Converting a G-Shock "King" GXW-56 to a Metal Bezel and Bracelet. What Was I Thinking?

I like the "G-Shock King" watch but I'm limited when it comes to the various versions because I tend to avoid watches with negative or "reverse" LCD screens. So how can I enjoy a variety anyway? I decided to try one of those third-party metal conversion kits out of China. Folks on the Internet assured me that they were high-quality bezels and bracelets, allowing me to purchase and convert a resin G-Shock to metal for less than the price of a full-metal G-Shock made by Casio.
So how did it go? It took about three weeks after I ordered the metal conversion kit before it arrived at my house and then the actual task of converting the watch was fairly simple and easy. Here's my explanation of how I thought through the decision of converting this watch (as opposed to one of the smaller G-Shock Squares). And here's a look at exactly how I did the conversion. I ordered the kit through Ali Express and I paid about $99.
My understanding is that the kit will work on either the GX-56 or the GXW-56 watches from Casio. The GX-56 (module 3221) is nearly identical to the GXW-56 (module 3220) except that the GXW-56 includes the built-in Multiband 6 receiver for automatic time updates based on atomic clock synchronization. All models in this G-Shock "King" line feature Tough Solar charging of the power supply, allowing over a decade of service (typically) without having to change any batteries. They are the largest G-Shocks based on the general design of the original "G-Shock Square" digital watch.

[@tarheelred]

*_Thanks again for the bracelet adjustment demonstration in this vid. I benefited from your video of the Pro Trek titanium bracelet adjustment a few months ago and now this one. You’re the man sir. Happy Father’s Day btw!!!_*

[@GoodTimekeeper]

Thank you. My family gave me some Father’s Day gifts and (spoiler alert) there will be more Casio watch review videos in the next few weeks.

[@Linuxwarlord]

​@ElmertheClep can you please share the link to this kit?

[@bigpete825]

I purchased the black metal kit for GX-56BB-1 and I love it. I've lost track of how many times I have bumped the case into the wall or something hard and it still looks great.

[@antidot556]

I got my dw 5600 modded already. Not multi band 6 etc... I only bought it just because it fits well under suit. In fact i have never imagined myself wearing a g-shock. Thanks God, someone designed this steel mod.

[@paulmcnamara2908]

Looks awesome! Didn't even know they did a full metal kit for that model! I have one of those kits for my 5610 and love it!

[@Patelivision]

I did this with the GX56-GB. I only swapped in a metal case and metal buckle+keeper. I figured since the digits are gold on this one, that the gold metal would work better.

[@TheGreatest1974]

This is a superb mod for the King. I’m getting one at some point!👍🇬🇧

[@Guardatiempo]

Excellent result

[@oklahomahank2378]

I started with the basic square and put the titanium case on it. Then I bought a GW - S5600 - 1 JF, the one with the carbon fiber band and titanium band. I put a titanium band and bezel on it as well, so it is almost all titanium. It is very nice. My main motivation, other than the desire to tinker, was that I am allergic to the resin used in Casio watch bands. The finished product is still very light, about 95 grams.

[@treygregory7929]

That’s really cool. How’s it going/holding up? I would love an all titanium GShock. I just discovered the watch modding world. Maybe I’ll do some more research and give it a shot.

[@oklahomahank2378]

@@treygregory7929 I bought the kit. It is moderately good quality. The actual modification is not hard. I first made one with a basic g shock, then bought the carbon fiber band modell, which has a titanium back. (Casio was trying to make the lightest g shock.). Gw - S 5600 1jf

[@alvarchacon839]

Always give me a rash!

[@tonivanlaar9596]

@@oklahomahank2378 I got the 5600u-JF also with titanium back and Carbon fiber band! If not mistaken the buttons and gesp is titanium to. But I don’t feel modding any g-shock in my collection

[@oklahomahank2378]

@@tonivanlaar9596 That is quite reasonable. I have an older one, a non U model, on a silicon strap to avoid an allergic reaction. But I really like the U version with multiple world times and with the local time shown on stopwatch and countdown timer, like the original squares.

[@oklahomahank2378]

The black plastic on the back of the King is part of the waterproofing.

[@muzza9338]

Mate, it's the watch module that is waterproof on all models!!! Where have you been Brother? You need to get off the psychedelics.

[@StardustLegacyFighter]

It's water resistant, not water proof.

[@Thomas-fl2jn]

@@muzza9338The module? You mean the watch case? You have to learn the difference!

[@OverlandTT]

The plastic back is nothing to do with the seal. There is an inner gasket that sits under the metal cover.

[@DrVagoLoco]

Just to be clear, the dw5600/5610 case will fit on the gxw56? I ask it because on 3:20 the aliexpress page you showed was referring to the 5610 case

[@papawoody9597]

Very helpful video. Never encountered a bracelet like this. I was working on a DW5600 and the springbars in the bracelet will likely never come loose, but what a pain in the ass.

[@EduardoValenciaPuga]

Hey Greg! Where were you? Nice to see you again

[@sashashebedyak]

Very cool!!!🤯 But I'll never dare to do something like that with my GX-56SS-1 from the “street spirit” collection.

[@sylvainster30]

That’s a great idea you got there! It’s unique for sure! ✌🏼😎👍🏼

[@Dude_Virus]

That protrek looks awesome

[@ralphreinhardt6020]

🤘 METAL 🤘

[@butterbeans898]

Love the chrome

[@nordin_gh]

I have 2 King, after watching your video, I might bought the metal bezel and bracelet too for the black color as the other one is the blue color come with 5 General head.

[@joemartinez9604]

Mr. Anderson should I put the kings in a drawer so that they will turn off in the dark or should I put them out on display. Putting them on display the kings will stay on

[@ottingervr6]

That’s awesome! Great video

[@generationofbmx]

Thank you for this. Because of your video I decided NOT to get the metal bezel from China because the design is different with the way the buttons are and dont look the same as the original resin design.

[@Mu5i12anda]

Have you ever do the conversion like this to the skmei?

[@H____K]

This bezel case can fit on Casio A158wa watch

[@shaunmostert1585]

Where can I find a metal kit like that for the GX56 ?

[@loganholmberg2295]

I just got my red trim solar and atomic Square today! Ilove Synergy. lol Man I can't believe I held out so long. I love my Rangeman but like a 36mm Explorer everything about the size is perfec. Well other than the strap but I got big wrists and I have stuff on order to help with that. Anyway I totally get the 5600 now I just need to get some 22mm coversion links and a canvas strap for it cause I have to use the last hole on that synthetic strap. I had been considering the the gw-56 but all we get is the blacked out versoin in Canada. I loathe negative display watches.

[@diegodelossantos9244]

great video. does the metal version of the bezel and bracelet have a black color? also do you recommend a black metal bracelet for the stock bezel? thank you very much.

[@luisitoraven]

Lo único que no me gusta es eliminar dos de los tornillos y lo que si eliminaría es el plástico de la tapa de abajo.por lo de más todo bien! Suerte!

[@NenEcAlpha]

Sabes si se pierde resistencia al agua o se viola la garantía??? Saludos

[@TheGreatest1974]

I take it the gxw56 bull bars will not fit over the new bezel? I wonder if there is a model of g shock which you could use the bull bars to go over this.

[@carnyshill684]

good video. waiting for the metal kit for the GMAS2100-7A some one has to be making one soon.

[@TheGreatest1974]

Can the plastic back be taken off for cleaning the watch?

[@masmillion8658]

I have a question sir, is it still water proof after changing the watch to steel bezel? Coz i see some loose part near the side buttons those 4 buttons.

[@GoodTimekeeper]

The piece I removed before putting on the metal bezel did not provide any water resistance so I a think the rest of the watch’s water resistance capability was not affected by this change.

[@muzza9338]

It's not the watch casing etc that's waterproof, it's the module as case back!!!!

[@daddyofalltradesfamily1413]

Hello may i know how can i order those? Please reply. Thanks

[@pedccollflo7961]

Hermoso le quedó

[@musichaspower]

Hello Am looking everywhere to buy this G-Shock GXW-56. I live in canada and we don’t have on website. Where can I find please advice

[@pdiz]

Curious, the ones on Aliexpress don't say G-SHOCK on the bezel in the pictures, but do they actually say it when you receive the product, or is Casio cracking down on that? I realize this video is a little old...

[@GoodTimekeeper]

Yes. I admit that I don't fully understand how Aliexpress works. It seems like products appear and disappear often and unpredictably. So maybe folks are finding the exact kit I found and maybe they're finding something slightly different. I probably would have purchased a genuine, all-metal version directly from Casio IF they ever made one. Since they never did, I didn't feel like there was anything wrong with buying a third-party kit (which I also did with the GW-6900).

[@stevenfennell7020]

These don`t seem to be available any more.

[@stevenfennell7020]

I take that back. They are still available in steel and camo versions.

[@vita2748]

Hey im looking for this on AliExpress and all photos of this bezel are without g shock protection writings on it. Should i look more or is it some policy of AliExpress to not show brand names or something?

[@GoodTimekeeper]

There are folks who object to third parties using G-Shock and the word "Protection" on their products, thinking there's some kind of a trademark issue there. So it may be that the exact kit I bought is not available anymore with those words on it. It always seemed to me that the offerings at AliExpress change rapidly, so I never saved the exact link to the thing I bought. I suppose you could keep looking but I really don't know what's available now.

[@ba.youtube1007]

does it compromise the mudproof?

[@vicentegutierrez1571]

Are those made from stainless steel materials

[@joluis23]

hola greg saludos de venezuela, me puedes decir donde el link de la pagina que vende el bisel metalico por favor

[@LemonWatermelon]

Looks amazing❤

[@agustinmarcos9061]

Buenas tardes, no veo el enlace de compra de la caja. Muchas gracias.

[@dn06se83]

Maybe one day, I will convert mine as well.

[@bentley4l]

Question, can I buy the glass from the (5600?) first square face you showed? To replace the glass on my GW-5000U? I like the colors on it (5600) more.

[@gabd.5299]

For me, a G-shock has a resin case. While the option for metal is great, I'm stick with the resin. With an obnoxious color too! :D

[@jamespisano1164]

Thanks, man.

[@sylvainster30]

I wonder if the metal parts interfere with Multi Band 6 reception? Thanks for sharing with us! ✌🏼😎👍🏼

[@muzza9338]

It may even help the reception mate!

[@wicked_7605]

Can you send the link where I can purchase the set?

[@ski2474]

Where to buy metal body for 56bb

[@wopwops0482]

MRG-56! Casio should do it!

[@GoodTimekeeper]

It would be cool. I just hope it wouldn’t cost $3,500 or more like the other MR-G squares.

[@CrashCarson14]

I bought one off of eBay. It was ok. The bracelet is nice but the metal bezel is eh. It rattles when together and you shake your hand. So it’s like one or the other but not both work

[@antoniomoreno6944]

A quedado de lujo el reloj

[@mnggroup3728]

Can u share the link?

[@emmanuelbadajos924]

awesome ! I would probaby get a bunch of these and get them anodized different colors. lol !

[@jafetsedo665]

Beautiful👼

[@AriaAzari]

Great video, I think the weight will much more than 300 grams, happily I was wrong, Thanks, I will do exactly the same for my personal use.

[@valor1630]

Bro. what can u say about "Lug to Lug Space" or is it called "Lug Hang"? when its a little loose? or its quite nice to have that clank(loose) factor? tnx bless up

[@GoodTimekeeper]

I don't have calipers to measure these things myself, but I usually look at the listings on Shockbase.org if I need the measurements. Here's their page about the GXW-56. shockbase.org/watches/watch_dyn.php?model=GXW-56-1B&subseries=GXW-56&series=56

[@valor1630]

@@GoodTimekeeper thanks Bro. God bless you

[@IronButterknife]

Question, did the metal affect the atomic signal? I assume not.

[@GoodTimekeeper]

No problem here. I always need to mention that I’m only about 350 miles from the WWVB transmitter and reception is consistently good here anyway. But this watch’s radio reception doesn’t seem to be affected at all by this modification.

[@michaborczynski2985]

Where Can I buy this pretty metal body ?

[@GoodTimekeeper]

I found it on Ali Express. The same metal parts will work for either the GXW-56 or the GW-56.

[@greezy937]

Link for it?

[@tonivanlaar9596]

I don’t feel modding any g-shock in my collection. And I got 5 of them. A silver g-shock or a golden one doesn’t look right and find them awfull looking. But I have to say that I like the black titanium version of g-shock with a positive display! But that watch cost 4000,- it’s insane almost the price of a entry Rolex watch

[@aldoabad]

I made my two squares steel like that and I'll say is the only reasonable way to purchase that feature. Casio did all wrong with their high prices and negative displays.

[@GoodTimekeeper]

It makes you wonder. When they can sell a Duro for about $50 and I can get a genuine Casio metal bracelet for the Duro at a cost of about $30 then why should a metal “Square” cost so much more than a plastic one?

[@aldoabad]

@@GoodTimekeeper Clearly this Carbon Core, Metal Core, Shiny Steel editions and Inverted displays are made for fashion, in fact, the only answer is money, I can't wonder another excuse to betray the historical Casio's concept: Make efficient affordable watches.

[@analogmatrix1442]

Does the metal conversion affect the Bluetooth? I keep reading on different reviews of Bluetooth watches that the resin helps keep the Bluetooth signal function strong.

[@aldoabad]

@@analogmatrix1442 the therorical 50 foot range on resin cases decrease with metal mod but generally the watch is closer to the phone.

[@analogmatrix1442]

@@aldoabad If you are a guy yes you usually have your phone in your pocket less than 1.5 a meters away from your phone. But if you are a female you have your phone in your purse 15 meters away (on account of they loathe having anything in their pocket much less a brick of a phone). Obviously I’m joking 😆 but on a serious note it probably does affect the multi band 6 reception especially if you are already in a weak signal location. Just food for thought.

[@алексейниколаев-ч8м]

приветствую, Грег. сорвана резьба винтов. как можно уплотнить?

[@alvarchacon839]

Why wouldn’t you go for black metal?

[@pinkyellowblue007]

You could easily polish the metal parts even more with a dremel if you wanted to.

[@tiagodvt]

Cool mod. That beast of a watch looks good on your wrist. I could never pull it off. May I ask your wrist size?

[@GoodTimekeeper]

My right wrist is about 7-and-a-quarter inches around and my left wrist is about 7-and-a-half. The watch certainly looks big on me but not too much, especially if I’m wearing a big jacket.

[@lxplumm1]

Not for me, but a useful video for someone who might be interested in this mod.

[@Professional_Youtube_Commenter]

embrace the dings, accept it was part of the character of the watch

[@OverlandTT]

Why is the question?

[@jairusaudwin2605]

Is it still waterproof after the convert the bezel?

[@muzza9338]

110% yes the watch is definitely still H20 proof

[@andrzeja.3229]

Super!!!

[@rexmabunga]

At 1:14 what is the model on the left?

[@GoodTimekeeper]

I think you’re referring to a version of the GW-B5600. This was one of the first versions released by Casio. Here’s my in depth review… kzbin.info/www/bejne/ommkfpJ5rbirbpYsi=g67pVkHJED60gq-C

[@robertopatro5458]

Tem o link de compra do bracelete de metal?

[@rauldeandrade]

it's a g-shock. A toothbrush and water is perfectly safe... up to 200 mts

[@MrDanijelho]

And lug to lug is?

[@csmoody28ty44]

Does this sacrifice water resistance?

[@GoodTimekeeper]

It doesn’t appear that the piece I removed before installing this metal bezel was creating any kind of water resistant seal. So I would say that the module beneath this metal is just as water resistant as it was before.

[@medieum]

4:10 whats the name of the right watch

[@GoodTimekeeper]

That is a GW-M5610BC-1. I replaced the original bracelet with a strap kit from Jays and Kays. I put the bracelet onto another G-Shock square.

[@MannyScoot]

I found one that it's all stainless steel (brushed)..... nothing shinny and added a Bull Bar.......Everyone says man that's an expensive looking Casio .......I found a King GX-56 on Amazon in Stainless for $550.00

[@daemonmackenzie1706]

Link for the brushed stainless one you found ?

[@bm2555]

Dry hands

[@MrPleers]

Not something I would do. (I prefer to keep my G-Shocks all original G-shock.) But it looks very cool.

[@GoodTimekeeper]

I wondered about whether I would miss the stock look... so I did this conversion on one which already had a little damage to the original, resin strap.

[@praktikalpinoytechgsm8496]

Will swapping it with metal make it look bigger than it is?

[@tachyonmask8114]

Mine died.Screen went all black.

[@GoodTimekeeper]

Was it a positive display or a negative display? The only occasions when I’ve seen a positive display go all black was when it was overheated. If a negative display has gone all black then perhaps it needs a good battery charge.

[@darcyphillips70]

.2 kg, that’s more than doubled the original weight… I recon you could deflect live rounds with that mod 😂

[@John-P]

Hi Greg Over 200gr. that's one heavy watch, certainly for me, and to be honest I prefer my G-Shocks to be original, but with maybe a Combi bracelet, thanks stay safe

[@freequest]

Had they made a Brushed metal one fingerprints would not be that big of a problem.

[@themidstream]

Wow.

[@stevenfennell7020]

Doesnt look like this would fit an 8 inch wrist. Which is a pity as that watch is designed for the larger wrist.

[@ZeginMakesMusic]

You sound almost exactly like Sam Harris.

[@GoodTimekeeper]

I don’t know much about Sam Harris. I hope he’s a good guy.

[@ZeginMakesMusic]

@@GoodTimekeeper I implore you to search his name on KZbin and listen to the way he speaks. Everything from your tone to your intonation is almost identical. I would call him your voice doppelganger. He's very popular and has debates and lectures around universities.

[@jojoelias1150]

Nope. Not doing that

[@Victor_Eastwood]

Terminator wach

[@OverlandTT]

Cheap plastics are very harmful to health. I wouldn’t risk it personally.

[@hrs.ai2018]

The color does not match