The motif is "ice pillars of the polar sea." The majestic design of the G-SHOCK "MR-G Frogman" commemorates its 30th anniversary.

In 2026, the MR-G, G-SHOCK's top-of-the-line series, celebrated its 30th anniversary. Having previously released commemorative models at significant milestones, MR-G chose the MR-G Frogman as its canvas this time. While retaining its distinctive asymmetrical form, it incorporates new design elements inspired by brinicles, a natural phenomenon also known as polar ice formations, creating a powerful yet elegant look befitting a commemorative MR-G model.

A special edition Frogman commemorating the 30th anniversary of the "MR-G"

　The "Frogman," G-SHOCK's first full-fledged diver's watch, has consistently enjoyed strong support among its many lineups. This unique asymmetrical design was brought to life with the quality of the top-of-the-line "MR-G" series, resulting in the MR-G Frogman "MRG-BF1000R," which debuted in 2023. The MR-G Frogman has since released limited edition models with color schemes reminiscent of the original Frogman, as well as models inspired by the Goliath frog. Following these releases is the "MRG-BF1000EB," a limited edition model of 800 pieces worldwide, commemorating the 30th anniversary of the MR-G series and featuring special specifications throughout.

　MR-G was born in 1996. The project was spearheaded by Kikuo Ibe, known as the "father of G-SHOCK." In the 1990s, G-SHOCK's massive form with a shock-resistant resin case gained popularity among young people who were into street culture, and it quickly gained a wide range of users. In this situation, Ibe, who had left the planning and development of G-SHOCK at the time, gathered volunteers within the company and promoted the development of a G-SHOCK aimed at adult users, such as business people—in other words, an "unbreakable metal wristwatch."

　This resulted in the "MRG-100." It was G-SHOCK's first full-metal model, employing a bumper protection structure that absorbs shocks by having cushioning material and a glass gasket to enhance airtightness sandwiched between the bezel and case, and by allowing the bezel to sink in. After that, the MR-G line temporarily shrunk, but in the 2010s, there was a movement to fully relaunch the MR-G line. Since then, with "Japan Spirit" as the keyword, they have actively released models that make full use of traditional Japanese crafts and advanced materials originating in Japan, attracting attention not only in Japan but also overseas.

The cutting-edge bezel design is inspired by the brinicles, or ice formations, of the polar sea.

　The current MR-G targets "adult men who value taking on new challenges and creative activities, and who prefer an active lifestyle." To create a timepiece that resonates with these users, the MR-G Frogman, which strongly inherits the DNA of G-SHOCK and pursues excellence in toughness to the fullest, was chosen as the 30th-anniversary model. Based on this model, product development proceeded with the theme of "adventure to the polar regions," and the "Brinicle" was adopted as the design motif.

　A brinicle is a natural phenomenon found only in the polar oceans, such as the Antarctic and Arctic. Formed beneath sea ice, it is an ice column created when extremely cold, highly saline saltwater seeps from seawater and sinks into the ocean, freezing the surrounding seawater as it swirls towards the seabed. It is also known as a "dead ice column" or "ice stalactite." To express this magnificent natural phenomenon in a wristwatch, the partner chosen was polishing craftsman Kazuhito Komatsu, who worked on the bezel of the "MRG-B2000BS" model, released in 2021 with the concept of "Hanabasara."

　Casio first used Cobalion for the bezel of its "MRG-G2000CB" in 2017. This is a cobalt-chromium alloy developed in Japan, possessing a brilliance comparable to platinum and excellent scratch and corrosion resistance, while also being a highly difficult material to process, being approximately four times harder than pure titanium and two to three times harder than stainless steel. For this reason, Casio has not only incorporated Cobalion as a watch component, but has also continued to research what kind of aesthetically pleasing designs can be achieved with it.

　For this 30th-anniversary model, in order to represent Brinicle, Mr. Komatsu first proposed a vortex facet cut, in which countless polished surfaces are arranged to form a swirling pattern. Using this as a base, both parties refined the details. However, Mr. Komatsu said that "it was very difficult to construct the multifaceted cuts in a swirling pattern according to the established rules, and further to highlight the edges between the surfaces."

　In fact, in this piece, it is evident that the size of each facet and the direction of the hairline finish are slightly varied to express the continuity of icicles growing in a swirling vortex underwater, creating the illusion of a continuous shimmer across the surface. It is easy to imagine that achieving such a finish on the hard cobarion required extremely delicate polishing work.

Special details that enhance the satisfaction of ownership

　With its vortex facet cut bezel, which represents the brinicle, as a symbolic element, the MRG-BF1000EB incorporates many other special details.

　First, let's look at the exterior materials. While previous MR-G Frogman models used pure titanium with deep hardening treatment and DLC (diamond-like carbon) coating for the case and bezel, this model uses 64 titanium, which is lightweight, highly strong, and corrosion-resistant, for the case, the protective covers at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions, the push buttons, and even the lock pins connecting the case and strap. Moreover, the 64 titanium is coated with TiC (titanium carbide) or DLC to enhance its hardness and wear resistance, a design typical of G-SHOCK's pursuit of toughness.

　The reason for deliberately using 64 titanium, which is harder than pure titanium and more difficult to process, in the complex design of the MR-G Frogman was primarily to "create a special timepiece as a 30th-anniversary model." Furthermore, the aim was to "highlight just how harsh the theme of this model, 'adventures in the polar regions,' truly is."

　Furthermore, the screws at the 1 o'clock and 5 o'clock positions, which serve as a design accent for the MR-G Frogman and secure the protective cover, are set with lab-grown blue sapphires, befitting a special model. While MR-G has previously offered models with recrystallized rubies in the city code ring, the screws in this model, which showcase the presence of precious stones, are particularly well-suited for use in an anniversary model.

　On the other hand, the case back follows that of the regular model. The sapphire crystal, pressed into the 64-titanium screw-back, features the familiar diving frog character from the Frogman series. However, this particular model is laser-engraved with a serial number and the "MR-G 30TH" logo, making it feel even more special.

　The MRG-BF1000EB also comes with a special box. The all-white box, matching the white Durasoft strap, is a collaboration with Proteca, a leading Japanese luggage brand. In addition to the watch itself, the box also contains a replacement pure titanium bracelet and a special tool for changing the bracelet, making it a comprehensive set befitting a commemorative model.

The highly reliable design as a professional tool has been retained.

　While incorporating luxurious details befitting a 30th anniversary, this watch maintains G-SHOCK's core shock resistance and the MR-G Frogman's essential diver's watch capabilities. The sandblasted black dial features thick hour and minute hands and indices. Luminous paint is also applied, making it easy to read the current time and elapsed dive time even in dark places such as the deep sea where light is scarce. It also features large push buttons that are easy to operate while diving, ensuring that it is equipped with all the essential elements of a diver's watch.

　Another distinctive feature of the MR-G Frogman is its exterior design. While realizing the iconic asymmetrical design in full metal, the exterior is composed of more than 70 parts to ensure airtightness and to apply polishing to the smallest details befitting a top-of-the-line series. The clad guard structure used in analog MR-G models is also retained, and protective parts are incorporated into the crown and push buttons at the 3 o'clock position to mitigate impacts to the module. Furthermore, the cushioning material of the crown is made of highly water-resistant rubber, an evolution for diver's models.

　Thus, despite its complex configuration, the fact that it achieves 200m water resistance compliant with the ISO 6425 standard is a testament to Casio's 30-year pursuit of toughness in full-metal models.

　The price is 121 million yen (including tax), the highest ever for an MR-G. However, when you consider the unique vortex facet cut bezel finished with delicate handwork, the luxurious use of high-strength 64 titanium in the parts, and the fact that the exterior is meticulously assembled using these materials, the price becomes understandable. The MRG-BF1000EB is packed with Casio's advanced watchmaking technology. It is truly a top-of-the-line timepiece, worthy of commemorating the 30th anniversary of the birth of the MR-G.