Non-Stop G-Shocks: DW5025B-7V Rising White (G-Shock NYC 25th Anniversary Party Edition)

If you're thinking that you've seen this one before, and I must be cheating by wearing the same watch again, I forgive you, but you're wrong. As I mentioned when I wore my other DW5025B-7V, I have another "special" version of the watch, and today I'm wearing it. This version of the watch was part of a "goodie pack" given out out the G-Shock 25th Anniversary party in NYC on May 14, 2008. The pack also included some other stuff, and while I didn't get the CD or big box, I did get the typical anniversary tin and a T-shirt. The watch is pretty similar to the regular Rising White DW5025, but this one has some unique printing on the bezel and band. The bezel has gold bars and stars on either side of the watch face, as well as a small version of the 25th Anniversary logo (also in gold) below the face. On the strap is an interesting design which looks like a gold camo or random design at first, but it's actually a sliver of the same 25th Anniversary logo turned at an angle. Also on the strap is "WWW.GSHOCK.COM" in black. Here are some links to video of Kanye West's performance at the party, video from another angle, pics from inside and out, (check out the ice sculpture!) more pics (4 pages!) as well as the complete watch set. I looked through all the photos I could find of the event and finally figured out what G-Shock Kanye was wearing: the Glorious Gold DW-6925E-7, yet another watch that was already on my "hit list". I don't know how many of these special DW5025s were produced, but every one that I've seen so far has come from the G-Shock NYC party, so I believe this "factory modified" G-Shock was exclusive to it. I managed to get two watches and two T-shirts (both large, which is too small for me) so I will probably be putting one up for sale shortly.

Non-Stop G-Shocks: GW-225E-7 Glorious Gold Frogman

Today I'm wearing the same watch I wore all weekend, my new GW-225E-7 Frogman. It's part of the "Glorious Gold" series, the latest 25th Anniversary release. While it has been released in the U.S.A. as well as abroad, I purchased mine directly from Japan and finally got a spiffy 25th Anniversary carbon fiber-look "trunk" instead of the usual red, white and black anniversary tin. While the trunk is kind of neat, and I'm happy to have one now, I wouldn't pay anything extra to get one as the novelty wears off rather quickly. Anyway, the watch is really nice. I think I like this one better than the Dawn Black Frogman. Actually, I'll qualify that: For daytime wear, especially in the summer, I prefer the lighter look of the Glorious Gold. It's also overall a little flashier as you can see the gold-tone titanium case through the translucent bezel. The Dawn Black Frogman would probably be more suitable for nighttime wear, or anytime you want something more subdued. Both are really simple and solid designs, but at the moment I prefer the Glorious Gold.

Non-Stop G-Shocks: DW-6900WC-3T W.C.C.S.

Today I'm wearing another W.C.C.S. G-Shock, this time a DW-6900 in a very pleasing and summery translucent turquoise. Like my other World Coral-Reef Conservation Society watches, this one has the special markings on the band and caseback as well as the rays in the EL backlight. I just got this recently (it was sort of an "impulse buy" when I was buying some other more expensive Gs) and it was brand new even though it was originally released in 1997. While the 6900 is a pretty common G-Shock, I believe this W.C.C.S. model was not released in the U.S.A. If it was, it must have been very limited because I've never seen one in a shop. Like the W.C.C.S. DW-9600, this 6900 was also available in a number of translucent colors. They do show up occasionally on eBay (usually from Japan) so if the price is right I could see getting a couple more. The 6900s don't normally have the appeal of the Frogmen or DW-9600s (since the latter are titanium with screwbacks) but I really like this watch regardless. Maybe I'm just a sucker for the stingrays.

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.