The mighty G-SHOCK. What is the "MRG-B2000" "Iron Color - KUROGANE IRO"?

The latest model in G-SHOCK's pinnacle collection, the MR-G, is the MRG-B2000BG-3AJR. This is the third in the series, following "Akazonae" (Red Armor) and "Kachiiro" (Victory Color), which are based on the colors associated with Japanese military equipment. The traditional color featured this time is "Kuroganeiro" (Iron Color). This is also the first time for a standard model that the case and bracelet are also colored in this traditional color. In this article, we will discuss the latest model in the MR-G series, which is now expanding its presence not only in Japan but also in overseas markets, with an interview with the developers.

The new model "MRG-B2000BG-3AJR" has an iron-colored motif

　MR-G is G-SHOCK's pinnacle collection. While variations are added almost every year and the collection expands, the MRG-B2000 is the most classic series. Based on the MRG-G1000B, which was a clear milestone in MR-G's evolution to its current positioning, its exterior is reminiscent of armor.

　This image does not simply mean that the form and design of armor are clearly incorporated. The "strength" of armor is expressed through the impact resistance and scratch resistance of the MR-G, and the "beauty" is expressed through the finish applied down to the finest details. To further appeal to users with the strength and beauty that is common to armor, Casio has been developing MR-G models since 2015 that are based on the "weapons" used by Japanese samurai.

　Of these, the standard models, rather than limited editions, are the MRG-B2000 in "Akazonae" and "Kachiiro" colors, and the newly released "Kuroganeiro" color, "MRG-B2000BG-3AJR," which is themed around the traditional Japanese colors used in military equipment.

　The specs and case size are the same as the previous model. The biggest feature of this model is the dark blue-green exterior color known as "iron color." This color appears on the surface of the iron used in armor, swords, and other military equipment when heated to high temperatures, and in Japan it is called "iron color." Casio chose this iron color as the motif for this model.

　Previous models, such as the red-armored and winning-colored models, used motif colors on the dial and bezel logo. However, this model not only uses these traditional colors on the dial, but also on the case and bracelet, which are treated with deep hardening and DLC. In addition, the dial is decorated with a tortoiseshell pattern, which has been a symbol of strength since ancient times.

　In addition to the "MRG-B2000BG-3AJR" featured in this article, a strap model "MRG-B2000RG-3AJR" has also been released.

　This model features a recrystallized titanium bezel. By heating the titanium and recrystallizing it, the bezel has a unique pattern created by the crystal grains, which expresses the "nie" (boiled) pattern seen in the blade of a Japanese sword. The strap that can be attached instead of the titanium bracelet is a durable yet flexible Durasoft band made of fluoro rubber.

MR-G's "powerful" nature is evident in the new model "MRG-B2000BG-3AJR"

　The MRG-B2000BG-3AJR incorporates the color of iron not just as an accent color, but throughout the entire exterior. This color is not just for adding variety to the design; it also strongly conveys to the user that this watch, and the MR-G collection as a whole, are watches that embodied the spirit and nobility of the samurai.

The design is expressed in a deliberately understated brown color.

　Although this model incorporates the color of iron, the color tone is subdued and at first glance it appears to be black, with only a hint of deep green.

　Why didn't they use a stronger, more easily recognizable color? And why did they choose the color iron as the motif? According to Shingo Ishizaka, who works in the Second Planning Department of the Hamura Technical Center and was involved in the development of this work, it is this elegant color that expresses the "characteristics" of the MR-G and the "Tsuwamono."

"Japanese military equipment, especially armor, has many things in common with MR-G. For example, they are both tools for self-defense. G-SHOCK also protects its functionality as a watch with its shock-resistant structure. However, this functionality is not the only similarity. Warlords sought beauty in their armor by expressing their own policies and ways of thinking in the design of their armor and swords. MR-G's concept is 'strength and beauty,' and we have given the metal exterior a careful finish and unique color tones. These commonalities make traditional Japanese military equipment an easy source of inspiration for MR-G's design."

　Ishizaka regularly interacted with swordsmiths, and it was through this that he discovered the color of iron.

"While searching for a new way of expression, I discovered that when a swordsmith heated an iron product, a bluish-green color appeared. The iron fan I was looking at at the time was a metal fan."

　However, a major concern was how strong the green should be.

"There was nothing new in terms of technology, but deciding how strong the green should be was extremely difficult. Green is a trend color in the watch industry, but if it was too obvious, it would be difficult to wear as a wristwatch. I wanted to create a sophisticated look. However, there was also feedback that the green was too dark, so after much trial and error, I settled on the current color."

　Takayasu Sato, leader of the Second Planning Department, who was also in charge of developing this work, said he felt the same difficulties.

"It was difficult to find balance in the design. We had to communicate the concept not just with the green, but with the color of the entire watch, without compromising the design of the watch. We had to look at samples and hold many discussions to find the right balance. New MR-G models have been released every year, but this was the first time in a long time that the MRG-B2000 had been a regular product. However, while it was a difficult point, it was also a fun one."

　Ishizaka also explained why he didn't make the green more prominent from the user's perspective, saying, "Some MR-G users were originally G-SHOCK fans, but as they got older and held more senior positions, they felt that, 'I want to wear a G-SHOCK, but I have to wear a watch with a certain quality.'"

　This brown color was chosen to avoid overemphasizing the clear concept and to take into consideration the fact that a watch often requires good manners when worn. It can be said that the color tone is connected to the "courtesy" and "humility" that are valued in Bushido.

DLC processing gives it a green finish

　The exterior of the MR-G is made of titanium, a lightweight and corrosion-resistant material, and is double-treated with DLC and deep hardening processes to increase hardness. Furthermore, Casio's unique technology is used in this DLC processing.

　DLC is an abbreviation for diamond-like carbon, a surface treatment method that deposits a thin carbon film onto a material. With a Vickers hardness second only to diamond, it achieves excellent durability. However, DLC has generally been said to be difficult to paint in colors other than black. However, in 2021, MR-G developed a green DLC coating for the "Hanabasara" model. This technology has been repurposed for the MRG-B2000BG-3AJR.

　Sato, who has been in charge of product planning for Oceanus for many years, says that this technology was originally first used in the Oceanus.

"Oceanus had a 'sea' theme, so we used blue DLC. However, developing the surface coating for MR-G is even more important than for Oceanus. This is because we need to realize a variety of colors, including models with a weapon theme."

　However, Ishizaka also said, "We haven't used DLC to express the MR-G's colors very often."

"DLC itself is a common processing method. However, adding color to it becomes something special. We haven't really tried it before due to technical reasons and the 'aesthetics of the watch' that I mentioned earlier. However, we succeeded in developing a new green DLC for Kabasara, and we had been nurturing (the idea), so we have adopted it in the mass-produced model this time."

　Although the green DLC used in this project is an existing technology, so there were no difficulties in developing it from scratch, the conditions for controlling the color are strict, so the number of pieces that can be processed per lot is lower than with regular DLC.

"Normally, DLC is used to improve the specs of tools and the like. In that context, it's quite luxurious to use it for the aesthetic purpose of adding color to luxury items like watches," Sato added.

Details that highlight "strength" and "beauty"

　The MR-G concept of "warrior-like strength" and beauty is embodied in the details of this model.

　The dial, which Casio describes as "auspicious," is printed with a tortoiseshell pattern and painted a nearly black green. The stronger green of the inner dial is made from a metal sheet, and depending on the light, the green can take on highlights or a black hue.

　Like the previous model, the dial features indices that resemble the curves of a sword. The pronounced edges and graining give it a metallic feel, a contrast to the resin. These indices are made possible by the nano-processing molding technology of Casio's mother factory, Yamagata. Combined with the thick, gold-colored carbon hour and minute hands and the folding screen motif around the dial, the design is elegant yet reminiscent of the armor and swords worn by warriors, symbolizing their strength and authority.

　The case and bracelet are primarily satin-finished, with some areas given a Zaratsu polish, giving them the elegance of a luxury wristwatch and the armor beloved by warriors.

　Speaking of strength, it's also important to mention the shock resistance of G-SHOCK. In order to achieve the shock resistance achieved in the resin G-SHOCK in the metal MR-G, this collection has adopted a clad guard structure since the MRG-G1000B. This structure prevents the crown unit, which is susceptible to impact on the module when the watch is subjected to an impact, from being affected by being wrapped in a buffer to protect it. "We want you to use it for a long time, so we also value the functionality that is characteristic of G-SHOCK, such as shock resistance and 20 bar water resistance," says Ishizaka.

The world is paying attention to the "powerful" G-SHOCK

　The MRG-B2000BG-3AJR uses an iron-colored motif to express the strength and beauty of a "warrior." At first glance, this model gives the impression of being a modest variation in design, but once you learn the details, you will understand that it is a special G-SHOCK, endowed with the dignity and majesty of a "warrior."

　With traditional Japanese culture now attracting global attention, the MRG-B2000, which is based on Japanese military equipment and includes the MRG-B2000BG-3AJR, is enjoying a strong presence not only in the domestic market but also in overseas markets. Ishizaka concluded by saying, "In 2022, we released an MR-G model called 'Gassan,' supervised by swordsmith Sadanobu Gassan. Apparently, a foreign tourist who claimed to be a buyer visited the swordsmith's workshop. We have similar stories of overseas users for our other models as well. Since we're manufacturing these watches in Japan and creating Japanese-themed watches, it would be great if the MR-G could play a role similar to that of a medium, spreading the word about this country's technology and culture."

　Casio, which established the G-SHOCK genre, is now developing the MRG-B2000 series as a new icon. We hope that the series will continue to pursue even greater strength and beauty, becoming a watch that can rival overseas brands.