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When people talk about the earliest G-Shock models, the conversation usually begins with the DW-5000C and quickly moves on to the legendary DW-5200C "Hero." Often overlooked is the WW-5100C-1—one of the very first G-Shocks and the second model released in the series. WW-5100C-1  Introduced in 1983, the WW-5100C-1 arrived at a time when the G-Shock concept was still unproven. Casio had created a watch unlike anything the market had seen before, but convincing customers that a digital watch could survive serious abuse was no easy task. The WW-5100C-1 shares its rugged foundation with the original DW-5000C, including the first-generation stainless steel screw-back case. However, it stands apart with its own distinctive bezel design and bold front graphics, giving it a unique identity among the earliest G-Shocks. Like the original DW-5000C, the WW-5100C-1 was produced in relatively small numbers during G-Shock's infancy. As a result, surviving examples—especially those r...

When people think of the watch that started it all, the DW-5000C naturally comes to mind. It was the original G-Shock, introduced in 1983, and the beginning of a revolution in watchmaking. But there is another model that deserves just as much recognition. Released in June 1984, the DW-5200C-1 became the watch that brought G-Shock into the public eye. While it shared much of its construction with the original DW-5000C—including the stainless steel screw-back case, Module 240, and 200-meter water resistance—it was the model that proved the G-Shock concept to the world. DW-5200C-1  In the early days, the original G-Shock did not sell particularly well. The idea of an almost indestructible digital watch was unlike anything consumers had seen before, and Casio struggled to convince buyers. After the introduction of the DW-5000C and the WW-5100C, the future of the G-Shock project was still uncertain. Everything changed with one unforgettable television commercial. Casio demonstrated...

In 1983, Casio introduced the DW-5000C , a watch that would redefine the meaning of durability. Created under the leadership of Kikuo Ibe, it became the world's first G-Shock and marked the beginning of one of the most successful watch families ever produced. The original DW-5000C combined an innovative shock-resistant construction with a bold square design unlike anything else on the market. Its stainless steel screw-back case, protective resin outer case and bezel, and floating module were all engineered to withstand impacts that would damage conventional watches. The distinctive brick-pattern LCD completed a design that has become instantly recognizable to collectors around the world. DW-5200C-1A The DW-5000C was offered as both the DW-5000C-1A and DW-5000C-1B , two original references that today represent the very beginning of the G-Shock story. Both are highly regarded by collectors and are considered essential pieces in any serious vintage G-Shock collection. DW-5000C-1B  ...

After reading several forum discussions and studying these vintage modules, I finally reached a simple explanation of how the alarm sound is produced. Unlike what many people assume, the piezo element is not located inside the module itself. Instead, the crystal contains two piezo elements and a conductive silk-printed circuit on its inner surface. When the module triggers an alarm, electrical current is sent through the alarm spring, across the conductive print inside the crystal, through both piezo elements, and back to the module via the two metal contact arms.As the current passes through the piezo elements, they vibrate and generate the familiar alarm beep. It is a clever and elegant design—using the watch crystal itself as an active part of the alarm system rather than just a protective window.

The alarm spring found in vintage Casio G-Shock modules 240, 691 and 901 is responsible for more damaged crystals than many collectors realize.   The spring presses against the inside of the crystal, exactly where the conductive silk-printed pattern is located. If the module is installed slightly out of position and then twisted into place, the spring can scrape the silk print from the inside of the crystal. The damage will be clearly visible from the outside and is often impossible to repair completely.   The safest method is to position the module correctly before pressing it into place. If it needs adjustment, remove the module straight out, reposition it, and install it again. Avoid twisting the module while the alarm spring is in contact with the crystal. Many collectors place a small piece of conductive carbon tape where the alarm spring contacts the crystal. This provides some protection against mechanical wear while still allowing the electrical connection required for...

Bergeon Rodico 6033-1 is a putty-like cleaning compound widely used by watchmakers to remove oil, fingerprints, dust, and other contaminants from watch movements, hands, dials, crystals, and other delicate components. It is an indispensable tool for safely cleaning fragile surfaces without causing scratches or damage. Rodico is also excellent for picking up tiny screws, springs, and other small parts from hard-to-reach areas, reducing the need to handle them with fingers or tweezers. A simple but remarkably effective tool that deserves a place on every watchmaker's bench.