Green isn't always easy to get right. Especially in the watch world. If you look back at the tail end of 2010, Casio was doing something pretty specific with their "Go Green" project. They weren't just throwing paint at a wall. They were wrapping up a series that celebrated the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, and the Casio G-Shock G-6900GR-3 was the vibrant, Kermit-colored exclamation point at the end of that year.
It was a weird time for collectors.
The hype was building for the massive XL cases like the GA-110, yet here was this classic 6900 shape, glowing in a shade of green so bright it practically vibrated off your wrist. It was the final 2010 watch of that specific eco-themed collection, and honestly, it’s one of the few from that era that people still hunt for today without iron-clad nostalgia goggles.
The "Go Green" Context You Probably Forgot
Casio released three main models in this specific 2010 series. You had the G-5600GR-7, the GR-7900EW-7, and then the star of the show: the G-6900GR-3. While the others experimented with whites and more muted earth tones, the 6900 went full "high-vis."
The whole point was the Tough Solar technology.
Back in 2010, having a watch that could survive a decade on a single rechargeable battery charged by the sun was still a major selling point for the "green" crowd. We take it for granted now. Back then? It was the core identity of the piece. The G-6900GR-3 used the 3180 module. It didn’t have Atomic Timekeeping (Multiband 6), which frustrated some purists, but it had that iconic "Triple Graph" display that made the 6900 series famous in the first place.
People call it the "Green Collection 6900." Some just call it the "Kermit G-Shock." Whatever the nickname, it represented Casio’s attempt to bridge the gap between rugged utility and a growing cultural awareness of environmental impact. It wasn't perfect. Using resin—basically plastic—to celebrate Earth Day is an irony that wasn't lost on critics even then. But the longevity of a G-Shock is its own kind of sustainability. You don't throw these away. You wear them for twenty years.
Why the G-6900GR-3 Hits Different
There’s a specific texture to the "Go Green" 6900. It’s matte.
A lot of the brightly colored G-Shocks from the mid-2000s were "glossy." They looked like candy. They chipped easily. This green? It’s a deep, saturated matte finish that holds up remarkably well against "resin rot" compared to its peers. If you find one on the secondary market today, the color is often still as punchy as it was on release day.
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The screen is the real kicker, though.
It features a "matchy-matchy" green-tinted LCD. Usually, Casio sticks to standard grey or a high-contrast negative display. For this final 2010 watch, they went with a subtle lime-green background for the digits. It’s a nightmare to read in low light without the EL backlight, but in the sun? It looks incredible. It feels intentional. It feels like a design object rather than just a tool.
Technical Specs That Actually Matter
Let’s talk about the module for a second because people get confused between the G-6900 and the DW-6900.
The DW-6900 is the classic battery-op version. The G-6900 (like our green friend here) is the solar version. It’s slightly slimmer. The buttons feel a bit more recessed.
- Tough Solar Power: This is the heart of the "Go Green" ethos. It can run for about 10 months on a full charge without further exposure to light.
- World Time: 31 time zones. Great for 2010, standard for now.
- 48-City Support: You can jump between London, New York, and Tokyo without a manual.
- The EL Backlight: It has that "Afterglow" effect. When you hit the light, it lingers just long enough for your eyes to adjust.
Most people don't realize that the 3180 module in this watch was actually a bit of a workhorse for Casio. It wasn't fancy. It didn't have a compass or a thermometer. It just worked. In a world of "smart" everything, there is a massive amount of respect for a device that does exactly one thing—tell time—using nothing but light.
The Collector's Struggle: Finding a 2010 Original
If you’re looking for the Casio G-Shock G-6900GR-3 today, you’re going to run into some hurdles.
First off, the price. When it dropped, it was roughly $120 to $150. Now? If you find a "New Old Stock" (NOS) version with the original recycled-cardboard "Go Green" packaging, you’re looking at $300 minimum. Sometimes more if a collector is feeling desperate.
The secondary market is flooded with "Franken-watches." People take a standard black G-6900 and swap the resin (the band and bezel) for aftermarket green parts. How do you tell the difference? Look at the LCD. If the screen isn't tinted green, it's a fake or a mod. The "Go Green" series had that specific green hue on the display that is incredibly hard to replicate perfectly.
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Also, check the case back. It should have the module number 3180 stamped into the stainless steel. If it says 1289, you’re looking at a standard DW-6900, not the solar "Go Green" version.
The Cultural Shift of 2010
2010 was a pivot point for watch culture. We were moving away from the "bigger is better" era of the early 2000s and starting to appreciate heritage shapes again. The 6900 is the "Three-Eyed Devil." It was the watch worn by everyone from military personnel to hip-hop icons.
By making the final 2010 watch of the year a 6900, Casio was nodding to their most loyal fan base. They were saying, "We can be experimental with color, but we're keeping the soul of the 90s alive."
It’s also worth noting that this was one of the last big pushes for the 6900 before the 2100 "CasiOak" eventually took over the "it-watch" status a decade later. This green beast represents the peak of the 6900's second wave of popularity.
Real Talk: Is it Comfortable?
Honestly? It's a G-Shock. It’s a "puck" on your wrist.
If you have small wrists (under 6.5 inches), the G-6900GR-3 is going to look like a gadget from a Power Rangers set. The lugs stick out. The strap is stiff—though the "Go Green" resin feels slightly more pliable than the standard black resin from that era.
But there’s a charm to that bulk. It doesn't hide under a shirt sleeve. It’s loud. It’s a conversation starter. You wear it because you want people to ask, "Why is your watch that color?"
Why We Still Care About a 15-Year-Old Watch
You’d think a digital watch from 2010 would be obsolete.
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It’s not.
Unlike an Apple Watch or any smartwatch from 2010 (which are now literal e-waste), the Casio G-Shock G-6900GR-3 functions exactly as it did the day it left the factory in Yamagata. That’s the "actionable insight" here: durability is the ultimate form of sustainability.
If you’re looking to buy one, or if you’ve found one in a drawer, here is what you need to do.
First, put it in the sun. If it’s been dead for years, it might take 20 to 30 hours of direct sunlight to hit a "High" charge. Don't panic if it doesn't wake up in five minutes.
Second, check the gaskets. Resin is tough, but rubber O-rings dry out. If you plan on taking your 2010 relic into the pool, spend the $15 to have a watchmaker grease the seals.
Third, embrace the fade. These watches were meant to be worn. The edges of the bezel will eventually smooth out. The green might darken slightly from the oils on your skin. That’s the story of the watch.
The G-6900GR-3 isn't just a "final 2010 watch." It's a snapshot of a moment when we started realized that the things we buy should probably last longer than a season. It’s a bright, neon-green reminder that good design doesn't have an expiration date.
How to Value Your G-6900GR-3
If you are looking to sell or buy, keep these three factors in mind for the current market:
- The Box: The "Go Green" series came in a specific brown, unbleached cardboard box with green printing. Without this, the value drops by about 30%.
- The "H" Charge: Ensure the solar cell actually holds a charge. If the "H" (High) indicator disappears as soon as you hit the backlight, the rechargeable CTL1616 battery is dying and needs replacement.
- Bezel Integrity: Press the bezel gently. If it feels "crunchy" or leaves a residue on your finger, the resin is failing. This is rare for the 2010 models but common if they were stored in high humidity.
Owning this watch is about owning a piece of G-Shock history. It was the end of a year, the end of a collection, and the beginning of Casio’s modern era of solar-powered dominance. It’s green, it’s loud, and it’s virtually indestructible.
Next Steps for Collectors
If this specific model has caught your eye, your best bet is searching Japanese auction sites rather than standard US-based marketplaces. The "Go Green" series had a much larger release in the JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) and those examples are often kept in much better condition. Look for the "G-6900GR" model specifically, and ensure the photos show the watch under a light to verify the green tint of the LCD screen. Verify that the seller has a history of shipping lithium-ion/solar-cell products, as shipping regulations have tightened significantly since 2010. For those who already own one, a simple wipe-down with a damp microfiber cloth is usually all the maintenance the exterior needs—avoid harsh soaps which can degrade the matte finish over time.