The G-Shock model line was barely seven months old in November, 1983 when Casio brought out their first Wide Temp-LC model, The WW-5100, and they followed it up 13 months later with the WW-5300, the second Wide Temp G-Shock. In addition to the features available on the DW-5000 and DW-5200 the Wide Temp versions were advertised as operable within a temperature range of -30C to +50C', an enhancement to this already tough watch which should have made it more appealing to consumers. Both Wide Temp-LC G-Shock models are hard to find today and sought after by collectors.
The first Wide Temp-LC G-Shock, and the second G-Shock model ever, is the WW-5100 which was distributed beginning in November 1983. There are two model styles: the WW-5100C-1 is the 'silver' version (pictured here) and the WW-5100C-9 is the elusive 'gold' version. Casio enlarged the gold 'Shock Resist' badge they had used on the DW-5000 and placed it on the bottom of the WW-5100's dial (they would use it again on the DW-5200) and kept all of the wording from the DW-5000 except that they changed 'Alarm Chronograph' to 'Alarm Chrono' on the WW-5100 and removed the word 'Light' as the module 491 does not have one. To further distinguish the model they added the 'Wide Temp-LC' logo in blue above the LCD display.
The second Wide Temp-LC G-Shock, the WW-5300C-1, saw distribution beginning in December 1984, is Casios fourth G-Shock model behind the DW-5000, WW-5100 and DW-5200 and is notable for its not having a 'gold' version. Casio moved the 'Shock Resist' badge to the top of the dial for this one and changed the color to gold and red and made it slightly larger. The 'Wide Temp-LC' logo moved underneath the LCD display in larger, red letters. The dial, with its varied colors and distinctive layout, is one of the most interesting of the early G-Shocks.
The band and bezel setup used on the WW-5100 and WW-5300 is identical to that of the other DW-5xxx G-Shocks and both use slot-head bezel screws. Likewise, the stainless steel case is identical in construction to the other early G-Shocks, both inside and out (one notable characteristic of the early G-Shocks is how nicely finished the cases are - always smooth and fine, unlike the later cases which tend to be rough and dull). What makes the models special, what makes them temperature resistant, is the module itself. Both models use the module 491 which has all of the same features as the module 240 (used on the DW-5000, DW-5200, DW-5400 and DW-5500) except that it has no backlight. The LCD display of the 491 is identical to that of the 240 but one can notice that the LCD segments are darker and denser in appearance. The module 491 operates on a single 2320 3v battery.
Both the WW-5100 and the WW-5300, like other early G-Shocks, are serial numbered and each is found in 'Japan Y' and 'Japan B' caseback variations. Unfortunately the Wide Temp feature must not have sold well; both models appear to have been made in limited numbers and are difficult to find today.
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