Casio's G-SHOCK MTG-B2000 was announced as a new model for Fall/Winter 2020. This new model incorporates the latest technology and has seen advancements in the case, bracelet, module, and design. We take a look at this new model in an interview with the developers.
Text by Kaya Nabata (Chronos-Japan)
The cutting-edge G-SHOCK "MTG-B2000"
Due to the spread of COVID-19, Casio has decided to announce new products online. The new model in the G-SHOCK "MT-G" collection, the "MTG-B2000," was announced as part of a new initiative that included explanations on a special website and online roundtable discussions with developers.
The MT-G is a high-end collection that follows the MR-G, which is positioned as the pinnacle of G-SHOCK. Based on the concept of "Metal Twisted," which combines different materials such as stainless steel and resin, the MT-G has produced innovative timepieces incorporating the latest technology.
Tough Solar. Power reserve approximately 5 months. Stainless steel and carbon reinforced resin (55.1mm x 51mm, 15.9mm thick). Water resistant to 20 bar. Price: 125,000 yen (excluding tax).
The new MTG-B2000 features the newly developed "Dual Core Guard Structure." It features a linear, metallic case design that's unusual for a G-SHOCK. The bracelet and module have also been tweaked, making it a significant evolution from previous models.
This time, we spoke to Kazuto Ushiyama, Chief Planner of the First Planning Office, Production Department, Development Promotion Division, Development Headquarters, and Takao Matsuda, Leader of the G Design Office, Design Development Division, Development Headquarters, about the secret behind the evolution of the MTG-B2000.
"Dual Core Guard Structure" combines two shock-resistant structures
The most notable feature of this model is the new shock-resistant "Dual Core Guard Structure" that combines two Core Guard structures, carbon and metal. This has made it possible to drastically revamp the design, resulting in a watch that stands out from the conventional MT-G.
The impetus for developing the MTG-B2000 was the "Carbon Core Guard Structure" first adopted in the "Gravitymaster GWR-B1000," which was still under development at the time. To reduce weight by eliminating the metal case back for the GWR-B1000, a monocoque case was developed that integrated the middle case and case back. Lightweight, high-strength carbon fiber reinforced resin was used. The Carbon Core Guard Structure protects the module (movement) from external impacts and enhances airtightness by encasing it in this carbon monocoque case.
Could this carbon core guard structure be incorporated into the MT-G's distinctive shock-resistant construction using metal parts? Development of the MTG-B2000 began in 2018 with the aim of creating a new shock-resistant structure. Unlike regular models, a pre-development period was undertaken to combine structure and design before work began on mass production.
Previous MT-G watches used a shock-resistant structure based on a hollow structure, which is the basis of G-SHOCK. The first MT-G, the MTG-S1000, incorporated a Core Guard Structure, in which the stainless steel bezel and case back are supported by four pillars and a resin inner case is housed within. The subsequent MTG-B1000 evolved this structure, connecting the bezel and case back with integrated lugs. It also adopted a New Core Guard Structure, which houses the inner case within a box-shaped frame. Furthermore, the B1000 uses carbon fiber reinforced resin for the inner case.
In contrast, the MTG-B2000 has a carbon monocoque case containing the module fitted into a stainless steel middle case, and the bezel is screwed to the middle case to secure the entire structure. By incorporating the Carbon Core Guard structure, the watch has moved away from the conventional structure in which the inner case was sandwiched between metal parts from above and below. This is the new "Metal Core Guard Structure." The middle case and bezel are now separate parts, and instead of a metal back cover, the carbon monocoque case is exposed.
As a result of this structural reform, the front and sides of the watch are now covered with metal parts. While this may give the impression that the case is heavy at first glance, the weight, size, and thickness of the watch itself are virtually the same as the previous model. The most challenging aspect of this model was fitting a completely different structure into the same size, while still achieving the MT-G collection's "Triple G Resist" standard. Triple G Resist provides three resistances: shock resistance, vibration resistance, and centrifugal force resistance. As with previous models, the silicone-based Alpha Gel is used as a shock-absorbing material inside the carbon monocoque case that houses the module to protect against vibration. Furthermore, to protect against centrifugal force, the watch is equipped with an automatic hand position correction function that allows immediate correction if the hands become misaligned.
To ensure shock resistance, the case needs to be lightweight. Using titanium would have made it easy to reduce weight, but that would not have differentiated it from the MR-G. It was necessary to maintain the distinction between titanium for the MR-G and stainless steel for the MT-G. The thinner the stainless steel middle case, the lighter it becomes, but if it is too thin, it will warp when subjected to impact. Ushiyama says that it was difficult to find the perfect thickness that would withstand impact but not be too heavy.
Case design that accentuates the metal exterior
The new Dual Core Guard structure has led to significant changes to the case design. The biggest evolution is the increased proportion of metal in the exterior. In previous models, plastic parts were sandwiched between metal parts, and the large plastic crown guard was visible on the case sides, but now the stainless steel middle case is completely covered by metal parts. As a result of the crown guard also being changed to stainless steel, almost all of the parts visible when wearing the watch are metal parts.
To highlight the texture of the metal, the bezel and middle case feature a linear design. The bezel in particular has been redesigned with a dodecagonal shape, which is a stark departure from the previous round design. The middle case is also polygonal to match the bezel, giving it a completely different impression from the round shape of previous models. "In fact, the same round bezel and case design as before was also considered," says Matsuda, leader of the G Design Department. However, this design was not chosen because it would have been too similar to the previous model, the MTG-B1000, which was still scheduled to be sold, and there was no way to differentiate it.
Furthermore, the bezel is now an independent part, making it possible to color the bezel alone. This broadens the range of expression without losing the metallic feel. With previous MT-G models, the bezel and the case-like part that serves as the seat for the screws were connected, so it was not possible to color just the bezel. Currently, there are three types available: Bordeaux IP bezel, blue IP bezel, and black IP bezel, but there is a high possibility that additional colors will be added. We look forward to future developments.
