DW-5600 Caseback Variations
The vintage DW-5600’s hold a special place in the hearts of G-Shock enthusiasts. For many, the screwback 5600 is the quintessential G-Shock; the vintage G they would most like to own and a classic. This isn’t too surprising given the 5600 was produced for a longer period of time and consists of more models in its line (nine) than any of the other earlier screwback G-Shocks.
5600 models have been produced with black, yellow, blue, green and blue camouflage band/bezel combinations. Additionally, there are ‘gold’ versions, and also models that appear nearly identical save for a few letters on the dial.
Nevertheless, even if most collectors already know about the wide variety of early DW-5600 models, few are aware of the wide variety of casebacks and what they designate. As one auction seller said after being asked about a scratch on his watch, “who looks at the back of the watch anyway?”. Well, the difference between an everyday, dead common DW-5600 and a rare variety that comes up for sale three times per year can only be determined by flipping the watch over.
Admittedly, caseback variations can seem like esoteric details, but what collector wouldn’t rather own the beautiful S case 5600 over the rough H case? Already, savvy collectors in Asia pay a premium for the A case G-Shocks and many consider 5600’s with the 691 module to be more collectible than the 901. Besides, every hobby is a bit more rewarding with a little study, and the hunt for elusive examples is often the best part of collecting.
So let’s turn the 5600 over and take a look.
There are four variables to consider when looking at DW-5600 casebacks:
1. The module - There are two: the 691, which was the module Casio began using for the DW-5600 when it was introduced in 1987 [1], and the 901, which Casio began using by at least October 1990 [2]. The module 901 is more frequently encountered than the module 691 if only because it was used in more models, but the 691 is not unusual.
2. The caseback finish - There are two here: a smooth mirror-like finish (the ‘mirrorback’) and a fine circular machine turned pattern (the ‘circleback’). For the most part the 691 module watches have a mirrorback and the 901 module watches have a circleback, but there are, of course, exceptions.
3. The ‘Japan letter’ - This letter appears immediately after the word ‘Japan’. I know of four: H, A, S and V. The ‘Japan Letter’ is more than just a different letter on the caseback; each letter corresponds to a different style or finish on the case itself.
4. The inscription - There are three inscription formats [3] they are:
Type 1 - CASIO [901] DW-5600 JAPAN H ST.STEEL 200M WATER RESISTANT (Shock Resistant)
Type 2 - CASIO [901] DW-5600 JAPAN H STAINLESS STEEL WATER RESISTANT (Shock Resistant)
Type 3 - [901] DW-5600 STAINLESS STEEL WATER RESISTANT (CASIO Shock Resistant H)
The most common by far is the Type 1 which can be found across the range of screwback 5600’s and is the same inscription style first used with the DW-5000 in 1983. Type 1 is the standard caseback inscription format for vintage G-Shocks. Type’s 2 and 3 seem to be limited to particular 5600 models and are less likely to be encountered. At this time only Module 901 H watches are known with Type 2 and 3 casebacks.
All of these variables multiplied together mean that there are several dozen caseback variations possible, though some may not be probable. As of this writing, I know of ten that exist for sure and they are:
1. Module 901 Japan H circleback Type 1
Most vintage 5600’s are of this variety, and by a wide margin, it’s the most common caseback variation. The inscription format is the standard Type 1 and the finish is the circleback. Look closely, you’ll see the circular pattern. At least 50% of the vintage DW-5600’s being sold on eBay have this caseback style. It’s quite common.
2. Module 691 Japan H mirrorback Type 1
After the 901 H circleback (listed first, above) this is the caseback most likely to be seen on a vintage 5600. The 691 H would be found on a watch produced earlier than a 901. Again, this one is common.
3. Module 901 Japan A circleback Type 1
Japan A cases are styled quite differently from the Japan H cases in two significant ways. First, the finish is finer. It’s not as rough as a Japan H case with its ‘cast metal’ appearance and second, the shape of the case has less of a ’stepped’ look towards the lugs and is more angular. The 901 A case is easier to find than the 691 A.
4. Module 691 Japan A mirrorback Type 1
Unlike the H casebacks the A cases always have a serial number. The addition of the serial number gives the watch a nod of individuality that non-serialled G’s don’t have and may be one of the reasons they’re more sought after. The 691 A can be difficult to locate.
5. Module 901 Japan H circleback Type 2
At some point Casio decided to remove the ‘200M’ from the inscription and spell out the word ‘Stainless’ and thus, the Type 2 caseback was born. There’s no telling why Casio did this or what it may or may not signify. The Type 2 is most often found on the DW-5600C-9CV. It’s easy to skip over this one as you’re scanning the auctions since it looks so similar to the Type 1, but they’re out there and slightly more available than the Type 3. These are uncommon.
6. Module 901 Japan H circleback Type 3
What’s interesting about this style is that the word ‘Japan’ is absent from the caseback. This peculiarity that has led some to wonder if perhaps these were produced elsewhere, and there may indeed be something to this.
The two I own with this caseback style both have battery keepers marked ‘KOREA’. This style seems to be seen most often on the ‘Gold’ versions; DW-5600C-9V and DW-5600C-9CV, and often has a module fitted with a green backlight. These are uncommon.
7. Module 901 Japan H mirrorback Type 1
This variation is easy to miss because at first glance, it looks just like a common 901 H caseback. The difference is that the finish is not the circleback style normally encountered but the mirror finish usually found on the 691 models.
You’ll have to look carefully because a worn circleback or poor auction pics may lead you to believe you’ve scored a rarity when in fact the exact opposite is true. These are uncommon.
8. Module 901 Japan S circleback Type 1
9. Module 691 Japan S circleback Type 1
The S case G-Shocks look like they were built for show; that’s how finely made they are. These cases are beautifully machined with surfaces polished to a mirror finish putting them in another class when compared to other 5600’s.
The caseback finish on both the 691 and 901 is the circleback style. Although the inscription on the caseback is the standard Type 1, the placement of the ‘Shock Resist’ script is slightly different because it is perfectly centered whereas the others have the script off-center and closer to the word CASIO. Perhaps this was to accommodate the serial number that all early models had. The 691 and 901 S case varieties are both difficult to find but well worth the hunt. These are the best 5600’s.
10. Module 901 Japan V circleback Type 1
This is the only DW-5600 I have ever seen that has a letter V after the word Japan in the inscription. The serial number begins with a seven which might indicate it was made in the same factory as the Japan A cases which always have a serial number beginning with a seven or eight.
The V case does not resemble an A case. Its style is more similar to an H case with unusual sloping sides between the buttons. If anyone else has one of these, I’d love to see a pic.
One of the great things about collecting vintage Casio wristwatches is that anything is possible. There are no rules. You never know when you’ll see something completely out of the ordinary or previously unknown. Keeping this in mind, don’t be surprised to see other examples besides those mentioned above. I’ve posted ten different variations here, but I’m expecting, no make that hoping, someone will come forward with some others we can add to this list. I’m sure there’s a 691 Y case out there somewhere and I’d also like to see a 691 H case with a serial number. With luck, perhaps we’ll also discover that the fourth inscription style really does exist.
Happy collecting!
[1] Many Japanese G-Shock magazines list the start date for the DW-5600C-1V as June 1987 but the Casio PINDEX lists distribution dates of September 1987 to July 1993.
[2] The earliest reference I can find for the module 901 is on page 30 of the ‘CASIO COLLECTION’ sales catalog dated October 1990 where a DW-5600C-9CV is advertised.
[3] A fourth inscription style ‘CASIO [901] DW-5600 JAPAN H STAINLESS STEEL 200M WATER RESISTANT (Shock Resistant)’ has been suggested but since I have never seen one anywhere it has not been included here.
Note: I would like to acknowledge the help of friend and fellow collector Casionerd. I never would have known to look for the mirrorback 901 if he had not pointed it out. I’d also like to give credit to the ever-useful and informative tokyodojo website.
January 22nd, 2008 at 3:15 pm
First of all, I want to thank casiophile for contributing this story. As someone who comes from a collecting family, I truly appreciate the subtleties involved in hardcore collecting as collectors become more and more knowledgeable about their hobby.
This story exemplifies this attitude perfectly. Before casiophile mentioned this idea to me, it never even crossed my mind that one could collect screwback 5600’s based on caseback designs. “Brilliant” was the first thought that came to my mind.
After reading this story, like any other G Shock fans with screwbacks in their collection, I pulled all mine out to see what I had, hoping that perhaps I had a rare variant. My sole 5600 is a lowly 901H Type I circleback. I did note however that with some AW-500’s that I had, the 5600 rules do not seem to apply. Fascinating.
A couple of questions for you casiophile:
1.)You mention Casio PINDEX. I’m not sure what this is.
2.)Have you done any caseback research on the other early screwbacks and if so, are you finding similar variations?
Thanks!
January 22nd, 2008 at 4:39 pm
Thanks Pete. I too come from a collecting family and started my collecting days in US coinage where looking at tiny details and searching for the odd variants is pretty much a given.
The Casio PINDEX is their product index that was a part of the CAPOES library put together to aid repair people and dealers. The one I have is from 1993. It’s a comma delimited file that lists products distributed to that time (not just watches) and has info on distribution dates. Unfortunately, because the file was compiled after the fact, the info is not always accurate and the list is not complete. At this time it’s the closest thing we have to a reference direct from Casio.
The main difference on the earlier G-Shocks is the letter after ‘Japan’ but there are some other oddities. One neat thing is that the DW-5000 has the ‘Shock Resist’ script placed differently than on the other early models. Another is that some ‘Japan H’ models appear with and without a serial number.
I have a DW-5700 that is a 691 Japan Y caseback and since the 5600 and 5700 were introduced around the same time frame I believe that there must be a few 5600’s with a Japan Y back. And since the early G’s were made in the Japan Y and B casebacks it’s an easy leap to figure that perhaps there is a Japan B 5600 out there. I hope to see some more caseback variations…
Cheers, Greg
January 22nd, 2008 at 7:05 pm
Hi Greg,
Your solid article on classic Casio DW-5600 G-Shock caseback variations is an example of the ideal of the Internet realized. You share expert information, illustrated with excellent photos, freely for all to enjoy. To top it off, your writing style is polished and engaging. Bottom line — we are grateful you so generously shined a light on what lies underneath DW-5600 screwback/caseback design.
Thank you very much for allowing GMT+9 the honor of publishing this article. Petew thinks your article is a resource that will be read and discussed by G-Shock fans around the globe — including Nihon-jin collectors on Japanese watch forums — for years to come. Not to lay it on too heavy, but I heartily agree.
Regards,
Bryan
January 22nd, 2008 at 10:59 pm
A fabulously insightful piece of reference work Greg. Fascinating.
After reading this article I scurried off to rearrange my small collection of 5600’s by caseback type.
Thanks !
-kim
January 23rd, 2008 at 4:38 am
Kim - You have a nice collection of G-Shocks already…and something tells me you’ll be expanding it!
Bryan - I appreciate the kind words. One of the difficult aspects of collecting a non-mainstream item such as vintage digital watches is the almost total lack of solid reference info. It can be quite frustrating to work on collecting a series when you’re not quite sure what all is available, which items are truly rare and what to look for. I hope that, as other examples are found, we can add to this list.
Thanks to GMT+9 for hosting this article!
Cheers, Greg
January 23rd, 2008 at 5:15 am
Hi Greg,
This is a phantastic article. I have read about bits and pieces, but you have made an awesome summery of the DW-5600C type G’s. I have a Japan A and a Japan H, both with 691 module. I have spare batteries, but I think it will take a long tome before i have to change that.
Cheers,
Sjors
January 23rd, 2008 at 7:22 pm
Glad you liked it Sjors! The 691 A case is really quite hard to find, in fact it was the last one of the group I located. You know, on a side topic, I wonder why there is no DW-5600A? There’s a 5600B, 5600C, 5600D and now the 5600E but no 5600A. A rejected dial design perhaps?
January 23rd, 2008 at 11:10 pm
Hi Greg,
I’m just speculating, but I have heard that Casio or Team Tough turned down one or two models before the DW-5000C was accepted for production. It is said the Casio Muscle Time was shaped after the first turned down G-Shock designs.
With your comment that might be the case…
Cheers,
Sjors
January 24th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
Hey Sjors,
I love those Muscle Time clocks…keep meaning to pick one up. There are at least three different models right? Now how cool would it be if Casio released a G that looked like the GQ-200…
Cheers, Greg
January 24th, 2008 at 7:51 pm
What are the same variations with the DW-5000?
Overload in CO
January 25th, 2008 at 4:26 am
Hi Overload,
I believe that’s a much harder question, there the DW-5600C was produced in large numbers, while the DW-5000C is pretty rare. Maybe a research on the DW-5200 wouuld be interesting.
Hi Greg,
I also know there are at least 3 models. If I’m correct, GQ-100, GQ-200 and GQ-300. I would love to see a GQ-200 model released as a G-Shock. This clock is huge and the alarm is very loud. I took it with me on vacation and could wake up an entire small camping with it. Also the EL is very bright. I do not know much about the Muscle time, but I can’t find them very much for sale.
Cheers,
Sjors
January 25th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
There’s very little variation among the DW-5000’s that I’ve seen. All are Type 1 inscriptions with mirror finish casebacks. The ‘Japan Y’ cases have a serial number that begins with a 0 or 1 and the ‘Japan B’ cases have a serial number beginning with a 5 or 6.
The 5200’s and 5400’s have more variation as Sjors suggested.
Cheers, Greg
January 30th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
Hi, what a great article, although owning a DW5600 901 H for 13 years I’ve never got round to finding out about it and its a watch that has been through the wars and I’m never without it, whilst I’ve replaced a strap a few years ago it’s never let me down, however hopefully someone reading this article can help me. The resin case around the module is breaking up, can I get a replacement anywhere. Here’s hoping.
Thanks
Bungee69
February 1st, 2008 at 4:50 pm
You can find replacement bezels and bands for the vintage 5600’s on ebay pretty regularly though you may have to pay more for them. Casio distributors such as EAI (Eric Armin Inc) and PCP (Pacific Coast Parts or PacParts) get them in regularly. Also check TikTox which has a nice selection of Casio items.
Use caution when attemting to remove the bezel screws on your 5600. If you break them off in the case they will be nearly impossible to remove. After 13 years there is a very good possibility that they are welded in place and your best bet may be to just install the new bezel over top of them.
Cheers, Greg
June 17th, 2008 at 9:40 pm
I have an old DW5600 that’s probably 20 years old. Replaced the band once. The case is mostly cracked up. Strange thing is, I’ve yet to replace the battery! (I don’t use the alarm or light much, that probably saved the battery.)
I wanted to get a new one, since the old watch served me so well. Found the current version at Walmart for $48. While the front looked the same, it’s actually DW5600E now. Also, gone is the kind of full screw back like classic watches. The DW5600E uses the lighter duty 4 mini screw back design. Moreover, the Dual Time function seems to be gone in DW5600E.
What do folks here think about the newer back design?
June 18th, 2008 at 7:31 am
Hi temporaladept,
I think your battery longevity is the longest I’ve ever heard of. I had an old AW-500 that went I think 10-11 years. That’s my best.
There are some pros and cons to the newer 4 screw G Shock backs. They are certainly lighter than the traditional screw in backs, and probably cheaper to produce. However, there are some potential problems with that design as there are questions as to how many times you can change the batteries on that design before the threads in the resin case lose their functionality. General consensus is that the older screw in back system is both a more structurally sound and elegant design.
Thanks for reading,
petew
November 22nd, 2008 at 11:11 am
This was a great resource I had no idea that Casio watches were collectables.
The reason I went to this site is that my (now I know which type) Casio 901 dw5600 H circleback, battery went dead and I needed to know how to replace the battery.
I inhereted this watch from my father when he passed away in 1994. I assume that he had never had to replace the battery as it was only about 4 years old when he died. He bought it new. I began to think it must be a self winder or something as it went years (18 now) with no battery replacement.
2 questions… Can any jewley shop or watch repair shop replace battery or should I take it somewhere special
second The case is solid stainless steel. Kind of heavy but it was dads and I love it. Is this rare at all and what value does it have ..all replys welcome Don
December 19th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
I have a 691 A DW-5600 that also had a battery last >20 years. I stopped wearing it years ago and put it away. I pulled it out a few months ago and it was still going. I replaced the band, bezel, bezel screws and battery and now it is my daily wearer again. It was the best $100 I ever spent on a watch, which was the first thing I bought with my first paycheck from my first job.
January 28th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
“The V case does not resemble an A case. Its style is more similar to an H case with unusual sloping sides between the buttons. If anyone else has one of these, I’d love to see a pic.”
Wow, I just came upon this forum looking for a replacement bezel for my 5600. I have a V style case and yes the serial number does begin with 7. I don’t remember if I purchased this watch in Wisconsin or California. My dad was living in CA at the time and I was in school in WI. I believe I have the box and all supporting documents that came with it. I will look when I get home. I will try to post some pics of the case back.
-Eric
PS interesting read for sure
January 29th, 2009 at 9:45 am
Hi Eric,
Do send/or link to a pic if you can, we’d really appreciate it!
Regards,
Bryan
February 15th, 2009 at 4:31 am
Greg,
I too just had my (691) DW-5600, Japan A mirror back battery go on me. I bought the watch in 1988, so that would put it at +/-21 years on one (1) battery! It started life as a yellow cased watch, but after 10+ years, the case cracked off. I have noticed a few other people’s old G-shocks this has happened to and most, like me…seem to leave it the way it is…it’s sort of a retro looking watch now. It has been my most reliable dive watch, and has been down > 100′ many times over the years.
I’ve always marveled at how long this particular watch lasted on one battery…was Casio technology so far ahead at that time? or is it simply a fluke that some have lasted so long?
Also, is it a big deal to change the batteries?
Thanks for the great artilce…I never knew as much about my old G-shocks as I do now.
Greg
PS: I also have an older G-shock that i replaced the 5600 with. It’s a DW-5200, Japan A mirror back.
February 17th, 2009 at 2:34 am
To respond to some of the others looking for bezel replacement parts and other replacements. PacParts (www.pacparts.com) is an excellent, inexpensive source….a fraction of the cost of what you’ll find on E-bay.
I just ordered a 5600 yellow replacement bezel from them (which is what was on my original 5600) for $6.00 (the black one is $5.50). On E-bay, the same yellow bezel was $45.00; the black ones around $15. Though you’ll probably get them faster on E-bay, you’ll definitely pay more.
Enjoy!
Anyone know of a way to get the screw back off without having to order a tool for it?
February 20th, 2009 at 7:22 am
Hi Gregk,
Generally speaking, you really do need a proper caseback tool to remove the backs on those old steel G’s. However, there are a couple things you can try. They may or may not work. First of all, some people have had success by taking an old rubber ball…perhaps a raquetball and then by pressing the ball hard against the caseback you can create enough friction allowing you to unscrew the back. The other method I’ve seen is to take some duct tape, wrap it around in a circle with the sticky part out. Then stick it to the caseback and again, by using that friction you’ve created, you can try loosening the case. It does work sometimes.
Good luck!
petew
February 25th, 2009 at 4:11 am
Pete,
Thanks..I ended up buying a $14 tool from an on-line jewelry company, which worked well. I’m still waiting for the bezels to come. In the meantime, I did replace the battery on my DW-5200 (screw back). I used a CR-2320 to replace the original battery (BR-2020) which was a little too large. There was a small white ring/gasket which came out easily and after that was gone, the new battery fit perfectly! Hope all goes as well with my DW-5600.
Thanks again!
Greg
May 20th, 2009 at 8:48 am
Does any one know if there are metal bands available for G-shocks? I know it’s not stock,but I like metal bands.I have a 1988 691DW-5600 h mirrorback with the original battery and want to start wearing it again.Thanks for the article and any info.
May 21st, 2009 at 5:44 am
Hi Critical,
I’ve never seen any aftermarket metal bands that would work well with G Shocks. There’s nothing stopping you from using any straight ended metal band you see out there with the right lug width, but the problem would be finding one that was notched at the lugs with an extension wide enough to then match the case profile.
petew
May 21st, 2009 at 7:59 am
Thats what I have been finding out,guess I will keep it stock.Thanks again.