Three Classic Casio G-Shock Models Get Modern Upgrades for US Market

Casio is preparing to launch three upgraded versions of classic G-Shock watches in the United States, bringing modern enhancements to beloved designs that originally debuted over a decade ago. According to a report from G-Central, the dedicated Casio blog, the GW2310U-1, GW6900U-1, and GX56UBB-1 models—which first launched in Japan in January 2026—will soon be available through Casio's official online store in the US.

These "U" models represent meaningful upgrades over their predecessors, most notably featuring LED backlights instead of the older electroluminescent (EL) technology. This change delivers enhanced power efficiency, a crucial improvement for watches that rely on solar charging. Each model also incorporates newer internal modules while maintaining the rugged, distinctive designs that made the originals so popular.

Casio G-Shock GW2310U-1: The Solar-Powered Classic

The GW2310U-1 builds upon the original GW2310-1 from 2009, maintaining its iconic round digital design with a chunky black resin casing. This model packs impressive functionality into its durable frame, including radio-controlled timekeeping for exceptional accuracy, a precise stopwatch, and five daily alarms. The watch offers 200-meter water resistance and features Casio's Tough Solar technology, allowing it to charge from any light source.

Arizona Fine Time, a US retailer, has already begun selling the GW2310U-1 for $155, suggesting the watch may be available through multiple channels upon its official US launch.

Casio G-Shock GW6900U-1: The Triple Graph Evolution

Based on the 2009 GW6900-1, the GW6900U-1 takes a different aesthetic approach with its Triple Graph design featuring green-hued inset dials against the black resin bezel. Like its sibling, it maintains radio control functionality, a precise stopwatch, multiple alarms, and 200-meter water resistance. The solar-powered watch also carries the same $155 expected retail price in the US.

European pricing provides additional context, with French retailer David et Philly listing the model at €99.90, suggesting competitive international pricing strategies for this upgraded classic.

Casio G-Shock GX56UBB-1: The Rectangular Powerhouse

The GX56UBB-1 represents the largest of the three upgrades, maintaining the rectangular design first introduced with the 2016 GX56BB-1. This all-black watch features a black background on its display, creating a stealthy, monochromatic appearance. Beyond its distinctive looks, the GX56UBB-1 offers world time functionality alongside its stopwatch, alarms, and Tough Solar charging technology.

The GX56UBB-1 commands a slightly higher price point at $165 in the US, reflecting its larger size and additional world time feature. European customers can already purchase the watch in countries like Germany for €159.

What Makes These Upgrades Significant

The transition from EL to LED backlighting represents more than just a specification change. LED technology typically offers brighter illumination while consuming less power, extending battery life between charges—a meaningful improvement for solar-powered watches designed for outdoor and active use.

The "U" designation indicates these are updated versions rather than completely new models, appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate the original designs but want modern functionality. This strategy allows Casio to refresh popular models without alienating fans of the classic aesthetics.

Availability and Market Positioning

While the exact release date through Casio's official US online store remains unclear, the fact that retailers like Arizona Fine Time already have stock suggests these watches could arrive sooner rather than later. The pricing positions these models competitively within Casio's lineup, with the $155 models offering exceptional value considering their feature sets and the $165 premium for the larger GX56UBB-1.

These upgrades arrive as Casio continues to balance its heritage of rugged, reliable timepieces with modern technological improvements. By updating classic designs rather than replacing them entirely, Casio maintains continuity with its most successful models while incorporating efficiency improvements that matter to today's consumers.

The three upgraded models showcase Casio's approach to evolution rather than revolution, proving that even iconic designs can benefit from thoughtful modernization while retaining the core characteristics that made them successful in the first place.