By: CUSAQ [ Instagram | Tumblr ]
Contents
- Introduction
- Performance Specifications
- Design Features
- Issues and Concerns
- Use Case and Styling
- Summary
1. Introduction
Casio G-Shock DW-H5600-1 is a fitness tracking hybrid version of Casio’s ever-popular 5600 line of G-Shock digital watches.
I purchased the DW-H5600 around five months ago and have worn it regularly over that time. While I already own its more limited, predecessor model, the DW-5600, I was attracted by the promise of fitness tracking and heart rate monitor features in a military-aesthetic watch with a wearable compact case size.
Initially, I was impressed by its clear and vivid screen, which uses the Memory in Pixel technology, the watch’s slim bezel, and the ease of use and accuracy of the heart rate and step tracking functions but, like any product, living with it for an extended period of time will reveal more impressions and also issues.
The DW-H5600-1 was purchased via “TicTacArea.com” for $380AU.
2. Performance Specifications
The Casio G-Shock DW-H5600-1 offers the following specifications:
- Case Size: 51.1 × 44.5 × 17.4 mm
- Weight: 59 grams
- Case and Bezel Material: Bio-based Resin
- Band: Bio-based Resin band
- Crystal Display: Memory in Pixel (MIP)
- Construction features: Shock Resistant, Carbon Core Guard structure
- Water Resistance: 200 meters
- Power Supply and Battery Life: Solar-assisted USB Lithium cable charging
- Sensor Features: Multi-sport activities tracking, POLAR optical heart rate measurement, sleep measurement, blood oxygen level measurement, step count measurement
- Smartphone Link/App Connectivity: Bluetooth, CASIO WATCHES App compatible
- Glass: Mineral Glass
- World Time: 38 time zones (38 cities + UTC)
- Light: LED backlight (Super Illuminator), selectable duration (1.5 or 5 seconds), Afterglow
3. Design Features
The DW-H5600-1 sports a minimal black design in the 5600 casing that has become synonymous with the G-Shock brand; remaining impressively compact considering the H5600’s additional features compared to standard “dumb” models. Aesthetically sthere are actually a range of designs available in the same H5600 family with more conspicuous colours and designs, including the DW-H5600EX-1 which features modular, interchangeable bezels and straps with a circuit board/design via decal.
The bio-based resin use for the case and strap is both comfortable and sweat-resistant. The case’s chrome buttons are hard to bump accidentally with the 5600 case design. The biosensors on the backplate fit close to flush and are not noticeable when worn. The ability to increase the duration of the AUTO-EL backlight function, which illuminates as you turn your wrist up, to 5 seconds from the standard 1.5 is a nice feature they’ve added to this watch that I appreciate over my standard DW-5600. I always felt the 1.5 seconds was not long enough.
The MIP screen is clear with a large numerical display that can be changed between three configurations. I previously considered the purchase of a Nixon Regulus, but saw in on-wrist images that the body of the watch is far too chunky. The DW-H5600-1 provides the same digit dominant aesthetic without being quite as hefty in design, case-wise.
The heart rate and step tracker are accurate and user-friendly, and can be set to “always-on” for tracking throughout the day, or set to enabled only when performing an activity. Features like ‘find my phone’ and notification passthrough add convenience and were easy to configure, though they require consistent Bluetooth pairing, which drains the battery considerably more than usual, requiring USB charging.
Pairing the H5600 to a phone is fairly simple, and once the initial connection has been made, the watch will pair and sync automatically when the associated phone is in range.
4. Issues and Concerns
After five months of pretty much daily wear, I do have a few issues and concerns with the Casio H5600-1.
4.1 Regular Charging is Required if Bluetooth is On
The main concern is battery charging. While the battery lasts weeks with basic use, and still days when using tracking and Bluetooth connection, the solar charging is slower than ideal. It charges about 25% in a few hours of direct sunlight, but isn’t reliable for continuous use of advanced features without cable charging.
If you plan on using “always-on” tracking and other Bluetooth features, you’ll need to add the DW-H5600-1 to your list of gadgets to recharge overnight, and given that the charge cable is a proprietary connection into the backplate of the watch, if the cable is lost or forgotten, you’ll need to order a new one.
In real world use, if I don’t use the fitness functions at all, I need to charge the H5600 roughly every five weeks. With daily fitness function use, but being mindful to turn the continuous Bluetooth connection off, I need to charge every five days.
4.2 Limited Exercise Tracking Modes
Another minor issue is categorised activity-specific tracking. The choices are limited to ‘running’, ‘walking’, and ‘gym workout’. My main cardio activity is cycling, and when picking a category for tracking on the watch, it wasn’t obvious what the difference between the three options would be. Regardless, I selected ‘running’ and found the time, distance and hear rate monitoring to remain accurate. This could have been more intuitive with a few extra modes for popular fitness types.
4.3 Price
At a slightly higher price range than other trackers/watches with these features, and certainly more expensive than a standard DW5600 (which retail under $100), some consumers may find more value in other watches based on what they actually need. Casio also produce the GBD200-1D, dropping the heart rate tracking features and rechargeable battery for a similar aesthetic at around half the price of the DW-H5600-1.
4.4 Susceptible to Insect Spray Damage
While this is not a problem unique to the H5600-1, any resin case or band is going to be susceptible to irreversible texture and colour damage from insect repellant spray. Be careful to not spray any directly on the watch if you want to avoid this happening to yours.
5. Use Case and Styling
The watch fits seamlessly into my semi-military inspired casual attire as well as my typical casual office look.
Wearing with minimal gym attire, the watch doesn’t stand out on the wrist. It’s suitable for any setting where a slimmer G-Shock model would be appropriate. Especially when comparing to other fitness trackers or smart watches, the DW-H5600-1 manages to provide the features of a tracker without appearing like one. Large cases and bright colours heavily detract from more casual looks, in my opinion.
6. Summary
6.1 Pros
- The DW-H5600-1 offers accurate tracking without compromising the classic G-Shock 5600 aesthetic
- It’s an ideal daily wearable with a compact case and smart features that aren’t overly complex like some full smartwatches
- Extremely rugged, like all G-Shocks
- Amazingly clear MIP display
6.2 Cons
- Slow solar charging and the need for USB charging regularly dependent on Bluetooth use
- Categories for activity tracking could also be more diverse
- High price compared to other fitness trackers, and especially standard “dumb” model 5600 G-Shocks
- Insect repellant will permanently damage the finish of the resin case (as with all resin wristwatches)
6.3 Verdict
While the price point matches or may be slightly above other smart trackers, I believe the subdued design and ease of use of this watch and its functions make it stand out as a choice in that field. The Casio DW-H5600-1 provides a compact military digital watch design with a range of useful performance updates for the tech-addicts.
Ethical Statement: This product was purchased by myself with my own funds and is in no way endorsed or otherwise sponsored by the manufacturer (Casio) or the Retailer (TicTacArea).