Perfect timing for the release of G-Shock’s new series of watches equipped with Fidlock clasps! My youngest son Donald was suffering a G-Shock rash from his resin band. So we popped the blue Fidlock G-Shock open and took a look!
If you want to buy this Fidlock G-Shock, the DW5600MNC8A2, click here on this affiliate link. There are two other color variation available so click through to see both the white and the black versions.
First Fit Impressions
The fabric felt comfortable and was elasticized so it stretched out to fit my wrist. Donald, who is like five or something, tried it on and his wrist was actually too small. That didn’t stop him from wearing it, but the Fidlock clasp was adjusted all the way in and was next to the watch, rather than on the underside of his wrist.
The release of these watches came with a really cool and nostalgic marketing campaign on the G-Shock website. It looked like an advertisement in an old, pulpy comic book. That made me think it would be a watch suitable for my son, but it didn’t occur to me that he’d be too small.
He likes it well enough so we’ll see how it holds up for him.
The actual watch itself is the most basic square G-Shock in terms of functionality. It has main time, an alarm, stopwatch, and timer. So no solar charging or anything.
Donald’s previous watch was the G-Shock DW9520, which has a front and center light button with an electroluminescent glow. This DW5600MNC8A2 has its light button on the side so it was more difficult for him to press.
By the way, the DW9520 is G-Shock that doesn’t get a lot of fanfare but it’s one that’s available through the military so it has quite a reputation. Click here to buy a G-Shock DW-5920. (affiliate link.)
Will the Fidlock stay closed?
Lots of commenters were saying the Fidlock loop will easily pop off. That’s the accusation. We’ll have to wear it around to see if that’s actually the case. But it’s definitely easier to put on. The clasp connects mechanically with a pivot point on one side with a bar and a catch. The other side near the rubber loop has a magnet that snaps the claps shut.
Even if it were to get pulled apart, the band loops around your wrist so the watch wouldn’t actually fall off since it cant easily get past your hand.
Video Summary
Watch the video above to see the Fidlock clasp in action on Donald’s new G-Shock. If you want a summary typed out, read below. I fed the video into Google’s Gemini AI. Here is its recap of my video:
G-Shock Fidlock “Chaotic Unboxing” & Family Fit Test
In this video, Jim Kinkade explores a potential solution to the “G-Shock rash” with the unboxing of the G-Shock DW-5600 Series with Fidlock fabric band. This unique model trades the traditional resin strap for an elastic, magnetic-clasp system, which Jim hopes will be more breathable for his 5-year-old son, Donald.
The “G-Shock Rash” and the Fabric Solution
Jim begins by addressing a common issue: skin irritation caused by sweat and bacteria buildup under standard resin bands.
- The Theory: Fabric and elastic materials are more breathable than resin, potentially reducing the risk of a “G-Shock rash” if the wearer (like 5-year-old Donald) isn’t scrubbing his watch daily.
- Material Comparison: Jim compares this new elastic band to his other fabric watches, noting that Cordura-branded straps (like on his GA-2100) dry remarkably fast and maintain their shape better than older cloth designs.
Understanding the Fidlock System
The highlight of this model is the Fidlock clasp, a magnetic, mechanical buckling system.
- Magnetic Pivot: The clasp uses a pivot-and-hook design enhanced by magnets. You hook one side of the yellow buckle into the receiver, and the magnet snaps it into a secure, locked position.
- The “NATO” Security Benefit: Because the elastic band forms a continuous loop around the wrist, even if the Fidlock clasp were to “bump” open, the watch remains on the arm rather than falling off—providing peace of mind for active users.
Family Fit Test: From 5 to 45
Jim puts the watch through an extensive fit test involving his wife, Denise, and his sons, Brian (14) and Donald (5).
- The Big Wrister (Jim): On its widest setting, the elastic band comfortably fits Jim’s 8.5-inch wrist without feeling restrictive.
- The Average Wrist (Denise/Brian): Both Denise (approx. 6-inch wrist) and Brian (wearing a standard G-Shock on notch 4) found the fit comfortable and easy to adjust.
- The Small Wrister (Donald): Interestingly, the Fidlock system has a lower limit. Even on its tightest setting, the watch remains slightly too loose for a 5-year-old. The buckle itself is large enough that it begins to “run into” the watch body, preventing further tightening.
Functional Overview: Back to Basics
The watch itself is a classic G-Shock square with a positive LCD screen and a slight gold/warm hue.
- The Essentials: This model sticks to the basics—main time, one alarm, a 24-hour countdown timer, and a stopwatch. It lacks advanced features like Solar Charging or Multiband 6.
- The “Square” Quirks: As with many traditional squares, the top-left “Adjust” button is deeply recessed to prevent accidental presses, which Denise found slightly difficult to operate with her nails.
Final Verdict: A Sporty, Breathable Alternative
Denise and Jim agree that the Fidlock model is a “straightforward” and “sporty” choice. Its color coordination (yellow, blue, and orange) and the ease of the magnetic clasp make it an attractive option for those who find traditional resin bands either uncomfortable or difficult to manage.
Conclusion
Thanks for all of you guys’ concern about Donald’s G-Shock rash. Hopefully this is the answer for preventing its reoccurrence. Check back in to see how it’s holding up for him. And click here if you want to buy the G-Shock DW5600MNC8A2 for yourself.