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Casio has quietly upgraded several of its beloved G-Shock classics, swapping older EL backlights for brighter LED illumination and bolstering battery life across multiple models. The refresh keeps the iconic looks but brings practical modern touches that make these rugged watches easier to read and longer-lasting.
What’s changed — brighter screens, longer runtimes
At first glance, these are familiar G-Shocks: shock-resistant cases, robust bezels and the same rugged silhouettes fans expect. But under the hood Casio has replaced electroluminescent (EL) backlights with LED lighting and introduced newer internal modules. That combination delivers clearer, more visible displays and meaningful battery improvements.
Imagine checking the time at night or in harsh outdoor conditions and getting a crisp, immediate readout — that’s the kind of upgrade LED backlighting offers. And for users who rely on their watch day after day, increased battery life matters as much as durability.
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Which models received the update?
- GW-6900U-1JF — retains 200m water resistance, shock protection and Tough Solar charging, now powered by Casio module 3547 with LED backlight.
- GW-2310U-1JF and GW-2310UFB-1JF — keep stainless-steel bezels and features like world time, stopwatch and auto-calendar, upgraded to module 3537 with LED lighting.
- DW-5900U-1JF and DW-5900UBB-1JF — updated with module 3536; battery life is now doubled to around 10 years versus previous models.
- GX-56UBB-1JF — receives a notable refresh via module 3545, improving power efficiency and backlight performance.
Specs that matter to buyers
Key takeaways for everyday users and collectors: the GW-6900 keeps its Tough Solar capability, so sunlight and artificial light still recharge the battery, while other updated models benefit from more efficient modules that extend time between battery changes. Water resistance, shock protection and core G-Shock durability remain unchanged.
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Battery and backlight differences
Replacing EL with LED yields a brighter, longer-lasting glow that many find easier on the eyes. Casio’s updated modules also improve energy consumption — the DW-5900 variants now claim up to 10 years of battery life, roughly double older versions.
Pricing and availability
Casio listed Japanese retail prices in yen: the DW-5900 models are priced at ¥14,300 (about $100), the GW-2310 series at ¥22,000 (roughly $154), GX-56UBB-1JF at ¥23,100 (about $161) and the GW-6900U-1JF at ¥24,200 (around $169). Sales start this month in Japan with global rollouts expected in the coming weeks.
Whether you wear a G-Shock for sport, work, or everyday style, this refresh keeps the DNA intact while making practical upgrades that improve legibility and longevity. It’s a modest but welcome evolution for some of Casio’s most enduring models.
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