(Right) The successor to the DW-5000C is the DW-5600C-1. It was released in June 1987. At the time, the retail price was 9800 yen (excluding tax). Starting with this model, the water resistance display was differentiated between "20 BAR" for the Japanese market and "200M" for the overseas market. A light was also added so that the time could be checked in the dark.
Reproducing missing bezels using photomolding technology
As part of a project to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the birth of the shock-resistant watch "G-SHOCK," Casio Computer Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as Casio) will be offering a restoration service for a limited time for the first G-SHOCK, the "DW-5000C," and its successor, the "DW-5600C." The period runs from 9:00 on November 1, 2018, until January 31, 2019. The cost is 11,232 yen (tax included), including 9600 yen plus shipping, and three items are eligible for replacement: the bezel, band, and battery. Only the black color of the regular model is available. Applications can be made through a dedicated website (https://casio.jp/support/repair/dw/) is done.
The DW-5000C, released in 1983, and the DW-5600C in 87 have been out of stock of exterior parts for repairs, as it has been over 30 years since their first release. Parts are available on the second-hand market, but prices are quite high, reflecting their growing popularity. In response, Casio has succeeded in replicating the bezels using a new "photoforming technology." This makes it possible to replace the bezels of the DW-5000C and DW-5600C, something that had been impossible for a long time. The bezels are manufactured by Casio Business Service, while repairs, including part replacement, are handled by Casio Techno.
What's interesting is how faithfully they've reproduced the original parts. By precisely processing injection molds, Casio has refined the resin parts used in G-SHOCK and Pro Trek watches. As a result, even the entry-level G-SHOCK models now have inconspicuous mold seams, creating sharp edges. However, molds are expensive to manufacture and maintain, making them unsuitable for small-scale production.
Therefore, when creating new repair bezels, Casio has adopted "photomolding technology," which uses a silicone mold instead of a metal mold. This is not suitable for mass production, but is suitable for small-scale production of plastic parts. Unlike parts made with a 3D printer, the parts do not have a layered structure, so they can be used as products as they are, and since no molds are required, manufacturing costs are kept down. Also, because they are molded using a soft silicone mold, the original shape can be reproduced exactly. There are currently manufacturers considering adopting photomolding technology, but Casio is likely the first to introduce it in the watch industry.
The material chosen for the silicon mold is transparent and light-transmitting. Granular resin pellets are sandwiched between the molded silicon mold, and light is shone on them to form the bezel. According to Casio, even when they received requests to repair past models, they were unable to provide exterior parts because they did not have the original molds. However, "since they could not expect to repair enough watches to warrant creating molds, they were looking for other ways to restore exterior parts." The company had been exploring various methods, and two years ago they focused on a new "light molding technology," which was adopted for this restoration service.
Since the molds are taken from the original bezel and band, the shape is exactly the same, including the details. The materials used are also the same as those used in molded parts. However, because there are burrs in the molded parts, they need to be removed by hand, and because it takes time to adjust the machine, the number of repairs that can be made is limited to a few dozen per day.
The restoration service for the original G-SHOCK was "launched purely as a customer service." It's hoped that it will be expanded to other models, but there are no plans for the future. Furthermore, product returns are currently limited to within Japan, and no returns from overseas are accepted. The survival of Casio's new restoration service will depend on the outcome of this trial. If you own a 5000-C or 5600-C, we highly recommend taking advantage of the service. Considering the effort involved, the price is reasonable.
Bezel manufacturing process
Contact Info: Casio Computer Customer Service Center 03-5334-4869
