Casio GL-200-4ADR

I was told that my blog lacks colour. All the watches are all dull black or variation of that theme. As such I introduce the Casio G-Shock GL-200-4ADR. This watch is part of the 2 watch G-lide series issued in 2003. The other watch in the series is the GL-200-2ADR. The GL-200-2ADR is blue in colour whereas the GL-200-4ADR is red. These watches are also known as the blue and red jelly watches. Why? Look at the photographs and I am sure you can see why.

A bit of story on this particular watch. This watch carries the infamous Module 2597. This module is known to have problems with the battery and its capability to recharge. Yes, this watch is part of the Tough Solar watches. Well, I found this watch NOS. However, the watch could not hold its charge. Every time I select the EL back light, 'RECOVER' would flash and the display would go blank.

As luck would have it, the Casio representative was at the shop. He had a look at the watch and suggested a battery change. My luck continued as the shop actually had the CTL1616 battery. The battery was changed. This is where my luck ran out. The problem continued. It was the module. The Casio representative took the watch and said that he would let the service department have a look at the watch. A week later the watch was back and the module was changed. The watch now carries the later module, which according to Casio, no longer have this problem.

Basic specifications:

Module 2597

Electro-luminescent back light with full auto EL light

Tough Solar

Dual Time

Stopwatch: 1/100-second stopwatch, measuring capacity: 99:59'59.99", measuring modes: Elapsed time, split time, 1st-2nd place time

Countdown alarm/ timer: Input range: 1 minute to 100 hours (seconds settable in 10-second units)

Daily Alarm: 5 independent daily alarm (4 one time alarm and 1 snooze alarm), hourly time signal (chime)

Battery indicator

Power Saving Mode (Turns off the display when the watch is left in the dark)

Calendar: Day, month, date (Auto calendar to 2039)

Timekeeping: Hour, minutes, seconds (12/ 24 hour format)

Battery: CTL1616

Dimensions: 48.9 X 43.0 X 13.7 mm

This is a very interesting model from Casio. It is very unique. It looks like a standard G-5600, but with a clear red jelly bezel. I have tried to get the photographs to show the red colour, but all the photographs seems to come out orange. Looks like I still have lots to learn. On the top right corner, instead of the G-Shock logo, it has the 'G-LIDE' logo. G-LIDE watches were designed for surfers and action sports enthusiasts. The watches are suppose to be slimmer as to prevent the watches getting in the way of these sportsmen. I am not too sure if this is true with this watch as the measurements is the same as my G-5600.

The LCD is surrounded by a solar panel which charges the battery and powers the watch. This is the Tough Solar module 2597. The top left hand of the LCD is the battery charge indicator. It is shaped like a leaf to indicate that it is eco friendly. Above the battery indicator is the word 'SAVE'. This is to indicate that the 'SAVE' function is on. This function will turn the watch off when it is kept in the dark. This is to save the battery charge.

As this watch is clad in clear red rubber, you can see that the case or body of the watch, which is moulded in black resin. As the bezel is moulded in red, it should not yellow with age. The wording 'G-SHOCK' and 'PROTECTION' is in black and it stands out against the clear red jelly.

The case back is typical Casio. It is a stainless steel plate held by 4 screws. The case back is matte with vertical brushing. In the center of the case back is the G-Shock logo. I have to say that the etching of the logo is not very good as it seem faded. The standard Casio G-Shock markings surrounds the logo, module number, model number, stainless steel back, made in data and water resistant rating. The watch is made in Japan (Y).

The buttons are a pleasure to use, large and very tactile. As with most Casio, there is a confirmation 'beep' when the mode button is selected. The watch will cycle through time display, countdown alarm, alarm, stopwatch, dual time 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.

This watch does not reverts to normal time display when the mode button is selected once an operation has been selected. What this means is, after you have adjusted the alarm in the alarm mode, you will have to cycle through all the other modes to go back to normal time keeping. The current time is displayed in all modes except stopwatch. The dual time does not show the city codes, my only complaint.

The EL light is bright, but it is not as bright as the normal battery powered modules. Common to all Tough Solar modules, the EL does not stay on long. This is to conserve the battery charge. Also if you press the EL repeatedly, the 'RECOVER' sign will come on and the light will not work. You will also lose sound and some functionality if the battery charge goes down too low.

The band on the watch is also made of clear red jelly. As usual, there are the raised bumps along the edge of the band. The band is smooth to the touch and it picks up dust and finger prints easily. The markings on the band are 413 H1 and 413 H2. There are no markings to indicate where it is made in. I find that the band is a bit stiff but still comfortable for daily use.

The strap keeper is matte red and looks like it is made of different material from the strap. The strap tends to bind to the keeper and this makes the removal of the strap difficult. It gets worst when the strap is wet.

The buckle is made in Japan. It is my opinion that the buckles that are made in Indonesia have better etching or engraving as compared to the buckle that are made in Japan. There is a raised portion at the tang rest.

Charging the watch can take some time if the charge is low. The best way to charge the watch is to use the watch and go out in the sun. It may take a couple of days in the sun to bring the charge from the mid point to full. Even when the battery charge indicator shows full charge, it may not be fully charged (about 60% full). Some owners advise putting the watch by the window sill with the watch in a cup of water. This is to prevent the watch from overheating when charging. Sometimes the LCD will turn all black when being charged. This is normal and the LCD will return to normal display once it cools down.

Overall, I like this watch. It is unique as it is red jelly in colour. It should not yellow with age. However, like a double edge sword, with the use of the clear jelly, I have this fear that replacement parts will be difficult to get. It is comfortable and very light weight. It however does attract attention.