Casio DBC-611G Data Bank Watch (Module 3228)
Casio DBC-611G Data Bank Watch
(Module 3228)
2/12/21
Hello Casio owners and lovers from around the world, I hope you are all well.
I have been a lover of Casio watches since the early 1980's and have owned many. This was mainly due to the initial cost of the watch, but they wore out quite quickly. Their plastic strap's were notorious for cracking and would easily break after a couple of years. Also, the glass was quite easily scratched, but this was ok because it wasn't an expensive watch. In the 1980's, Casio would sometimes release a single style of watch made from different materials or finishes. This was normally a black plastic version, and a metal version finished in either silver or gold. The metal versions made in the 1980's had not only a metal strap, but also a metal (stainless steel) case. However, the metal versions also came with a lot higher price tag. Most metal Casio watches these days have since been manufactured with a plastic case covered with chrome or gold plating, as is the case with this watch.
I had wanted a data bank watch for many, many years, so in June of this year, I bought myself a brand new DBC-611. I had intended on the silver version but at the time, I couldn't find one. However, I found a company that did the gold version cheaper than the silver, so I bought it. I am so pleased with the gold version as there are many straps that will coordinate with it as you will see.
In the above picture, I have arrowed 6 of the main buttons used in the setup of the watch marked A to F. Button "B" is the main menu scroll button. This means that each press of the button, the watch will take you to the next of the function screens.
First press = data bank function
Second press = calculator
Third press = alarms (5)
Fourth press = stop watch
Fifth press = dual time
Sixth press = back to the date & time.
The setup of this watch is quite unfamiliar but once you have adjusted the date and time, it becomes clear how to use every function of the watch easily.
To Set The Time
Whilst on the date and time screen, press and hold button "A". At this point the "seconds" of the time will start to flash. Then, using buttons "B" and "E" I can toggle (move forward or back) either way through all of the characters of the date and time. To input the correct date and time simply use the numerical keypad on the front of the watch, then again using "B" & "E" toggle (move forward or back) between the characters. As I said, it's something I found strange but quite an easy system to be honest.
To Input Names & Telephone Numbers
Press button "B" once, which will take you to the data base. When the DB opens up, it will first tell you how many slots in the data base are free to use (this particular watch has capacity for up to 25 names and numbers). Then press and hold button "A" until a cursor starts flashing in the top left part of the screen. By repeatedly pressing the "F" button, it go up through the alphabet and then to numbers. Once the desired character has been selected press the "E" button to move on of the "B" button to move back. Once all of the information is added, press the "A" button once to save the record. Your inputted contact list will be automatically alphabetically sorted and can be viewed using keys "C" & "F" (backwards and forwards).
Automatic Light
This watch is equipped with a backlight to see the time in dark or gloomy conditions. To operate the light normally press the "D" button once. The backlight will operate for around 2 seconds, enough to catch the time. However the watch is also equipped with a n automatic light that switches on when you tilt your wrist to the normal time telling position and it will automatically illuminate for 2 seconds. To set this function, simply hold down button "D" for 5 seconds and this will enable the tilt function.
Other Functions
The use of the calculator, 5 date independent alarms, stop watch and dual times are self explanatory after setting up the watch. So much so I will not mention their operation here. The watch at first may seem over complicated for use but, the design is very clever imho. I say this as the original data bank watches from the eighties had several functions for each key. This led to the keypads wearing out very quickly and leaving the watch with limited functions. There are many worn out EBAY examples to look at. However, I have seen replacement keypads (membranes) for older data banks turning up on there too, so that is a positive thing for collectors like myself.
Straps / Bands
As this is a DBC-611G, it is a metal look-a-like watch. The case of the watch is actually plastic, covered in metal looking paint. The strap is a stainless steel, gold plated, clasp type piece and the case back is also stainless steel piece. I do love the original all gold look, but there's one thing I need to mention....I don't like metal strap watches.
In fact I don't like heavy watches in general. Although this watch has a metal strap it does not make the watch heavy. It's just the metal strap's irritate my skin, therefore a new leather 22mm strap was ordered.
As you can see in the picture above, I replaced the steel strap for a much more comfortable leather alternative. The leather is very soft and causes no irritation and the tan colour goes great with the gold.
Above is another picture of the tan leather strap, which did look cool. However, there was a problem. The strap was not the best fit to the watch and I feared I would lose it from my wrist without noticing. At this point, there was only one thing to do that I should have done in the beginning. Buy a genuine Casio plastic strap.
Which I did (above). I then fitted it with a genuine DBC-32 Casio strap. The fit is perfect and the watch is perfectly secure on my wrist. As well as the security of the watch, I love the new look it has provided and the feel of it on my wrist. It looks sweet my humble and geeky opinion!
I do like the new look of the watch and the feel on my wrist. It's super light weight and very comfortable hour after hour. The shape of the watch and strap help form a comfortable and secure fitting and never irritates or feel uncomfortable.
With the DBC-611GB now comfortable, I can't say enough good things about this watch. Many will argue they are a thing of the past, what with the smart phones available today. Yet, what would happen if you lost your phone? All your contacts would also be lost, as would you! And, you always need a calculator (as a geek)!!
If you were thinking of investing in a Casio DBC model watch, I hope this small post has helped you make a decision. They are not cheap, but they do pack a punch for the money! They can also last many years if looked after and not abused!
In The Movies
Yes, the DBC-611 (silver) is a very famous watch (for me at least). It has starred it 2 block buster movies (2021) this year alone.
The first being, "Army Of The Dead" and "Army Of Thieves".
Worn by the character "Ludwig Dieter" played by the brilliant Matthias Shweighofer.
And with my small insight to the Casio DBC-611G, I bid you farewell until my next post.
Take care!!
2/12/21
Casio Tribe 2022
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