DW-5000SL-1

This is the DW-5000SL-1. This watch was issued as part of Casio G-Shock 25th. Anniversary issued watches. The watch is a collaboration between Mr. Spike Lee and Casio. Mr. Spike Lee is a noted fan of Casio G-Shock and even introduced the G-Shock in his film Clockers. Both started out in 1983, Casio with the DW-5000C-1A and Mr. Spike Lee with Joe's Bed-Stuy Barbershop: We Cut Heads, hence the DW-5000SL-1 (SL for Spike Lee).

The Original DW-5000-1A

Photograph: Casio

The DW-5000SL-1

Basic Specifications:

Module 1545

Timekeeping Mode: Hour, minutes, seconds, am/ pm, month, date, day of week (time display switchable between 12-hour and 24-hour format)

Calendar System: Auto-calendar from 1995 to 2039

Alarm Mode: Multi-function alarm, hourly time signal

Countdown Alarm Mode (Timer): measuring unit: 1 second, input range: 1 second to 24 hours, auto repeat and repeat function

Stopwatch Mode: measuring unit: 1/100 seconds (first 60 minutes), 1 second (after 60 minutes), measuring capacity: 23 hours 59 minutes 59.99 seconds, measuring modes: elapsed time, split time and two finishes

Size: 48.9 X 42.8 X 13.5 mm

Weight: 78 g

This watch is not small, but it does not look as big as its dimensions suggest. It is heavier as compared to the basic Dw-5600E as the the case is made from stainless steel, like its predecessor which also had a stainless steel body and a screw down case back. What is interesting is that the stainless steel body on the DW-5000SL is polished and better finished as compared to the older DW-5600C and DW-5200. It is no longer a crude chunk of metal. This stainless steel body is tough and is further protected by a rubber case. This rubber case has raised ridges at the top and bottom of the LCD display and this helps to protect the mineral glass used on the case. On the ridges are the wordings 'PROTECTION' and 'G-SHOCK', rendered in white.

The resemblance to the original DW-5000 is remarkable. Both watches has the 'brick wall' dial within a red line. There is a love hate relationship with this dial design. The lettering are rendered in gold (original in Silver). The 'Lithium' and the alarm icon on the original has been replaced by 'Illuminator' on the DW-5000SL-1.

The case back is of the screw back design. It is polished. This watch is Made in Thailand (Thailand H). The normal Casio marking are present at the case back, i.e. module number, model number, water resistant, made in data. Instead of the G-Shock logo in the center, the case back is adorned by Mr. Spike Lee's signature. This watch is water resistant to 200 m or 20 bars.

The buttons are a pleasure to use, large, very tactile and very polished. Typical of module 1545, there is a confirmation 'beep' when the mode button is selected. The watch will cycle through time display, alarm, countdown alarm, stopwatch and back to time display. The 'beep' for the return to time display is different (not much) from the 'beep' when cycling through the functions. This helps the user in that the user knows when he is back to the normal time display. The 'beep' sounds softer when compared to the DW-5600E.

Additionally, the watch reverts to normal time display when the mode button is selected once an operation has been selected, regardless of mode. What this means is if you have adjusted the alarm in the alarm mode, when you select the mode button, you return to normal time display instead of having to cycle through the entire function modes. The current time is displayed in all modes except alarm.

As with most Casio, the adjust button is recessed to prevent accidental selection. The back light on the watch is good.

The strap on the watch is supple yet strong. It wears well and is very comfortable. It is made of rubber. It has the non-slip ridges on the inside of the strap along the edges. This ridges also help to keep the the strap cool when worn. It comes with 1 keeper but it is broad enough. There are no markings as to where it is made. The only markings are '444, F4, 16'. The last number, 16, indicates the lug size (16 mm).

The buckle is made in Indonesia and it is well made. It is polished and there are no rough edges. Casio QC can be observed throughout the buckle. The etching/ engraving is one of the best I have seen. There is raised portion where the buckle tang sits on the buckle.

I like the LCD on this watch. You can just see the 40 Acres & A Mule Logo on the LCD. The background of the LCD is gold in colour. The top of the display shows the day, month and date. The lower portion shows the time, either in 12-hour mode (with a 'PM' for afternoon) or 24-hour mode (with 24H indication). In other modes, except alarm mode, the time display will appear in the 'month-date' window.

When the EL back light is illuminated, we can see the 40 Acres & A Mule Logo clearly. The 40 Acres & A Mule Logo is Mr. Spike Lee's production company. Some people have made their reservation about the Logo and how it disrupts the LCD display. I personally do not find it a problem.

The watch comes in an interesting packaging. It comes in a red, black and green tin can with the 40 Acres & A Mule Logo. The outer box is rendered with maps of Brooklyn.

Photograph: Casio

I like this watch as I like watches with some heft. That and the fact that is comes with a screwback, a replica of the DW-5000-1A, makes this watch a winner in my book.