Casio Reveals the Hotei x G-Shock GM-5600HT26-1JR With a Stealthy Guitarhythm Design
Casio has officially unveiled the latest Hotei x G-Shock collaboration, and this fourth model arrives with a bold, dark look that feels both understated and unmistakably tied to the legendary Japanese guitarist. The new watch carries the reference GM-5600HT26-1JR and is scheduled for release in December 2026 in Japan.
Priced at ¥36,300 including tax, or roughly $230, the GM-5600HT26-1JR builds on the familiar square G-Shock design while adding premium materials and a distinctive Hotei-inspired finish. Preorders through Hotei’s official store will open in two separate windows. The first runs from October 14 at 19:00 until October 19 at 23:59, while the second runs from November 25 to November 30. Shipping is expected to begin from late November and early December, depending on the preorder period.
Each customer will be limited to one watch, which should help keep the release more controlled for collectors and fans. Buyers ordering through Hotei’s own store will also receive two co-branded guitar picks, a small but fitting bonus that ties the watch even more closely to Hotei’s musical identity.
The watch is based on the Casio G-Shock GM-5600, a model known for combining a resin case with a stainless-steel bezel. This gives it a tougher, more premium feel compared with earlier resin-only square G-Shock models. The metal bezel adds a sharper edge to the design while keeping the classic durability that G-Shock fans expect.
In terms of size, the GM-5600HT26-1JR measures 49.6 x 43.2 x 12.9 mm and weighs 73 g. It also comes with 200-meter water resistance, mineral glass, and an estimated battery life of around two years. These are practical specs for everyday use, whether worn casually, on stage, or as part of a collector’s rotation.
The real standout feature is the design. Casio has applied a grey Guitarhythm pattern across the band, giving the watch a moody, textured appearance. The same pattern continues onto the dial area behind the negative LCD display, creating a cohesive look without making the watch feel overly flashy. The result is dark, stealthy, and stylish, with just enough detail to reward a closer look.
Additional Hotei-themed touches include the Guitarhythm mark engraved on the caseback, “45TH” printed on the strap keeper, and black IP coating on the buckle. Even the packaging follows the theme, with the Guitarhythm pattern covering the box surfaces for a complete collector-focused presentation.
Functionally, the watch stays close to the standard GM-5600 formula. It includes a 1/100-second stopwatch, a countdown timer with auto-repeat, multiple alarms, an hourly time signal, a full auto calendar, and an EL backlight for visibility in low light. While the technical feature set is familiar, the appeal here is clearly in the special-edition styling, metal-bezel construction, and connection to Hotei’s long-running Guitarhythm legacy.
The Casio G-Shock GM-5600HT26-1JR looks set to be a strong release for fans of limited-edition G-Shock watches, Japanese music culture, and square-case digital watches with a premium finish. With its dark color scheme, guitar-inspired graphics, and collector-focused extras, this collaboration brings together rugged G-Shock practicality and Hotei’s unmistakable visual identity in a clean, wearable package.
