It was quite a surprise when I realised I wanted a G-Shock. I’d never really had much interest in them but admired their toolishness and knew there were times that I’d wear one. Then the original Agos special popped up on TZ-UK and I decided to give it a go. It wasn’t a G, but some serial flipping saw about three that were pass through my hands before I settled on the DW-5000SL-1ER. It’s a retro beauty!

It’s very similar in style to the DW5600 but this one has a full stainless steel case and screw back, reminiscent of the original 80’s models. In fact, the “SL” in the model number denotes that this is the Spike Lee limited/25th anniversary edition, with Spike’s signature on the case back… not that it appealed to me because of that, but it happened to be the one I came across when I was ready to buy.

It’s not as big as some of the more modern style G’s but it has a nice weight to it and is supremely comfortable with it’s lovely, flexible resin strap. It fits nicely under a shirt cuff and looks surprisingly good with clothing other than jeans and a t-shirt. It’s also perfect for the gym, or on the bike… a fantastic all-rounder, in fact. The upside – or the downside, depending on your point of view – is that what you get with the DW5000-SL is a good, basic module. It gives you time, day, date and month; one alarm plus the hourly chime; and a 24 hour countdown timer and stopwatch. if you need world time, 5 alarms and Waveceptor technology, this isn’t the one for you. But who does, really?

This retro baby gives me everything I need from a G. The only other one I want, perhaps more, will cost me well over £200 if I find one used, so for now I’m not looking. Then again…