I like the G-Shock square a lot more than this UNION colorway

I like G-Shock squares, but this is a lot of red, green and black for me. The stripes cover the case, the stars run across the face and the three colored keepers add another layer. I would want a much quieter version on my wrist.

I've become a big G-Shock fan, and the square shape is a large part of that. I like being able to see the time immediately and wear something that feels like an instrument. This collaboration keeps the recognizable outline, but the printed pattern is what I notice first. Even the LCD surround becomes part of the graphic. The familiar case isn't enough to make me want every special edition built around it.

UNION's anniversary square

UNION Tokyo's official October 30 feature introduces the collaboration for UNION Los Angeles' 35th anniversary. It identifies the Pan-African flag as the inspiration for the red, black and green treatment. The partner calls the project DW-5600 RGB; House of Heat's release coverage gives the watch reference as DW-5600RBG. Both show the same striped watch, colored screen treatment and three band keepers.

The Frontman logo appears when the backlight is activated and is engraved on the caseback. I prefer those smaller details to the large pattern across the front. An engraving can make a collaboration personal without dominating the time display. The backlight image is something I would want to see operating in person, because a bright promotional photograph won't tell me how clearly the digits read in an ordinary room.

I can appreciate that these colors mean something specific to UNION. My issue is how much of the watch they cover. A plainer square with the same engraved back and colored keepers would be more tempting for me. This particular version is designed for someone who wants the collaboration to be visible immediately.

Dates and specifications need their own labels

The official Japan announcement says November 7, 2026, with the UNION Tokyo online release at 9AM JST. That is a Japan-specific date. I haven't verified a US order page or US sale time, and I wouldn't turn the Japanese announcement into a worldwide launch promise.

House of Heat reports a US$165 price, checked against its coverage on November 1. That is a reported launch price, rather than a completed checkout or a verified in-stock US offer. The partner gallery gives us clear front, side, backlight, strap and caseback views, but it doesn't provide a full technical specification sheet. Exact dimensions, module, battery life and this reference's water-resistance specification remain unverified here. I haven't handled this watch or tested its display.

I give it 41 out of 120 bezel clicks. The square case still appeals to me, and the small collaboration details are interesting. I would spend my money on a quieter G-Shock colorway.