Casio G-Shock Frogman GW-200Z-1DR — ‘The Final Frogman’
Posted by: b_andersen
They’re calling this watch (above) ‘The Final Frogman,’ as it’s the last of the GW-200 series released. Now we’re in the GWF-1000 atomic Frogman era, and those are expensive — they retail for double the price of GW-200s. The Final Frogman is a limited edition, a sure-thing collector’s item, and getting hard to find.
The color palette of the ‘Final Frogman’ is fittingly similar to the first GW-200 model — GW-200-2JF (above), released in the summer of 2001. It was a big deal when the GW-200 came out nine years ago. Not only was GW-200 (2001-2010) the first solar powered Frogman; it replaced DW-9900 (1999-2001), which was probably the least popular of all Frogmen because of it’s smaller case/dial size.
I was surprised tonight to see G-Shock Frogman GW-200Z-1DR for $299 shipped on Amazon.com. Click on this link (here)
It truly is the end of an era, with the release of ‘The Final Frogman.’
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July 14th, 2010 at 3:03 am
Hello Brian,
It is a bit sad the good old GW-200 is not longer made. I pretty much loved this model. The lack of Atomic Timekeeping was never a problem with me and the this frogman was always pretty reasonable priced.
The Final Frogman actually has the same color scheme as on the first DW-6300 Frogman. The similarity to the color scheme of the (only basic model in this version) GW-200-2JF is probably more or less a coincidence. I did pay less than $299 for the Final Frogman, but I bought it immediately at the release. It is pretty uncommon that a Frogman model is still available long after the release for nice prices. My guess is that this model is, like the TC models, made in a big number.
Kind regards,
Sjors
July 14th, 2010 at 2:44 pm
Hi Sjors,
I like the balance of GW-200 models on the wrist, as well as the way the solar panel on the dial is segmented. Not to mention the solid titanium case with screw on caseback.
Regarding the GW-200 ‘Final Frogman’ still available at a nice price, the economy is a factor. For instance, in past years it was difficult for me to find my size in Nike Dunk High shoes. But recently they always have my size. I think it’s because many aren’t pulling out their credit cards as fast as they did before the economic bubble burst in fall 2008. That’s good for enthusiasts as limited editions don’t disappear quite so fast now.
The GW-200 ‘Final Frogman will sell out — just like every other limited edition Frogman. Probably sooner rather than later.
Thanks for checking in, your insights are always welcome!
–Bryan