Casio launches GBX‑H5600 G‑LIDE watches with optical heart‑rate sensor in Japan

Casio has opened sales of the GBX‑H5600 series on its Japanese storefront, marking the first G‑LIDE model to incorporate an optical heart‑rate sensor. The lineup consists of two colour variants – the black GBX‑H5600‑1JR and the blue GBX‑H5600‑2JR – each listed at ¥44,000 (tax included). As of the launch, the blue version is already sold out, leaving the black model as the only option for immediate purchase.

What’s new?

• Optical heart‑rate monitor (30‑220 bpm) and 3‑axis accelerometer for activity tracking
• Hybrid USB/solar charging with up to 11 months standby time in power‑saving mode
• High‑resolution MIP LCD with full‑dot tide‑graph display, sunrise/sunset and moon‑phase data
• Bluetooth connectivity to the Casio Watches app for notifications, GPS‑assisted distance correction and world‑time support for ~300 cities
• 20 BAR water resistance suitable for surfing, swimming and other water‑based sports

How it compares to the previous G‑LIDE models

The earlier GBX‑H5600‑100 series relied on a basic step counter and manual tide‑graph display. The new GBX‑H5600 adds biometric sensors that bring it into competition with mainstream fitness wearables such as the Garmin Instinct Solar and the Suunto 7. In terms of size, the watch remains compact at 51.1 × 44.5 × 17.3 mm and 47 g, lighter than the Instinct Solar (52 g) and considerably slimmer than the Suunto 7 (58 g). Battery life is a mixed bag: with heart‑rate monitoring active the watch lasts about 35 hours, comparable to the Instinct Solar’s 24‑hour active use, while the solar‑only standby figure of up to 11 months far exceeds the typical 7‑day standby of most smart‑watch hybrids.

Who should consider the GBX‑H5600?

• Surf and beach enthusiasts who need tide‑graph data at a glance and a watch that can survive repeated salt‑water exposure.
• Fitness‑focused users who want basic heart‑rate, SpO₂ and sleep analytics without committing to a full‑blown smartwatch ecosystem.
• Minimalist tech fans who appreciate a thin, carbon‑fiber‑reinforced case and a display that remains legible under bright sunlight.

The watch’s software suite is limited to the Casio Watches app, which provides training analysis, notification mirroring and GPS‑assisted distance correction. Power users looking for deep third‑party app support may find the ecosystem restrictive compared with Apple Watch or Wear OS devices.

Pricing and availability

Both variants are priced at ¥44,000 (≈ $277). The black GBX‑H5600‑1JR remains available on the official Casio Japan site, while the blue GBX‑H5600‑2JR is out of stock with no restock date announced.

Final thoughts

Casio’s GBX‑H5600 series bridges the gap between rugged surf‑oriented watches and entry‑level fitness trackers. By adding heart‑rate and SpO₂ sensors while retaining the signature G‑LIDE tide‑graph, Casio offers a niche product that should satisfy surfers who also track basic health metrics. The hybrid solar charging system and long standby life give it an edge in durability, though the limited app ecosystem may deter users who rely on extensive third‑party integrations.

For more details, see the official Casio Japan product page and the Casio Watches app documentation.