While retaining the shock resistance characteristic of G-SHOCK, the MR-G model features a full metal case and band. Born as the "next G-SHOCK" for the generation that experienced the boom of the 1990s, the MR-G has since evolved in both appearance and functionality to become a top-of-the-line model, captivating even luxury watch enthusiasts. The latest model is the "MRG-B2000B." Not only does it emphasize the armor-like image that the MR-G has been promoting in recent years, but it also sports a new color, "kachiiro," a traditional Japanese color, creating a brave appearance befitting the top-of-the-line G-SHOCK.
Interview and text by Yuzo Takeishi
The toughness of the MR-G conveys the warrior's spirit of risking his life to win
The MRG-G1000B-1A4JR, released in 2017, more strongly emphasizes this design theme. Named "Akazonae" (Red Armor), this model was inspired by the Akazonae (Red Army) troops, which were organized from the Sengoku period through the Edo period and whose military equipment was uniformly painted red. Red, which has long been a symbol of strength, is expressed in the traditional Japanese color of crimson. G-SHOCK's greatest characteristic, toughness, is emphasized not only through the materials and structure, but also through the color. Its majestic look caught the eye of G-SHOCK fans and mechanical watch enthusiasts alike, and it sold well despite being a more expensive line within the G-SHOCK lineup.
The next new model is the "MRG-B2000B." It's a counterpart to the "Aka-migi" (red armor) model, incorporating the traditional Japanese color "kachi-iro," a deep indigo blue even darker than navy blue, into its design. Originally, kachi-iro was written as "brown" or "mashed color" and used on costumes, becoming popular among warriors during the Heian period. As the Sengoku period began, samurai reportedly adopted it as "kachi-iro" (winning color) and began using it on their armor as a good luck charm. Even after the end of the samurai era and the Meiji period, kachi-iro continued to be used on military uniforms, and it's still fresh in our memory that it was recently adopted for the Japan national soccer team uniform. Just as it was for warriors during the Sengoku period, it remains a popular color today as a morale-booster.
The "Victory Color" model, born four years after the announcement of the "Red Army," was based on the "MRG-B2000" and "MRG-B1000." The project began with the aim of incorporating the Bluetooth-equipped radio-controlled solar movement found in these two models, creating a watch that would be different from the "Red Army" in both color and function. However, it seems that the work that took up the majority of the time during the production period was solidifying the concept.
The red armor worn by Takeda Shingen, Sanada Yukimura, and Ii Naomasa was historically famous, so it was easy to imagine a design for it, but the armor worn by victory color was so widespread that it was difficult to find an image to serve as inspiration. Casio then conducted extensive research with many experts, and as a result, they decided to use the armor worn by many warlords, including Date Masamune, as an image source for the design concept.
(Bottom) The MRG-B2000R-1AJR, which uses recrystallized titanium for the bezel, comes with a Bishamon tortoiseshell pattern on the band, further enhancing its Japanese atmosphere.
However, the actual color of Kachiiro is so deep that it is indistinguishable from black. Therefore, the MRG-B2000B emphasizes the blue color to make it stand out in the design. Furthermore, since many armors made with Kachiiro effectively use gold, accents evocative of this are used on the indexes, crown, screws, and more. In this way, a watch with a brave appearance has been created that evokes the spirit of the samurai who risked their lives to win in the Warring States period.
