The latest G-SHOCK model, the MRG-B2100B. New value built with a "wooden frame" design.

The new model "MRG-B2100B" has been released from the MR-G collection, which is positioned as the pinnacle of G-SHOCK. This is the first MR-G model to adopt the 2100 series and features a "wooden frame" design motif. While it has a style not seen in previous MR-G collections, it is a special watch that was manufactured by incorporating the technology and concepts cultivated through MR-G.

G-SHOCK's new model for 2024, the MRG-B2100B

　Since the introduction of the MRG-100 in 1996, the MR-G collection has been at the pinnacle of G-SHOCK. It differentiates itself from other products by embodying the strength of G-SHOCK, the beauty of metal materials, and the dignity of a top-of-the-line watch. The latest addition to the MR-G lineup for 2024 is the MRG-B2100B, the first watch in the collection to feature the 2100 series.

　As a 2100 series watch, it is very simple, with only three hands, a small date window, and a single subdial. The design also incorporates the traditional Japanese wooden construction technique of "kigumi" (woodworking). Unlike conventional transparent dials, the dial of this watch, which allows light to pass through countless small holes, is perhaps the design that makes the most of this motif.

　Casio Computer designers Takao Matsuda and Moritsugu Shobayashi, who were involved in the development and design of the MRG-B2100B, revealed that by reconstructing the technology and concept of previous MR-G models, the watch has a completely new design that is worthy of the MR-G brand.

The first MR-G to adopt the 2100 series was a challenge

　The newest addition to the MR-G collection, the MRG-B2100B, inherits the basic structure of the MRG-B5000, but is the first 2100 series model to be made into an MR-G model. Furthermore, the module itself has been newly developed for this release.

　Chief designer Takao Matsuda has been involved in the development of the MRG-B2100B from the early stages of module development. "Before we even begin considering the design, we first develop the module. This is the stage where we decide on things like the size and hand layout. Currently, there are two sizes of MR-G: the larger B2000 series and the smaller B1000 series. Development of the MRG-B2100B began based on this B1000 series-sized module. It's small for an MR-G, but it's easy to wear."

　Once the module was decided, designer Masabayashi Moritsugu joined the team and a design review called "advance design development" began. This review involved the design department taking the lead in creating an advance design mockup to share marketability. The mockup was well-received, and the team moved forward with official product development.

　When you hear about the development process, you can see how difficult it was to bring together the size of the 2100 and this design as the MR-G.

"This model is the first in the 2100 series to feature a crown. The MR-G uses a clad guard structure for the crown, which has a buffer inside it, making it difficult to reduce the size and making the case look quite thick. However, our design department worked hard to develop a size reduction, and we were able to fit it into this size. I'm very grateful to the designers." (Matsuda)

"The previous MR-G lineup did not have a simple three-hand model. Therefore, we decided to make the 2100 series, which has been popular mainly among younger generations for its simple functionality and design, into an MR-G. However, even though it is simple, we wanted to achieve the 'highest level of simplicity' that combines the functionality and strength of G-SHOCK with the dignity of MR-G. A major challenge was how to successfully combine functionality and strength, which seem to be contradictory to the word 'simple'." (Masabayashi)

　Matsuda has also been involved in the design direction of the metal 2100 series. "Every time we develop a metal 2100 series, we always aim to create a top-of-the-line model. It has to appear to have higher value (than the previous model). In that sense, there were some 'pains of birth' this time as well. I feel a sense of accomplishment in being able to release the MRG-B2100B, the 2100 model that is G-SHOCK's top model."

　Thus, it was extremely difficult to bring the size and simple design of the 2100 series to fruition as part of the MR-G collection. However, the development team overcame this difficulty and, by adding a "wooden frame" motif to the simple and sophisticated design of the 2100 series, established a style never before seen in MR-G models.

The MR-G's technology and concept are brought together by "woodwork"

　It was Masabayashi who adopted timber as a design motif. As mentioned above, he maintained the simple design of the 2100, which was well received, especially among young people, while pondering how to add the functionality and strength characteristic of G-SHOCK, and the dignity of MR-G, which are the opposite of simplicity. So, "rather than adding functionality, strength, and dignity later, I thought that if I incorporated the function of lighting the solar cells directly into the design, I would be able to express simple functionality." For the functional aspect of lighting, he used "timber lattice," and for the strength and dignity, he used the traditional architectural technique of "kumimimono" found under the eaves of temples and shrines as a motif, assembling an intricate, three-dimensional stepped lattice pattern.

　This plan was a success, and the MRG-B2100B's dial has a look that is different from both previous MR-G collection watches and solar watches. Solar watches, which use transparent resin to allow light to pass through to the solar cell and store electricity, have previously been difficult to achieve a luxurious feel. However, in recent years, Japanese watch manufacturers, including Casio Computer, have succeeded in improving the texture of solar watch dials, achieving almost metallic textures and vibrant colors. However, this model looks different from those traditional high-quality solar watches. Inspired by the timber latticework used in Japanese wooden architecture, it features tiny holes carved into the opaque dial, allowing light to pass through and receive the light.

　The fact that the dial does not need to be transparent means that there is greater freedom in processing and decoration. Therefore, the metallic and three-dimensional shape is also a major feature of this work. Masabayashi says that he adopted the idea of ​​woodworking to realize such a free dial.

　Masabayashi also added a playful touch to the dial: "As a sign of respect for the first G-SHOCK model, the Origin, I wanted to sneak in the familiar brick pattern somewhere. This dial has shading that makes it hard to see, but if you remove the shading, it becomes a brick pattern. Also, the index at 12 o'clock is inspired by the home-base-shaped 'SHOCK RESIST' mark (which is featured on the Origin's LCD display). Incidentally, the inset dial is also octagonal (the regular 2100 series is semicircular)."

　As we asked further, we learned that there was a process that led to the idea for the wooden frame design motif. The MRG-B2100B inherits the basic case structure of the MRG-B5000, the "Multi-Guard Structure," and the idea for the wooden frame was inspired by this structure. Masabayashi said, "The idea for this wooden frame came about when we were designing the MRG-B5000. When we wanted to make the resin bezel out of metal and give its complex shape a meticulous finish, the idea of ​​a Multi-Guard Structure, which divides the parts into smaller pieces, was born. When we tried to use these divided parts for the shock-resistant structure, we came up with the 'strength of combination' of the wooden frame structure."

　Indeed, the MR-G is made of metal, but in order to achieve a shock-resistant structure and to carefully polish each part, the parts are divided into smaller pieces. The MRG-B2100B, while simple in design, is made up of 27 parts, which are fitted together like a wooden frame to create a sturdy exterior.

　Looking at the case side, you can see that it is made up of multiple parts. The parts at the four corners are different colors, which is also a playful touch. Masabayashi said, "I deliberately changed the colors of the parts to give it a 'assembled' feel."

What is the value built into the MRG-B2100B?

　The MR-G collection is a high-end G-SHOCK that is gaining a strong presence in the watch market. The new model, the MRG-B2100B, is simple and easy to handle, with a smaller case size of 49.5mm long x 44.4mm wide x 13.6mm thick compared to previous MR-G collection models.

　However, the "value" of this model is not limited to this usability. In order to attempt to express the strength, dignity, and beauty of the MR-G on a simple canvas, this model uses the "wooden frame" design motif that was in mind since the development of the MRG-B5000, making it a special piece that seems to incorporate the technology and concept of the MR-G.

　The MRG-B2100B is sure to become a watch that will be loved for many years to come in the watch market, just as timber construction has long been beloved as a traditional technique that symbolizes Japan.