Every year, Casio G-SHOCK releases the MR-G, a high-end model inspired by Japanese craftsmanship. The regular MRG-B2000 is already on the top shelf of G-Shock. However, models with resounding Japanese names such as “Tsuiki,” “Tetsutsuba,” “Gassan Sadanobu,” “Shogekimaru,” and “Hanabazara” are the epitome of G-SHOCK technology. is. The 2024 MRG-B2000JS-1A was inspired by the Juryoku-Maru: San, a sword made specifically for G-Shock by swordsmith Teruhei Kamiyama.
G-SHOCK MRG-B2000JS-1A Gravity Maru:san
Teruhira Kamiyama is a young swordsmith with outstanding talent. He is also a leader in the modern Japanese sword world. Mr. Kamiyama’s pursuit of strength and beauty in Japanese swords matches G-SHOCK’s vision for the MR-G model. For this reason, Casio commissioned a master swordsmith to forge an original G-Shock sword, Juryokumaru: San.
Teruhira Kamiyama holding the special Gravity Maru/Santo
I had the opportunity to visit the Kamiyama Forge in Setouchi, Okayama Prefecture and learn about the origins of the MRG-B2000JS-1A. This review will be the latest G-Shock MR-G, but I will also share what I learned at that meeting. Many elements of the custom-made “Jurikimaru Santo” are inherited in the watch. Of course, we’ll touch on these factors here as well.
Recrystallized hybrid titanium bezel
One of the most impressive elements of a sword is its blade. The MRG-B2000JS-1A’s bezel was inspired by the San’s blade, a perfect tempering pattern forged by swordsmith Teruhei Kamiyama for the Jurikumaru. The bezel pattern reproduces Mr. Kamiyama’s blade design with a Ti64 layer and a pure titanium layer.
Casio compresses these layers using high temperature and pressure. This material is cut, polished, and recrystallized to create a bezel shape with a unique pattern that interweaves two types of titanium. Furthermore, the titanium case of the MRG-B2000JS-1A has been recrystallized, and large crystals appear visibly like the quenched pattern of Juryokumaru: Three Blades. Due to the manufacturing process, the bezel and case patterns vary from watch to watch.
Hand-carved inscription
Using the same technique as the sword handles, Mr. Kamiyama hand-carved the word “san” (Japanese for “brilliant”) on the back of each case. This watch is limited to 800 pieces worldwide, and each one is engraved with a serial number by Kamiyama himself. So, again, since the engravings are handmade, the exact appearance of the case back will vary for each watch.
Aogai lacquered pattern bracelet
Aokai-nuri (Aokai-nuri) means “blue seashell painting” and is a type of Japanese mother-of-pearl (mother-of-pearl). It is a decorative technique used for traditional Japanese crafts and woodwork. It refers to the inlaying of shells belonging to blue shells such as abalone, turban shells, and pearl oysters into carved surfaces of lacquer or wood. Aogai-nuri is characterized by the thinness of its shells. Shave this shell to a thickness of approximately 0.1 mm. When applied over lacquer, the thinness of the shell allows the black color underneath to show through, making the shell appear blue, hence the name.
Mamoru Nomura, a traditional Japanese craftsman and the third-generation head of Kyoto’s Sagaraden Nomura, used this decorative Aogai lacquering technique on his thirteen scabbards. This is an original design made for the MRG-B2000JS-1A bracelet. Casio’s unique structural color technology (patent pending) creates a vivid appearance and texture that changes color depending on the viewing angle. Micro-level ultra-precision processing creates a fine structure on the metal surface, which reflects light and creates stunning colors. Casio selected Daido Steel’s special DAT55G alloy to protect the structural color from scratches. In addition, the bracelet is coated with Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC), which further increases its wear resistance.
The bracelet has a push-button safety clasp to prevent accidental opening. Additionally, the clasp can be fine-adjusted in three positions via holes on the side. This type of clasp is also present on other MR-G models, albeit with a different combination of materials.
dial pattern
Jurikimaru: The hilt of the san features a hishimaki hilt, a traditional diamond-shaped pattern often seen on swords. The textured pattern on the handle is inspired by the texture of the base of the dial, and the indexes are inspired by the curvature of a sword blade.
The above elements are those of the Gyokumaru Santo, which served as the inspiration for the design of the MRG-B2000JS-1A. But of course that’s not the only thing to mention about this premium watch. Let’s move on to the other most important points.
Yamagata premium production line
Like all premium G-Shock models, the MRG-B2000JS-1A is produced at Casio’s Yamagata factory in Japan. Yamagata Casio creates high-quality, high-precision watches by combining technology that uses its own special manufacturing equipment to maximize precision with the advanced human skills possessed only by top qualified personnel. Casio uses a skill identification system commonly seen in Japan, ranging from Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum to Meister. When I visited the Yamagata factory, I found it interesting that no one understood the German origin of “Meister” gradation.
I’ve seen skilled watchmakers in Switzerland and Germany, but I’ve never seen a vast automated manufacturing plant like Japan’s Yamagata Premium Production Line. There are robots and automatons as far as the eye can see, and everything is in perfect condition, including the few employees in the area. What surprised me even more than its size was the perfect finish of every watch that leaves this Yamagata factory. I am grateful to Casio for allowing me to experience and see this firsthand.
Zaratsu polishing of clad guard structure
There is a lot more to be said about the quality of the MRG-B2000JS-1A, but these qualities are not unique to this particular watch. Rex and Mike have already mentioned the more general specs of Sun’s predecessor, the G-Shock Juryoku-Maru. However, I will mention a few things here. For example, finishing metal exterior parts. G-Shock applies Zaratsu
G-Shock MRG-B2000JS-1A case side
*Zaratsu and Zaratsu
G-Shock MRG-B2000JS-1A Equipped with impact protection function on crown and buttons
Improved impact resistance and precision
wonderful
Super illuminator and sapphire crystal
G-Shock MRG-B2000JS-1A between rocks
Summary and pricing
Now that we’ve covered most of the technical specs and inspirational background, it’s time to share our personal impressions of what is probably the most expensive G-Shock watch in the current lineup. Yes, the G-Shock MRG-B2000JS-1A Juryoku-Maru: San retails for €8,000. And yes, that’s a lot of money. “Especially for G-Shocks,” a voice says. But it’s not just any G-Shock. This is the pinnacle of what Casio can currently produce at its high-end Yamagata Premium Production Line factory.
Workshop by Shohei Kamiyama
If I hadn’t had the opportunity to experience the development of this watch and see its production for myself, I probably would have reacted the same way. G-Shock is still a G-Shock, but it is produced and finished at a level that can compete with the major players in the European watch industry. And it certainly, and fortunately, shows that. Experiencing watches in this way is extremely valuable. We would be happy if we could convey even a little bit of the charm and value of this special MR-G model.
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What do you think about G-Shock MRG-B2000JS-1A? Gyokumaru: Mr.? Can a brand like G-Shock justify such an asking price for such a high-end product? Price aside, what do you think are the strengths and perhaps weaknesses of the MRG-B2000JS-1A? Below Let us know in the comments section.
