Casio G-SHOCK unveils 3 new designs of MRG-B2000

G-SHOCK announces the release of three new MRG-B2000, which are inspired by the aesthetics of ancient Japan. The detailing of the watches is carefully crafted in terms of structure, function, material, and finish.

Press Release information with commentary in italics.

Commentary

The MRG line is their top tier offering within the Casio G-SHOCK catalog. Known for applying high end finishing and artisanal techniques to make interesting and unique cases for the G-SHOCK line, the MRG often surprises. Our first encounter was the the MRG-G1000HT, which threw the conventional Casio book out the window. Though the MR-G line was introduced in 1996, it did not appear in our radar till 2018 and even then the bulk of G-SHOCK watches sell for below SGD 300. Casio sought a more exclusive G-SHOCK watches in 1996, with the intent to create a watch which embodies the qualities of the G-Shock’s indestructibility goals, as well as to be able to fit under the sleeves of a formal suit. Spoiler alert – the MRG is somewhat less bulky than the standard G-SHOCK watches, but it is certainly a stretch to use the adjectives slim, or elegant, or formal to describe it. So being able to fit under a suit is probably something that can be accomplished, but it certainly is a look which is not the norm for a classically dressed gentleman.

The first MR-G, as the series is known had a metal case with a screw back and featured a resin bezel, but next versions were in full metal bezels and bracelets with solid links. Models were released between 1996 and 2001. For some reason the line ceased for 2 years, before it was revived in 2003. In 2015, the new series with larger cases were announced. The MRG-G1000 had a full titaniun case and bezel with DLC finish, retailing for about SGD 4k. They then incorporated artisanal techniques into the watches, leaning on traditional Japanese artistry to produce watches like the MRG-G2000HA “Tetsu-Tsuba”, inspired by the art of the tsuba (which is the sword guard that is used as both a decorative element and serves as a balance cum protection for the wielder), is certainly a magnificent piece of craftsmanship. Retail price was SGD 10,880, making it one of the most expensive Casios in the market, close to its two compatriots: the MRG-G1000HG-9A Gold Hammer Tone 20th Anniversary (Retail Price: SGD 9,299), as well as the G-Shock MRG-G1000HT (Retail Price: SGD 8,888). But who are we to say its expensive, as all these watches are sold out, with the Singapore allocation being pre-reserved.

This new release is perhaps more modestly priced at about the SGD 4k mark. As expected in this lower price range, the release trio are not limited editions, and do not carry hand-artisanal work, but features high tech finishing of the titanium case and band, with zaratsu finishing, dual layer hardening. The new watches are available in black, silver and red. The Casio documentation does not state why the red and black are priced at about SGD 200 more than the silver, as they seem to carry the same specifications. Our only guess is that the two more expensive models have a black finish, while the other has a silverish finish. The press material only singled out the red MRG-B2000B1A4 as different as it carried the Akazonae theme – a special military unit during the Japan Warring States period who wore a distinctly red armour.

The usual high tech movement with smart phone connectivity, radio frequency time reference, solar powering and multi-function display is provided by the electronic movement.

Casio G-SHOCK MRG-B2000

The new three MRG-B2000 will be available in G-SHOCK stores at Marina Bay Sands, ION and VIVO City from 4 March 2022. Prices are SGD 4,100 for MRG-B2000D-1A1 and MRG-B2000D-1A4, SGD 3,999 for the MRG-B2000D-1A.

On the face of the three new MRG-B2000, the outer periphery is cut to the shapes that resemble a Japanese fan or folding screen, creating a simple yet gorgeous texture. The nano-processing technology of Yamagata CASIO is harnessed to create the beautiful edges and curved surfaces of the hour markers in a form that recreates the curve of a fine sword.

There is a mirror finishing on the case and part of the band with Sallaz polishing, and the surface has a dual-layer hardened coating. Also, the watches have a glare-resistant coated sapphire crystal. There are three colorways: Black, silver, and red.

MRG-B2000B-1A4DR was designed with the theme of “Akazonae”: a special military unit during Japan’s Warring States Period called Sengoku Jidai. The armor and weapons were a distinctively uniform red color. The commanders of elite troops have been allowed to flaunt the valor of their soldiers. This model is generously decorated with red, a color that has been the symbol of strength since ancient times, on the bezel and dial. Combining Akazonae red with G-SHOCK black creates a look of strength and power that spans the ages.

Regarding the functions, MRG-B2000 features the auto time signal reception which gives you easy time adjustment and smartphone link by Bluetooth® to allow you to use the Application MR-G Connected. Also, this watch is solar-powered.

MRG-B2000 Specifications

Construction
Shock-resistant
Water Resistance
200 meters
Radio Frequency
77.5 kHz (DCF77: Germany); 60 kHz (MSF: UK); 60 kHz (WWVB: USA); 40 kHz (JJY: Fukushima, Japan) / 60 kHz (JJY: Kyushu, Japan); 68.5 kHz (BPC: China)
Radio Wave Reception
Automatic reception up to six times a day (except for use in China: up to five times a day)
Solar Powered
Tough Solar
World Time
27 time zones, Home city time swapping, auto summer time (DST) switching
Stopwatch
1 second; Measuring capacity: 23:59’59
Measuring mode: Elapsed time
Countdown Timer
1 second; Countdown range: 24 hours; Countdown start time setting range: 1 minute to 24 hours (1-minute increments)
Smartphone Link
Wireless linking using Bluetooth®
Alarm
Daily alarms
Other Functions
Magnetic resistant; LED light (Super Illuminator) with afterglow; Auto hand home position correction; Hand shift feature (Hands move out of the way to provide an unobstructed view of sub dial); Power Saving (hands stop to save power when the watch is left in the dark); Full auto-calendar (to year 2099); Date display; Day indicator
Accuracy at Normal Temperature
±15 seconds per month (with no signal calibration and mobile link
function)
Battery Life
5 months on rechargeable battery (operation period with normal use without exposure to light after charge)
26 months on rechargeable battery (operation period when stored in total darkness with the power save function on after full charge)
Size of Case
54.7 × 49.8 × 16.9 mm
Total Weight
Approx.150g