Taking Things To The Next Level With The Casio G-Shock MR-G Frogman MRG-BF1000R-1A
G-Shock has been pushing the limits over the past few years. We have seen an increased number of luxury offerings from the brand that show that there is much more to it than affordable do-it-all watches. We have seen the introduction of new materials, coloring techniques, case constructions, decoration patterns, and modules, resulting in spectacular watches. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Frogman series, G-Shock now introduces the titanium MR-G Frogman MRG-BF1000R-1A. This second commemorative 30th-anniversary Frogman model takes things to new levels. It features a full-titanium case constructed of 70 parts, the most of any of the MR-G models. Let’s take a closer look at this luxury G-Shock diver that celebrates the brand’s Frogman series in style.
We have seen G-Shock introduce large numbers of new watches in the past few years. That is nothing new as the brand has been knocking out a lot of great new releases every year for the past four decades. But there is something that still feels new about G-Shock entering higher price levels with its releases. It’s something that simply was not connected to the brand until not too long ago. But we have seen G-Shock introduce more expensive luxury models that live up to their price by introducing new materials, technologies, constructions, and designs. Seeing how the brand has upped its game over time has been impressive.
The new Frogman truly is next level
The newest luxury G-Shock is exploring new territory for the brand in terms of materials, construction, and also price. You are about to read a story about a G-Shock that costs €5,000. Yes, you heard that right. But this is not just any G-Shock. This ultimate G-Shock dive tool boasts an impressive set of specs.
Let’s start with some basic specs. The watch’s construction consists of more than 70 individual parts, aimed to offer the best in shock protection, diving practicality, and general functionality. The case of the watch measures 56mm × 49.7mm × 18.6mm, so it is rather big. But that is something that we are used to from quite a few G-Shock models.
However, it is smaller than the G-Shock GWF-A1000APF-1AER Frogman “Poison Dart Frog” I wrote about earlier this year. That first 30th-anniversary model is slightly lighter at 119 grams versus the 132 grams of this new titanium model. While the new titanium model looks similar to the colorful Poison Dart Frog in terms of the asymmetrical case shape and the dial design, there are quite a few differences.
Most importantly, the construction and its materials are completely different. The new model does not feature the carbon monocoque case we see more often and that is also used for the “Poison Dart Frog.” Instead, G-Shock has opted for a titanium case with a traditional screw-down back (or “screw lock back” as Casio calls it).
A sapphire case back for technical reasons
The case construction features an O-ring waterproof sealing and also comes with a sapphire crystal in the front and the back. The sapphire crystal in the back is not your typical display case back, though. The sapphire crystal is press-fit into the pure-titanium case back, ensuring a highly airtight structure.
At the same time, it maintains the built-in antenna’s radio wave reception sensitivity. This would not have been possible with a full-titanium case back. The blue sapphire case back features a laser engraving of the Frogman logo on the front and the back for a great 3D effect.
Besides the case, the bezel is also made of titanium. Fluoro rubber parts are placed between the case and the bezel for increased shock resistance. The titanium bezel is treated with a deep layer of hardening compound and a DLC coating for even greater durability. And Casio also uses titanium for the smaller metal parts like the screws, the push buttons, and the crown.
As you can see, the bezel boasts a huge crown guard, and the left side of the case features large button guards. The crown has an airtight screw-in construction that also comes with increased shock protection thanks to water-resistant fluoro rubber parts.
Functionality is key for the Frogman
It creates an impressive design that has been developed to perform its task flawlessly. As with all the Frogman watches, this anniversary model is ISO 6425-compliant with a 200m Diver’s rating. As such, they have the words “DIVER’S 200M” on their dials. And for this model, it is no different, with the text neatly integrated at 5 o’clock.
It makes this luxury Frogman a very capable and sturdy dive instrument that profits from the brand’s latest shock-resistance technology and comes with a string of different functions. Additionally, the hour markers and hands light up bright blue in the dark, making it easy to read the time.
The watch is powered by module No. 5702, which Casio uses for its premium offerings. It comes with the standard G-Shock functions as a stopwatch, countdown timer, alarm, automatic calendar, dual time zone display, world timer, and a LED backlight. Additionally, the watch comes equipped with Tough Solar charging, MultiBand 6 automatic radio time adjustment, and Bluetooth connectivity. The latter allows you to link up with your smartphone for a string of Bluetooth functions.
G-Shock is no stranger to impressive finishing
As the Frogman is a diving watch, it comes with a wide array of diving functions. The watch measures dive time of up to two hours and service interval time of up to 24 hours. It also records up to 30 log data records, including a tide graph. You can access all the different functions underwater as the buttons are fully operational when diving. And that’s just a quick overview of all the functions. There are plenty more that you can either scroll through or set with the help of Casio’s smartphone app.
But it’s about more than just practicality. With a case that consists of more than 70 parts, Casio can finish every piece meticulously. I have to say the results are nothing short of impressive. Holding and handling the titanium watch feels impressive, but the finish of all the different elements is at least equally so. And that’s something we have seen from the more expensive G-Shocks. It makes the overall experience of this Frogman a lot more impactful than just being the next in a range of Frogman models.
Wearing the Frogman MRG-BF1000R-1A
Once on the wrist, the first thing that stands out is the overall size versus its wearability. As with so many oversized G-Shock models, this watch is easy to wear. Granted, I am a big guy, so I can easily handle an oversized watch, but this one wears like a treat thanks to its asymmetrical case construction and the super comfortable Dura Soft Fluoro rubber strap with the buckle and keeper made of Ti64 titanium alloy. The second thing that stands out immediately is the impressive construction and finish of all the separate elements. The watch has a commanding presence on the wrist.
As a result, it makes you want to check out all the different functions. It is very easy to operate the different buttons and scroll through them all. The analog dial features several different indicators that display various functions. Among them are an additional time zone, AM/PM indicator, a tide graph, and a date window between 4 and 5 o’clock. As with all G-Shock models, finding your way to the different functions takes some time. But as I own several G-Shocks, it all feels very familiar.
Final thoughts on the 30th-anniversary Frogman MRG-BF1000R-1A
And that’s also the best way to describe the overall wearing experience. Wearing the G-Shock Frogman MRG-BF1000R-1A feels very familiar. It is, first and foremost, that highly shock-resistant watch that we have come to know and love. But you also immediately know that this is not just any G-Shock. The materials and finishing are among the best I have seen from the brand. It truly is impressive what G-Shock has achieved with this new 30th-anniversary model.
Which begs the question: who will buy a €5,000 G-Shock? The most likely answer to that question is “collectors and fans” because you have to love the brand and its futuristic designs to want to buy this Frogman. Additionally, you could buy this if you already have a series of “regular” luxury mechanical divers because this watch is a statement piece.
This a statement that you have to like but connoisseurs definitely appreciate, despite its high price tag. It is a celebration of the Frogman in style, one for the happy few that want to spend €5K on a G-Shock. But what you get in return will not disappoint if you know what you are in for.
The Casio G-Shock MR-G Frogman MRG-BF1000R-1A has a retail price of €5,000 and is available now. For more information, visit the official G-Shock website, and let us know what you think of this watch in the comments.
