What exactly makes a G-Shock look like a G-Shock? Apart from a common thread of immense durability and functionality, the G-Shock series has grown to encompass a nearly infinite range of sizes, colors, styles and prices over more than four decades, which can making it difficult to locate the heart of Casio's fan-favorite watch line.
In many ways, the โG-Shock spiritโ is more about feeling than an innate sense of criteria. That being said, it's fair to say that the latest addition to G-Shock's ultra-premium MR-G sub-family is one of the most un-G-Shock watches the series has seen in recent years – it's is also one of the most fascinating. With a refined, streamlined, craftsmanship-centric approach more in line with its Japanese luxury rivals than with much of its own collection, the new Casio G-Shock MR-G MRGB2100B-1A overhauls much of the traditional G-Shock formula but offers a unique and impressive spectacle.
A complex case combining technology and craftsmanship
The Casio G-Shock MR-G MRGB2100B-1A's “Un-G-Shock” philosophy starts with its 44.6mm wide and 13.6mm thick body. The basic silhouette is taken from the brand's modern, classic 2100 Series “CasiOak” line, with a smooth integrated shape dominated by a wide octagonal bezel and ribs resembling construction equipment flanking the integrated hooded lugs.
Rather than the one-piece resin outer casing used by its entry-level inspiration, the MRGB2100B-1A uses 27 individual components for the outer casing alone. This ultra-intricate multi-layer construction allows Casio to make the most of its premium finishing techniques, with every facet of every surface (even the narrow, recessed sides of small parts) topped with ultra-clean brushing or with a Sallaz mirror-like polish.
The effects of this intricate and careful construction and finishing are not immediately evident on the wrist, but the more time one spends with this watch, the more the sheer complexity of the processes begins to shine through. It's a far cry from the G-Shock's usual formula of ruggedness and simplicity, but Casio goes to great lengths to ensure that the MRGB2100B-1A loses none of the line's legendary durability.
The main components of the outer casing are made from proprietary black DLC-coated COBARION alloy, which Casio claims has four times the surface hardness of standard titanium, as well as reflectivity comparable to platinum. The use of proprietary materials continues through to the inner case, caseback, and pushers, where the brand uses Ti64 titanium alloy for durability and appearance. Like the rest of the G-Shock line, this watch offers 200 meters of water resistance, making it suitable for diving.
A minimalist dial showcasing traditional craftsmanship
It's with the dial that Casio really shows how different the G-Shock MR-G MRGB2100B-1A is from the usual G-Shock specifications. The key words here are traditional craftsmanship and restraint, two elements that are rarely found even in the elevated spheres of the MR-G collection.
While the all-analog display isn't particularly notable on a high-end G-Shock these days, the solitary multifunction subdial at 8 o'clock puts the MRGB2100B-1A into perspective. No chronograph, countdown timer, alarm, world time zone, altimeter, compass, or any of the other myriad complications we've come to expect from G-Shock over the years here โ it This is a simple day-date arrangement (in conjunction with the date window at 3 o'clock) with an additional set of positions to indicate daylight saving or standard time.
This absence of the G-Shock's usual array of functions and subdials gives the surface of the main dial, hands, and indexes room to shine, and Casio renders these elements with the kind of traditional Japanese style more commonly used by some of its biggest rivals. The unique, angled faceted grid texture used for the deep black main dial is intended to echo the patterns and techniques used in kigumi, a traditional Japanese style of wooden box-making that dates back over a thousand years.
To complement the dynamic lattice structure of the dial surface, Casio finishes the sword-shaped skeleton hands in a faceted blend of linear brushing and bright polishing. Each of the applied beveled indexes, including the large two-part index at 12 o'clock, receives the same treatment. The end result is a shiny, raised dial design that visually changes dramatically at different angles, with different layers of the dial, hands and indexes catching the light at different stages.
There's another advantage to the lattice-style dial: the numerous openings give the solar charging panel underneath plenty of opportunity to gather light.
An exclusive and innovative quartz movement
The in-house Module 5718 quartz movement inside the Casio G-Shock MR-G MRGB2100B-1A is another divergence from the rest of the G-Shock collection. This is a completely new movement, shared with no other model, and as previously mentioned, it is far less loaded with complications than most of its stablemates.
That being said, the features present are some of Casio's more premium offerings, including a perpetual calendar accurate to 2099, as well as Bluetooth connectivity, radio time setting, and settings via the Casio Watches app. Thanks to its radio time correction, the 5718 Module is functionally perfectly accurate as long as it has access to a correction signal, but in the event of loss of this connection, the movement is still rated for a respectable +15/ -15 seconds per month with a power reserve of 18 months on a full solar charge.
An innovative bracelet combining technicality and comfort
For the strap of the G-Shock MR-G MRGB2100B-1A, Casio continues the intricate finishing and layered construction of the case, but introduces a new material of its own. The dimpled single link bracelet design may be familiar to fans of the brand, but look closer and this version stands out with its own complexity.
For example, each of the recessed surfaces in the dimples is actually its own separate layer of material, finished in a radially brushed charcoal gray to subtly stand out from the polished black DLC surrounding it. Rather than the COBARION alloy used for the case, Casio uses DAT55G titanium alloy here, with a surface hardness claimed to be triple that of standard titanium and excellent handling. It's a lightweight, flexible strap with commendable comfort on the wrist, and Casio includes a locking mechanism on the two-button deployment clasp to ensure security during the kind of heavy-duty action the G-Shock line has been designed for. was originally designed.
A unique watch defying the codes of G-Shock
There are a lot of things about the new Casio G-Shock MR-G MRGB2100B-1A that seem to go against the grain of G-Shocks โ it's ornately constructed and finished, complications are kept to a minimum, and it is far from affordable. However, these same idiosyncrasies help make the first MR-G of the 2100 series one of the most unique and interesting G-Shocks in recent years, as well as a sporty and fascinating underdog in the growing luxury segment Japanese quartz.
The Casio G-Shock MR-G MRGB2100B-1A is available now at select authorized retailers, the G-Shock SoHo Store, and the brand's e-commerce platform. The suggested retail price for this watch is $4,800 USD at the time of writing.
In short, the Casio G-Shock MR-G MRGB2100B-1A is a unique and fascinating watch, which pushes the codes of the G-Shock collection while retaining its legendary robustness and functionality. A model that is sure to appeal to watch enthusiasts looking for an extraordinary timepiece, combining high technology and traditional Japanese craftsmanship.
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