The G Shock Frogman is a truly indestructable watch. It is a high-end model of the Casio G-Shock line of watches and is one of the longest running lines in G-Shock history. It is part of the elite “Master of G” line, a line of G-Shock watches designed for special uses. Other models in the Master of G collection include the Mudman, Riseman and the Tideman.
The Frogman has an asymmetric shape and is attached eccentrically on its straps. It is designed this way to increase functionality and reduce wear on the wrist and the watch. It is specially made as a diving watch for scuba divers and is the only ISO 6425-compliant G-Shock model with a 200m Divers rating.
The first G Shock Frogman model (DW-6300) was released in November, 1993. and in June 1995 a second generation Frogman model was released, the DW-8200. It was at that point that the G Shock Frogman became very popular with G-Shock collectors. Since that time, there have been numerous special editions released.
A truly unique model in the G Shock Frogman lineup is the limited edition MRG-1100-2. This model was part of the MR-G series, a high-end G-Shock line of metal watches. While all other G-Shock models are constructed with resin bezels and straps, the MRG-1100-2 is constructed completely of titanium.
In April 1999 the DW-9900 model was introduced. This Frogman was slightly smaller than the DW-8200. For the next two years both DW-8200 and DW-9900 models were produced. The DW-9900 was quickly followed by the solar-powered GW-200 models in June 2001.
Almost all of the GW-200 models have the Tough Solar 2422 module – except for the “Snake Killer” and the “Carbon Fiber Frogman” (GW-201-6JF and GW-201NT-1JF). In November 2009, Casio introduced “Final Frogman” in the GW-200 series, the GW-200Z-1JF. This model has been around for at least seven years, longer than the DW-8200.
The “GW” designation refers to a G Shock Frogman that can receive atomic signals, but no Frogman has been equipped with this feature prior to the release of the GWF-1000.
As of this writing, the GWF-1000 is the latest addition to the G Shock Frogman line, introduced in September 2009 in Japan. It represents the fifth generation of the Frogman series. The GWF-1000 is now capable of receiving atomic signals from six locations worldwide, while retaining ISO 200m water resistance, shock resistance, dive time measurement and solar power.
Other than water and shock resistant capabilities, the G Shock Frogman is also equipped with a 48 cities show time, dive Log, 5 alarms, Tough Solar technology and backlight. It also incorporates a tide and moon graph function and employs a stainless steel construction with the addition of a diamond-like coating (DLC) to improve corrosion resistance.
This diamond-like coating is only used by a few manufacturers around the world and adds a fair amount of cost to the watch. However, it adds tremendous life and truly is scratch resistant.
The special asymmetrical design and engraved Frogman logo on the stainless steel back also make this watch stand out amongst the rest of the G-Shock family as the “diver’s watch”.
