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- Wednesday, January 7th, 2009 - 10:08 pm
- Casio G-Shock DW-5000 [240]
This one is long, so I divided it into 3 parts.
Part 1. About the watch
Here's the legendary Casio G-Shock DW-5000. What's so legendary about this very plain looking G-Shock?
It's the very first G-Shock watch EVER! There's already lots of information on this watch on the web, so let me take my own spin on it.
In the old days, (early 80's) all G-Shocks were made with an all stainless steel body, a stainless steel screw-down backplate and hard mineral glass. That ultra tough shell was then covered with a rubber (polyurethane) bezel which was held down with 4 tiny stainless steel screws. Then it was furnished with a long polyurethane diver's band with stainless steel clasp.
All in all, a very tough watch! They sure don't make them like these anymore! In terms of functions, it has all the basics.
Time/Date, Stopwatch, Timer, Alarm and hourly signal. Oh and of course, the micro light.
There are a LOT of features that set this watch apart from modern G-Shocks. Or perhaps it's the lack of features... Since I don't own a modern G-Shock watch myself, there's really nothing I can offer in that comparison. So let me focus on two things that sets this particular model apart from other vintage G-Shocks.
Most famously, it features an awesome "brick" pattern on the crystal. This is ONLY found on this model, although a similar pattern exists on some of the other models.
Check out the awesome G-Shock-ness. MMmmmmm.
It also features very unique flat-head screws. (I have these original screws in good condition, but I was too afraid to use them so I'm using phillips head screws on my watch.)
I'm sure there are other differences, but since I don't have other vintage G-Shocks to compare it with I'll stop there.
Part 2. How did I get this watch?
I found this watch by accident in a lot that I won on eBay. It was a "random" lot and I was totally shocked when I found this in the box.
When I found it, it looked like this:
After some cleaning:
*Some tips on cleaning: I am not sure what other collectors use, but I use a soap and toothbrush. A regular toothbrush is stiff enough to clean the gunk off, but soft enough to avoid scratching the watch.
The hardest part about cleaning is removing the screws. 99% of the time, they will break off. Once they break off, the watch is pretty much done for. To remove them without breaking them, spray a tiny bit of WD-40 directly onto the screw, where the screw meets the watch. Wait 10 minutes. You HAVE to wait at least 10 minutes for the WD-40 to penetrate into the threads. Take a screwdriver, and GENTLY remove the screws. The proper amount of force to use is .. enough to NOT break dry angel hair pasta. I'm serious about this! Make sure you use a screwdriver that fits the screw perfectly, as this will give you good grip and prevent striping. If you are a strong person who normally doesn't know his/her own strength, here's a trick to help you control your strength. Grab the screwdriver at the tip, away from the handle and as close to the screw as possible. This minimizes your hand grip and helps to keep your torque low.
Now install a new bezel. The DW-5000 uses the same bezel as the DW-5600C, which is still available from Casio. Again, get an extra one while you can!
Watch after new band and battery. It must have been thrown away by the original owner when the battery ran out, because I found the original battery inside when I opened it. The 240 module uses the BR-2320 battery which is legendary for its longevity. Watch forums are littered with stories of people using this watch for 15+ years without changing the battery!
This watch uses the same band as the DW-5600C. Make sure you get the parts for the DW-5600C, because the DW-5600E parts will not work--not even close.
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Part 3. What to look for when procuring one for yourself.
The DW-5000 is very rare and highly sought after, so it will cost at least $300 and sometimes more than $1000 on eBay. The price varies greatly per auction and item condition, so if you are determined to pay less than $500 just keep trying and don't go for broke. Mine will probably fetch $400 on eBay easily.
So what makes one DW-5000 better than another DW-5000?
The first thing you need to identify is the version. The original DW-5000 has the most historic value, but there has been several anniversary editions that are also collectors items. As far as I know most DW-5000 versions are rare--just remember that there is only one original version, and only the original features the 240 module.
After you know you've got the right model, check its condition. In particular, see if the watch comes with the original screws. Make especially sure that the screws have not been broken off!!!
A DW-5000 owner should know how rare it is, and how unique its flat screws are. So if the seller refuses to show pictures of the watch's side profile, take that as a warning!
If it comes with a band, see if it's an authentic band. Check to see if it says "Casio JAPAN" on the buckle.
If not, that's okay. You can get a new band for less than $15 anyway. Don't worry about the bezel, you can get a new one on ebay easily (as of this writing).
Make sure the module works - Alarm, Light, etc. If the module does not work, it's actually possible to find one from a slightly less expensive DW-5200 or DW-5400. (Slightly less expensive = $200 instead of $400) You could also get one from a DW-5500, but I believe those are even rarer than the DW-5000 due to their limited production. I recently saw a DW-5500 sell for over $1000!
If the alarm doesn't work, it may be a problem with the front crystal, because that's where the speaker is mounted. That flat ceramic speaker is very sturdy and hard to break, but once broken it is impossible to replace/repair, so just make sure the crystal is problem-free. If you see what appears to be discoloration or bubbles on the graphics under the crystal, you might be able to fix it but not if the flaw is large. If the crystal is broken or chipped, stay far away. This glass is impossible to find and it is what really matters in terms of the watch's cosmetic condition. Pretty much all other flaws, including broken screws, can be hidden.
And if you're really picky, look at the module alignment. Most of them have a slight gap between the glass and the LCD display. Mine does this too, but it's not supposed to be like that. It doesn't really matter but if you are a perfectionist it might bother you.
If the module is slightly crooked (rotated) like below, don't worry about that. It's easy to re-align rotation.
And if you are lucky enough to get finally get one, join the nerdwatch forum and brag! :)
Filed under: watch
- Comments!
- » I have the G-Shock 240 DW-5000 and am the original owner. I bought it at the original Sharper Image store in SanFran back in the 80's. The wristband has worn away due to age as has some of the bezel. I see that you are referring to the BR2320 battery, can I use a CR2320 instead? I need to replace the battery and don't want to damage the electronics since this will be the first battery replacement.
- by: mwhit, submitted Monday, December 28th, 2009 - 10:58 am
- » Yes, CR batteries can be used as direct replacements for BR batteries. :)
- by: admin, submitted Friday, January 1st, 2010 - 8:55 pm
- » Very nice of the dw-5000 and great shots and thru all g-shocks that the dw-5000 is my favorite one and I'm the owner of dw-5000, dw-5200, dw-5400 and dw-5500 and would be very glad if own few more the orginal dw-5000.
- by: ron, submitted Friday, January 29th, 2010 - 8:45 am
- »
This bring me memories,i bought one in december 1983 and had it to 1990,i regret now i gave it away,big mistake. - by: cesar, submitted Friday, June 4th, 2010 - 11:26 pm
- » I have a Casio Shock Resist model 240 DW5400 serial # 006456 but need a new bezel and band.
Original Bat still running !
Where can I get new bezel & band and is it worth trying to sell.
Thanks worth - by: Ed, submitted Thursday, July 15th, 2010 - 12:19 pm
- » Can you help? I have a 240 DW-5000 (serial no. 077059 in perfect working and excellent condition (Original Owner - replaced battery). Side Screws, function buttons and face outline is gold. Watch back plate and Buckle states "Japan"...very new to this, as I just found the watch in one of my boxes from 1983 - Scuba diving years. Any idea what it might be worth?
- by: Steve, submitted Thursday, December 9th, 2010 - 12:39 pm
- » Great info, thanks for posting. I have a DW-5000 that I got as a gift from my folks in the early 80's. Is there a way to tell the manufacturing date based on the serial #? I used it scuba diving, windsurfing and trekking in jungles. I replaced the band at some point and the bezel became brittle and a piece broke off. I glued it back but decided to retire it and got a new G-Shock. Now the DW-5000 sits on my desk on the new watch's display stand. I'm not sentimental (or a collector) but the watch still keeps pretty good time and has some "history".
- by: Robert G., submitted Wednesday, November 17th, 2010 - 1:11 pm
- » I have this exact watch. My wife gave it to me for our 2nd anniversary, and I was a carpenter/remodeling contractor, who used post-hole diggers, pneumatic framing and roofing nailers, and other things that tested the watch's toughness. I was getting mud, dirt and concrete mix on in all the time, and used the same method to clean it: soap and a scrub brush-- not a toothbrush-- which always brought it to like-new clean.
I had said how much I liked the watch after seeing the ad for it; said I wanted a basic WATCH-- not a multi-function handy-dandy do-it-all gizmo-- just a WATCH that was super-tough.
I've replaced the band IDK how many times, the bezel protector just once, and the pins many times, the battery 4 times.
I love telling the story about my watch to family and friends, and they appreciate the watch as much as I do.
Casio hit a home run with this watch! - by: Jeff, submitted Monday, February 28th, 2011 - 10:14 am
- » I am looking for a bezel for myDW5000(240 model)does anyone know where I can purchase 1 or 2.I live in North Vancouver,Canada.Appreciate any purchasing directions.
- by: Don Carlson, submitted Wednesday, May 25th, 2011 - 7:54 pm
- » Just brought this out from a long hibernation and to my amazement it still was ticking. The light button seems to shut down the whole screen and I'm wondering if a new battery will get that back. A piece of the band at the bezel is missing so I'm in the market for a band. Thanks for your time, no pun intended.
Mark - by: Mark, submitted Monday, February 13th, 2012 - 8:37 pm
- » The info is great. I bought mine around 1987 from a crackhead for $10!. I always wanted this one because of the all metal casing. When I got it all it had was the bezel no straps and it was running. At hat time I could go to a casio store in NY, NY. Now about the late 90's when the battery died. No one could get it open. So i put it away with another Casio DW-6600 I bought to replace it. It was'nt my favorite because the way it was made. Then the DW-6600 watch I wasnt able to get any straps for only the battery so it still running.But these 2 watches have been sitting in a box all this time. Now I find out on ebay that I can get straps and find a Bezel for the DW-5000. Waiting for it in the mail as we speak. I love the DW-5000.
- by: garfield411, submitted Friday, June 1st, 2012 - 1:52 am
- » This watch is the ultimate, along with the CASIO JG-310 SAYLA Boxing watch. I have a blue JG-310 not working and am in need of a G-SHOCK DW 5000 240. I grew up with those watches. I am a casio freak.
- by: Michael, submitted Monday, August 6th, 2012 - 1:08 am
- » I had a casio DW-5200 and i´m still looking for a bezel. can anyone help me. Please!!!!
- by: jerry, submitted Tuesday, May 14th, 2013 - 7:39 am
- » This was a great read,fantastic pictures, I had one of these new in 1983 it was the dw50001b with gold buttons etc,I replaced it in the 90's with a dw5600c, this got replaced in 2000 with a DW5600E, ,i've now got a dw5600e and a tough solar g5600e, i've had many G'S but prefer this style,hopefully I'll have a restored dw5600c soon as 5000 are too expensive for me,thanks again for a trip up memory lane, :-)
- by: paul, submitted Friday, June 7th, 2013 - 11:37 am
- » I'm trying to restore a Casio DW-5200 and I need the screws for the bezel. Can you advise me where I can find them flat head ones if possible or any that are compatible?
Thanks
Luis - by: Luis , submitted Thursday, February 11th, 2016 - 10:39 am
- » I'm the original owner of a 240 DW-5400 serial #294239 which I purchased back in 84 or 85. I'm not kidding when I say that the watch still functions perfectly and I have only replaced the battery ONE TIME as of today, 13 March, 2016. That said, I did just replace the watch band with Casio factory replacement band and a Casio factory DW-5700 case bezel because I was unable to find a replacement for the original 5400, but have read many blogs that say they are the same. I still have 3 problems with the refurbishment of this extraordinary watch...
1. the bezel screws are gone and one is sheared off at the 11 o'clock position
2. I'm not sure what bezel screws from other Casio models will fit the 5400(cant find 5400)
3. If I look close at a 45 degree angle down at the screen under the crystal, I can see that there is a sloping of the screen from the left to right. Not sure if that's actually a normal condition, or if maybe the screen has slipped in the case.
I'd appreciate any feed back or advice on any of the above 3 conditions if anyone has the subject knowledge to suggest or comment. Thanks, Al Coker - by: Alan Coker, submitted Sunday, March 13th, 2016 - 4:15 pm
- » I have a DW5000 watch which was my first watch ever.
The original battery lasted for 10 years. I wanted to know if spare parts are available, only the strap has broken, the rest is just about perfect. - by: Cobus, submitted Saturday, April 29th, 2017 - 2:29 pm
THANKS