Casio is coming for Garmin with a new G-SHOCK featuring a carbon fibre-reinforced case and Polar-powered fitness tracking
Casio’s new G-SHOCK was created in collaboration with pro surfer Kanoa Igarashi
Casio has unveiled a new G-SHOCK that blurs the line between rugged surf watch and fitness tracker.
The GBX-H5600KI-5 is the fourth signature timepiece created with professional surfer and G-SHOCK ambassador Kanoa Igarashi.
It takes the already feature-packed GBX-H5600 G-LIDE and adds a distinctive new design inspired by one of Igarashi’s favourite training locations.
The GBX-H5600 launched earlier this year as the first G-LIDE model to feature a heart-rate monitor, bringing Casio’s surf-focused range closer to the capabilities of its G-SQUAD fitness watches.
Alongside tide graphs, moon data and sunrise and sunset information for thousands of locations worldwide, the watch tracks workouts, steps, sleep recovery and training metrics using Polar-powered algorithms.
For Igarashi’s fourth collaboration with G-SHOCK, Casio has given the square watch a unique finish inspired by the cliffs and rocky coastline around Ericeira, Portugal, where the surfer trains.
The brown mixed-colour resin bezel and strap are designed to recreate the look of the landscape, with purple accents representing the “magic hour” around sunrise and sunset.
Because of the unique moulding process, every watch features a slightly different pattern.
A lighter G-SHOCK
Casio has been dabbling with turning its classic watches into fitness trackers for years.
The Japanese brand teamed up with Polar to add smart features to its G-SHOCK watches through the Powered by Polar system.
Casio uses its own optical heart-rate sensor and accelerometer to collect raw data, then Polar’s algorithms/library turn it into training and recovery insights.
The GBX-H5600KI-5 features a lightweight carbon fibre-reinforced resin case back, reducing weight by around 18g compared with the previous heart-rate-equipped DW-H5600.
Despite the lighter construction, it retains the features G-SHOCK fans expect, including shock resistance, 200-metre water resistance, solar-assisted charging and a high-visibility MIP LCD display.
As a signature model, the watch is packed with Igarashi-specific details.
His signature appears on the watch face and case back, while the number “50” on the strap references his competition number on the World Surf League Championship Tour and the meaning behind his surname.
The Casio G-SHOCK GBX-H5600KI-5 is priced at $370 and will be available at G-SHOCK from September 2026.
