We'll be reviewing the MRG-B2100B from two perspectives: as a three-hand luxury sports watch in the 600,000 yen range and as a top-of-the-line G-SHOCK.

As of mid-July 2024, the "MRG-B2100B" is sold out on the official website. Given that the "MR-G" series has generally received positive reviews, and that this is the first MR-G in the extremely popular "2100" series in recent years, its success is understandable. While not a limited edition, this popular model is difficult to obtain, and we've used it for about two weeks to share our impressions.

What is the dual nature of MR-G's three-hand watch?

　Here are our impressions of the MRG-B2100B, the first MR-G in the 2100 series.

　Naturally, my first impression is of this watch as a top-of-the-line G-SHOCK, but another perspective is that it's a three-hand luxury sports watch in the ¥600,000 range. Personally, I'm more inclined toward the latter, primarily Swiss-made models. In fact, I inevitably view this watch as a three-hand luxury sports watch. While I'm no stranger to G-SHOCKs, I've only ever owned two, including in the past, which is practically baby-level for a G-SHOCK enthusiast. One of them is a modified 2100, and it's a regular member of my collection that I wear mainly off-duty. Let's start by looking at it as a luxury three-hand sports watch in the ¥600,000 range.

As a luxury sports watch in the 60 yen price range, what do you think is worth the price and what do you think is not?

　To put it simply, the following points make the exterior feel luxurious and worthy of the price.

Despite being made from the difficult-to-cut titanium alloy DAT55G, the bracelet has been finished to the intended shape, perfectly recreating the 2100, which was inspired by the shape of the square shape represented by the DW-5000C, which was registered as a three-dimensional trademark by the Japan Patent Office on June 26, 2023.

The bezel is made of "Cobalion," a cobalt-chromium alloy that is approximately four times stronger than pure titanium. Its Vickers hardness is 530 HV1, which is approximately 3.8 times that of SUS316L, which has a Vickers hardness of around 140. This makes sense as a material to use for bezels, which are prone to scratches during use. Additionally, the use of an alloy developed at Tohoku University's Institute for Materials Research for the bezels of the MR-G watches produced by Yamagata Casio also provides a strong affinity.

- Although it is a pinpoint, the hairline finish on the sides of the bezel and case, as well as the hairline finish on the bracelet buckle, is exquisite.

The texture of the dial is said to be inspired by woodworking. While it will depend on personal preference, it fulfills the necessary requirement of being able to transmit light, and its subtlety gives it a Japanese feel, making it a distinctive feature of the product.

　That may seem like a stretch. To be honest, when comparing this watch with a three-hand octagonal bezel and date display, it immediately brings to mind the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. Currently, the two watches are in a completely different price range. However, I experienced a time (maybe about 10 years ago) when pre-owned Royal Oaks could be purchased for around 600,000 yen, and I've owned and used one ever since. Therefore, I can't help but compare this watch with the Royal Oak. Having praised the Royal Oak, I've been entrusted with this watch, and I'll proceed with the assumption that my impressions are expected from that perspective.

　Additionally, the MRG-B2100B has been stripped of the digital display, a feature of the previous 2100 series models. If this display had remained, I doubt I would have found myself comparing it to the Royal Oak so strongly.

What if you look at it as a "luxury watch with three hands, an octagonal bezel, and a date display"?

　Now, let's take a look at each feature of the MRG-B2100B from the perspective of a "luxury watch with three hands, an octagonal bezel, and a date display."

- The surface of the bracelet. Because of the glossy DLC finish, the light reflected from the surface makes the shape appear "sagging" towards the edges. Some argue that this surface is the essence of G-SHOCK, which has even been registered as a three-dimensional trademark, and therefore should not be changed, but I believe the best surface is one that is "flat and distortion-free." The DLC finish gives the watch a glossy finish, so if the surface is undistorted, the reflection of the light will emphasize its flatness.

The hooded lug-like shape on the top and bottom of the case also looks dull, but this shape is an important aspect of the G-SHOCK. Therefore, if it is given a glossy DLC finish like this product, this shape will assert that it is a G-SHOCK, while giving the bracelet a flat surface will give it a luxurious feel, creating a sense of contrast.　

The bracelet is adjusted using pins, which makes it look a bit cheap. Couldn't they have used screws instead? However, titanium screws are expensive, and stainless steel has a lower natural potential than titanium, which means the screws are likely to corrode over time. It's understandable that screws are simply at risk of coming loose, while pins are less likely to come loose, making them more suitable for a tough tool watch.

Regarding the finish of the bezel surface and sides, the Royal Oak has a hairline finish on the top and a mirror finish on the sides, whereas the MRG-B2100B has a flat surface and hairline finish on the sides. I think there was room for improvement.

　Let me offer a few generalizations here. The fascinating objects we cover in this publication—wristwatches—have a relatively small metal surface area compared to the myriad other structures and products in the world. They have undergone a variety of finishes designed to enhance functionality, aesthetics, and decorativeness. Finishes on movements and cases include mirror finishes, satin (grained), circular graining, Geneva stripes, sandblasting, black polish, and various platings. Even a grained finish, like the Royal Oak's vertically straight bezel, would completely change the look of this watch if it were given a circular finish. I'm not concerned with factors like whether it looks cool, whether it exudes luxury, or whether the manufacturing effort justifies the price. Personally, I'm curious to know what kind of consideration process went into the bezel surface during product development, which is the face of this watch.

　Aside from the case and bracelet, the following points caught my attention:

The design of the hands is not consistent with previous G-SHOCK watches with analog displays, and in terms of visibility in particular, the regular 2100 series (not MR-G) feels more legible.

The hands are also short. This isn't a big deal when it comes to the identity of G-SHOCK, but it does deviate from the grammar of a "luxury three-hand watch."

Previous analog G-SHOCK watches had hands with a variety of different designs, and it's hard to say that a design identity has been established at present. Regardless of whether you like the design or not, this model may have shown a future direction.

- The second hand is too thin. Also, the counterweight has a polished silver surface, and the second hand itself is painted red, which is quite unusual. It would have been better balanced if it was painted entirely red and a little thicker and longer. Alternatively, it would have been possible to have two hands, like the regular 2100.

The indices are large. They are much thicker and larger than the resin indices of the regular 2100 series. They are well polished and sparkle, but perhaps they could have been a little more subdued. The center is also coated with white luminous paint, which stands out, making it reminiscent of the indices on the Royal Oak.

The hands and indexes are coated with luminous paint, ensuring visibility in the dark. In addition, pressing the button on the top right illuminates a white light starting at 7:30. While this may be a fun gimmick to highlight the complex dial shape, it serves two purposes: to read the time in the dark.

　Let me clarify once again: I understand that "pursuing the three-dimensional form of G-SHOCK, including all its surfaces and angles, in titanium" - in other words, realizing the G-SHOCK identity in the highest-end MR-G - is a natural philosophy. However, rather than making this an unwritten rule, I have spoken up to this point on the premise that it is acceptable to make some adjustments, and I have not spoken from a fundamentalist perspective on what should be. That said, I understand that this is primarily about the details, rather than the essential "G-SHOCK-like design."

What is the MRG-B2100B, a fundamentalist take on the MR-G G-SHOCK?

As I mentioned earlier, "The pursuit of G-SHOCK's three-dimensional form, including all its various surfaces and angles, using titanium is G-SHOCK's identity and natural philosophy." Here, I will write from the perspective of whether this is the right path for G-SHOCK. This completely changes what I have written so far.

First of all, the overall atmosphere and design. At first glance, anyone would know it's a G-SHOCK, and the solid, powerful, all-black finish is a classic G-SHOCK design.

Next is the case. Reproducing the entire shape of a G-SHOCK out of full titanium is already a great achievement.

It is also worth noting that the complex shape was achieved through the use of numerous parts. The fine surfaces of the parts on either side of the push button are not flat, but this too is deliberately left dull in line with the principles.

- It's a small detail, but there are circular indentations on the left and right sides of the bracelet. In resin products that are not MR-G, these indentations are simply recessed holes in the mold. However, to recreate these indentations in titanium, you would have to go to the trouble of drilling a hole, polishing the inside, and then polishing the top of a separate cylindrical titanium part before embedding it in place. I'm impressed by the attention to detail that went into this.

The indexes are thick and slanted towards the center of the dial, maintaining the identity of the original 2100 series.

- The experience gained from previous MR-G projects has been utilized in areas such as the rigidity of the buckle and the comfortable feel of the push buttons used to open and close the bracelet, resulting in a comfortable fit while maintaining the overall weight and rigidity of the bracelet.

　When you change your perspective in this way, each of the details mentioned above is recognized as necessary for what makes a G-SHOCK what it is, and becomes a virtue.

MR-G latest model usage experience

　Now, let's finally move on to my impressions.

　When you hold it in your hand, you'll notice that it's noticeably lighter than it looks. You'll also notice that both the bracelet and the case are made of titanium. Contrary to its appearance, the actual weight measured with full links is only 120.6g. The case is light, despite its typical G-SHOCK size, and once you adjust the stiffness of the bracelet, you can enjoy a very light and comfortable fit. The links closest to the buckle are half links, and by adjusting them and the position of the spring bars on the buckle, you can find the length and buckle position that suits everyone.

　The buckle is equipped with a locking mechanism that is standard for MR-G watches. This mechanism is designed to be operated with a thumbnail, but it may not be easy to use for women with nails or weak nails. Many women today wear larger watches, and considering my thin wrist, the first link's movement from the case is narrow. If this link could move a little lower, I think the watch would fit more comfortably. Currently, the lugs float slightly on wrists measuring less than 15cm. This fit is just like a Royal Oak "Jumbo."

　While legibility is certainly not bad, it could be improved as a tool watch. The intricate dial design is a distinctive feature of this watch, but sometimes, for example, when the hands point to 3 or 9 o'clock, they overlap with the parallel dial design, making it intuitively difficult to read. I feel that this kind of difficulty could be prevented by changing the design of the hands.

　Regarding the movement of the second hand, the minute hand also moves in steps every 10 seconds, but only at the 10-second mark does it move slightly ahead. Other than that, the movement of the second hand is perfectly aligned with the second mark, so once I noticed this, it became a bit of a nuisance.

　The case back is intricately engraved and has hairlines, making it very comfortable to wear even when you sweat. The case back is also securely fastened with four sturdy-looking Phillips screws, ensuring water resistance to 200m.

　The Kovarian bezel features beautifully engraved "G-SHOCK" and "PROTECTION" letters, and thanks to the DLC coating, it is far more scratch-resistant than regular stainless steel watches, making it stress-free to use.

　In other words, if a G-SHOCK is a tool watch that is stress-free to use, then the MRG-B2100B perfectly fulfills the G-SHOCK mission. The only thing left to decide is how you perceive and use this watch. Those of you who already own one will know this best.