In the midst of the G-Shock craze of the early to mid 90's Casio introduced a model unlike any of its predecessors, a model headed in a new stylistic direction, a model that set the tone for G-Shocks to come.  They introduced the DW-6400, the first of its type, perhaps the best of the 'New Generation' G-Shocks. 

Casio produced three model variations of the DW-6400, all differentiated by the waterproof designation on the dial, and all were distributed starting in January, 1994.  The DW-6400C-1V (pictured here in this article) has '200M' on the dial, the DW-6400C-1 has '20BAR' on the dial and the DW-6400B-1 has '20BAR' on the dial in blue.  Each is constructed in the same manner and each utilizes the trusty 901 module that Casio used in their DW-5600 and DW-5700 models.

There are several characteristics which set the watch apart from previous G-Shocks not the least of which is the exposed metal case style that makes the DW-6400 so recognizeable.  While the earliest G-Shocks were constructed of a resin shell covering a stainless steel case and later models, beginning with the DW-5900, were comprised of a resin shell fitted over a resin case, the DW-6400 is the first G-Shock to feature an exposed metal case style.  The case itself is completely resin and the visible metal is actually a shell that fits over it and screws into place.  The designers kept their eye on the details though and while the metal is mostly a brushed satin finish the area bevelled towards the dial is highly polished, giving a nice contrast. 

Another major difference is the complete lack of the 'G-Shock' logo anywhere on the watch.  The DW-6400 is the first G-Shock not to be designated specifically as such; nowhere on the watch does the 'G-Shock' logo appear.  The large 'G' on the front bezel, the 'Shock Resistant' script on the caseback and the 'Shock Resist' badge on the dial serve as notice that this is in fact a member of the G-Shock family - this, as much as anything else, is a clear indicator of how popular the G-Shock had become by 1994 - so popular that Casio felt comfortable enough to issue a model without the brand name emblazoned on the front.

The DW-6400 also appears to be the first G-Shock to be outfitted with 'wrist cuffs', large curved plastic pieces that attach to each end of the underside of the case and fit snugly around the wearers wrist, an item that quickly became standard equipment on the G-Shock.  And while the previous five models (DW-5900, DW-6000, DW-6100, DW-6200, DW-6300) all had a grey or partially grey version among their model lineup the DW-6400 is the first G-Shock to be all grey in each of its versions.

As is the case with many of the early and collectible G-Shocks the DW-6400 has acquired a nickname: the Gundam.  Gundam is the name given to one of the longest running series of anime featuring robots and the DW-6400 has been likened to the facial features of a Gundam robot.  Some collectors also refer to the DW-6400 as a 'heavy metal' model, a moniker used for several of the exposed metal style G-Shocks, but the nickname 'Stargate' belongs to the DW-8300 which came out the following year.

What is most interesting about the DW-6400 is its singular appearance.  The case is massive, dominated by large chunks of sculpted resin which rise up protectively over the dial, and set off with exposed screws that give it a heavy, industrial look.  It's a bold watch and it has real presence on the wrist.  The DW-6400 isn't just a great watch for your collection, it's a great daily wearer as well.  

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