Tag: watch review

If you follow the watch world even casually, you already know that spring is when brands fire their biggest shots. Watches & Wonders 2026 wrapped up in April, and the ripple effects are still landing in May — especially at the affordable end of the market where we live. This month brings a Coca-Cola CasiOak, a lava-themed Mudmaster, a completely new G-LIDE series, a compass-equipped Seiko 5 Sports, and a Timex dress watch that might be the best value under $200 right now. Let’s break it all down.

The CasiCoke Has Arrived: G-Shock GA-2100CC-3A

The collaboration everyone saw coming is finally here. Casio and Coca-Cola have teamed up to celebrate the soft drink giant’s **140th anniversary** with a limited-edition CasiOak — the GA-2100CC-3A, already being called the ‘CasiCoke’ online.

Built on the beloved octagonal GA-2100 platform (the same base as our current Watch of the Week, the Orient Kamasu’s spiritual G-Shock cousin), the GA-2100CC-3A features a **translucent red resin case and band** inspired by Coca-Cola’s iconic red, with subtle Coke branding on the dial and a special commemorative packaging. The watch retains all the standard CasiOak specs: Carbon Core Guard structure, 200M water resistance, analog-digital display, and shock resistance.

**Price:** Approximately $160–$175 USD when it hits US shelves in May 2026. The Japanese release was priced at 27,500 yen and sold via online lottery — demand is high.

**Our Take:** The CasiOak is already one of the best-value watches on the market at $99–$110 for the standard black. At $160–$175 for the Coke edition, you’re paying a ~$65 premium for the collab. If you’re a Coca-Cola collector or just love the red aesthetic, it’s worth it. If you want the best bang for your buck, the standard GA-2100-1A1 is still the smarter buy. Either way, this is a watch that will hold its value — limited collabs like this tend to appreciate.

[Check Price on Amazon →](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DSWNXSQG?tag=ijgprojects06-20)

Lava Meets Legend: G-Shock Mudmaster GWG-B1000MG-1A9

For those who want something more serious, Casio also dropped a **limited-edition Mudmaster** that looks like it was forged in a volcano. The GWG-B1000MG-1A9 features magma-inspired orange hands and markers, gold-toned ion-plated stainless steel accents, and a black resin band mix-molded with lighter shades to resemble geological strata.

This is not a budget watch — it’s priced at **143,000 yen in Japan (approximately £800 in the UK)** — but it represents the pinnacle of what G-Shock engineering can do. The GWG-B1000MG-1A9 is Japan-made and packs sapphire glass, Tough Solar, Multi-Band 6 atomic timekeeping, Bluetooth, and the Triple Sensor (altimeter-barometer, compass, thermometer).

**Our Take:** The Mudmaster is the watch we covered in our most-watched YouTube video (34K views and counting). This magma edition is a collector’s piece. If you’ve been eyeing a Master of G watch and have the budget, this limited run won’t last long. For most of us, the standard GWG-B1000-1A at around $400 delivers the same core technology at a fraction of the price.

[Check Price on Amazon →](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CXMHK1J4?tag=ijgprojects06-20)

A New Direction for G-LIDE: The GBX-H5600 Series

Casio also unveiled the **all-new G-LIDE GBX-H5600** series this month — a completely fresh take on the G-LIDE surf/water sports line. The GBX-H5600 builds on the classic DW-5600 square case silhouette (the same DNA as the original 1983 G-Shock) but adds a new high-brightness display, moon data, tide graphs, and Bluetooth connectivity.

The GBX-H5600 is aimed squarely at surfers, paddlers, and water sports enthusiasts who want tide and moon data without sacrificing the G-Shock’s legendary toughness. It’s a direct evolution of the G-LIDE line that has been popular with the surf community for years.

**Price:** Not yet confirmed for US pricing, but expect it in the $150–$200 range based on comparable G-LIDE models.

**Our Take:** If you’re a water sports person who wants a purpose-built tool watch, the GBX-H5600 is worth watching closely. The DW-5600 form factor is one of the most wearable G-Shock shapes — slim, lightweight, and iconic.

Seiko Gives the 5 Sports a Compass: HDB006, HDB007, HDB008, HDB009

Seiko has been quietly building one of the most comprehensive affordable watch lineups in the industry, and May 2026 adds another chapter: **four new Seiko 5 Sports Field models with a compass bezel**.

The HDB006 through HDB009 are all technically identical but come in two distinct personalities. The HDB006 (black dial) and HDB007 (white dial) come on steel bracelets with a brushed steel bezel. The HDB008 (green dial, black bezel) and HDB009 (brown dial, brown bezel) come on nylon-leather straps with a hard-coated bezel for an adventure-ready look.

All four share the same specs: **41mm stainless steel case, 13.2mm thickness, 100M water resistance, bidirectional compass bezel, and Seiko’s proven Calibre 4R36 automatic movement** with 41 hours of power reserve. Crucially, Seiko has added LumiBrite to the Arabic numerals — something the previous 5 Sports Field watches were missing.

**Price:** EUR 390 on strap (HDB008/HDB009) and EUR 410 on bracelet (HDB006/HDB007). Available worldwide in **June 2026**.

**Our Take:** This is exactly the kind of release we love covering. Seiko is taking a proven, affordable platform and making it genuinely better — adding the compass bezel that field watch fans have been asking for, upgrading the lume, and keeping the price under EUR 420. The HDB008 in green with the black bezel is the standout for us: it looks like a mini Alpinist at a fraction of the price. We’ll be watching pre-order availability closely.

[Browse Seiko 5 Sports on Amazon →](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=seiko+5+sports+field&tag=ijgprojects06-20)

Timex Revives a Classic: The 1976 Lexington Under $200

Not every great watch story in May 2026 involves G-Shock. Timex has quietly dropped what may be the **best dress watch under $200** right now: the **1976 Lexington**.

Named after the year it was originally designed, the Lexington is a clean, slim dress watch with a sunray-brushed dial, applied indices, and a leather strap. It’s the kind of watch you can wear to a job interview or a wedding without anyone questioning your taste — and at under $200, it’s a remarkable value in the dress watch category where Swiss brands typically start at $500.

**Our Take:** Timex doesn’t get enough credit for their dress watch lineup. The Marlin has been a cult favourite for years, and the Lexington looks like it could join that conversation. If you’ve been looking for an affordable dress watch to complement your G-Shock collection, this is worth a serious look.

[Check Price on Amazon →](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=timex+1976+lexington&tag=ijgprojects06-20)

What We’re Watching: The Audemars Piguet Collab Under $500

In genuinely surprising news, **Audemars Piguet** — maker of the Royal Oak that inspired the CasiOak nickname — has announced a collaboration with an affordable watch brand that could result in pieces under $500. Details are still emerging as of publication, but this is the kind of trickle-down luxury story that the watch world lives for.

We’ll cover this in full once more details are confirmed. For now, it’s worth noting that the lines between luxury and affordable watchmaking continue to blur in fascinating ways — and that’s great news for value-focused collectors like us.

May 2026 is a strong month for anyone who believes you don’t need to spend thousands to wear something great on your wrist. The CasiCoke is a fun limited edition, the Mudmaster MG is a collector’s dream, the new G-LIDE opens up the DW-5600 platform to water sports, the Seiko 5 Sports Field compass models are a genuine upgrade to an already excellent lineup, and Timex is quietly making some of the best dress watches under $200.

We’ll be updating this roundup as US pricing and availability are confirmed for the Seiko HDB series and the new G-LIDE. In the meantime, check out our [Watch Advisor](/watch-finder) to find the right watch for your budget and lifestyle — or browse our [Best Watches Under $200](/best-watches-under-200) guide for our current top picks.

*All prices are approximate and subject to change. Affiliate links are used where available — clicking them supports WatchesAndMore at no extra cost to you.*

June 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting months for value-watch fans in recent memory. Casio is firing on all cylinders — a four-model Camo & Gold G-Shock series, a Gundam anime collaboration on the legendary DW-5600 square case, and a new slim Mudmaster variant. Meanwhile, Seiko is celebrating its **145th anniversary** with a pair of limited-edition Prospex divers that honour the brand’s 1965 heritage. Whether your budget is $100 or $600, there’s something here worth getting excited about. Let’s break it all down.

The Camo & Gold Series: Four New G-Shocks That Blend In and Stand Out

Casio has been teasing this one for weeks, and the wait is almost over. The **G-Shock Camo & Gold 2026 collection** comprises four models, each pairing a green camouflage finish with gold-tone accents across the dial, hands, and case details. It’s a bold combination that somehow works — the muted camo base makes the gold pop without looking garish.

Here’s the full lineup:

– **GM-6900CMG-3 (~$200)** — The flagship of the series. This is the only model with a metal bezel, and the camouflage pattern is applied via laser engraving, creating a tactile texture rather than a flat print. The IP coating adds scratch resistance. If you want the premium version of this collection, this is it.

– **DW-6900CMG-3 (~$100)** — The resin-bezel version of the same design. Lighter, more affordable, and still packs the full G-Shock feature set: shock resistance, 200M water resistance, and a 1/100-second stopwatch. At $100, this is the sweet spot of the collection.

– **GA-V01CMG-3A (~$150)** — The CasiOak-adjacent model in the series. The GA-V01 uses the same octagonal bezel silhouette as the GA-2100 but with a slightly different case profile. The camo-and-gold treatment on this shape is particularly striking.

– **GA-700CMG-3A (~$130)** — The largest of the four, with the GA-700’s oversized case and bold analog hands. If you like big, statement G-Shocks, this is your pick.

**Our Take:** The DW-6900CMG-3 at ~$100 is the standout value here. You get the full Camo & Gold aesthetic on the iconic 6900 case at an entry-level price. The GM-6900CMG-3 is worth the extra $100 if you want the metal bezel and laser-engraved camo — it genuinely looks like a $300 watch.

[Browse G-Shock Collection on Amazon →](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=casio+g-shock+camo+gold&tag=ijgprojects-20)

Gundam Meets G-Shock: The DW-5600 Collaboration Dropping June 4

In what may be the most talked-about G-Shock collab of the year, Casio has teamed up with the iconic **Mobile Suit Gundam** franchise for a limited-edition DW-5600. The watch releases on **June 4, 2026**, and is inspired by the RX-78-2 Gundam — the original mecha from the 1979 anime series that launched one of Japan’s most beloved franchises.

The design is subtle but unmistakably Gundam. The watch features a **translucent bezel and band** with a minimalist blue face and a white center case — echoing the RX-78-2’s iconic blue, white, and orange colour scheme. The band carries an **Earth Federation Space Force emblem** along with mecha-inspired graphics and an orange band keeper. The case back is engraved with the **winged horse emblem of the White Base**, and ‘SINCE 1979’ appears on the LED backlight — a nod to both G-Shock’s 1983 origins and Gundam’s 1979 debut.

The watch was initially announced for South Korea but is expected to be an Asia-wide release, with global availability likely to follow.

**Our Take:** G-Shock collaborations with anime franchises have a strong track record of selling out fast and appreciating in value. The DW-5600 is already one of the most iconic G-Shock shapes — slim, lightweight, and direct DNA from the original 1983 G-Shock. If you’re a Gundam fan or a G-Shock collector, this one is worth tracking down on launch day.

[Shop G-Shock DW-5600 Series on Amazon →](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=casio+g-shock+dw-5600&tag=ijgprojects-20)

Seiko’s 145th Anniversary: Two Limited-Edition Prospex Divers

Seiko is marking **145 years** since Kintaro Hattori opened his Tokyo clock shop in 1881, and the anniversary collection is genuinely special. Two new limited-edition Prospex divers are dropping in June 2026, both unified by **Seiko Blue** — the signature colour that Seiko established in the 1960s and has refined ever since.

**HBC005 — 1965 Heritage Diver’s Watch (~$595)**

This is the one that will sell out first. The HBC005 is based on Seiko’s original 1965 diver’s watch — Japan’s first purpose-built dive watch — and powered by the **Calibre 6R55** automatic movement with a 72-hour power reserve. The design is beautifully restrained: a silver-white dial with blue accents on the aluminium bezel insert and the seconds hand. The case is stainless steel with a super-hard coating, and the bracelet features a clever clasp that adjusts in 2.5mm increments — essential for divers dealing with wetsuit pressure changes. **Limited edition** (quantity not confirmed for US market). Available at select retailers from June 2026.

**HBB001 — Samurai-Inspired Diver (~$595)**

The HBB001 takes a bolder approach. Its case features decisive faceting on the lugs — described by Seiko as ‘sculpted by a sword’ — and a two-tone aluminium bezel insert in silver (0–15 minute scale) and blue (remainder). The movement is the **Calibre 4R35** with 41 hours of power reserve. Limited to **9,999 pieces** worldwide.

**Our Take:** Both watches are exceptional value at ~$595 for limited-edition, Japan-made Seiko Prospex divers. The HBC005 is the more wearable everyday piece; the HBB001 is the more dramatic collector’s watch. If you can only pick one, the HBC005’s 72-hour power reserve and cleaner dial make it the more practical choice.

[Browse Seiko Prospex on Amazon →](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=seiko+prospex+diver&tag=ijgprojects-20)

Seiko Astron Goes Slimmer: New GPS Solar Dual-Time Chronographs

For those with a higher budget, Seiko is also launching a new generation of **Astron GPS Solar** watches in June 2026. The new HAB series features a slimmer case profile than previous Astron models — a significant achievement given that GPS Solar technology requires substantial internal hardware.

The lineup includes four references (HAB001, HAB002, HAB003, HAB004) in dual-time and chronograph configurations, priced between **€2,700 and €3,000**. These are not budget watches, but they represent the pinnacle of what Seiko’s technology division can produce: GPS-synced accuracy anywhere in the world, solar charging, and a case slim enough to wear under a shirt cuff.

**Our Take:** The Astron HAB series is out of range for most value-focused collectors, but it’s worth knowing about because it demonstrates how far solar-GPS technology has come. The trickle-down effect means that Seiko’s mid-range solar watches — like the Prospex Solar Chronograph in the $300–$500 range — benefit from the same R&D investment.

[Browse Seiko Astron on Amazon →](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=seiko+astron+gps+solar&tag=ijgprojects-20)

The Value Verdict: What to Buy in June 2026

With so many releases landing this month, here’s our quick-reference buying guide:

**Best under $100:** G-Shock DW-6900CMG-3 (Camo & Gold) — full G-Shock feature set with a striking limited aesthetic.

**Best under $200:** G-Shock GM-6900CMG-3 (Camo & Gold) — metal bezel, laser-engraved camo, looks like a $300 watch.

**Best collab:** G-Shock x Gundam DW-5600 — limited availability, strong collector appeal, iconic case shape.

**Best investment piece under $600:** Seiko Prospex HBC005 (145th Anniversary) — limited edition, Japan-made, 72-hour power reserve, direct lineage from the 1965 original.

As always, all prices are approximate and subject to change. US pricing for the Seiko HBC005 and HBB001 has not been officially confirmed at time of writing — we’ll update this article when US retail prices are announced.

*Affiliate links are used where available — clicking them supports WatchesAndMore at no extra cost to you.*

June 2026 is a strong month for the value-watch community. Casio is delivering variety at every price point with the Camo & Gold series, the Gundam collab adds genuine collector excitement to the DW-5600 platform, and Seiko’s 145th anniversary releases prove that the brand still knows how to make a meaningful limited edition. Whether you’re a G-Shock loyalist, a Seiko collector, or just looking for your next everyday watch, there’s something here worth adding to your wishlist.

Check out our [Watch Advisor](/watch-finder) to find the right watch for your budget and lifestyle — or browse our [Best Watches Under $200](/best-watches-under-200) guide for our current top picks across all categories.