With the new GM-H5600 series, Casio is expanding its sports-oriented G-Squad range with two high-quality fitness watches with metal cases. The models combine the iconic, square G-Shock design with modern health monitoring, including heart rate and blood oxygen measurement. The package is complemented by an integrated solar charging function for basic operation. The market launch will initially take place in Japan – other regions are expected to follow soon.
- Heart rate and SpO₂ measurement with optical sensor
- Solar charging function for time display in watch mode
- Metal bezel weighing just 63 grams
- Up to 35 hours of continuous tracking
G-Squad metal fitness watches: design meets sensor technology
With the GM-H5600-1 (silver) and GM-H5600-9 (gold), Casio is launching a G-Squad fitness watch with a classic metal look for the first time. Visually, the series is based on the legendary 5600 series, but features a striking stainless steel bezel with milled details and visible screw accents. Despite the metal construction, the weight remains surprisingly low at 63 grams, which makes it very comfortable to wear in everyday life and during training.
Technically, the series is based on a further development of the DW-H5600 and integrates an inverted MIP LCD display with high readability. An optical sensor for continuous heart rate measurement and determination of blood oxygen content is located under the carbon fiber-reinforced housing base. A three-axis acceleration sensor precisely records steps, running and multisport activities.
Casio relies on the proven Polar Library for training analysis. This provides detailed evaluations such as cardio load status, VO2max estimates and guided breathing exercises. The range is complemented by extended sleep tracking with a sleep score, six-stage recovery status and “Sleep Charge” function. Synchronization takes place via Bluetooth using the “Casio Watches” app, in which health data can be clearly evaluated.
The features appear technically coherent and are on a par with modern fitness watches. The integration of Polar algorithms increases the plausibility of the training metrics, as this library is already established in numerous wearables.
Solar charging function and battery life in a practical context
A key feature of the new Casio G-Squad metal fitness watches is the integrated solar charging function. However, this only serves to support the basic watch mode, i.e. the pure time display. Energy-intensive sensor functions such as heart rate measurement or Bluetooth are not powered by solar energy. This approach is technically understandable, as optical sensors and continuous tracking have significantly higher energy requirements than classic digital displays.
Casio claims a runtime of up to 35 hours with continuous activity tracking. In pure watch mode without heart rate measurement, the running time is said to increase to up to one month. This means that the GM-H5600 falls short of the proverbial “marathon endurance” of classic G-Shock models, but this seems realistic in view of the advanced sensor technology.
In terms of price, the series is positioned in the upper segment: In Japan, the recommended retail price is 51,700 yen, equivalent to around 282 euros. In view of the metal construction, the sensor technology and the brand positioning, this price seems in line with the market. International availability in Europe and the USA is considered likely, but specific dates have yet to be set.
Conclusion
With the GM-H5600 series, Casio combines robust metal design with modern fitness technology. Heart rate measurement, SpO₂ tracking and Polar analysis functions make the models fitness watches to be taken seriously, while the solar charging function ensures at least basic operation. The price of around 282 euros seems plausible in the context of the features. The market launch will take place in Japan at the end of March, with a global rollout likely to follow soon.
