Casio G Shock - Casio Watch

The simply designed Casio G-Shock Classic digital watch for men offers shock resistance that's great for your most vigorous sporting activities. The durable rectangular black watch case measures 45mm wide (1.77 inches), and it's matched to a comfortable black resin sports strap. The face has two windows that show time (bottom) and date (top) as well as a circular display for the stopwatch function, which can measure events down to 1/100 of a second for the first 60 minutes (and down to 1 second from 60 minutes to 24 hours). It also offers elapsed and split time modes, and 1st-2nd place times, and it includes a countdown timer with a 24-hour range. Other timekeeping features include a multi-function alarm, hourly time signal (which can be turned off), and 12/24-hour formats. This timepiece also features an Auto Calendar (pre-programmed until the year 2039), ±15-second accuracy per month, Afterglow backlighting, and water resistance to 200 meters (660 feet)--which will stand up to the rigors of recreational scuba diving.

Another victim of the Sudden G-Shock Death Syndrome described in other reviews here. This one just went dead after less than 6 months of normal use -- no water immersion, no banging or shocks, no falls from high buildings. I sent it to an authorized repair center, got it back seemingly repaired, but then 2 months later it was dead again. My once high confidence in Casio is shot. For everyday use I've replaced it with a $14 Timex 1440 which is nowhere near as cool-looking, but has functioned reliably for over a year. I've also owned incredibly cheap no-name digital watches for use at the gym that were more durable and lasted for years. I bought this watch based on the 4 stars average review and ignored the people reporting bad experiences -- but now realize that the 8 one-star reviews vs. 25 five-star reviews found on Amazon today really point to higher chances of dissatisfaction than a "4 out of 5 stars" would seem to indicate.

I bought this watch in October 10 2008, and it died December 31, 2008. I replaced the battery, but that did no good - the watch itself was the problem. I got a G-shock for use with my job in the Navy, thinking it would be a good investment. My last watch (different brand) barely survived my last deployment, so I was looking for something that would "keep on ticking," to steal a term from another company.

I had barely gotten any use out of this before it broke. Like another reviewer, I had almost babied the thing. It had never been in water (even the shower), never dropped, hit, or subjected to any trauma of any type.

When it worked, it was great. But for some reason, this model does not last very long, especially for something that is touted as near-indestructable by the manufacturer.

I'm terribly disappointed and will not purchase G-shock watches in the future.

I've owned many a Casio G-Shocks in my life, but this was the first one that has ever died on me before it's time. After wearing the watch for about a month I've noticed that the screen would blank out on me after activating the light and/or any of its other functions. My first course of action was to have the battery changed but that didn't solve the problem. I use Casio G-Shocks as my primary dive timer so having a reliable watch is important to me. The watch has since died with the replacement battery still having a full charge. However, being a loyal Casio G-Shock user and fan I bit the bullet and have bought another G-Shock. This time a different model and it has served me well (two years), so far.

I got this watch for my son who is in the Marine Reserves. Last week he went on manuvers with the Marines & wore the watch when he had to a swimming routine. The watch leaked water into the face of the watch. My son was very disappointed.

In the last 60 days I have purchased (3) G-Shock Model: DW9052-1V watches from Amazon and have had to return each one for the same reason. All three watches died within 7 to 10 days. They all froze with the same display as the image loaded by P. Murphy. I really liked the watch, looks good, good price but it only worked for a week. After retuning all three of the G-Shock DW9052-1V I have to say it's disappointing to see such a poor quality G-Shock product. I wonder how long Amazon will keep selling this model? They should just supply a return shipping label with every watch. Save yourself the time, choose another G-Shock.

The simply designed Casio G-Shock Classic digital watch for men offers shock resistance that's great for your most vigorous sporting activities. The durable rectangular black watch case measures 45mm wide (1.77 inches), and it's matched to a comfortable black resin sports strap. It includes a stopwatch function that can measure events down to 1/100 of a second for the first 60 minutes (and down to 1 second from 60 minutes to 24 hours), and it offers elapsed and split time modes, and 1st-2nd place times. It also has a countdown timer with a 24-hour range. Other timekeeping features include a multi-function alarm, hourly time signal (which can be turned off), and 12/24-hour formats. This timepiece also features an Auto Calendar (pre-programmed until the year 2039), ±15-second accuracy per month, Afterglow backlighting, and water resistance to 200 meters (660 feet)--which will stand up to the rigors of recreational scuba diving.

Is this something new about cheap, short-life batteries being supplied with Casio watches?
I just ordered this watch from Amazon last Wednesday and received it today, 2-23-2010. I set the time and date and looked through the User's Guide. On page E-28 under "Battery Replacement" and "Initial Battery" it states this about the initial battery:
"The battery that comes loaded in your watch when you purchase it is used for function and performance testing at the factory.
This type of test battery may go dead quicker than the normal rated battery life as noted in the User's Guide. Note that you will be charged for replacement of this battery, even if replacement is required within the watch's warranty period."

How long has this been going on? Is this a new statement in newer User's Guides, or has this statement been in the manual for years? Please comment on this. Is the same statement in other Casio watch User's Guides? It is ridiculous of Casio to provide anything other than normal, full-life batteries to their customers. None of their ads say anything about selling watches with short-life batteries. Casio may save a few pennies but its customers lose many dollars and have the considerable bother of an earlier first battery change. This is my 4th Casio watch, and I don't recall seeing this statement before. I'll try to find the User's Guide for my other Casio. On Feb. 26 I am adding that my User's Guide version on the last page is MA0907-C, printed in China.

I was a little bit disappointed because I thought the face of the watch would be larger than what I got.

However, for the price, I think I got what I paid for.

Thanks.

The watch seems like a good watch, but it was too small for my wrist so I can't wear it.

THIS MODEL DOES NOT HAVE DUAL TIME??? I have had this exact same watch for many years, finally having to replace it. For some unknown reason, CASIO dropped the DUAL TIME feature. WHY?? All of the other features are still available and no new features were added, so why did they drop a very useful feature for travelers. Even their cheaper ($15) watches have dual time, so it cannot be an expensive feature. Just does not make any sense to delete features from one of the most successful watches ever designed. A little disappointed in CASIO!

This is a great watch and I agree with almost everyone's comments. It is stylish, durable and highly reliable. But there are two main drawbacks that can be improved, one of which is Casio's fault and the other one is just a style issue.

1) the edge between the watch face and the watch bands bends considerably and there is a tear emerging after a couple of months of use. This is more prominent if you have a thin wrist and use one of the shorter holes on the band.

2) It is a bit too thick aesthetically. I know it is very durable and has a great protective casing but I feel it would look better in a thinner version.

The simply designed Casio G-Shock Classic analog-digital watch for men offers shock resistance that's great for your most vigorous sporting activities as well as anti-magnetic properties. The durable round black watch case measures 47mm wide (1.85 inches), and it's matched to a comfortable black resin sports strap. Timekeeping features include a 1/100-second stopwatch with a 24-hour capacity and elapsed time mode, dual time for tracking a second time zone, daily alarm, and 12/24-hour formats. Other features include an Auto Calendar (pre-programmed until the year 2039), ±15-second accuracy per month, Afterglow backlighting, and water resistance to 200 meters (660 feet)--which will stand up to the rigors of recreational scuba diving.

Note: Though this watch is designed to withstand exposure to magnetic force, you should still keep it away from machinery and appliances that generate a strong magnetic field.

I ordered this watch seeing that it is advertised as an Atomic Solar watch and it is NOT. I told amazon about the problem but they still havent changed the ad.

I have had a Casio watch for about a year and now the watchband needs replaced. I was informed by Walmart that they cannot replace a Casio watchband. I called Casio and they told me that as far as they know NO CASIO WATCHBAND CAN BE REPLACED BY A NORMAL WATCHBAND! I had to order a watchband from Casio and they had to know which model it was before I ordered it. Total price: $12.00 shipping, handling and sales tax included. I then asked the representative if instructions would be included because it was a different type of setup instead of pins. HE SAID THAT THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO RECOMMEND TAKING THE BAND TO A JEWELER TO HAVE IT PUT ON!! PLEASE BEWARE OF THIS AS BANDS DO NOT LAST FOREVER!!

I prefer dual analog/digital display Casio's but this one was a mistake. The digital display is too small with too little contrast between the characters and the background. One cannot glance at the digital display, one must pause and focus on it to read it. I too usually leave it displaying the date and just glancing at the watch, like when signing a check, isn't a causal gesture, it requires holding the watch at the right angle, right distance and without motion. And give up on the digital display between :22 and :37 minutes past the hour.

We were unable to set the digital portion of the watch. Too many knobs and such, and the one we were told to use did not function properly. I wish i had gone with a different watch.

Pros: This watch is quite accurate. I've never had to make any adjustments to it and have been wearing it for nearly two years. Still on the first battery. This watch is also incredibly rugged. I am an active, active outdoor adventurer and have ABUSED this watch. It's never once asked me to ease up on it; it just keeps telling me the time. This includes a couple SCUBA dives.

Cons: The light only lights the small digital display at the bottom of the watch. If, like me, you keep the digital display on the date mode, the night light won't help you much. I don't believe this watch has ever leaked, but if the temperature is cool, this watch fogs up. And finally, if the time is between 25 past the hour and 35 past the hour, don't even think about being able to read the digital display at the bottom; the minute hand WILL obscure your view.

Overall this is a great, rugged watch for the price.

Designed to accommodate your active lifestyle, the Casio Men's G-Shock Classic Digital Watch #DW6900-1V features a digital gray dial face with a mineral dial window. The watch includes such convenient touches as a day-date-and-month calendar, a stopwatch, and a countdown timer. Both the black-tone 45-millimeter case and stationary bezel are made of high-quality resin. Other details include a black resin band and its accompanying buckle-clasp closure. Built to endure, this handsome timepiece brings a sporty edge to all of your favorite casual ensembles. It is powered by quartz movement and is water resistant to 660 feet.

I love this this watch, i have it now for a few days, and it's simplicity, solid construction, and it's look all make you love it. but with the advantages comes the disadvantages:
1)it's heavier then the newer models
2)it's big
3)the screen is half taken by some half-functional graphics
4)you can't set the alarm with the back light on
5)it only has 1 alarm clock (other models have up to 5)
6)the battery only lasts for 2 years (by manufacture) - other can last up to 5 years. (note you cant change the battery on yourself)
7)it lacks the auto light-on option (light turns on every time you pick you arm to look at the time)
8)the buttons are metal, and not covered by plastic or rubber like in other models, i can see how dirt can get stuck there.

Casio made a long way in development or their watches, and i see no reason to skimp on the 15$ or more separating between this model to others, more updated models. with that said, there is nothing really wrong with this model, it's reliable (by others confessions), it's glass is very strong, and the overall construction is extremely solid - almost to the way it will make you smash it in hard objects, just to see if it's still works.
in conclusion. i had i chance to replace this one with other models, but i didn't, i preferred to save the few dollars, and stick with this one, mainly because i am looking to serve in the military with this watch, and most of the extra option (Auto-Light, 5 alarms,different time zones) are just not useful for military service.
but for any other use, i recommend looking at different Casio models, do it fast, before this watch reliability will make you fall in love with it, and develop guilt for discarding an old friend.

I purchased this model of Casio's famous G-Shock series back in early 1999, and the feature which attracted me most was the "Illuminator", the electro-luminescent back lighting for viewing in the dark - a marked improvement over the tiny light bulb built into my previous G-Shock which I had purchased in 1988 (the original model!).
It served me well for two years, and I only gave it up because I was eager to obtain a newer G-Shock model with the "Data Bank" - unfortunately I made the unwise choice of a cloth band with velcro.
I am a guy who never takes off his watch, either in bed or the shower (comes in handy when you want to know if you're running behind schedule getting ready for work!), so the cloth band with the velcro worked out miserably - not only that, but I very seldom used the Data Bank feature.
At that point it would have been good to go back to the model I am reviewing, if it weren't for the unfortunate fact that I had left it at my Mother's house on a lamp table, and it was soon thereafter discovered by my mother's dog, Foster, who found the resin band to be an excellent chew-toy.
The body of the watch was undamaged and the band could have been replaced, but my Mother had thrown away the perfectly good watch as she thought it was totalled.
I have very recently purchased my FOURTH G-Shock, a solar-atmoic one, as my Data-Bank one has died on me - however, had my mother only not thrown out my DW6900, I could have gone back to that, as I'm sure it is still keeping accurate time to this day, sadly deep in some landfill.

This is a great watch for day to day/active wear. If you're outside or don't know where you're day will take you, this is gonna go with you. The read out is very easy to read. I don't really know what the point of the three cycling displays above the time are for, but they look cool.

Like with other Casio watches, its a big watch. I think it still looks good, but don't think that you can sneak this underneath your dress shirt (why bother?). I was surprised how comfortable the band is, usually these plastic bands make my wrist sweat but this band doesn't stick your wrist like my old Timex.

The main thing to consider is your level of technology. The feature set isn't very long, there is only one alarm (other G's have 5), no timezones/world time, no databank, no solar power, no atomic timekeeping. But that's all reflected in the price. This G-shock has been around for 10 years or so and it is a classic of Casio's watches. The basic model is simply a well made, good looking watch.


Update: Casio has announced an updated model of the 6900 that will feature solar power and atomic timekeeping. Should be out later this year. I love this watch so much I will definitely get the updated version.

I recieved this watch in the mail on Wednesday August 26. It was smaller than I expected it to be. I like how it is water resistant up to 200m and how it has a little backlight. The adjust button is kinda hard to press unless you use the tip of your fingernail or a pen. It comes with a nice little alarm clock and timer on it. Overall, it's a pretty good watch for $43.

Great watch at an affordable price.

Pros: Looks, price, toughness, basic functions, and bright back light.
Cons: Kinda of big depending on your wrist, clunky, LCD screen is not as big as other G-Shocks (DW6600C-1V)due to the 3 seconds circles, and a lack of more modern functions like tough solar and atomic.

Overall: Great watch for someone to use as a beater watch or to mod out (aka stealthing). Bright EL light with adequate functions for the average Joe.

For a modern look, the Casio Men's G-Shock Atomic Tough Solar Watch #GW530A-1V features an easy-to-read digital-gray dial face, which is protected by a mineral dial window. A day-date-and-month calendar brings at-a-glance readability. Other details include a world-time-zone tracker, a stopwatch, and a 4-daily-alarm-with-snooze option. The stylish band is made of black resin for a sleek look, and it comes equipped with a secure buckle closure. The watch also features a stationary resin bezel and 46.3-millimeter stainless steel case. Designed to accommodate your many needs, this handsome timepiece ensures highly reliable technological precision. It is powered by solar movement and is water resistant to 660 feet.

All of the good reviews must not be from people who have owned tough solar watches for more than a few years. The solar batteries in these watches tend to die after ~5-7 years and can no longer be charged, so the watch becomes worthless unless you have the expensive battery unit replaced, but that defeats the purpose of the solar battery. It would be cheaper in the long run to just buy the non-solar versions and replace the $5 batteries every few years. I feel like the solar gimmick is a scam by casio in the sense that the battery does not last long enough to warrant the price premium. Although the watches themselves hold up well and have good features, DO NOT buy SOLAR unless you expect to replace it in a few years.

If anyone has owned one of these for longer than 5-7 years without having the battery fail, please post your actual experience as a reply.

I am very disappointed with this watch, because the solar charging battery runs down every few days. I assumed the battery would keep the watch running for months or years without any solar power, but it turns out that it has a tiny battery that requires solar charging every day or two to keep it running. Several times I've had to leave the watch outside during the day to charge it sufficiently to get the display to come back on.

I am giving up on this watch and purchasing a non-solar version.

I have had a Casio watch for about a year and now the watchband needs replaced. I was informed by Walmart that they cannot replace a Casio watchband. I called Casio and they told me that as far as they know NO CASIO WATCHBAND CAN BE REPLACED BY A NORMAL WATCHBAND! I had to order a watchband from Casio and they had to know which model it was before I ordered it. Total price: $12.00 shipping, handling and sales tax included. I then asked the representative if instructions would be included because it was a different type of setup instead of pins. HE SAID THAT THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO RECOMMEND TAKING THE BAND TO A JEWELER TO HAVE IT PUT ON!! PLEASE BEWARE OF THIS AS BANDS DO NOT LAST FOREVER!!

Buttons are falling off. Rubber retaining band around watch is stretching out around the buttons. Not worth the money.

Love the Casio G shock Atomic Watches. I have three so far. The only issue I have is that the instruction manuals are not thorough and leave a lot to one's imagination which just does not suffice on issues unknown to the reader. In most cases, following the step by step procedures do not even work, so one has to search by trial and error. This is a complete pain. Who wrote these manuals? Were they outsourced?