After buying a ton of Casioak watches, the one that remains in my collection is the Manga edition. I love the Casioak's style, and the additional cartoon touches make it feel extra special. It is for these same reasons that I was smitten when I saw the G-Shock origami edition on the wrist of a friend of StrapHabit, Levon. Somehow, I had never owned the original G-Shock icon, so I had to have it. Unfortunately, it's not sold in the U.S. yet, but luckily, I was able to find one on eBay. I wasn't sure whether this would become a regular production model or soon command a huge markup like the Manga, but I didn't want to take the chance.
Although StrapHabit doesn't currently sell straps to fit this watch, you can view our favorite straps for your other watches at the links below. You can also view our Guide to Choosing a Watch Strap.
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If you'd like to learn about some other great watches under $500, you can read the StrapHabit Top 10 list or view other reviews of watches under $500.
First Impressions of the G-Shock Origami DW-5600RGM-1
Although it still has cartoonish graphics, Origami flies under the radar compared to the baby-blue Manga. The dotted origami fold lines are a subtler graphic, and from a distance, the watch looks more like a standard Casio 5600 (there is also a white version of this watch based on the DW6900). From a distance, the most noticeable change is the white and black faceplate (which I also find really cool).
G-Shock Origami DW-5600RGM-1 Details
After getting past the gray dotted lines, you'll notice that the black case has a smoother, inky appearance compared to a standard G-Ghock. As in the Manga, a coating or process is applied to the resin, making it look almost like paper.
The faceplate ring displays all the information needed to operate the watch in monochromatic black-on-white and white-on-black formats. The PROTECTION, G-SHOCK text is also filled in white.
The resin strap features a polished metal buckle that matches the metal buttons. The keeper has no graphics.
Wearing the G-Shock Origami DW-5600RGM-1
Square watches tend to wear larger than their dimensions indicate, but the 42.8mm DW5600 is smaller and looks smaller than the Casioak. This is mainly due to the bezel's north-south height.
It's also slightly thicker than the Casioak at 13.4mm, but it's not enough to make a noticeable difference (I've also been wearing the much thicker fitness-capable DWH5600 recently, so it feels like a sliver compared to that.
At 53g, it's so light that you'll barely feel it. A positive display makes it easy to read as well. While the hands on most of the Casioak models provide good legibility, the tiny LCDs are difficult to read. The 5600 has large day and date displays to go with the time.
G-Shock Origami DW-5600RGM-1 Module
The Casio module 3525 offers all the functions you'd expect from an entry-level G-Shock. Various stopwatch and countdown timers, alarms, calendars, and an LED backlight with Afterglow. It doesn't have atomic or Bluetooth connectivity, or solar charging (but provides about 5 years of battery life). It sits behind a caseback engraved with an origami crane.
G-Shock Origami DW-5600RGM-1 Conclusion
I'm not sure what has stopped me from buying a DW5600 in the past, but I have a feeling I'll be wearing this Origami Edition frequently. It has all the G-Shock benefits (lightweight, comfortable, durable) and looks cool, but it's a bit less flashy than the Manga. Now I get why this is the most popular G-Shock model.
G-Shock Origami DW-5600RGM-1 Specifications:
Name: Casio Origami Inspired Series
Reference Number: DW-5600RGM-1
Price: $TBD (not available in the US at this time)
Width: 42.8mm
Height: 48.9mm
Thickness: 13.4mm
Weight: 53g
Movement: 3525
Battery Life: 5 years
Water Resistance: 200m
Crystal: Mineral
Strap: Resin