Non-Stop G-Shocks: DW-5600VT CTU

Today I'm wearing one of my more unique G-Shocks, a limited edition DW-5600 based on the CTU (Counter Terrorist Unit) from the television show 24. While I have some other G-Shocks that are supposedly "limited", I believe it is my only one that has a serial number and a set number of pieces. It does not have the serial number engraved on it, but did come with a "Certificate of Authenticity" card with the information on it. I didn't buy one of these when they were initially released, probably because they were not released in the U.S.A. and hard to find even online. I've always been a fan of the show, and the understated looks of this watch and 24 tie-in made it a model I kept an eye out for. When I was recently buying some other Gs from a Japanese seller (puresoulhide) and he had this watch as well, I jumped on it. It's pretty much a typical DW-5600, although the color seems to be a very dark grey rather than the more typical black. The printing on the band seems to be almost teh same color as the band, which makes for a very stealthy appearance. It also has a nice looking grey face with some yellow highlights, and a particularly nice CTU shield engraved on the back. The engraving is different than most I've seen, and I'm still not sure if it's some sort of printing (although it seems too crisp) or maybe some kind of laser etching. Like some of my other more unique G-Shocks, this one is made in Japan. Casio also produced a CTU DW-6900 which features similar markings, but instead of the generic "CTU Agent" in the EL backlight, it says "Jack Bauer", making it the Jack Bauer "signature model" I suppose. As always, I'll keep an eye out for one of those as well.

Non-Stop G-Shocks: G-Shock DW-9600WC-7T W.C.C.S.

Very busy day today, so I'll try to make this post brief. I didn't even have a chance to take photos at the office, so I took them outside at home this afternoon. The watch is another DW-9600WC-7T. Yes, I've had two of these for quite some time. I sold the first one, which I posted back in March. (Sjors thinks the first one is a DW-9600WC-8T and it's certainly a possibility, but I think the grey or smoke watches usually turn a greener color, not so yellow. I think the strap adapters just became dark due to natural aging. Also, the 8T seemed to have a slightly two-tone strap, which definitely wasn't the case on the one I had. Honestly I don't think we'll ever know which one of us is right.) Anyway, this one is obviously less yellowed than my previously posted one and seems like it lived a slightly easier life all around. I still really like this model with its titanium case and screwback, it's kind of like a "Mini-Frogman" and is perhaps easier to wear when a bigger Frogman might be "too much". There are a number of other colors that seem to be readily available in new condition from Yahoo! Japan auctions and other sources, so I wouldn't be surprised if I added a couple more to my collection. Of course, there are also W.C.C.S. 6900 and Frogmen models to consider, not to mention all the other G-Shocks and other watches out there.

Non-Stop G-Shocks: DW-6900WCJ-9ER 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™

Today I'm wearing the companion piece to my DW-5600 FIFA G-Shock, the DW-6900 from the same series. Just as the 5600 uses the German national football uniform for the color scheme, this 6900 uses the colors of the Brazilian team. Even the "G-SHOCK" printing at the top of the face is in the bright blue just like the player's shorts. Like the 5600 this one is also made in Japan, features GOLEO VI and Pille in the EL backlight and has FIFA and 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™ in various places on the watch. This seemed to be a more popular color combination than the black and white Germany 5600, but both of them were purchased at heavy discount from an eBay seller in Germany. I find the color scheme very attractive (as is the Brazilian flag from which the uniforms draw their inspiration) but it's definitely bright, probably too bright for most people to wear every day, including myself. I do enjoy wearing it though, when the occasion and my wardrobe allow.

Non-Stop G-Shocks: GW-200TC-2V Frogman

Today I'm wearing my final Triple Crown of Surfing Frogman, the GW-200TC-2V. It's like the other two models, except instead of having a strap and detailing in red or olive green, this one has navy blue. I don't have much else to say about these that I haven't said before. There has been some confusion recently about the casebacks on these models. They are highly polished and look very similar to polished stainless steel, but they are made from titanium, just like the case is. I pulled out my other two Triple Crown Frogmen and took some group shots which you can see below.

Non-Stop G-Shocks: DW-8201WC-7T W.C.C.S. Frogman

Today's watch is one that I've wanted for a long time but only bought recently: a W.C.C.S. (World Coral-Reef Conservation Society) Frogman. This was issued in 1998 and is very similar to yesterday's Men in Yellow Frogman (they are both DW-8200 series with 1294 modules) but the DW-8201WC-7T is all titanium (not stainless steel,) has a translucent clear bezel and strap, has manta ray silhouettes in the EL backlight and has the W.C.C.S. markings on the strap and caseback. Here are some pictures of the watch and packaging from Ozzie. You might recall I posted a previous W.C.C.S. watch, a DW-9600WC-7T which also had the rays in the backlight (and has since been sold to Sjors.) I think I've been drawn to the W.C.C.S. special editions ever since I had a chance to interact with stingrays and explore a coral reef in Grand Cayman a few years ago. I also had a chance to see a coral reef in Bermuda last year even closer and they really are fascinating. It's amazing how many organisms can pack themselves into a relatively small area of coral reef. It seemed like the closer I looked at the reef the more life I would see. Conserving existing reefs and facilitating the creation of new reefs are definitely worthwhile endeavors. Getting back to today's watch... I got this recently from an excellent eBay merchant, puresoulhide, from whom I've bought many new old stock (NOS) G-Shocks. I currently have two other W.C.C.S. G-Shocks that will be featured in the future, but I wouldn't be surprised to find more added to my collection.

Non-Stop G-Shocks: DW-8250Y-9T Men in Yellow Frogman

Today's watch is my penultimate Men in Yellow G-Shock, my DW-8250Y-9 Frogman. Coincidentally, my final Men in Yellow watch, the Fisherman, is waiting for me at the post office today. This Frogman was issued in 1998 and it's my oldest Frogman right now. Other than its striking yellow color, it is also unique due to its stainless steel case. Most Frogmen have titanium cases and the stainless steel on this model makes for a much heavier watch. It doesn't throw off the balance of the watch when worn, but does make it a little difficult to balance it for photos. The stainless steel case was also used on the DW-8250WC-7AT and DW-8250WC-7BT models as well as another yellow Frogman, the DW-8250YU-9T issued in 1999. This particular watch I purchased used, and while it's in good shape overall, the band and bezel have aged somewhat and are no longer their original bright yellow, but more of an orange-tinged yellow. It's not incredibly obvious until I the watch is next to something bright yellow, like one of my other Men in Yellow G-Shocks. I'm still very happy to have it in my collection and don't really anticipate finding a better example for a price that I would be willing to pay. This one is fine for me, although I really should replace the strap keeper; the original one was brittle and disintegrated the first time I wore the watch.