CASIO will be releasing the next iteration of its flagship MR-G series, the MRG-G2000HA, which draws its inspiration from the tetsu-tsuba (iron sword guard) fitted on traditional Japanese swords, from May 2018.
The MRG-G2000HA marries CASIO’s expertise in crafting shockproof timepieces using modern technology with traditional Japanese crafts and aesthetic sensibilities. Central to the watch’s design are its bezel and bracelet’s central links, which mirror a style of tetsu-tsuba finishing called arashi-ji (translated to “rough surface”), where the guards are wrought to create a rough, seemingly unfinished texture.
To achieve a similar surface, CASIO partnered with Asano Biho, a third-generation master of the tsuiki hammering technique, whose work includes the restoration of Important Cultural Properties recognised by the Japanese government. Tsuiki is a metalworking technique where a sheet of metal is hammered out into a three-dimensional shape. Historically, it was used to make copperware and metal containers, as well as armour, as it could achieve shapes that are both thin and strong.
Biho helped in both supervising and applying the arashi-tsuchime (translated to “rough surface hammering”) technique that was used on every watch to give it a tough rugged look that matches its construction.
Texture aside, the MRG-G2000HA also pays tribute to traditional Japanese metalworking with its colour. Specifically, its case and bracelet allude to murasaki-gane (translated to “purple metal”), an alloy with gold content that forms a violet patina over time, and suaka, a copper alloy with a bright red patina. The violet shading is clearly hinted at by the case and bracelet, while the bezel reflects suaka’s tone. To achieve this colouring, AIP (Arc Ion Plating) was used to apply an outer coating over the titanium components, which have already undergone a hardening process first. The application of AIP also gives the timepiece an additional advantage of even greater scratch resistance. AIP (Arc Ion Plating) is a registered trademark of Kobe Steel Ltd. It is a form of ion plating that uses high energy to vapourise the coating material before depositing it on the substrate material’s surface.
Powering the MRG-G2000HA is CASIO’s proprietary Connected Engine 3-Way module, which keeps accurate time anywhere in the world via GPS, terrestrial radio waves, and Bluetooth connection to a paired smartphone. With features such as automatic local and world time adjustment, this is a timepiece that’s firmly grounded in the latest technology, yet one that also honours its past.
Only 350 pieces of this timepiece will be produced worldwide; available in stores from May 2018.
Technical Specifications
MRG-G200HA
Construction: Shock-resistant
Water Resistance: 200 meters
Magnetic Resistance: ISO 764-compliant magnetic resistance
GPS Signal Frequency: 1575.42 MHz
GPS Signal Reception: Time-calibration (auto,* manual); acquisition of position information (manual)
*GPS signals are received automatically when the watch recognizes they are available in the area.
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)
Communication Standard: Bluetooth® Low Energy
Signal Range: Up to 2m (may differ depending on surrounding conditions)
World Time: 39 cities (39 time zones*, daylight savings on/off) and
Coordinated Universal Time: auto summer time (DST) switching
*May be updated when connected to a smartphone.
Stopwatch: 1/1-second stopwatch; measuring capacity: 24 minutes; elapsed time
Countdown Timer: Measuring unit: 1 second; countdown range: up to 24 hours
Alarm: 1 independent daily alarm
Other Functions: Smartphone Link functions (world time: over 300 cities, auto time adjustment, easy watch setting); automatic hand correction (hour, minute and second hand); full auto-calendar; 12/24-hour format; battery level indicator; LED light (Super Illuminator and afterglow)
Power Source: Tough Solar power system (solar-charging system)
Continuous Operation: About 23 months with the power-saving function* ON after full charge
*Power-saving after a certain period in a dark location
Size of Case: 54.7 × 49.8 × 16.9 mm
Total Weight: Approx. 152g
