In this series, the editorial staff of Chronos Japan give their impressions and discuss popular models. This time, the four editors - Editor-in-Chief Masamasa Hirota, Deputy Editor-in-Chief Yukiya Suzuki, "Hosoyan" (aka Yuto Hosoda), and newcomer Yasunori Doi - will freely review two G-SHOCK "MRG-B5000" models.
Text by Yoshiko Agata
Article published on December 5, 2022
The original DW-5000C, also known as the Origin, is now fully metal in the MR-G, the top-of-the-line G-SHOCK series. The 25 parts that make up the case have been polished to enhance the texture while maintaining the same level of shock resistance. Both the case and bracelet are satin-finished and hardened with titanium carbide. This watch contrasts beautifully with the brilliance of the Cobalion on top of the bezel. Tough Solar. Ti x Cobalion + Titanium Carbide (49.4mm x 43.2mm, 12.9mm thick). Water resistant to 20 bar. Priced at 396,000 yen (tax included).
A square model has been added to the MR-G series
Hosoda
The MR-G, G-SHOCK's top-of-the-line series, has finally released a titanium square model! Yukiya and Doi wore the black, while Hakase and I wore the silver. The price is also quite high, but what did you all think when you tried them on? Do you think they're worth over 40 yen?
Hirota
I thought it was good.
(I.e.
To be honest, I didn't really understand it (laughs), but I can use it normally so I have no complaints.
HosodaThe design is based on the original G-SHOCK, but the case is made up of 25 parts.
(I.e.Does it make sense when you wear it?
HosodaNo (laughs). They disassembled the parts for polishing. That's because with traditional one-piece molding, there are always parts that can't be polished. They took the head parts, which were originally one piece, apart one by one, and selected the parts that could be polished and the parts that could be reassembled, settling on 25 parts.
The materials are also elaborate, with the case and bezel made of 64 titanium, the bracelet made of the titanium alloy DAT55G, and the bezel top made of Cobalion, a cobalt-chrome alloy said to have a shine comparable to that of platinum.
HirotaWhat's interesting about the silver version is that it emphasizes the grain and makes the Cobalion polish on the bezel stand out. This part feels clearly different from regular full metal watches.
(I.e.That's really cool. The black version is polished all over and has DLC processing, so the details are hard to see. The silver version definitely conveys the maker's passion for making the parts smaller so they can be polished, and I think you'll be more satisfied when you see the details. The silver version also has a more natural feel to it.
Doi
I agree, but I also think the black version looks cool. The gold screws on the black version add a nice visual accent.
HosodaSince the origin is black, the developers seem to be pushing for black.
For this test, I also wore the MRG-B5000B with black DLC treatment. This is the "ultimate Origin" watch, incorporating the Origin concept into the MR-G, including the color. Tough Solar. Ti x Cobalion + DLC (49.4mm x 43.2mm, 12.9mm thick). Water resistant to 20 bar. Price: 462,000 yen (tax included).
(I.e.However, although I said I didn't understand it before, I think that when you learn about the process and knowledge behind making this kind of thing after buying it, you gain a new perspective and the satisfaction lasts longer. You can enjoy it more by learning more about it, so I think it's worth the price in that respect.
HirotaIt's clearly better made than a regular G-SHOCK.
(I.e.The figures are different (laughs).
HosodaTo be honest, regular full metal watches are so well-made that no matter how well-made this model was, I was skeptical that the manufacturer's argument that "we've put in this much effort to polish it, so please pay this much" would be conveyed to consumers.
However, when I actually bought it, it sold surprisingly well. So, to me, it really brought home to me that the Japanese watch market is quite mature, given that this watch has such strong support.
The appeal is that even scratches can be used to add character
HosodaI looked up people's opinions about this model online, and while some people praised the high level of polish, others were hesitant to use something so polished as a G-SHOCK and risk damaging it.
HirotaI guess that's why they applied the coating. The silver is also hardened with titanium carbide.
HosodaCasio clearly states that because the titanium is coated, it cannot be re-polished. For those who are concerned about this, I think it will be difficult.
HirotaI would like people to use it in the same way that Audemars Piguet's Royal Oak looks cool when used in its most serious form.
(I.e.Even if you use it a lot and it gets scratched, I think it will add to the unique charm of metal. That's kind of cool. I think that's acceptable because it's a luxury watch. It's not disposable. I think you can use it like a luxury watch in the sense that it tells the history of the watch.
DoiEven if it can't be polished back up, it's fine if the user thinks the scratches look cool.
HirotaAlso, what I personally think is great is that the clearances between the parts aren't too tight. Of course they are tight, but the fact that they are open in the places where there is room gives it a G-SHOCK feel, which I think is great.
(I.e.If it's too tight, the impact is more likely to be transmitted.
HirotaYes, it has a structure similar to marquetry, so if the clearance is too small it will fall apart upon impact. I guess they must have some know-how in that area. It's well thought out.
