Casio G-Shock 6900 Series: Absolute Toughness
Showcasing the evolution and enduring appeal of the iconic G-Shock 6900 line.
Timeless in Toughness
The 6900 series is an unforgettable collection within G-SHOCK's history. Introduced in 1995, its rounded form departed from the squared design of the original DW-5000 model. It quickly gained popularity as a "Triple Graph" model and has remained a favorite. New designs and features, influenced by global cultures, have made the 6900 series a diverse part of the G-SHOCK family. After a quarter-century, the series has evolved further with metal-covered models. This new style retains the series' key design elements—rounded shape, "Triple Graph," and front button—while incorporating a stainless steel bezel for a fresh look in color, material, and finish. The result is a watch with a distinctive presence and individuality, embodying strength that surpasses time.
Featured Models: DW-6900-1V, DW-6900BB-1, GM-6900-1, GM-6900G-9, GM-6900B-4.
Common Specifications: Shock-resistant ?️, 20-BAR water resistance ?, Multi-alarm ⏰, EL backlight ?.
Visit: world.g-shock.com
Identity: Toughness Inspired by a Perfect Circle
The design code for the 6900 series is inspired by the perfect circle, which offers the greatest surface area for a given circumference. This universal shape was used efficiently to integrate the necessary elements of shock-resistant construction, including the dial, case, bezel, and Triple Graph display. This consistent use of the circular form throughout the exterior results in a highly refined design intended to resonate for generations.
Four Factors for 6900 Models Keeps Being Loved
- 1983: First G-SHOCK model with shock-resistant structure (DW-5000C-1A).
- 1992: First "Triple Graph" dial (DW-5900C-1).
- 1995: First 6900 series model (DW-6900-1V).
- 1994: First front button (for the backlight) (DW-6600-1V).
Key Design Elements:
- Round Case: All form lines are designed in concentric circles from the inner bezel ring to the outer ring. Button guards protect from either side. The conical bevel of the bezel reduces bulk and wrist interference.
- Dial: Layering the dial on top of the LCD offers design possibilities beyond an all-LCD face. Decorative touches like coating, printing, and surface finish allow for a rich variety of models.
- Triple Graph: Three circular graphics on the LCD face provide features like a stopwatch and seconds display, offering ingenious design possibilities unique to digital watches.
- Front Button: Originally designed to control the backlight, its stable feel and prominent placement have cemented it as an icon of strength on the G-SHOCK exterior. Its precise design balances button guards and offers an easy-to-press shape and angle.
Technology and Function: A Chronicle
The 6900 series has seen continuous technological advancement:
- 1995 DW-6900-1V: Featured shock-resistant and 20-BAR water resistance. The hollow case structure and all-directional covering alleviate shocks, while the construction is highly airtight and water-resistant.
- 1996 DW-6900X-8AT: Introduced low-temperature resistance (-20°C/-4°F), enabling functionality in frigid climates.
- 2009 GW-6900-1: Incorporated WAVE CEPTOR (Multi Band 6) and TOUGH SOLAR technology, converting light into power and automatically adjusting time via radio waves from six global stations.
- 2010 GLX-6900-1: Added TIDE GRAPH and MOON DATA, displaying tidal information and moon phases for specific areas, ideal for surfers.
- 2012 GB-6900-1: Introduced SMARTPHONE LINK, allowing time adjustment and remote control of watch functions via a dedicated app.
- 2013 GD-X6900FB-8B: Met the UNITED STATES MILITARY STANDARD (MIL-STD-810G) for shock resistance.
- 2020 GM-6900G-9: Featured a METAL COVERED design, where the inner case and metal bezel fit together with minimal surface contact, bringing a metal exterior to the G-SHOCK's hollow case structure.
A striking visual represents the G-SHOCK's ultimate toughness, depicting a watch breaking through a large, cracked metal ball, symbolizing resilience against extreme forces.
Design: Originality in Variety
The 6900 series offers extensive creativity through a wide array of colors, materials, and finishes for bezels, dials, front buttons, and bands. This diversity stems from challenging design techniques and technological evolution, giving each G-SHOCK model unique individuality.
Color Innovations:
- 1995 DW-6900H-9: COLOR RESIN CASE and BAND. The first model with resin in colors other than black, featuring vibrant hues.
- 1996 DW-6900K-8AT: SEMI-TRANSPARENT RESIN CASE and BAND. Entirely covered in semi-transparent resin for a unique see-through design.
- 2006 DW-6900MC-3: MIXED COLOR RESIN CASE and BAND. A blend of different colored resins for a colorful, distinctive look.
- 2014 GD-X6900CM-8: MULTI-ANGLE PRINTED CASE and BAND. Features a camouflage pattern across the entire case and band using special printing technology.
Material Evolution:
- 1995 DW-6900BD-1T: COLOR RESIN CASE and BAND. Stylish and suitable for snowboarding, with a band designed to be worn over ski wear cuffs.
- 1996 DW-6900S-2T: SEMI-TRANSPARENT RESIN CASE and BAND. Equipped with a protector for the glass that also serves as a fashionable accent.
- 2002 DW-6900RR-8: MIXED COLOR RESIN CASE and BAND. Features a stainless steel band.
- 2016 DW-6900BBN-1: MULTI-ANGLE PRINTED CASE and BAND. Uses high-durability, high-performance material for a band that fits seamlessly into military fashion.
Finishing Touches:
- 2010 DW-6900SB-2: MIRROR DIAL. Adds a high-shine mirror finish for a unique reflective touch on the dial.
- 2012 DW-6900CR-3: 3D GLOSSY SURFACE PROCESSING. A special texturization and glossy paint finish creates a dimensional surface resembling reptile skin.
- 2014 DW-6900GD-9: ALL GOLD-FINISH. The entire watch, including case, band, dial, and LCD, boasts a fresh golden hue.
- 2015 GD-X6900PM-1: MARBLE PATTERN PRINTING. Utilizes polarized ink that changes color from different angles, creating a printed marbleized effect on the case and band.
Chronicle: Style and Culture (1995-2020)
Casio G-SHOCK has integrated into global cultures through its shared affinity for toughness. The 25-year history of the 6900 series is also a history of collaboration.
Key Milestones and Collaborations:
- 1995: DW-6900-1V (First model), DW-6900BF-1T (Black Flys collaboration).
- 1996: DW-6900X-8AT (Low-temperature resistance, collaboration).
- 1999: DW-6900M-8T (Eric Haze collaboration).
- 2000: DW-6900BM-1M (Negative LCD).
- 2009: GW-6900-1 (Wave Ceptor, Tough Solar, Multi Band 6), DW-6900DQM-7 (DQM collaboration), DW-6900UN-4 (UNION and PEGLEG NYC collaboration), DW-6900LRG-2A (LRG collaboration), DW-6900BKC-1 (The Brooklyn Circus collaboration).
- 2010: GLX-6900-1 (Tide Graph and Moon Data), GLX-6900X-2 (In4mation collaboration), G-6900GR-3 (Tough solar).
- 2012: GB-6900-1 (Smartphone link collaboration).
- 2013: GD-X6900FB-8B (MIL standard), GD-X6900MNM-1 (EMINEM collaboration).
- 2014: GD-X6900MH-1 (Maharishi collaboration).
- 2015: GD-X6900SP-1 (SUPRA collaboration), GD-X6900AL-2 (ALIFE collaboration), GD-X6900JC-3 (Johnny Cupcakes collaboration).
- 2016: GD-X6900FTR-1 (FUTURA collaboration).
- 2018: DW-6935-4 (NIGO® x K.IBE collaboration), DW-6900TF-SET (TRANSFORMERS™ collaboration).
- 2020: GM-6900G-9 (Metal Covered).
Metal Covered GM-6900: A New Evolution
G-SHOCK introduces a metal exterior for the GM-6900, enhancing its shock-resistant structure while retaining the iconic round design. This represents a significant materials evolution for the 6900 series.
GM-6900 Features:
- METAL-COVERED SHOCK-RESISTANT STRUCTURE: Minute protrusions on the inner case reduce surface contact with the metal bezel. This design philosophy, similar to the original hollow case structure, protects the module using point contacts and cushions exterior blows.
- FORGED and MOLDED BEZEL: The bezel undergoes approximately 20 forging processes, followed by cutting and polishing. It is meticulously crafted from a complex, highly uneven molding to achieve a precise fit with the inner case. The surface is polished to a mirror and hairline finish.
- GLASS FIBER REINFORCED RESIN CASE: Glass fibers are incorporated into the resin for increased strength. This material's resistance to shock-induced breakage and bending protects the module from external impact, delivering outstanding shock resistance.
- METAL FRONT BUTTON: The 6900's iconic front button, which controls the backlight, receives a metallic makeover. Grounded in precise design, it balances button guards and offers an easy-to-press shape and angle.
- MIRRORED TRIPLE GRAPH DIALS: The Triple Graph dials coordinate exquisitely with the LCD and face plate. Their mirror finish complements the metal exterior, achieving complete design harmony.
- NEGATIVE TYPE LCD + ELECTROLUMINESCENT BACKLIGHT: The negative type LCD provides a stylish, cool digital display. The electroluminescent backlight ensures visibility in the dark.