Just as the G-Shock model line subverted expectations for what a watch should be back when it was first released, this Casio G-Shock GM-5600 is an unexpected answer to what a G-Shock watch can be. Taking a look at the specs, it does not stand out from its brethren, right until you get to the fun part – a polished stainless steel bezel and a negative dial, cleared of anything but the absolute essentials.

Although steel G-Shocks are nothing new, the finishing of this one is something to talk about for sure. The Casio G-Shock GM-5600 tries to re-invent the famous model and makes it something you never knew it could be. The overwhelming amount of specifications that you would expect or even desire from the brand are now gone. A conglomeration of fun features that you like to have but, honestly, will probably never really use are now abolished. The watch presents itself like no other – featuring a negative LCD display with black mineral crystal on and around it, devoid of anything but the brand logo and button functions, submerged below the dial so nothing rivals the time window. As though the watchmakers were to highlight the model’s uniqueness, the light button is on the bottom, contrary to the standard top position.

The Casio G-Shock GM-5600 desperately tries to find out what it is and one may not give a definitive answer to that very question. The steel bezel may and will be scratched if not paid close attention to, but the Casio standard’s number of functions are useful and never seen on a watch that you can wear with a suit. G-Shock’s sturdiness is, indeed, present, although you would never dare test it on this one. It is a watch you fall in love with for all the wrong reasons.

Priced at around 160 USD it is not the most bang for your buck option, yet a small price to pay for what you get – a unique combination of style and function, forcing you to experiment, try and explore the depths one never knew existed.