’ll find the usual printed details about the capabilities of the watch. I’m not going to be detailing all those in endless paragraphs since they are universal across the Gs (see specs under miscellaneous), but I will share some details here that are unique to this model.
Photo of Gshock GWM5610 on esbjorn.com.au
Being a JDM model, it’ll pick up the multi-band 6 radio signal in the northern hemisphere which will ensure the time is always correct.

My other G had this, and also a Bluetooth connection to an app with similar functionality. This model has no Bluetooth and it’s not very obvious when you first receive it how exactly to set the time.

Fear not however, this model has all time zones pre-programmed so all you have to do is find the one that corresponds with your location and "Robert is your mother’s brother".

​What I believe can’t be changed is the date format so you’re stuck with the US date version with month before day date. A little annoying but nothing to get upset about, particularly since I can change the watch to be 24 hour time format which is what I’d have chosen out of these two if I could only have one.
Photo of Gshock GWM5610 on esbjorn.com.au
Turning the watch over we have the usual engravings on the metal back, held fast by 4 screws. One small surprise was the ‘Made in Thailand’ engraving, this is a well travelled watch by now.

​I like the solid metal feel and it’s very comfortable on the wrist. It’s also interesting to see the sturdy bracelet supports that rest on the metal plate, keeping the bracelet from losing its structure and ensuring the watch rests easy on your wrist.
Photo of Gshock GWM5610 on esbjorn.com.au
So this bracelet then. Was it worth the effort buying this model from Japan when really this was the main drawcard? In my opinion, yes absolutely. It’s a good looking bracelet that changes the look of the watch and makes it look unique (if you’re not in Japan). The alternating metal/resin links work together beautifully.

I had no issues with the standard Gshock bracelet but the fact that this is so flexible and unique takes the watch up a notch to me. The buckle is a two button affair and there are 4 micro adjustments. Lucky for me, since there are no spare links and I’m using the outer most hole, the wearer of this watch had the same wrist size as me. I’m extra glad that I didn’t have to resize since the bracelet contains spring bars throughout, which in my experience are particularly annoying to adjust yourself without an extra person around (to compress the spring bar whilst you slot the part in).
Photo of Gshock GWM5610 on esbjorn.com.au
Movement
​Module No 3159
Strap & Bracelet
Casio Composite bracelet
​Metal and resin

Case
​Case / bezel material: Resin
miscellaneous
  • Tough Solar (Solar powered)
  • LED backlight (Super illuminator)
    Full auto LED light, selectable illumination duration (2 seconds or 4 seconds), afterglow
  • Time calibration signal reception
    Auto receive up to six* times a day (remaining auto receives canceled as soon as one is successful),
  • Approx. battery operating time:
    10 months on rechargeable battery (operation period with normal use without exposure to light after charge)
    22 months on rechargeable battery (operation period when stored in total darkness with the power save function on after full charge)
  • 5 World time
    39 time zones (39 cities +coordinated universal time), daylight saving on/off, Home city/World time city swapping, auto summer time (DST) switching
  • 1/100-second stopwatch
    Measuring capacity:
    00'00''00~59'59''99 (for the first 60 minutes)
    1:00'00~23:59'59 (after 60 minutes)
    Measuring unit:
    1/100 second (for the first 60 minutes)
    1 second (after 60 minutes)
    Measuring modes: Elapsed time, split time, 1st-2nd place times
  • Countdown timer
    Measuring unit: 1 second
    Countdown range: 24 hours
    Countdown start time setting range: 1 minute to 24 hours (1-minute increments and 1-hour increments)
  • 5 daily alarms (with 1 snooze alarm)
  • Hourly time signal
  • Low battery alert
  • Power Saving (display goes blank to save power when the watch is left in the dark)
  • Full auto-calendar (to year 2099)
  • 12/24-hour format
  • Button operation tone on/off
  • Date/month display swapping
  • Day display (days of the week selectable in six languages)
  • Regular timekeeping: Hour, minute, second, pm, month, date, day
  • Accuracy: ±15 seconds per month
To fit the micro adjustments, there’s a long flat part that fits all the way in to the bracelet, should you need to use the other holes. It does not fit aesthetically with the bracelet, it’s designed more in line with the buckle. The clasp is pressed metal, not very exciting other than being blacked out (like). Finally on this aspect of the G, the buckle has a poly carbonate protrusion which also houses the G-SHOCK logo. This is a great looking detail with the added advantage of slightly protecting the rest of the metal buckle from scratches. I say slightly since my watch has plenty of scratches on the buckle, which again, I’m totally cool with. This is and always will be a beater.
Photo of Gshock GWM5610 on esbjorn.com.au
Photo of Gshock GWM5610 on esbjorn.com.au
Photo of Gshock GWM5610 on esbjorn.com.au
Photo of Gshock GWM5610 on esbjorn.com.au
Photo of Gshock GWM5610 on esbjorn.com.au

Final Words

Casio Gshock on wrist
​There are other options than G-Shock for badass watches. There are the Timex, Marathon and even Garmin you could say are in a similar bracket. But to me, no other option comes close to Casio’s G-shock watches with their personality, back story and pure fun.

​I think it’s quite lovely that watch fans have adopted the brand and support all the many special editions and even premium priced titanium and metal versions.

I really love the JDM options here, the cool bracelet, the green illumination and even the buying process which included trying to work out what exactly was going on by using google translate and trawling forums attempting to figure out what one can expect.

Wearing this is always interesting, some people in particular are not impressed with this on the wrist. My good lady wife asks me every time I wear the Gshock if I got it out of a 2 dollar coin machine. Clearly this is unacceptable and I start a long monologue with the intention of re-educating her on the back story, but unless she's got super hearing, I'm pretty sure that her walking away whilst covering her ears means none of this sinks in.

If you’re after a tough, solar powered watch at an affordable price point, any G-Shock is a good buy. I love this model and I think you will too.
​

Cheers,
Esbjörn
Photo of Gshock GWM5610 on esbjorn.com.au
https://world.g-shock.com/asia-mea/en/identity/

Did you enjoy this review? Coffee fuels my night time ponderings.
Buy me a coffeeBuy me a coffee
Click for all watch reviews

webdesign by addonsite.com.au
  • Wrist Watch Reviews
  • Wrist Watches
    • Alcadus Opus 39
    • Second Hour Mandala
    • San Martin SN007
    • Radia RBMK
    • Seiko SRPF79K Save the Ocean
    • Melbourne Watch Company Collins Auto Classic
    • Sinn U2 EZM5
    • Tudor Black Bay 41
    • Casio AE1200
    • Helson Sharkmaster 300
    • Sinn 104
    • G-Shock GW-M5610BC1JF
    • Ollech Wajs P-104
    • Seiko SPB079
    • Doxa Sub300T
    • Damasko DA44
    • Melbourne Watch Company Burnley
    • Laco GMT Frankfurt
    • Heitis Okeanos Bronze
    • Seiko SARX045
    • Hamilton Khaki Automatic
    • Nezumi Voiture
    • Baltic Bicompax
    • Halios Seaforth Bronze
    • Richardt Mejer Moss
    • Seiko 5 Sports
    • Seiko Presage Cocktail Time
    • Unimatic U1-FN
    • Seiko Automatic Prospex Divers Watch
    • Liv Watches GX Swiss Diver's Ceramic
    • Raketa 24 hour watch
    • Viridium Saltopus
    • Casio G-Shock Review
  • Videos
  • Watch Straps
    • Artem NATO straps
    • Suede watch strap review
    • Artem sailcloth strap
    • Bas and Lokes leather strap
    • Hook Strap by Nick Mankey
    • MN straps
    • Leather straps by ES handcrafted
  • Articles
    • Robotoys MBandF
    • Rolex Oyster Perpetual
    • Omega Speedmaster
    • Vintage watches
    • Hublot Classic Fusion
  • Contact
  • About
  • Blog
  • Wrist Watch Reviews
  • Wrist Watches
    • Alcadus Opus 39
    • Second Hour Mandala
    • San Martin SN007
    • Radia RBMK
    • Seiko SRPF79K Save the Ocean
    • Melbourne Watch Company Collins Auto Classic
    • Sinn U2 EZM5
    • Tudor Black Bay 41
    • Casio AE1200
    • Helson Sharkmaster 300
    • Sinn 104
    • G-Shock GW-M5610BC1JF
    • Ollech Wajs P-104
    • Seiko SPB079
    • Doxa Sub300T
    • Damasko DA44
    • Melbourne Watch Company Burnley
    • Laco GMT Frankfurt
    • Heitis Okeanos Bronze
    • Seiko SARX045
    • Hamilton Khaki Automatic
    • Nezumi Voiture
    • Baltic Bicompax
    • Halios Seaforth Bronze
    • Richardt Mejer Moss
    • Seiko 5 Sports
    • Seiko Presage Cocktail Time
    • Unimatic U1-FN
    • Seiko Automatic Prospex Divers Watch
    • Liv Watches GX Swiss Diver's Ceramic
    • Raketa 24 hour watch
    • Viridium Saltopus
    • Casio G-Shock Review
  • Videos
  • Watch Straps
    • Artem NATO straps
    • Suede watch strap review
    • Artem sailcloth strap
    • Bas and Lokes leather strap
    • Hook Strap by Nick Mankey
    • MN straps
    • Leather straps by ES handcrafted
  • Articles
    • Robotoys MBandF
    • Rolex Oyster Perpetual
    • Omega Speedmaster
    • Vintage watches
    • Hublot Classic Fusion
  • Contact
  • About
  • Blog