Comments on: DW-5600 Caseback Variations

by: critical

Thu, 21 May 2009 15:59:06 +0000

Thats what I have been finding out,guess I will keep it stock.Thanks again.

by: petew

Thu, 21 May 2009 13:44:41 +0000

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

by: critical

Wed, 20 May 2009 16:48:53 +0000

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.

by: gregk

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 12:11:27 +0000

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

by: petew

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 15:22:37 +0000

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

by: gregk

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 10:34:16 +0000

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?

by: gregk

Sun, 15 Feb 2009 12:31:09 +0000

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.