Casio extends their flagship MRG collection with two new models which is modeled after the iconic design of the original G-SHOCK DW-5000C.
Press release details with commentary in italics.
New: Casio G-SHOCK MRG-B5000
The retail price for the Casio MRG-B5000B-1DR is SGD 5,999 and the MRG-B5000D-1DR is SGD 4,999. Inclusive of GST.
Commentary
Casio continues to shore up their flagship MRG collection with yet more models, now with two new references which are modeled after the original DW-5000C series. The original DW-5000C was the first G-SHOCK ever released, and was the subject of the very popular re-issue in the form of the GMW-B5000. Set in stainless steel, the GMW-B5000 is the first watch in the 5000-series to sport a full metal construction.
There are two key differences between the GMW and the MRG. First the use of titanium and special alloys, and second the level of finishing lavished on the watches.
The metal used in the MRG-B5000 is a titanium alloy, and instead of stainless steel for the GMW-5000. The case is made of Grade 5 titanium, and from what we understand, a special titanium known as DAT55G is used for the bracelet. This alloy is claimed to be three times harder than pure titanium. We do note that what is known as commercially pure titanium is rated as Grades 1 to 4, and not used in the production of watch cases. The typical titanium used to make cases and bracelets is what is known as Grade 5, an alloy with the chemical composition of 6% aluminum, 4% vanadium, 0.25% (maximum) iron, 0.2% (maximum) oxygen, and the remainder titanium. DAT55G is a proprietary alloy manufactured by Japanese metalsmith Daido and is a combination of 15% vanadium, 6% chromium and 4% aluminium. The alloy is used in high end golf clubs. The claim is that this metal is not only extremely strong and hard, but also have a more beautiful shine. In addition, another special high tech material known as COBARION, a cobalt chromium molybdenum alloy developed at Tohoku University and Eiwa is used for the bezel. This material results in the surface being even harder and stronger than DAT55G, and is able to take a brilliant gleam comparable to polished platinum. This is not the first time Casio has used this combination of DAT55G for the case and bracelet in combination with a COBARION bezel. The MRG B2000B-S3A released in 2021 was the first, and was a limited edition of 300 pieces. The retail was USD 8k, and is sold out. An even earlier use of COBARION was found in the bezel of the MRG G2000C-B1A released in 2017. It had a retail price of USD 4k, and is also currently sold out. However, this is the first MR-G to have the design cues of the first G-SHOCK DW-5000C.
The MRG-B5000, being part of the flagship MRG line which is well known for their exceptional finishing, have a much higher end finishing than the GMW lineup. As an example, the bezel of the full metal GMW-5000 is molded in one piece. If the MRG bezel were to use the same construction technique, there will be some surfaces which will unreachable for the watchmaker to polish. Thus, Casio made the MRG bezel in 25 parts, so that each component can be polished on its own and assembled.
Another special difficulty which arose from the multi-component bezel is that the cushioning material which is normally sandwiched between the case middle and the bezel had to be redesigned. Casio calls this new method the Multi-Guard Structure, and it comprise of T-shaped parts with springs placed at the corners of the case. This form a suspension to allow the movement to float. And to this structure, the cushioning material is placed to surround it from all sides of the case. This provides adequate impact protection from all directions.
The bracelet is not spared either. In haute horlogerie style, individual pins are pressed in round holes in each of the metal links. This allows every component – the screws, the screw openings and their chamfered sides, to be polished.
As we understand it, the movement and functions/features together with the display are the same across the GMW-B5000 and MRG-B5000 models. The two MRG-B5000 models are presented in a black finish with DLC coating (a SGD 1k premium), and a titanium carbide coating for the silver finish.
These two key differentiators determine that the price has increased to SGD 5k/6k for the MRG.
Release details
G-SHOCK announced today the release of a new addition to the MR-G series, the flagship line of the G-SHOCK brand of shock-resistant watches. The new MRG-B5000 is the first MR-G timepiece to feature the iconic design of the very first G-SHOCK.
With a nod to the design of the DW-5000C, the first-ever G-SHOCK released in 1983, the MRG-B5000 now brings a brilliant shine and a dignified distinction to the shock-resistant watch by employing cutting-edge metals finished with master polishing craftsmanship.
To apply sophisticated polished finishes to even the tiniest corners of the complex bezel form made of 25 different components, Casio developed the new Multi-Guard Structure. The new structure incorporates shock-absorbent parts in the multi-component bezel to ensure excellent shock resistance, while also allowing polished finishes to be applied to each component, down to the most challenging spots, for a stunningly beautiful finish. The band employs a unique structure as well. The separate pins are pressed in round holes in each metal link which allows detailed polishing for an equally beautiful finish on the band.
The quality of the master polishing craftsmanship shows on the cutting-edge, made-in-Japan materials used for the MRG-B5000. COBARION, which has a hardness about four times that of pure titanium and a brilliant gleam comparable to platinum, is used for the top surface of the bezel. The band is made of DAT55G, a titanium alloy that is about three times harder than pure titanium and highly workable, making it scratch-resistant and ensuring a long-lasting, beautiful mirror finish.
Masterfully crafted polishing and meticulously selected materials come together to create a timepiece worthy of that original design, but with the trademark quality of the MR-G line, which stands at the pinnacle of the diverse family of G-SHOCK watches.
Regarding the function, the MRG-B5000 comes with a radio-controlled calibration and smartphone link connectivity. The watch connects with the dedicated CASIO WATCHES smartphone app to automatically adjust to the correct time. It also comes equipped with a solar charging system and a high-brightness LED light for added convenience.
As with other MR-G watches, the MRG-B5000 is crafted on the high-end Premium Production Line at Yamagata Casio, the “mother factory” of Casio watch production.
MRG-B5000 will be available in G-SHOCK stores at Marina Bay Sands, ION and VIVO City at the end of March or in April.
Link to the MRG-B5000B-1DR is here.
Link to the MRG-B5000D-1DR is here.
Casio MRG-B5000 Specifications
Construction Shock-resistant
Water Resistance 200 meters
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
Specifications Communication
Standard Bluetooth® low energy
Signal Range Up to 2 meters (may differ depending on surrounding conditions)
World Time 5 world times selected from 39 cities (39 time zones,* daylight saving on/off) and Coordinated Universal Time, city name display, home time/world time city swapping, auto summer time (DST) switching
- May be updated when connected to a smartphone.
Stopwatch 1/100 second (00’00”00 to 59’59”99) / 1 second (1:00’00” to 23:59’59”); measuring capacity: 23:59’59.99″; measuring modes: elapsed time, split time, 1st and 2nd place times
Countdown Timer Measuring unit: 1 second (maximum 24 hours)
Alarm 5 daily alarms (with 1 snooze alarm); hourly time signal
Other Functions Smartphone Link functions ( Approximately 300 world time cities + user-added point, Auto time adjustment, Easy watch setting, Time & place, Reminder, Phone finder, Watch status display, Self check, Premium production line certificate); date/month display swapping; day display (in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian or Russian); full auto-calendar; 12/24-hour format; button operation tone on/off; full auto LED backlight (Super Illuminator and afterglow: 2/4 seconds, fade-in/fade-out afterglow); low battery alert
Power Source Tough Solar power system (solar-charging system)
Continuous Operation About 22 months with the power-saving function* ON after full charge - Power-saving after a certain period in a dark location
Size of Case 49.4 × 43.2 × 12.9 mm
Total Weight Approx. 114g
