The G-Shock MR-G Collection Combines Modern Timepieces With Traditional Japanese Craftsmanship

We are big G-Shock fans at Fratello, but that’s probably not news. It should come as no surprise, then, that we love the brand’s flagship MR-G collection. This series of premium offerings takes familiar silhouettes and turns them into proper luxury versions of the classics. To achieve that, G-Shock combines innovative techniques with traditional Japanese craftsmanship. The result is a collection that stands out for many reasons. In this article, we will thoroughly explain what the MR-G collection is all about. As you will find out, the G-Shock MR-G series is the brand’s flagship collection for a reason.

In my years at Fratello, I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing many G-Shock models. It’s always a fun experience. I have worn a plethora of different G-Shocks since I was a teenager, so the brand has a special place in my heart. Like so many of us, I still have several G-Shocks that I wear from time to time. Mostly, they are fairly normal variations of the Square 5600 series and the Triple Graph 6900 series.

It wasn’t until I joined Fratello years ago that I had my first hands-on experience with one of the G-Shock MR-G models. After initial amazement over the price, I quickly discovered what makes this series so special. Once I did, the price became a detail in a far more intriguing story. It has made the MR-G line my favorite series in a catalog full of highlights. Let me explain why.

Made in Japan

As you probably know, G-Shock is a sub-brand of Casio, a Japanese company. That said, not all G-Shock watches are made in Japan. The brand has factory locations in Thailand and China for the mass production of many of its regular models. But the MR-G line is completely developed and created at the Yamagata Casio factory in Higashine City, Yamagata Prefecture. That’s where the high-end MR-G and MTG lines are produced, along with special limited editions.

That “Made in Japan” seal results in high-level production techniques and quality control. But it goes far beyond that. The MR-G timepieces also integrate the philosophy and innovative crafting traditions deeply rooted in Japan.

You will see that reflected in the design, materials, and techniques used to create the watches. As a result, the MR-G models are nothing short of impressive. If you ever get a chance to try one, you will see that “Made in Japan” means so much more than the location where these G-Shocks are produced.

Rebuilt from the ground up

As with all watches, creating the G-Shock MR-G line starts with a design. You might think that G-Shock already has the designs because many of the MR-G timepieces are high-end variations of the brand’s iconic models. While that’s true to an extent, all MR-G watches are completely redesigned from the ground up. The reason is that the brand creates new case constructions, using new materials and production techniques. Additionally, G-Shock collaborates with true Japanese artisans to incorporate details that showcase the meticulous traditional production techniques deeply rooted in Japanese culture.

As you will understand, this requires the design team to thoroughly redesign the classic models, especially since MR-G watches are made of metal and need to retain G-Shock’s highest levels of shock protection and scratch resistance. In the end, this makes them perfect daily wearers, regardless of where you are and what you do. By picking up one of the MR-G models, you will quickly see and feel how incredibly well made the watches are. While they might look like the classic “Square” or “CasiOak,” there is a notable difference without losing their connection.

Using high-end materials and unique colors

It is fairly common practice in the watch industry these days to experiment with new materials. Many famous high-end brands have proprietary versions of different alloys. It’s a fascinating development, but we must note that several of these alloys exist for aesthetic purposes more than anything else. As you would expect, the G-Shock engineers implement cutting-edge materials for practical reasons. These materials help them to create better watches, and that is a fascinating process.

If you read through some of the models’ descriptions, you’ll see that a titanium version of a G-Shock is hardly groundbreaking in the bigger context of titanium watches. However, the G-Shock engineers do not use just any regular titanium. On top of that, the materials need to fit the construction perfectly so that it offers the practical characteristics G-Shock is after. A good example is the MRG-B2100 series. At first glance, it simply seems like a high-end titanium version of the CasiOak. But if you read more about the watch, you will quickly discover that there is much more to the story.

Deconstructing the G-Shock case

The MRG-B2100’s “bezel” (which, in the G-Shock lexicon, means the outer casing) is a multi-guard case construction consisting of 27 components made of various materials. The octagonal top ring is made from Cobarion, a cobalt-chrome alloy that’s four times harder than pure titanium and has a sheen similar to platinum. The other bezel parts and the case are also made of Ti64, and the bracelet links are made of DAT55. Both of these are super-hard and highly scratch-resistant titanium alloys.

Furthermore, the special multi-guard construction of the case and the bezel ensures the watch is extra resistant to shocks. All the different parts also have a diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating for even better scratch resistance. We see this in different MR-G models as well. As you will understand, the materials and techniques are used to create better high-end versions of the standard G-Shock models. Once you read that intriguing story and put one of these watches on your wrist, you will have a better understanding of what makes them special.

Superior finishing

But the story doesn’t end there. Every single part of the watch is finished to the highest level. And by that, I mean that the finishing is nothing short of impressive. I have written this in several reviews, but the overall quality of finishing and all the intricate little details are far superior compared to many of the brands offering watches at similar price points. It gives the MR-G models a visual brilliance that you will notice repeatedly when you wear one.

The same is true of the dials used for the MR-G models. Often, the designs are inspired by traditional Japanese culture. If we stay with the MRG-B2100 series for a second, you will see a special 3D dial design.

It was inspired by a Japanese woodworking method called kigumi (木組), which involves interlocking wooden parts without using metal. This well-known technique is widely used in Japan to construct many things, including boats, houses, and furniture. The brilliant thing is that a seemingly simple wooden construction often features ingenious joints, leading to something truly special. By using this as inspiration for the dial, two worlds meet flawlessly in a design.

By using this as inspiration for the dial, two worlds meet flawlessly in a design. The MR-G watches also feature many more creative concepts that connect traditional and modern-day Japan.

Collaborations with famous Japanese artists

At the same time, the designers of the MRG-B5000 series respect the original G-Shock Square design. First, because no dial design is necessary for the fully digital Squares, that doesn’t mean it’s all very straightforward. On the contrary, we have seen some fantastic versions of the MRG-B5000, for which the brand collaborated with Japanese artists.

A great example is the recently released G-Shock MRG-B5000HT-1 “Tsuiki,” a limited edition of 500 pieces. This special version of the B5000 model has a unique look thanks to the hand-hammered bezel and bracelet courtesy of Kazuya Watanabe.

He trained in the traditional hammering technique known as tsuiki (鎚起), which he applied to the watch. Collaborations like these make MR-G watches look distinctive and give them exceptional stories, making them even more interesting. 

The MR-G collection is the true flagship of the G-Shock brand

But even if it’s not one of the special collaborative timepieces, any MR-G model will not fail to impress. Put one of G-Shock’s high-end timepieces on your wrist, and you will immediately see and feel the difference compared to the brand’s other offerings.

This will change the way you look at the G-Shock brand, its iconic models, and the prices of these watches. You can feel the time and dedication that went into creating these high-end G-Shocks and will realize why the MR-G collection is a proper flagship series for the brand.

By popular demand, the blue-dial G-Shock MRG-B2100R-2A and the G-Shock MRG-B5000B-1 featured in the article will be made available again. Check out the official G-Shock website for a full overview of available models.

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