G-Shock G-LIDE GBXH5600

The G-Lide has been G-Shock's ocean focused line since the late 1990s, predating smartphones by about a decade. Tide graphs, moon phases, and regatta timers were the selling points back then. The GBX platform added Bluetooth connectivity and a MIP display in 2020. Now the good-looking GBX-H5600 takes the next step that the line has needed for years: a heart rate monitor.

Built on the iconic 5600 case at 44.5mm, the GBX-H5600 is the first G-Lide with optical heart rate sensing on the case back. That sensor pairs with four activity modes covering running, walking, gym workouts, and interval training to deliver real time readouts on your body's condition during movement. A 3 axis accelerometer tracks steps and distance, with GPS connectivity through your smartphone enhancing precision. The fitness data runs through Polar's training algorithms, the same platform used by dedicated sports watches costing significantly more, turning raw numbers into personalized insights and recovery analysis.

Sleep tracking arrives with the heart rate sensor. Polar's Nightly Recharge measures how well your body recovers from training and daily stress overnight, giving you data on whether to push harder or back off the next day. This is the feature that turns the GBX-H5600 from a surf watch with fitness extras into something closer to a genuine training companion.

The see through bezel is a design choice that works better than expected. The transparent resin reveals the black carbon fiber reinforced case underneath, giving the watch a retro aesthetic that nods to early G-Shock translucent models while showcasing the construction. Available in two resin strap colors, blue and black. The mode button is distinguished with black coating for quick identification.