We watch collectors give you “guidelines” concerning our passion. For instance, “Each watch assortment ought to have a gown watch, a sporty piece, and a beater.” That is the crucial many people stay by. Whereas the previous two is probably not the cornerstones of my assortment, at the least not deliberately, I do have a beater — not within the classical sense, although. I don’t put on a watch at dwelling whereas sleeping, gardening, or altering the oil in my ’72 Porsche 911 (that I don’t personal). Nevertheless, I’ve a particular piece that accompanies me virtually each time I hop on a airplane, which I do typically, or leap within the automobile to drive nevertheless many tons of of kilometers. Meet my beloved Casio G-Shock GW-B5600-2ER.
Listeners of the Fratello On Air podcast have heard me point out this watch quite a few occasions. It’s time to present it props for being a terrific journey companion.
Miles & Extra watches
Our love story began round COVID-19, when touring was not an possibility, so spending airline miles was vital. Because the worldwide virus was at its peak and we have been all beneath home arrest, I acquired a Miles & Extra catalog within the mail. For these unfamiliar with it, Miles & Extra is the frequent flyer program by Lufthansa. Since my miles steadiness was restricted, I skipped by the pages providing me the most recent and best from Rimowa or Bose and landed on watches. Whereas searching the pages, I got here throughout a collection of Casio timepieces. I shortly determined I wanted one since I had by no means owned a G-Shock. The catalog supplied one such mannequin, the then-new G-Shock GW-B5600-2ER. Not dangerous in any respect.
After doing the calculation and paying the additional €40 on high of my miles, I bought an e-mail welcoming me as the most recent proprietor of one in every of Casio’s most interesting fashions. The supply solely took per week, and whereas the packaging was underwhelming, I used to be thrilled with my buy. The watch had the whole lot I wished— a traditional G-Shock look, a lightweight, and the long-lasting options of just about each digital quartz watch. I must admit right here that I’ve not used the countdown timer or stopwatch operate to this present day. What intrigued me in regards to the GW-B5600-2ER, although, have been two issues. The primary was its damaging show, which individuals have a tendency to like or hate; I occur to find it irresistible. The second was its Bluetooth connectivity. This lets the watch connect with the Casio Watches app so the wearer can entry numerous features and settings from a smartphone.
Planes, trains, and cars
Earlier than I constructed a watch assortment over a decade in the past, my go-to watch was a Tissot PRC-200. Because the watch was quartz, it was an ideal day by day companion. As my assortment grew, although, I felt an ever-increasing want for a grab-and-go piece — notably, a digital quartz watch that was gentle and cheap however nonetheless had an enormous cool issue. Over the next months, I wore the G-Shock GW-B5600-2ER extra typically once I was touring. Beforehand, I’ve used all my watches for this goal. In one of many Fratello On Air episodes, I advised the story of how I used my classic Doxa Sub 300T Aqua Lung to journey, not realizing how delicate its lume was. So, the classic piece was out of the rotation, and the Casio was in.
In the previous few years, similar to my Rimowa suitcase, the Casio G-Shock GW-B5600-2ER has been on quite a few journeys with me worldwide. I wore it whereas driving over a thousand kilometers to my dwelling nation. It was within the seat pocket of a number of airplanes throughout intercontinental flights. The watch additionally got here in helpful once I needed to measure the delay Deutsche Bahn (the German practice system) picked up over my journeys to Berlin, Geneva, or different locations. The G-Shock is among the many first few issues I neatly lay on the desk the night time earlier than my departures, a behavior I picked up through the years.
What’s to not love in regards to the GW-B5600-2ER?
Whereas it is probably not essentially the most fashionable, most glorious, or trendiest watch, it’s my trusted companion. In contrast to others, I additionally don’t really feel the necessity to add extra G-Shocks to my assortment. This GW-B5600-2ER is my one-and-done piece. I don’t wish to undergo the listing of options the watch presents; for this, you possibly can go to the Casio website. But, for those who requested me to spotlight a few of its options, these could be my high three.
The primary one isn’t an enormous shock, nevertheless it’s the 200m water resistance score. This previous August, I spent a number of unforgettable days in Italy across the Cinque Terre. We visited a unique metropolis every day and ultimately ended up within the sea. Evidently, the GW-B5600-2ER dealt with the water brilliantly.
The second noteworthy characteristic is the G-Shock GW-B5600-2ER’s solar-powered motion. There isn’t any want to fret about batteries; simply put on it when the Solar shines, and will probably be charged sufficient to your subsequent journey.
Lastly, with the Bluetooth connection, you possibly can simply set the watch to the native time wherever you’re. As somebody who typically flies over completely different time zones, I discover this characteristic so handy. As soon as I land and my telephone units to the native time zones, I’ll join my watch to the telephone, and growth, the time zone mechanically adjustments. The app additionally allows you to see the charging stage in case you wish to give your watch extra juice.
Gerard’s GW-B5600 with a modded optimistic show
Parting phrases
For these of you who don’t personal a G-Shock but, I recommend you get one for your self. Additionally, with the vacations approaching, it’s the excellent present for any watch lover. The G-Shock catalog is replete with cheap and enjoyable fashions. To not point out, the G-Shock “Sq.” is an icon, similar to the Submariner, the Speedmaster, or the Navitimer.
And as for my fellow G-Shock homeowners, you could have made the proper selection. Cherish your Casios, and put on them with pleasure. Oh, and the subsequent time you see a G-Shock on a fellow traveler’s wrist on the airport, don’t overlook to go with the wearer on the watch. I could also be standing subsequent to you on the conveyor belt.
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