In addition to the GW-6900 and GW-2310 watches, Casio has refreshed three more iconic G-Shock watches, including the DW-5900U-1, DW-5900UBB-1, and GX-56UBB-1, replacing the legacy EL backlight with a brighter white LED, with launches starting in Japan this month and a global rollout expected soon.
The DW-5900U-1 and DW-5900UBB-1 are direct recreations of the original 1992 G-Shock design, now updated with Casio’s new 3536 module. The biggest change is the switch from an electro-luminescent (EL) backlight to a modern white LED, offering improved brightness and longevity. Battery life has doubled from five years to an estimated 10 years using a CR2025 coin cell.
Both models retain the signature “Triple Graph” LCD, three circular indicators at the top of the display that show mode, seconds, and stopwatch functions at a glance, one of the defining visual elements of early G-Shock history. Pricing in Japan is set at ¥14,300, roughly $100.
The GX-56UBB-1, better known as the “King G-Shock,” also receives the EL-to-LED upgrade. Originally released in 2016, it keeps its oversized case and single-tone black aesthetic while adding the brighter backlight. The model continues to feature Tough Solar charging and will retail for ¥23,100, or about $160.
EL backlights, while nostalgic, have brightness and durability limits compared to LEDs. For enthusiasts, a 10-year battery or solar operation means less maintenance and better long-term reliability. Casio will continue selling EL-based models for buyers who prefer the original look.
The updated G-Shocks will arrive in Japan in late January, with international availability expected in the following weeks. Aimed at collectors and everyday wearers alike, the updates blend classic G-Shock design with modern efficiency and practicality.