An Intriguing and Rarely Seen âLeftyâ Marlin: Model 21, Module 152
The DW-5000C with the Marlin H101, Module 106
[1]. Along with several other models introduced in January 1980, the Marlin belongs to the first generation
of 100m Casio digitals that could operate in truly hostile environments. In this way it expressed the engineering
ambition of extreme survivability that would soon become Casioâs horological signature. To be fair, one
could argue that earlier models with 50m resistance expressed the same intention, without quite achieving it.
[2]. The LCD in Module 106 appears to be the first to achieve the classical âsemi-nestedâ configurationâwith
the date segregated in its own rectangular sub-window, while the day floats next to it in open space and the time
spans the full rectangular window down below. The 106âs semi-nested design passed unmodified into the DW-5000Câs
Module 240, and there became an icon in G-Shock history.
[3]. Module 106 shares a common manual with the 240, 248, 280, 491, 493, 495, 548 series***. The nested sub-window
displays the time in the stopwatch and countdown modes, and thereby provides functional parallelism in an otherwise
serial sequencing of the modes. [*** The 106-248-280 module design defined the time keeping engine in many classical
models, including A-250, W-100, W-52, W-23, A-254, W-35,W-450, DW-1000, DW-5000, WW-5100, DW-5200, WW-5300, DW-5400,
DW-5500].
[4]. The graphic design of the Marlin H101 106âs outer dial also closely informs the DW-5000C. Both
watches frame the digital display with nested polygons, extending the nesting motif from the LCD to the dial beyond.
A white rectangle directly borders the LCD, and visually separates it from the dark outer dial. This rectangle
is then nested inside an irregular octagonâa rectangle with trimmed cornersâwhose shape anticipates
the (now iconic) eight-sided bezel and case. The nested polygons define a series of nooks and crannies where graphic
elements document the sequence of modesâ and their pusher operations right on the dial (along with other
features like Lithium batteries, water resistance, and alarm icons). The self-contained
instruction manual is a signature of Casioâs design philosophy, and a precursor of modern control systems
in many applications. It is a brilliant idea that makes the serial layering of complicated functions practical
for everyday use. Iâve especially enjoyed the hourly chime function, with its pleasing chirp that is so
familiar from days gone by, and, it also sounds on the half hour, just as you speculated.
Marlin H101, Mod. 106 with a Modern Cellphone,
A Lineal Descendant of Casioâs Self-Documenting Design Philosophy
[5]. Arguments [1-3] also apply to the Marlin W400, Module 106, whose plastic case more directly anticipates
the G-Shock. The W400âs outer dial design looks much less like a DW-5000C than does the H101âs,
however.
A Marlin W400 with Plastic Casing
Underneath its plastic shroud, the DW-5000C has an octagonal stainless steel case that closely resembles the
more expensive Marlinsâ:
Stainless Casing of DW-5000C
After achieving 200m water resistance in the DW-1000 of 1982, it only remained to develop the shock-proof floating
module design, and the G-Shock was born in 1983.
200m DW-1000
Sometimes Called the Pre-Cursor of the G-Shock,
But Its Segmented LCD and Dial Designs are Off-Key
