This is a project in which prominent watch journalists pick out the "one watch they're interested in" and "one watch they recommend" from among the models released in 2024. This time, we'll be featuring the G-SHOCK "MRG-B2100D," which freelance editor Yuzo Takeishi carefully selected after much deliberation. What elements of this watch left such a strong impression on Takeishi?
Text by Yuzo Takeishi
[Article published on January 21, 2024]
Of the models released in 2024, we recommend the G-SHOCK "MRG-B2100D."
Since 2020, I have not been able to attend overseas trade fairs. This has significantly reduced the number of new models I can actually see, but even within that limited number, I have been lucky enough to come across a number of memorable models. ...Or perhaps this just goes to show how many high-quality models each brand has released. Therefore, as always, I had a lot of trouble thinking about the mission of "selecting one recommended model from the 2024 models," and the one I came up with was MR-G's "MRG-B2100D."
Tough Solar. Runs for approximately 22 months on a full charge (power save mode). 64Ti x Cobalion case (49.5mm x 44.4mm, 13.6mm thick). Water resistant to 20 bar. Price: 572,000 yen (tax included).
The G-SHOCK "2100" series on which it is based inherits the philosophy of the first model while updating the design to a modern one. The model that was created with G-SHOCK's highest MR-G quality was the "MRG-B2100B," announced in May 2024. It retains the distinctive look with an octagonal bezel, but uses titanium and Cobalion for the exterior material and only has an analog display. My personal favorite is the MRG-B2100D, the second model. Its basic specifications are the same as the previous model, with the bezel, case, and bracelet color changed to silver.
The "MRG-B2100B" was launched in May 2024. It is the first model in the MR-G collection to adopt the "2100" series. It features Tough Solar technology. It lasts for approximately 18 months on a full charge (in power save mode). It has a Ti x Cobalion (bezel top) x 64 titanium case (49.5mm x 44.4mm, 13.6mm thick). It's water resistant to 20 bar. It's priced at 649,000 yen (tax included).
Highlights of the "MRG-B2100D"
Compared to other G-SHOCKs and MR-Gs, the design is unusually simple, but it still has a lot to offer, as you'd expect from Casio. The dial in particular is particularly noteworthy. Inspired by wooden joinery, the design showcases Casio's skillful use of elements of traditional Japanese craftsmanship, with the three-dimensional lattice design subtly accenting the solid exterior without being too assertive. Furthermore, the gaps in the lattice allow the light needed for solar power generation to subtly filter in, making this a design element that combines functionality and looks, a testament to the watch's ingenuity.
The exterior, like the much talked about MRG-B5000 released in 2022, is constructed with a structure assembled from subdivided parts. This allows even the smallest recesses to be polished to a high finish, and the bezel is made from Cobalion, which, when polished, gives off a shine comparable to platinum, giving it a texture befitting the MR-G, G-SHOCK's highest-end series...or rather, a luxury watch. When you actually hold this watch in your hands, you'll see that the balance of the matte texture as the main feature and the mirror finish on the bezel slope and parts of the bracelet is excellent, giving it a luxurious feel while maintaining the tough impression and tool-like feel that are characteristic of G-SHOCK.
The case is 44.4mm in diameter and 13.6mm thick, which is a little large considering the current trend toward smaller diameter models. However, thanks to the use of titanium and Cobalion for the exterior, it is lightweight at just 122g. As with other MR-G models that use titanium for the exterior, it has a solid and massive appearance, but is also light and comfortable to wear, making it a watch that you'll want to wear regularly.
Why is the “second edition” model recommended?
So far, my impressions of both MRG-B2100 models are consistent, but why did I choose the "second release," the MRG-B2100D, as my recommended watch for 2024? It's because the first release model featured a black exterior, giving it a strong G-SHOCK vibe. It's a G-SHOCK, so it makes sense, and fans would want that "vibe," so releasing a full black model first made sense. However, I was drawn to this model precisely because of its more basic look, combined with the silver exterior. In other words, I was a little surprised to see an MR-G model with a more subdued G-SHOCK vibe and the appearance of a typical luxury watch included in the lineup.
When I interviewed a Casio representative about this project, I was chatting with him and he asked me, "Isn't this pretty good?" This was a memorable moment for me. I could sense his satisfaction with the finished product, which has the look of a standard luxury watch. While maintaining the quality and performance of the MR-G, the look is very basic - that contrast and impact made this project leave a strong impression.
Profile of Yuzo Takeishi
