Hi all. I thought I would post this as when I was looking I couldn't find any comparisons and it might help someone. As I have only had these watches a few days, this is more of a brief comparison than a review. Like Porsches 911 and Volvo's, the latter at least up till the late 80's (pun intended), Casio's re-issues have been more about evolution than revolution. A concept purists, including myself respond to.
DW5030. Being a form follows function kinda a guy this is my personal favourite. Its pure classic, based on the 1983 DW-5000C-1A original. The screen format is exactly the same in its colour theme as the original, only some words have changed to conform with contemporary technology, although this is only minor. I like that its case, caseback and pushers are stainless as there are no problems with coating coming off in decades to come. In short its very 1980's and takes me back to the warm Australian summers of 1985, 87 and 89 when I best remember the original G and the 5600C. The "PROJECT TEAM Tough", in blue lettering where Water Resist 200M use to be honours Ibe Kikuo, the young Japanese engineering graduate to put together the Tough Project Team tasked with developing, at the time the impossible, 'the triple 3' concept watch - Meaning a watch that was to be 1.)G-Force resistant from a 10 storey building fall on to concrete at acceleration due to gravity (@), 2.)have a 10 year battery life; and 3.)at least 10ATM or 100meters of water resistance, of which by production in 83 200M was achived, further classifying it as a serious divers alternative without the inherent bulk or weight! The screen clarity is one of the best with a silver background and bold dark number segments that IMO have been perfected!
DW5030C. Is a beautiful looking timepiece. Its a watch full of character that grows on you. Interestingly from a distance of 1 metre or more it looks all black and modern. Get close however and it has a vintage hue of colours that go well together. I absolutely love the dark red "PROJECT TEAM Tough" lettering, its very subtle and blends very well with the brick tiles and subtle vintage theme. What I found really intriguing is that the rose gold keeper tarnishes if left creating a beautiful vintage look to it, yet is easy restored to NEW with a light wipe. If your looking for a digital wrist watch that can double with formal attire this delivers. This watch is full of character; while 5030 is full of function, longevity & retro style & from what I've read is the more collectable of the two. 5030C's screen is not as legible as 5030's, but is by no means difficult to read and blends well with its vintage theme. On 5030C black ion plated case and caseback finish the package.
(Notes: 5030C caseback pic first, followed by pics in order of descriptions. 5030 still has factory plastic on caseback and keeper. "PROJECT TEAM Tough" lettering on 5030 is BLUE despite appearing white in one of the images- sorry its my Canon camera). Any questions welcome on these two