Practical beginnings: Casio G-Shock MR-G MRGB2100B-1A watch

What exactly makes a G-Shock feel 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, allowing to identify the hearts of Casio fans. Favorite watch line a tough proposition. In a way, the “spirit of G-Shock” is more of a feeling than an innate sense of criteria. With that in mind, though, it’s fair to say that the latest addition to G-Shock’s ultra-premium MR-G subfamily is one of the least G-Shock-esque watches in the series. seen in recent memory – it is also one of the most convincing. With a refined, clean, 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 reworks much of the traditional G-Shock formula but offers a particularly impressive spectacle.

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 construction equipment-style ridges flanking the integrated hooded lugs. Rather than the one-piece resin exterior casing used by its entry-level inspiration; However, the MRGB2100B-1A uses 27 individual components for the outer casing alone. This ultra-complex multi-layer construction allows Casio to make the most of its high finishing techniques, with every facet of every surface (even the narrow, recessed sides of small parts) topped with ultra-clean brushing or a Sallaz mirror-like polishing. . 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 complexity of the processes begins to shine through. It’s a far cry from G-Shock’s usual formula of rugged simplicity, but Casio goes to great lengths to ensure the MRGB2100B-1A loses none of the line’s legendary durability. The main exterior components of the case are made from a proprietary COBARION alloy coated in black DLC, 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 for the inner casing, case back and pushers, where the brand uses Ti64 titanium alloy for both durability and appearance. Like the rest of the G-Shock line, this watch also offers 200 meters of water resistance capable of diving.

It’s with the dial that Casio really shows how different the G-Shock MR-G MRGB2100B-1A is from the usual G-Shock design brief. The key words here are traditional craftsmanship and sobriety, which rarely make their way even into the high areas of the MR-G collection. While the all-analog display isn’t particularly notable on a high-end G-Shock these days, the single multifunction subdial at 8 o’clock puts the MRGB2100B-1A into greater perspective. There’s no chronograph, countdown timer, alarm, world clock, altimeter, compass, or any of the other myriad complications we’ve come to expect from G-Shock over the years – it’s What’s happening here is a simple day-date presentation (in conjunction with the date window at 3 o’clock) with an additional set of positions to indicate daylight saving time or standard time. This absence of the usual G-Shock suite of functions and subdials gives the surface area of ​​the main dial, handset, and indexes room to shine, and Casio renders these elements with the type 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 Skeleton Sword handset in a blend of linear brushing and bright polishing facets. Each of the applied beveled indexes, including the large two-piece 12 o’clock index, receives the same treatment. The end result is a luminous, raised dial that visually changes dramatically at changing angles, with different layers of the dial, handset and indexes all catching the light at different stages. The lattice-style dial also has another advantage: the numerous openings give the solar charging panel underneath plenty of opportunities to gather light.

The internal Module 5718 quartz movement inside the Casio G-Shock MR-G MRGB2100B-1A is yet another difference 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 counterparts. That said, the features offered here are some of Casio’s more premium offerings, including a perpetual calendar accurate to 2099, as well as Bluetooth connectivity, radio-controlled timekeeping, and setting via the Casio Watches app. Thanks to its radio-controlled 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, movement is still rated at a respectable +15 /-15 seconds per minute. months with a power reserve of 18 months on a full solar charge.

For the G-Shock MR-G MRGB2100B-1A’s strap, Casio continues the intricate finishing and layered construction of the case, but introduces a new material of its own. The simple dimpled link bracelet design may be familiar to fans of the brand, but upon closer inspection, this version stands out with its own complexity. For example, each of the recessed surfaces within the dimples is, in effect, its own distinct layer of material, finished in a radially brushed charcoal gray to subtly stand out from the polished black DLC of its surroundings. Rather than the COBARION alloy used for the case, Casio uses DAT55G titanium alloy here, with a claimed surface hardness three times that of standard titanium and excellent handling. It’s a lightweight, flexible, and remarkably comfortable strap on the wrist, and Casio includes a locking mechanism on the two-button deployment clasp to ensure security during the type of intense action the G-Shock line has been designed for. was originally designed.

There’s a lot about the new Casio G-Shock MR-G MRGB2100B-1A that seems to go against the grain of the G-Shock canon – it’s richly built and finished, complications are kept to a minimum, and it’s far from the entry-level price. -wise. However, these same quirks help make the first-ever 2100-series MR-G one of the most unique and interesting G-Shocks in recent years, and a compelling, sporty contender in the growing Japanese segment of the luxury quartz. The Casio G-Shock MR-G MRGB2100B-1A is available now through select authorized retailers, the G-Shock SoHo Store, and the brand’s e-commerce platform. The MSRP of this watch is $4,800 USD at the time of going to press. For more information, please visit the brand’s website.