Casio G-Shock Confirms New British Royal Navy Collaboration Watch for Public Release in 2026

Casio is developing a second G-Shock collaboration with the British Royal Navy, this time making the military-inspired timepiece available to the general public unlike its exclusive predecessor.

Casio's iconic G-Shock line is preparing a new collaboration with the British Royal Navy, according to reliable leaks from industry source @geesgshock. Unlike the previous MOD-exclusive DW-5600HMS26-1 model, this upcoming release will be available for public purchase when it launches in 2026.

Military Heritage Meets Public Accessibility

The previous collaboration model, the DW-5600HMS26-1 (pictured below), carried distinctive military credentials. Designed exclusively for UK Ministry of Defence personnel, it featured:

Black resin case and strap with "HM Submariner" insignia
High-contrast red digital display
Personalized service number engraving
Standard G-Shock DW-5600 dimensions (48.9 x 42.8 x 13.4mm)
£124.99 price point

While Casio hasn't confirmed specifications for the 2026 model, the removal of military exclusivity represents a significant strategic shift. This aligns with broader industry trends where limited military editions transition to consumer markets, similar to how Luminox Navy SEAL watches evolved from specialist gear to commercial products.

Technical Expectations and Market Position

Based on G-Shock's collaboration history, we anticipate:

Core Platform: Likely retains the DW-5600 platform known for 200m water resistance, 10-year battery life, and shock absorption
Design Language: Military-inspired colorway (potentially navy blue/red accents instead of black/red)
Feature Set: Standard digital functions (stopwatch, countdown timer, 5 alarms) without GPS or Bluetooth
Pricing: Estimated £120-£150 range, positioning it above standard DW-5600 models

Compared to the forthcoming release, current alternatives include the G-Shock DW-5600BBR-1 ($94.99 at Amazon) which shares the stealth aesthetic but lacks military insignia. The premium over standard models typically covers the collaboration branding and unique design elements.

Target Audience and Practical Implications

This release strategically targets:

G-Shock collectors seeking limited military-themed pieces
Outdoor enthusiasts needing durable field watches
Naval history enthusiasts attracted by Royal Navy association

For professionals considering field use, note that unlike specialized tactical watches like the Garmin Instinct 2, this won't offer GPS or night vision compatibility. However, its expected 200m water resistance and shockproof construction maintain G-Shock's reputation for reliability in harsh environments.

Casio hasn't confirmed exact launch timing beyond "later in 2026," but the public availability represents a notable expansion of their military collaboration strategy. We'll update with hands-on testing when production units become available.