Worn & Wound
Review: the G-SHOCK DW-5600MNC with FIDLOCK Clasp
G-SHOCK enthusiasts everywhere will be happy to hear that Casio has embraced a DW-5600 mod that has been popular for years – and it’s slated to hit international markets in the very near future. The new G-SHOCK DW-5600MNC series sees our favorite square swapping out its classic resin strap for a comfortable cloth option with a magnetic twist. For this update, G-SHOCK has partnered with FIDLOCK, a company known for its easy-to-operate fasteners featuring neodymium magnets, to give a boost to the original DW-5600 strap – typically considered by some owners to be a weak point when it comes to all-day wear. FIDLOCK’s technology has found a home in EDC and modding communities, with its most popular contributions outfitting backpacks, water bottle mounts, and even bike helmets. The marriage of these two brands intends to provide users a new type of wearing experience that melds all-day comfort with the practicality we know and love. However, the chasm that exists between the lofty ambition of this release and the end product is one that could damage even the toughest of G-SHOCKs. I spent a week getting hands-on with the new DW-5600MNC series and attempting to understand the point of this questionable update. Before I begin, it’s worth noting for context that G-SHOCK appears in my personal collection more than any other brand. Its tactical aesthetic might be an acquired taste to some, but it’s one I gravitate to readily. When I want a watch I don’t have to think a...