Ocean Diver Watch Blog

I have moved this post to my new G-Shock Modifications blog. You can read the full post with all of the images at the new separate blog site.

The straps on several of my G-Shocks are just a bit too long, especially my GW-5600J, to the point where they stick out and catch on the cuff’s of my T-shirts and sleeves. I posted a question on a watch forum to ask if anyone ever trimmed their straps, partly because I was curious to know how many other pencil-wristed G-Shock wearers were having the same problem and partly to see how many people were willing to take a knife to their beloved Gs. To my surprise, the resounding response was “ yes ”, followed by “ just go ahead and cut it already ”. There were varying methods and tools recommended for doing it, ranging from razor blades to scissors. Enough talk, on with the cutting… The victim: My Atomic Solar Mudman. The strap is just a little too long and would be much better if I trimmed off about one inch (2.5cm). I’m going to use a straight edge safety razor. I’m using the rounded edge of my cutting surface for this in order to keep the cut open as I slice into it, it will help sto...

The buttons on the Casio G-Shock Mudman series are notoriously stiff to depress, mine appear to be no exception. Several people online have said that by boiling the bezel for 20-30 minutes you can soften them up. Well I have some spare time and a digital camera handy so I’m going to see if this crazy idea works. Note: If you do not have the correct tools for doing this I suggest you stop right here . The screws on the Mudman are very small (little buggers) and without the correct screwdrivers you stand the chance of badly stripping the heads. Also, I take *no* responsibility for you doing this at home and ruining your watch. Getting started: This is entirely optional. I am going to remove the straps on my Mudman to make things a little easier. I’m also going to throw them into the boiling water to see if the straps get softer after boiling. Once the straps have been removed it makes it a little easier to handle the main body of the watch. The next step is to remove the four scre...

I have moved this post to my new G-Shock Modifications blog. You can read the full post with all of the images at the new separate blog site.

Okay so I promise this is the last posting about the Doxa book , well maybe for a while anyway. I had some great news just the other day, Clive Cussler the man who has more to do with keeping the Doxa dive watch alive than the Doxa watch company themselves has agreed to write the foreword of the Doxa book ! We all know that Clive Cussler can write – duh – but to have him agree to be a part of a book that I have been so personally involved with and also someone who I have the utmost respect and admiration for is just out of this world. Now I have to get a newer version of the book that has his foreword in it – darn!

I’m not sure exactly what to make of this, but a pre-release copy of the Doxa book that I did the cover artwork for is being auctioned off on eBay ! The copy is similar to the one that I have in that it was not meant for public release, it was made available by the author only to people that had helped him create it. There’s always someone who wants to make a quick buck. Shame the person selling it on eBay couldn’t spell the author’s name correctly.

I'm totally stoked. The Doxa book that I designed the cover for has gone into print, but right now it's in very limited numbers and available to only a few people who helped with the book. These two pictures were taken by the author, Dr. Peter Millar, using the copy that he just received, click on them to see a larger version. My copy is in transit right now and I can't wait to get it. I was very surprised to see that not only will the book have my cover design, but my Doxa blueprint illustration is prominently displayed on a full page inside the book - how totally cool is that? The author has also sent me a signed letter of thanks that was sized so that it could be placed inside the front of the book to make my copy truly unique. It's been a great experience helping with this project and finally seeing my work in print is even more exciting than I had anticipated.