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A tribute to a (almost) perfect G-Shock - the G-7900MS all-black

112K views 125 replies 65 participants last post by  singkarak105 
#1 ·
I've been buying, selling and keeping circa 50-60 G-Shocks in the last seven years, which brought me to the point where I get pretty picky, but also do know exactly what I want.

When it comes down to the most rugged Casio Series, my preferences are pretty much well defined, since I deal with G-Shocks long enough. I do know what the watch should look like or not, which functions it should have or rather not and what the watch should be able to do or not.

Generally speaking it looks like this:

- mainly a dark colour, with few or no coloured applications, especially no red, orange ect.
- all digital
- no square (rectangular) case
- prefered bulky
- no atomic, no Solar (explanation later)
- CR20xx Lithium Battery
- good EL-Backlight with at least 3 seconds duration, No LED illumination
- at minimum, a 24h countdown timer
- at minimum, a 24h stopwatch
- loud, audible alarm
- easy to push buttons
- 5th. dedicated light button

The G-7900 got all those attributes. Many of you already know the module of the G-7900 (3194) from the G-9000 Mudman (module 3031), which is basically the same, only without a moon - and tidegraph. For those of you who are not so familiar with the technical specs of G-Shocks, but might think about to purchase a G-7900, here is a short list of the featured highlights:

- 2x 1000h stopwatch
- 24h countdown timer
- auto el-Backlight switchable for either 3 or 5 seconds duration and automatic shutdown after 6 hours
- 5 alarms (with one snooze alarm) freely programmable for the whole year (target alarm)
- time, day of the week, month and date at a glance
- worldtime with 48 cities around the globe
- high capacity CR2025 Lithium Battery (170mah)
- backlight flasher for visual alarm
- extremely good to operate buttons
- moon and tide graph
- 200 meters wr (20bar)
- long lasting alarm (20 seconds)
- low temperature LCD (-20° celsius)

The G-7900MS avoids any coloured accents. It has a black, matte finished case and a 28mm wide, very comfortable to wear nylon strap. The appearance of this watch can be pretty well described as "uber-stealthy", but without the trade-off of lesser legibility known from negative displays. Unfortunately, Casio was not so stealthy thinking when it comes to the buckle, which is (absurdly) shining polished. Not, that I needed desperately a black PVD buckle, but at least a matt or brushed one would have been nice. Oh well, luckily there are enough brick and mortar stores around and in them you'll find lots of sandpaper

Alright, a few pictures first:










(Mods, please feel free to erase this, if inappropriate)


(Mods, please feel free to erase this, if inappropriate)

As already mentioned, the watch avoids all coloured applications and shiny parts (except for the buckle). The writing on the case and the "G" on the light button are painted in a very subdued white, actually it's a rather bright grey. The important thing is, that on one hand the letters never distract from the stealth look, but on the other hand are visible enough, to let the more inexperienced user know the functions of the buttons. The whole upper part of the LCD inlet (which surrounds the moon and tidegraph, both stopwatches and the day of the week) is also made of a non-shiny, dark grey material, which is best described as titanium-grey. It matches the subdued look of the watch very well.

The G(W)-7900 series is one of the bigger watches in the current G-Shock line. With dimensions of W=50mm, H=52.5mm T=18mm, the watch can be considered as a hefty and bulky piece of plastic. Nevertheless, the wearing comfort is excellent and the strap wraps around the wrist very well, which is greatly supported by the two "wings" beneath the strap:



Those two plastic pieces are not to be underestimated. They are the reason, that also people with rather small sized wrists can wear the watch without problems and convenient. As usual with a plastic watch, weight is rather a non-issue. The watch shows 67 grams on my kitchen scales, so it's not exactly made for training your muscles.

The 28mm wide nylon strap enhances greatly the bulky character of the G-7900MS. As already mentioned, the wearing comfort is excellent, but that opinion might differs from others, such as people who might sweat a lot or live in/near tropical parts of the world. In this case I would also suggest to swap the nylon strap for the normal black resin strap which is attached to all "non-MS" models. Here a few pictures of the nylon strap and a comparison to the resin strap. Don't wonder about the O-ring, I attached it to the strap because the retainer tends to slip off:









I mentioned above that an ideal watch for me shouldn't have neither atomic timekeeping nor solar. I have several reasons for that:

To put it simple, atomic is at best for me a „nice to have" feature that one can have, but in my opinion is far from essential. Given the great level of precision modern day quartz watches do offer, the aberration of such a watch is seldom more than 6-8 seconds (+) per month . If the watch is worn on a regular basis, its even less to non-existent, keeping the temperature stable due to body heat. I honestly also never understood, the hassle some people go trough, desperately trying to sync their atomics, when a manual, perfect sync can be done in few seconds, given the amount of high precise time sources (cells, internet, rc alarm clocks, ect) we all see and have around us every day. Although not really important, but something to think about is, that any additional electronic device is always a possible source for failure. The old saying "keep it simple, keep it stupid" carries a lot of wisdom…

When it is about solar, I have several good (for me anyway) reasons to avoid it.

First, I had two solar powered watches stone cold dead, without a reason and without any hint. One was a Casio Protrek PRG-80YT, the other was a Citizen Eco Drive Chronograph, which I don't remember the model. It's not that those watches had seen not enough light or something, they just died, the Protrek got into "Recovery Mode" but - you guess it - never recovered, lol. As you can probably imagine, such incidents do not exactly help to gain trust in a certain technology.

Don't get me wrong, right now I have six solar G-Shocks and four of them are also atomic. They sit on a window sill to be charged all the time and the all work fine. But honestly, none of them get much wrist time anymore, whenever I wear one from time to time, it isn't usually longer than a day, because it just doesn't feels right - it's a mind thing I guess.

A watch that houses a CR2025 Lithium battery (or even bigger), drives solar somewhat down the ad absurdum road. There are enough proven cases, (lots of them here in this forum) that CR20xx batteries last for many years, even for decades (!!!). The often heard and read argument of the non-existing battery change with solar watches, became for me so lame, that it fails to put even a tired smile on my face.

Probably the biggest argument against solar watches is in my opinion, the often inferior module, compared to their non-solar counterparts. Functions are often cropped, and that is a fact. It is pretty common in the G-Shock line and as of now, I'm not aware of one single solar model that is superior in functionality to a non-solar model. Not that the GW-7900 is a bad watch - not at all - but compare it to the G-7900 and you have an excellent example of what I just described.

In the end each and everybody has to make the solar vs. non-solar decision for himself, depending what features and functions are high on the priority list. I've made my decision quite some time ago (live is much easier if you know what you want, respectively what you don't want) and couldn't be happier with it.

Utterly positive and well worth to get an extra mentioning are the huge and very easy to push buttons of the G(W)-7900 series. In my opinion, there is no model, which can hold up in this discipline, some other series - like the G-7710 for instance - come close but can't match 100%. Big and handy enough to be pushed even with thick winter gloves, it's made sure the watch is always fully operable (extremely important for soldiers, also in summer). No bothersome fumbling or even the use of fingernails is necessary - Casio have done this as good as it gets. Usually not so worth to get extra mentioned, but still worth somewhat, is the protection of the module and the mineral due to the massive amount of plastic around them. The glass is recessed by almost four millimeters, measured on the highest peak of the bezel, which gives an enormous additional protection:



The Thread title is „A tribute to a (almost) perfect G-Shock" and so I will also explain the things, which could have been done better: Actually it is in my opinion four points which keep that watch from being perfect - without „almost".

- current time visible in all modes (only visible in the countdown timer mode)
- negative (reversed) EL-Backlight for even better night readability and enhanced stealth
- countdown timer settable to the second (can only be set by minute)
- vibration alarm

To be fair, those four points are rather seldom to find in the G-Shock line and I'm not aware of any model that have all four points united.

Conclusion: Even with the (minor) four negative points, the G-7900 represents in my opinion the best G-Shock, Casio brought to market to date (sorry to all fans of the D(G)W-6600, D(G)W6900 and D(G)W-5600 series, but that is how I see it) and because it is most likely, that THE perfect G-Shock will never be made, the all-black G-7900MS and her sister - the olive green G-7900-3V - will stay my undisputed #1 for a long, indefinite time. To close this review, a few more pictures from the two beauties:







cheers
 
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#2 ·
nice review, it was a good read.
my first g shock was a g7900-1. it was also my first watch i modded by doing the negative display mod on it. it definitely looks much better, but it makes the tide graph a little hard to read, but the el makes it easier.
 
#4 ·
Yeah, I was real glad I came to you'all before purchasing my first "G" and (speaking for myself) got it right the first time. Although I like the Solar and Atomic feaatures, but wish the dang LE auto light would stay on for 5 seconds instead of 3.

Pops
 
#6 ·
.cal45 totally agree I have a riseman g-9200 solar, but I think you are right, I love this watch but I cant hear the alarm at 5:30 am to wake up, I need the force of the battery (non solar) power, The atomic thing well some days the "machines" will take care of us (terminator conspirancy lol) and when try to confuse us taking the atomic radio signal our clocks cant stop of taking this hour at 12:00am haha (joking), but its true, and finally oh man I sweat alot here in Panamá I know what you mean when I need a nylon strap (I would love it), cause you can identify me in the street moving my clock forward and backward in my wrist only to take out the sweat haha. Nice review, goin too look at ebay for one this.
 
#8 ·
Great review. I knew about the 7900-3V, but I didn't realize they made a MS version of this watch. Only one think I would change with this watch, which is something you mentioned you are glad they DID NOT do...a negative display. And particularly, the negaitve display with amber digits like the 9000MS and 6900MS. I was thinking about this recently when I took the module out of my IN4MA+TION GLX-6900. It's the same module as the G-7900, however it has an amber tinted display. If I had a 7900MS, I would order the amber LCD and reverse the polarization. Then, in my opinion, you would have a "true" MS version of the 7900. OH yeah...guess I'd also need to paint the moon graph circle red, also!
 
#9 ·
Great little review/article. I myself had a G7900-1 and I sold it a few weeks ago, A decision I still lament. But no worries as I'm buying a GW7900B-1 to replace it in the coming days, definitely my favorite case/strap combo, but I will say I favor the module of the GW7900.
 
#11 ·
Nice review Holger :-!. The G-7900 is also one of my favourites - together with the G-7710 and the G-8000 they are the top-3 in my collection. Too bad it's no longer sold in Germany. I especially like the alarm features - and that the snooze comes first - then AL1,2,3,4 and SIG - not like on almost all other G-Shocks where the snooze alarm is last. And I also like the fact that it's 20sec long and really loud - one of the few Gs that can actually wake me up - the other being the G-7710 and the G-3011/3010. One thing I don't like about the strap on the MS (and what actually kept me from buying one so far) is the fake leather on the underside of the strap - does it make it more sweaty then the resin strap?
 
#14 ·
Thanks, great review for a phenomenal G'S not that often in the solar and atomic version goes unnoticed and undervalued.

For me it is one of my prefereti together with GLS-5600L1 and the G-7700, for the most complete functions from the line of the Master of G.
 
#15 ·
Great review cal. Like you I cringe when folks say they have to have atomic and solar only o|

I looked at the standard G7900 a while back and dont remember thinking I had to have one. That said the Black G7900MS looks much better in my opinion. I don't prefer reverse or need to set the seconds in countdown timer mode. In fact as long as the timer is at least 12 hours that's good to me. My Pathfinder PRG80 only has a 60 min countdown timer and I find I wish it was longer.

I guess I might have to take a second look at these. By the way I did not get the Seiko 5 we were talking about but decided on the Seiko SRP043 which is my most easy to read watch b-)
 
#16 ·
My last purchase were two GW-7900's (normal & negative display).

For a while I had avoided this watch due to the size but now it is a case of "saved the best for last".

It is very light and comfortable to wear and is a no nonsense serious looking G-Shock. I prefer the GW range cos I don't like battery powered watches and it's nice to know that watch will update the time, not an essential feature but a cool one.
 
#17 ·
Thank you Gentlemen for all the nice comments :)

@thomastraight,

Get one, I'm pretty sure you won't regret it |>

@OeE

Just yesterday I watch T4- Salvation once again and I'm glad that i wore a G during the movie, since any other watch might was broken, due to the enormous bass output of my subwoofers, those darn machines create with all their HE explosives, lol :-d. In Panama I think a resin strap would be much preferable, since humidity can be extremely high there. If you are going for a G-7900MS, make sure to order a resin strap along right away.

@ Tsip85,

I'm sure that would be a cool looking mod, I'd say go for it and make your own unique G-7900.

@ Scattercoreys,

Nothing wrong with the GW-7900B (and it certainly looks sharp). If I was on the hunt for a black and stealth atomic/solar, this would be my first choice - seriously.

@ absolutely zero,

Yeah, I needed someting to hold the G-7900Ms in place when I was taking pictures of the display and I thought the Pacific Salt H1 would match the watch and the table pretty well...:-d

@ Sedi,

The inside of the nylon strap is made of nylon as well, it only looks like fake leather due to a different, small meshed canvas. Yes, I think the nylon strap makes you more stweat than the resin strap, lesser air comes thru and consider that it is about 9mm wider. The interesting thing about the nylon strap is, that it doesn't soak much with water. Get out of the shower or pool and a few minutes later the band is dry.

@ Watch Junky,

Congratulations bro ;-)

@ phattbam,

You might want to try Casio Sales Service if you are located in the US. Otherwise ebay might be a good source.

@ Jersterca,

Congratulations to your Seiko SRP043, it is a hefty piece of steel and a great tool watch. Maybe I missed it, but did you wrote a review about yours?

@g-s-h-o-c-k,

Good to read you enjoy your GW-7900's. Welcome to the forum and the world of madness ;-)


cheers
 
#18 ·
@ Sedi,

The inside of the nylon strap is made of nylon as well, it only looks like fake leather due to a different, small meshed canvas. Yes, I think the nylon strap makes you more stweat than the resin strap, lesser air comes thru and consider that it is about 9mm wider. The interesting thing about the nylon strap is, that it doesn't soak much with water. Get out of the shower or pool and a few minutes later the band is dry.
Now that is good info. If the whole strap is nylon then I will definitely sweat much less than under a resin strap. Now I'm torn - wanted to get either a SGW-400 or PAW-500T next but the 7900MS just made it back on the wish list.
 
#19 ·
There are lots of threads about Sporks on the Seiko forum. I think I will just take some photos of it and others for comparison. The 5 we spoke about is still on the list just not at the top. I really like the Spork maybe even more than my Tuna due to the very legible dial, the Tuna's curved crystal has more reflections than I like, some love the domed crystal however I wish it was flat and had AR.
 
#20 ·
My last purchase were two GW-7900's (normal & negative display).

For a while I had avoided this watch due to the size but now it is a case of "saved the best for last".

It is very light and comfortable to wear and is a no nonsense serious looking G-Shock. I prefer the GW range cos I don't like battery powered watches and it's nice to know that watch will update the time, not an essential feature but a cool one.
Guess you need to sell you G's right away and get an automatic / mechanical since all G Shocks have a battery. o| The solar cell is for charging the battery.
 
#21 ·
@Sedi,

If you go for a G-7900MS (black or also the blue one) don't worry. If you don't like it (which is hard to presume, but still...) I would buy it from you, because my girlfriend already drools over mine, lol.

@ Jesterca,

don't be too hard on newbies, I think he meant it a bit different ;-)

Not much a fan of domed crystals either, plain works best for me too. Looking forward to your photos.


cheers
 
#23 ·
a few thoughts...

battery life estimate from Casio on the G7900 is 2 years. That seems very pessimistic, so I wonder if Casio sticks with that estimate in order to promote its more expensive atomic/solar.

I sold my G7900 3V (olive) because I worried about draining the battery hitting the light button, which again was based on stated 2 year battery life.

I agree that the 5th button is ideal for illuminating the dial, and makes other Gs using the "B" button a pita. I sold my AWG101 and paw5000t for being too difficult to find the light button in the dark. Also, the awg101 was too small on the wrist and I couldn't find a strap I liked on the paw5000t.

All I have left, after selling many other Gs, is my GW7900B. I like the atomic not just for not worrying about the time being off, but also it gives me faster confirmation of time.gov for my mechanicals than going online. I waited for the GW7900B because it was the first atomic/solar I had seen with 24 hr. timer. I agree that the G7900 has a great module, but I don't think the GW7900B is too shabby either, and, in terms of looks, for me, it's the best-looking digital G ever created, and it's $100 used here on the forum. For me, Casio created what they probably try not to do--put a G Shock out there that gives me everything I want: the ultimate G Shock. (Like tonight riding home on my bicycle with no lights...I cut my ride short because my GW7900B showed me no moon tonight; and yesterday I took my kids to Bodega Bay along the Sonoma County coast, GW7900B was right on with low tide.)

In case I'm not clear, the clincher for me in choosing the GW7900B was not on module but on looks. If my stealth GW were a G7900 non-solar/non-atomic it wouldn't matter a bit to me. All about looks.
 
#24 ·
Sean,

Casio is EXTREMELY conservative about battery life and yes - you mentioning it - promoting their solars got something to do with it. For instance the same battery (CR2025) as used in the G-7900 is used too in the G-2900 and Casio claims 10 years for this one. In the G-7710 or G-7800 series Casio claims 5 years, again same type of battery.
My first G-Shock was a G-100, which I bought seven years back and it still runs on the same battery (CR2016 I think - 90mah), according to Casio it should be dead now since four years ;-)

And take a GW-3000 for instance, which should run without any lightsource for about 5 month. This watch (as a lot other solar analogs) houses a CTL920 with a very low capacity of only 5.5 mah. Now consider that an analog movement needs more power for hands and all the small gear-wheels to run and make a little calculation: If an analog solar watch lasts 5 month without light and a 5.5 mah battery, how much do you think will an all-digital last with a 170mah lithium battery? Certainly longer than only 2 years, don't you think ;-)


cheers
 
#26 ·
Casio is EXTREMELY conservative about battery life and yes - you mentioning it - promoting their solars got something to do with it. For instance the same battery (CR2025) as used in the G-7900 is used too in the G-2900 and Casio claims 10 years for this one. In the G-7710 or G-7800 series Casio claims 5 years, again same type of battery.
My first G-Shock was a G-100, which I bought seven years back and it still runs on the same battery (CR2016 I think - 90mah), according to Casio it should be dead now since four years ;-)
Doesn't make sense to me, unless power consumption in these 5 & 10 year CR2025 battery G Shocks is 50% and 20%, respectively, of the power consumption of the G7900. I don't know how that could be. I suspect--basically in the absence of other evidence--that Casio plays with those CR2025 longevity numbers when they are selling a similar and more pricey solar/atomic model, as in the G/GW7900.
 
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