THE CHRONICLE
The GSHOCK DW5600-MNC: A Fresh Take On An Iconic Design
Windup Watch Shop - April 19, 2026
Over 40 years ago, Kikuo Ibe was commuting to work when tragedy struck: his watch, a gift from his father, took a fatal tumble and broke in an unrepairable manner. This series of unfortunate events would light a fire inside Ibe, inspiring him to create “A durable watch that would not break even if dropped”, a brand we now know as G-SHOCK. First launched in 1983, the DW-5000C would set the tone for what’s often described as the toughest watch on the market. Over the ensuing years, tasteful revisions introduced the DW-5600 series, a slightly slimmer yet faithful interpretation of the original DW-5000C, widely considered the brand’s best-selling model. After forty years of boundary-pushing innovation, G-SHOCK continues to introduce new technologies and expand on the designs that have made it indispensable, which begs the question: just how does the new DW-5600MNC improve on such an already great design?
Well, it turns out that it’s magnets! In this new release, G-SHOCK has partnered with Fidlock, German based manufacture of premium magnetic fasteners, to replace the standard resin band with an all-new, cloth band and magnetic closure system. This fastening technology, frequently utilized in high-end technical apparel, cycling gear, and even on some of my backpacks, uses magnets to guide the clasp into position before a mechanical lock secures it. Additionally, this new series features a specialized cloth band, a blend of polyester and polyurethane, that can stretch up to 2.7 times its original length, without deforming in the process. It’s important to note that while the magnets inside the buckle are not extremely strong, its recommend to keep the clasp at least 10cm away from pacemakers and at least 1 cm away from Cameras, mobile phones, credit cards, and other magnet-sensitive items.
The series maintains the classic "square" proportions with a case length of 48.9mm and a width of 42.8mm. It features a slim profile with a thickness of 13.4mm, designed to sit low on the wrist even when worn over clothing. Despite the addition of the magnetic hardware and cloth strap, the watch remains lightweight at just 53 grams. The band is adjustable to accommodate wrist circumferences ranging from 145mm to 215mm (5.7 to 8.5 inches), offering a broader fit range than standard resin straps.
Internally, the 5600-MNC series is powered by Module 3525, a reliable digital quartz movement that provides an estimated 5-year battery life as well as an array of standard functions like a timer, stopwatch, LED illumination, and a calendar. The bezel and case components are constructed from bio-based resin to reduce environmental impact. The watch is built to G-SHOCK's shock-resistant standards and features a 200-meter water resistance rating.
With three distinct color schemes - a classic monochromatic black, a sporty multi-colored look, or a light gray with bold yellow accents- there’s sure to be one that complements your style. All three colorways are currently available online at the Windup Watch Shop and on display in our Brooklyn showroom.
