DW-8030G-1V

Well as a watch blog should be, let's look at a vintage G-Shock.

This is the Casio G-Shock model DW-8030G-1V.

This series was issued in 1995. This model that I have is the export version, thus having the Illuminator moniker instead of Fox Fire at the 6 o'clock position just below the LCD screen. This is the G (gold) version of the standard DW-8000-1, hence the gold lettering as oppose to the red on the DW-8000-1 (G-Shock and LIGHT).

This watch uses Casio Module 1180.

This module have the following functions:

Timekeeping Mode: Hour, minutes, seconds, am/pm, month, date, day of week.

Time system switchable between 12-hour and 24-hour formats.

Calendar system: Auto-calendar pre-programmed from 1995 to 2039

Alarm Mode: Daily alarm, hourly time signal

Countdown Alarm Mode:

Measuring unit: 1 second

Input range: 1 second to 24 hours

Others: Auto-repeat function, repeat function

Stopwatch Mode:

Measuring units: 1/100 second

Measuring capacity: 23 hours, 59 minutes, 59.99 seconds

Measuring modes: Elapsed time, split time and two finishes

Battery: One CR2016 lithium battery

This watch is impact resistant (it IS a G-Shock) and water resistant to 200m. It has EL backlight function (selection by the center button) which also activates 'Time to Get Tough' accross the upper half of the screen.

What is interesting about this watch is that it has a demo mode where the watch will demo the 'Time To Get Tough'. To access this mode, one just has to press the mode button for 3 seconds. (It is the lower left button :) )

Time To Get Tough

The case back. It is the standard SS plate held by 4 tiny screws. It is matte with the standard vertical brushing. This watch was made in Japan (Japan M). The normal markings are there, module no., model no., manufacturer, water resistant, shock resistant and stainless steel back.

The buckle is gold in colour (but I doubt it is gold). It is made in Japan and the engraving looks good.

The strap on this watch is pretty stiff and feels stronger than the straps on the newer G-Shock model. It is smooth on the exterior and feels good. It wears well. Internal markings: 413 H1, 413 H2. The insides of the strap has the ridges at the side of the strap to prevent the watch from rotating on the wrist.

The 'G' button is the light button.

Another interesting thing about this watch is that it does not have a button at the top right hand of the watch. As can be seen in the picture below, the cutout is there but it has not been punched out. In standard Casio G-Shock that button would be for the light on/off function (which this watch does not have) or the lap/ reset button. The other interesting is that the bezel is different from the standard bezel as it is textured on the bottom half. I don't remember seeing this on my other G-Shocks.

So how does the watch wear? Well it is a big watch, measuring 49.5 mm across and 53 mm top to bottom. It is thick, 18 mm in fact. It is heavy. But once on the wrist, it is ok. It is not something you would wear to office on a daily basis as it would snag your shirt cuff. I like it and would get another. The display is clear, although it has a gold tint and the EL is very good, and the 'Time To Get Tough' does somehow motivate you when the going gets tough.

The only problem I have with the watch is that the display has clouded over time. I have cleaned the the display, but that it another story. :)