Watches for Harsh
Environment
I can’t remember who told me
but G-Shock is one of the U.S. Army standard issue for military watches. It has
been used by many army combatants in many military campaigns. For the Navy
Seals, Luminox is the brand synonym to this elite forces. Born in 1983, the
G-Shock was proposed as rugged, tough, and fashionable timepieces. It bears a
standard water resistance at 200 meters, suitable for scuba diving. The watch
movement or what they call the module is encased in several layers of
protective parts to absorb shock and can be used in harsh conditions - in the
muddy, dusty, wet, deep water, high altitude, heat, and freezing temperature.
The G-Shock DW-6900
In 1994, G-Shock released
the DW-6900 model. The model has been one of Casio’s top-selling models of all
time and the company still alluring the market with release of new series and special
editions. This year, the DW-6900 will celebrate its 25th anniversary. While preparing this article, I received an official announcement
from Casio (via email) about the release of the DW-6900 anniversary editions.
The G-Shock DW-6900 family. On the left, the basic model of DW-6900. On the right, the newly released 25th anniversary edition.
The DW-6900 Module and
Construction
The DW-6900 is using the 3230
module which is a basic digital timekeeper with 1/100s stopwatch, countdown
timer, multi-function alarm, hourly time signal, full auto-calendar, 12/24h
format, and running on CR2016 standard battery. The size of the case is
53.2 X 50 X 16.3mm with average weight of about 67g. The watch is constructed in 3
main assemblies – the watch head, the bezel, and the band. The watch hard
case housed the watch movement, LCD display, faceplate, crystal, backlight EL G-button,
integrated 4 push buttons, and covered by a screw-type water-proof stainless
steel case back. The bezel is unique by design; rugged, thicker, and engraved
(or moulded) with operating labels which is aligned with the 4 operating push
buttons by the side. The purpose of the bezel is to protect the watch hard
case. The strap is attached to the watch head using the 16mm spring bar. For
the basic model (DW-6900-1AV or 1V), the strap is fitted with black plastic
pin-buckle, else the other variants are using the stainless steel. The DW-6900 band
and bezel’s (B&B or BNB) resin has gone through continuous improvements on the
material compound. The new resin is soft and much lighter compared to the
previous production.
Custom Watch
The modular design
makes the watch easy to dismantle and to customise. The parts are
interchangeable and can be fitted with many accessories. You only need a right
size Philips screwdriver to dismantle and assemble them. Easy customisation is
another factor why DW-6900 loved by the collectors and the G-Shock cult. There are
varieties of parts and accessories available on the market today. Different set
of BNBs, special print faceplates, matching themed case backs, colour-plated steel buckles
and keepers; once fitted it will give a different look and personality to the
watch - custom watch.
The DW-6900 family. Colourful but tough.
Collaborating and Limited
Editions
Watchmakers like to
associate themselves with celebrities, institutions, special events, or other
non-competing brands. Collaborating with these groups enable Casio to produce the
special or limited editions. The unique selling proposition is to attract more
sales. The DW-6900 has been a Casio collaborating model for more than a decade.
We can find the Eminem edition, Transformer edition, Bape (Bathing Ape),
Off-White, Undefeated, Avengers, and a long list of names to be associated with.
These models are not cheap and hunted by the cult and collectors.
Some of the special and limited edition sought-after by DW-6900 collectors. Different cosmetics, similar features and functions.
In the Movies and on TV
Most of the watch icons worn
by actors in the movies. For Seiko lovers, the Diver 6105 is known as the watch
worn by Captain Willard (played by actor Martin Sheen) in the famous Apocalypse movie. Although can’t be
spotted while running on the cinema or TV screen; there are G-Shock cult out
there manage to freeze the screen to show the silhouette of the watch.
Wondering what model of G-Shock worn by the character in that movie. We can
find in Goggles’ images; actors like Tom Cruise wearing the DW-6900 in the
movie Mission Impossible, Tom Hanks in the thriller movie Captain Phillips,
Ethan Hawke wears it in Training Day, Bradley Coopers wears it in the American Sniper, and many actors and actresses wear this iconic watch in other movies
and TV series.
My latest acquisition. The DW-6900LU-8 from the stealth series. Dual-tone strap, dark grey with black markings.
The 6900 Design DNA
The 6900 design DNA has
become the impetus for Casio to extend the product line. Today we can find
models replicated from the original design like the G-6900 upgraded version to tough
solar, the GD-X6900 larger version, the GLS series, and
other product line with various display configuration and functions. Besides
all these extended version, the original DW-6900 and its variants are still
liked by many collectors around the world. That makes the DW-6900 an icon, a
must have model for all G-Shock lovers.
Models from the 6900 design DNA
“Wait a minute. I can’t read it. Age factor; short-sighted problem, I can hardly read the time on my DW-6900
with negative display. I have dispose all my G-Shock with this type display. The clear positive display suite my eye sight, more visible. OK guys,
I hope this article is informative and useful. Thanks for visiting my blog.
Wait for the next icon.” – thetick-thetick2020
