GW-B5600CD "Galapagos Square" G-Shock In-Depth Review

Casio continues to release new "G-Shock Squares" based on the original form factor of the first G-Shock from 1983. The newest watch in my collection continues this tradition with a brand new module, number 3540. This module operates exactly the same way as other, recent modules for G-Shock Squares which have Tough Solar, Multiband 6 and Bluetooth connectivity with a Smart Phone or Tablet. (It is believed that the only difference between this new module and previous non-STN modules is that the Bluetooth chip has been updated.) This watch uses the Casio Watches app for that Smart Phone link. The app allows users to enjoy "Atomic Time" synchronization even in areas where Multiband 6 radio reception is not available or isn't reliable. The app is also useful for setting everyday functions like the alarms, time zones, reminders and other settings. With most settings, you have the option of making adjustments on the watch without the app or with the app connected. For some settings, it seems easier and faster to use the app. Also, the app will update the time on the watch in a matter of a few seconds whereas Multiband 6 might take a few minutes.
The set-up and functions of this GW-B5600 are the same as with other variations of this model AND the same as with the various versions of the GMWB5000 watch from Casio (AKA the G-Shock Squares with metal cases and bracelets). So, no matter which of these Solar/Multiband/Bluetooth watches you buy, you can follow my guide in order to use your watch.
This particular version of the GW-B5600 is part of a Charles Darwin collection, with support for the preservation of the Galapagos Islands. The watch is this video features a shark theme on the outside and in the backlight. There are two other versions with a Galapagos theme.

[@tonychen3368]

Those are so good, the Yellow is insane!

[@urusaiko]

The one with Hammerhead Shark is gorgeous! The backlit silhouette of the shark showing on the screen is awesome!

[@EverydayJ1786]

Seems that casio is moving away from including the metal tin packaging ... I just received a ga-b2100 and it was in the same cardboard carton . I was slightly disappointed not receiving the traditional metal gshock tin

[@Crazy09starkillor]

Got my first gshock, the gst-b600 as well but yeah kinda wished I get the tin I see so much. But hey boxes are just novelty

[@Mrb00st]

The Galapagos squared are great primarily because they're positive display variants of the gw-b5600, and basically all the "regular" gwb5600s have a negative display that's very hard to read for some reason. The funky colorway is just a bonus, really! I wish they'd make a square with the module from the metal square with the STN display but in a resin case screwback like the gw5000u. I love my gwm5610u but the visibility angles are remarkably bad.

[@williamfavata3922]

Love the shark silhouette in the back light

[@GaryAlanCohen]

Here's what Google said about Bluetooth going obsolete with newer versions - In general, Bluetooth is backwards compatible: Bluetooth devices supporting the just-announced Bluetooth 4.2 standard should still be able to pair with devices using, say, the ancient Bluetooth 2.1, launched back in 2007. The exception are gadgets or peripherals based on the low-energy version called Bluetooth Smart.26 Apr 2013

[@tydshiin5783]

Usually most android devices should also have the option to enable low-energy bt detection, but it's kinda jank to use anyway imo

[@wpherigo1]

Your videos are always the best - fun, informative, light hearted. Keep up the good work. I wish that Casio would always make sure that they have a non-Bluetooth version of their watch editions. I love multiband-6 and can’t wear bluetooth enabled devices into where I work, so a Bluetooth multiband-6 watch is something I could only wear when I’m not at work.

[@layneaic2076]

I have module 3461 the sand land B5600. Modded the strap & bezel in a black colourway . I really love the module of this watch; Band 6, bluetooth & tough solar.

[@jamessmith6402]

Thanks Greg that’s a great looking watch 👍

[@17cmmittlererminenwerfer81]

Nice find, enjoy!

[@Roughdraft214]

Your Spanish is excellent Greg! After you mentioned having lived in Bolivia it all made sense.

[@JeffC-fq1be]

Where does he speak Spanish?

[@Roughdraft214]

@@JeffC-fq1be4:00 he reads the Spanish text on the watch band.

[@JeffC-fq1be]

@@Roughdraft214 Thanks.

[@AlexBaldwinFTW]

I have this exact watch! Love it 😅

[@user-cv6dc1wg9s]

perfect review thanks

[@alanb76]

In support of the other comments, I have very old BlueTooth devices and they seem to continue to work fine, as long as the accompanying software does. Same with old USB devices. At least the software is under Casio's control, if they continue to support it. The newer BT versions are usually about lowering power usage and adding features, but compatibility is a major requirement for them. The larger problem is operating system requirements forcing software to be updated. There again, Casio can do that if they choose to.

[@turbolenza35]

Best watch ever.

[@alanb76]

I have had the battery get soft (didn't charge well or hold charge very long) on my oldest Casio Solar (WVQ-500) watch. It wasn't too expensive or hard to replace, and now it seems to charge better than when it was new. Perhaps the battery was initially less than perfect. I have another old GW-2310 that seems to fall off high fairly quickly and needs a lot of charging to get back there, but it still gets back to high, eventually.

[@MrPleers]

No need to see the battery charge level all the time. I have my 2 solar watches (GW-M 5610 and GMW-B5000 D) for 3 years now. And on the 5610 the charge has never been below "high". The B5000 will give you a warning when the charge is low. By displaying "Low" instead of the regular date.

[@witsued]

I spent some time in Italy in the Seventies. Does the battery indicator top out at 4 segments or 5 on the app? I have a GWB5600-2ER.

[@GoodTimekeeper]

On the Casio Watches app it can show 5 segments for a high charge on the battery icon. This watch was only showing 4 when I made the video.

[@witsued]

@@GoodTimekeeper I guess I haven't left it in the window long enough to see the fifth segment.

[@witsued]

I was outside on my porch talking to my brother for an hour or so and it topped off the watch. The fifth segment was displayed the next time I looked at the app. 😀

[@jacobmichaelshow]

What is the older model with the green writing that you keep showing? Thanks.

[@GoodTimekeeper]

I think that's the GW-B5600MG that you're asking about. shockbase.org/watches/watch_dyn.php?model=GW-B5600MG-1&subseries=GW-B5600&series=5600

[@onedirection3510]

Great review! How do you set it for the wrist movement backlight?

[@GoodTimekeeper]

Press and hold the light button until the LT indicator appears or disappears to activate or deactivate the automatic backlight.

[@onedirection3510]

@@GoodTimekeeper Thanks! That’s so interesting because I have a GWM5610BA that has the same feature, but there is no LT anywhere on the screen.

[@onedirection3510]

My iPhone Bluetooth is not connecting to the watch. Any suggestions? Thanks.

[@GoodTimekeeper]

I need to start with the basics. Are you using the Casio Watches App?

[@onedirection3510]

@@GoodTimekeeper Yes

[@yogiyoda]

Nice watch. I wish they wouldn't over charge for them though. It cost like 50% more than other colors

[@damyr]

It's a special edition. It's meant to be overpriced.

[@MrPleers]

@@damyr Besides, some of the extra cost goes to support the Darwin foundation.

[@yogiyoda]

@@damyr - It's not limited edition. And they eventually stop making many colors anyway

[@yogiyoda]

@@MrPleers - They don't even tell you how much though. Could be like $1

[@SuperMrgentleman]

I mean if you like it enough to care then it's probably worth more to a lot of people! And it's not just the color, you've got the backlight and the band animal.

[@TheAlexanderTheGreat]

What's the point of having one special edition in so many colours?Does it really make sense in terms of sales?I have all 3 colours of this collaboration model but I think CASIO has gone too far.

[@SuperMrgentleman]

Totally could see people wanting the yellow tortoise or the shark backlight. I think this is one of the strongest square releases recently

[@eclectic_gamer]

because they know its an illness lol

[@peraperic535]

My Casio king 56000 b is a rubbish watch which have a foggy screen, and when I was take them to service, they say to me that they can not quarant me that they never foggy again. Rubbish.😮

[@wpherigo1]

Yikes! Sounds like you got the exception, rather than the rule. Better luck in the future.

[@goodnota]

Casio GX-56 king is known for this