G-SHOCK X BAMFORD LONDON® GM-5600-1
When Casio and Bamford London first shook hands back in 2020, the result felt like a cheeky custom job that accidentally wandered into the official line-up. A follow-up based on the 6900 model confirmed this wasn’t a one-off fling. Now the duo returns with what George Bamford happily refers to as the “holy trinity” moment: the new G-Shock x Bamford London GM-5600-1, or GM-5600BWD-1 for those fluent in Casio shorthand. It’s the familiar square silhouette, refreshed with a full metal bezel, stealthy blackened hardware, Bamford’s trademark powder-blue accents and just enough strap swagger to ensure it won’t be confused with a standard GM-5600.
The 5600 shape is the G-Shock, the one that reaches straight back to Kikuo Ibe’s original unbreakable concept from the ’80s. Bamford, meanwhile, has built a name by reimagining high-end Swiss pieces before launching his own catalogue, so their first co-signed square always felt like a delightful clash of worlds: Japanese digital grit meeting British design polish.
This new edition marks their third outing and the first time Bamford’s vision has been applied to the metal-cased GM-5600 platform. Earlier collaborations used resin shells; this one starts with Casio’s forged steel-over-resin construction and drenches it in black ion plating, giving the square an altogether more sophisticated air. Same uncompromising DNA, but with a touch more swagger.
The bezel, buckle, pushers and caseback all wear that black IP finish, resulting in a moody metal exterior that still catches the light but avoids the shouty mirror gloss of some steel G-Shocks. It’s classic modern Casio engineering, a resin inner core absorbs shocks, while the metal shell adds durability, attitude and wrist presence. Thanks to its compact lug-to-lug and sensible 12.9 mm thickness, it’s heftier than a standard DW-5600 yet still an easy daily wear.
Where this collaboration truly speaks is in the display. Instead of the usual positive LCD, the GM-5600-1 opts for a negative screen with blue-grey numerals, nodding directly to Bamford’s signature colour. Powder-blue touches frame the screen and mark the dial text, while chunky “BAMFORD” and “5600” branding adorn the strap in the same shade, breaking up the near-monochrome palette and asserting the watch’s identity from across the room. It’s unmistakably a G-Shock, but the vibe is less tactical tool and more design object, the sort of digital you can wear with a bomber jacket or a blazer without feeling out of place.
Night legibility comes courtesy of Casio’s Super Illuminator, lighting the display at the press of a button. And despite all the talk of metal, the watch wisely sticks with a bio-based resin strap. It keeps the weight down, avoids the summer-bracelet sweat dilemma, and helps deliver that bold graphic styling. The result is a watch that feels surprisingly everyday-friendly, familiar square ergonomics, elevated aesthetic.
Strip it back and the G-Shock x Bamford London GM-5600-1 is delightfully simple: take the most recognisable Casio shape, suit it up in metal, blackout the surfaces, and let a splash of Bamford blue steal the show. Nothing radical has been changed in terms of function, and that’s precisely why the design lands so well. It sharpens what was already great: a tougher, sleeker, more urban expression of a watch that’s been quietly conquering wrists for decades.
For anyone who has always liked the square but wanted something a touch more refined, something that transitions from desk to weekend without breaking stride, this collaboration may well be the best expression of the idea yet.
I made a dash into Mayfair to The Hive to snag one for myself, having missed the previous two Bamford drops, I wasn’t taking any chances this time. It turned out to be a wise move; Bamford London appears to be cleaned out already. There may be a few stragglers left on Casio’s site, but if you’re still dithering, don’t. Hesitate too long and you’ll be staring down the barrel of the secondary market, where prices tend to grow limbs and run wild.
I hate to sound negative, but I do have a couple of gripes with both strap options. The rubber strap stamped with Bamford is a little loud for my taste; as someone who doesn’t go in for big logos on T-shirts either, it feels a touch in-your-face. The Bark & Jack Aqua Blue strap is a far better aesthetic match, the colour really sings, but where it connects to the case using the supplied spring bars, there’s a slight looseness. On-wrist, it doesn’t sit quite as flat as the original rubber.
All that said, I’m nitpicking. This is still a very cool pickup, and the sort of piece that draws exactly the right kind of attention.