I'm going to be SO mad if my watch lasts ONLY twenty years....XD

To be honest, that's fine with me, it'll free up room for new G-Shocks in the future or some fun restoration projects. I'd say it's safe to assume the resin is overall better than years passed, and should hold up just fine for many years to come. Just be sure to give it lots of love and regular baths! I tried to experiment with car interior products before, and currently trying another just to see if it helps with the upkeep.

 

Of course we see pieces which can not be restored all the time, because the bezels are no longer available. DW-002, or DW-003, iirc. I am guessing that certain bezels will continue to be available indefinitely, for example the DW-5600s and 6900s. Those ones should be restorable into the future. Other less popular ones, like the G-8000, G-7900, GW-056 etc, who knows.

Do the cases themselves rot? What is THEIR lifetime like? I'd imagine that even if there is no comparable rot, that they would be fairly vulnerable to springbar abrasion damage, around the lugs. (But the GD-400s have that covered!)

But: 3D printers will get better, so there is some hope...

Then again, the LCDs will not last forever, either.

 

Thanks for the replies!

Yea, they're some considerations too. It's just I see mechanicals like my dads which has been passed down. That watch has been used for 40-50 years already and is still wearable just as it was 40+ years ago and will continue to be until someone decides to dismantle it or break it. It's just with G's, it seems past 20-25 years, their bands wont be usable as they've probably suffered resin rot and their bezels may or would have suffered the same fate.. the simple reason would be because of the materials used..

Still got a while of course, but I must say, there's a tinge of sadness in that thought- well for me at least.

Will.

 

I'm not a chemist, but I SUSPECT that "resin rot" is caused by plasticizers and/or other chemicals added to the resin, to keep them flexible. There are 19 year old DW-5600E's out there and we haven't seen a single mention of resin rot affecting the plastic case.

I don't think that resin straps are made of the same materials as bezels either, since they dry and crack and break like any other "plastic" strap, but I haven't read of any crumbling into small chunks in the manner that bezels do.

I also don't think that springbars cause any sort of abrasion damage once they're installed, since on most G's the strap doesn't rotate around the springbar as straps do on other watches. There MAY be some damage when straps are replaced, though -- there are a few horror stories here about people "rounding out" the springbar holes by accident when trying to change a G-Shock strap.

There are plenty of examples of early plastics from before 1950 which are still around and collectible, and hopefully plastic technology has become even more advanced since then. I think that as long as the cases and internal parts hold up, people WILL be able to create new bezels via 3D printing -- there have already been at least two WUS members making bezels for G-Shocks. As that technology gets better -- and the people USING it become more skilled -- simple items like bezels should be easy to produce.

 

I'm not a chemist, but I SUSPECT that "resin rot" is caused by plasticizers and/or other chemicals added to the resin, to keep them flexible. There are 19 year old DW-5600E's out there and we haven't seen a single mention of resin rot affecting the plastic case.

I don't think that resin straps are made of the same materials as bezels either, since they dry and crack and break like any other "plastic" strap, but I haven't read of any crumbling into small chunks in the manner that bezels do.

I also don't think that springbars cause any sort of abrasion damage once they're installed, since on most G's the strap doesn't rotate around the springbar as straps do on other watches. There MAY be some damage when straps are replaced, though -- there are a few horror stories here about people "rounding out" the springbar holes by accident when trying to change a G-Shock strap.

There are plenty of examples of early plastics from before 1950 which are still around and collectible, and hopefully plastic technology has become even more advanced since then. I think that as long as the cases and internal parts hold up, people WILL be able to create new bezels via 3D printing -- there have already been at least two WUS members making bezels for G-Shocks. As that technology gets better -- and the people USING it become more skilled -- simple items like bezels should be easy to produce.

Yeah the cases are fine. Nothing to worry about. The plastic case Casio watches of the early 1980s like some of the early marlins are practically indestructible even nearly 35 years later

 

Here is a photo of some rot suffered by a 5600.

 

Here is a photo of some rot suffered by a 5600.

That is a bezel that has rotted not case

 

I have 2 gshocks from the 90s and looks like they will be still kicking after another 20 years


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

I have 2 gshocks from the 90s and looks like they will be still kicking after another 20 years

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I hope they do!!

 

I don't think the module case rots as easily as the bezel.
It seems to be made of a harder plastic material.

Yeah, I hear yah widgydidge.
G-Shocks won't last as long as mechanicals. Never have, never will. Resin/plastic is simply not as long-lasting as stainless steel or precious metal.
It's a fact that we have to accept. G-Shocks were never meant to be heirlooms. Nevertheless, we should enjoy G-Shocks while it lasts. 15-20 years is quite a long time anyways.

 

Yea, that true that they aren't really heirlooms. Pass down other watches for heirlooms haha

And yes, wear them while you can!

 

Well, resin and plastic don't last forever, especially when you wear it on a daily basis, if you want to keep your G-shock watch for the next 20 years, buy the models with as much steel parts as possible.

 

polymer science is not my specialty but as a chemist i know there is polymers that can last 50+ years in much worst and severe conditions that plastics used in watches. for example type B: PP yarns for fabrics is with a normal service life expectancy of 200-300 years and is used for production of geotexile and geomembranes. So the problem is not in polymer/polymer science itself , but the fact that Casio probably will never use such polymers for their warches.

 

So the problem is not in polymer/polymer science itself , but the fact that Casio probably will never use such polymers for their warches.

Yep, that's most probably the true reason. ;-)

 

I have a 19 years old DW-6900 and the resin case (not the bezel) is still as good as new. I do think that with resin case, it is the screw holes that will be the first to go, especially on battery powered watches. This is why I prefer screw backs, as I know that as long as bezel/straps are available, I can always make them as good as new again

On another note, I do hope my MRGs will last a lot longer, been all metal in construction

 

Yea, thats a good point! Or even solar watches for the idea that the screw holes will be the first to go due to the absence of the need to replace batteries.
All metal MRG's would be the way to go if you wanting to carry on with the one watch for a loooooooong time. They're damn nice too haha

Was thinking about the gw-a1000 where the material used is fine resin.I wonder how that would hold up? thoughts... hahaha

 

As ZFC mentioned, there are plastics which almost do not degrade with time. You can find them in use in the slide rules from the 50-60-70-ties (Astrolon, etc), and today at high-end pens (Lamy, Pelikan, Kaweko) or eye-wear frames - generally products without programmed obsolescence. At the other side, consumer electronics products (where electronic watches MAY belong), have calculated life expectancy due to electronics or technology, and one of the important requirements for them is recyclability. If the plastics used do not degrade, I assume there will be legal issues on some markets? Just assumption from my side...

 

yep. and the main reason is company profits. casio dont wanna sell you watch that will last lifetime, but rather every 5-15y.

 

I guess the longevity of Gshock watches or resin matters if they are part of a collection that never gets worn or sees the light of day. I can't say how they'll fare but, of course, you want them to last indefinitely in mint condition.

Not sure it matters with user G's though.

This was my first post on watchuseek:

https://www.watchuseek.com/f17/5700-199732.html

I owned this 5700 for 18 years when this was posted. It was my only watch during its term of service and I loved it. By 2008 the watch was still fully functional but the resin was getting brittle. At that time the watch had been shelved for over 10 years. It was a great watch but had ceased to be useful to me due to strap fragility. A stock resin set was not available as far as i knew. I had also moved on to newer models. Two years later I ebayed it away.

Here in 2015 I have one Gshock left and it's getting almost zero use.

My point is this: in 20 to 25 years it's possible you'll lose some,or all, of your current interest in G Shocks.

 

My point is this: in 20 to 25 years it's possible you'll lose some,or all, of your current interest in G Shocks.

if i could downvote that comment i would be hitting the button a few times right now. some of us are in the over the hill gang and we still like g-shocks i think your comment was incorrect and inappropriate. cheap/good durable stuff never goes out of style.

 

So I've been wondering recently whilst looking at the vintage model G Shocks as to how their resin after 20 years or so have crumbled and deteriorated. All that's basically left is a metal casing and no parts left to make it 'new' again. This left me thinking, would it be the same for the G Shocks of the current time? Will their resin only last a maximum of 20-25 years? I guess it is dependent on the amount of wear too.

there is not much you can buy for 100 bucks and expect it to still work in 20 or 25 years

Yea, they're some considerations too. It's just I see mechanicals like my dads which has been passed down. That watch has been used for 40-50 years already and is still wearable just as it was 40+ years ago and will continue to be until someone decides to dismantle it or break it. It's just with G's, it seems past 20-25 years, their bands wont be usable as they've probably suffered resin rot and their bezels may or would have suffered the same fate.. the simple reason would be because of the materials used..

yeah but you are talking movement versus straps if you had a resin strap on your mechanical it would also be shot in the same amount of time. the g-shock movements are still good longer than that. if you replace the band with a nice metal or carbon fiber bracelet it will probably be fine. if a g-shock goes for 20 or 25 years and then finally breaks it is sad but nobody is going to jump off a bridge because of it. if you spend a ton of money on a good mechanical it should last but it will also need servicing to stay alive and it will never be as accurate or tough as a g-shock different watches for different purposes.

 

Kung got what I meant.

I was not knocking Gshock in any way. They're excellent watches..but a quarter of a century to be into something, from personal experience, is definitely not a given.

 

ive got a few Gs floating around the 20 year mark and their resin is fine. its all a matter what kind of life the watch has lived but in saying that, i would say modern resin would last alot longer than resin of old.


but its also not so far fetched to think that only a select few diehards would entertain the idea.

sure my tastes have refined over the years but i essentially like the same stuff ive always liked and im not just talking about watches and ive found its the opposite, as i get older im finding i like less of the new things... tho hopefully i dont end up like my dad and only shopping at kmart lol

 

For whatever reason, there's a big chance that you wont even care after 20 years. This is of course only my opinion.

 

Posted elsewhere, but still apropos. Here's my DW1000 getting some wrist time on a Sunday afternoon. It's thirty-three (33) years young. I paid $44.00 retail for it back in 1982. That's $1.33/year amortized. While not my favorite, it is my most treasured watch.

 

Posted elsewhere, but still apropos. Here's my DW1000 getting some wrist time on a Sunday afternoon. It's thirty-three (33) years young. I paid $44.00 retail for it back in 1982. That's $1.33/year amortized. While not my favorite, it is my most treasured watch. View attachment 4330073

Good for you. Original straps are still available for this model. Looks good even though the plastic bezel is no more.

 

some pretty interesting points raised!

Yea, I have thought about the idea that I might not be even interested in G Shocks that far down the track and there are so many variables. It'd be cool though to keep and then 25 years later, be able to say to someone, this is what I was into all those year ago, and they're still with me today in good nick!

I too have entertained the idea of just getting one and settling on it, but it never works. Lol.

 

Nice piece. Fortunately my current propensity for watches is covered by the small stash of resin and parts, along with a backup of the watch I wear the most. Sure, the chance is small that I'll really need them, but I don't use my tools often either. Having them is important I think, as is the stash of fasteners, parts, lubricants, and other maintenance gear I keep.

Personally, odds are good that I'll wear the same watches years from now. As with other things, once I float around a bit, I will settle in on one or two comfortable items and just stop paying attention to the market around them. That's what happened with my tools, my pocket knives, my flashlights, and my musical instruments. Went from 11 different snare drums and a massive cymbal collection to just a small kit and some extras that define my sound and comfort zone.

These watches very likely fall into that same trend. But fortunately I dig the steel cased ones, so I'm sure it's all fine. Besides, it's a watch. I don't treat my wrists that badly.

 

As long as ones could find bezel/strap, G-shock will last more than 20 years.

 

G-Shocks will last long enough for what they are, sadly my first G-Shock was stolen (a AW-571 Gaussman) but my second G-Shock a DW9052 I've had since about 1998 and that is still going strong.

Like another forum member said G-Shocks lasting a long long time is probably not a problem because our tastes will change, I still wear some of my G-Shocks but really only for when a G-Shock is necessary, that is to say situation when another watch may get damaged.

The other thing is that out of all my G-Shocks I only really now wear my 5600s, DW9052 and I may wear my Giez again if I ever have the battery changed (again! That thing is a battery eater!). I've lost interest in all the others and they have all run out of battery, I'm keeping them because they are part of my horological history, not because I have a desire to wear any of them.

I am a little attached to my DW9052 because that watch and I went through many things, that is the only one I would perhaps want to keep. I've wondered about the possibility of storing it in silicone oil for posterity, if I knew for sure that could stop resin rot I would do it And I mean oil outside the watch and INSIDE!

But essentially I see G-Shocks as disposable plastic things that we are lucky if they last 25 years, expecting anything beyond that is a little unreasonable.

 

Good point! Change in wants of wearing are bound to happen too.

Damn.. I considered a giez. I had a similar watch, the g1000d but moved it along as the silver paint was coming off the metallic silver resin. It annoyed me and replacing the parts was near impossible.... so I moved it along. Wish the coatings would last too!

Sent from my ASUS_T00P using Tapatalk

 

Not a G, but Sauron always knows what time it is - 9GAG

 

I'm thinking of purchasing back up resin for the models I will not only keep, but wear for a long time. I think most will go at some points but some like my riseman and my gw2500 will definitely stay put due to the sentimental value attached to them. I wish they were all metal! Wouldn't have to worry about replacement bits lol.

Also, I saw that f91 pop up on facebook! Gotta love casio haha

Sent from my ASUS_T00P using Tapatalk

 

We are a very special group of people. I would wager than 99% of G-Shock buyers fall into one of two camps, either a) they buy an accessory which lasts until the next time fashion changes or b) people that need a timekeeping tool that can take a lot of punishment. In either case, longevity isn't the primary goal. G-Shocks have sacrificial armour (the bezel) in order to help with shock resistance. We collect them, often babying them, so we can see much longer service than most. I don't think Casio was (or is) too concerned about the resin failing, that generally happens a decade or two into the life of the watch.

To me, G-Shocks are basically a consumable item. If you get two or three battery changes (10+ years) and need to change the bezel and band once before the screws give out, for a $100 watch, you are doing pretty good. That is one of the reasons why I really only buy steel cased Gs now, because I want to collect them long term. I get a little anxious thinking about my DW-6600 battery changes (at least one screw hole in each of my two 6600s had to be re-formed with super glue).

 

I get a little anxious thinking about my DW-6600 battery changes (at least one screw hole in each of my two 6600s had to be re-formed with super glue).

Having changed batteries on resin cased G-Shocks myself I fully agree, they are meant as disposable items, the toughest watch you can buy till the battery runs out then you bin it and buy another.

I think whatever happens I will always have a few G-Shocks to wear when needed. I can't imagine being without at least one 5600 G-Shock, but I've been considering getting a properly tough field watch as well, something like a titanium cased Bertucci that will be tough enough but also last longer than a G-Shock.

 

My son has been wearing one of my old G shocks 24/7 for the last 3 years or so. I wore it for years before him. It is from 2003, solar, all resin strap, etc. He is a swimmer, so wears in it the chlorinated high school pool daily. He sleeps, showers, swims, plays, sweats wearing it and never takes it off. The gaskets haven't leaked, solar battery is fine, and the resin is doing fine. The watch is only 13 years old (older than my son), but it's beat up pretty badly and keeps going strong. So, this watch has technically been it through 2 generations so far.
The other day I asked him what if he wanted a new watch and he said no.

 

Yea I do agree that most of these gs were designed to be disposable, well relative to other watches and not designed to last a really large number of years. Pity, because some of them as part of series are really nice in terms of designs etc. But due to the wear characteristics such as how coating come off etc, I'd be scared to wear it and it almost becomes like a trophy piece rather than a functional watch...

Sent from my ASUS_T00P using Tapatalk