Tag Archives: Casio

G-Shock Creates Their Latest MRG-B2000SG With Traditional Samurai Crafts

Celebrating G-Shock’s deep connection with Japanese culture, Casio turned to the country’s history, more than 400 years in the past, resurrecting the soul of the Samurai to influence the creation of the brand new MRGB2000SG. This fantastic watch was designed alongside the creation of the Shougeki-Maru: Gai, a unique kabuto helmet made by two of Japan’s nationally acclaimed artisans – Kobayashi Masao and Suzukine Yuzan – especially to celebrate the MR-G series.

Transferring all the intricacies of the helmet onto the watch was no easy feat. However, Casio managed to accomplish this through a number of highly unique design characteristics. The first and most discernible of which is the outer bezel of the watch. Here, the master metalsmith, Kobayashi Masao, chiselled indentations onto the metal bezel, creating a unique rock-grain relief pattern. Additionally, the ferocious tiger found on the maedate crest on the helmet is also hand-engraved onto the bezel.

The case of this extravagant watch is crafted using ionised titanium making the watch incredibly light despite its size. Additionally, the case is also finished with a deep-layer hardening process which increases its scratch resistance while also revealing a unique crystalline pattern that encapsulates the entirety of the watch. The white Dura Soft band was chosen to reflect the white ito odoshi (overlaying plates of armour bound together with white string) of the Shougeki-Maru: Gai. This strap, made with soft fluor rubber is flexible on the wrist and has excellent durability and stain resistance.

The MRG-B2000SG also represents a confluence where craftsmanship meets technology. Despite all the oldworld techniques utilised on its exterior, the internal electronic movement of the watch offers a host of new-world technologies. First, the watch is powered by the sun, through Casio’s Tough Solar system. Then, the watch is also capable of calibrating its timekeeping in a myriad of ways. It receives radio signals periodically throughout the day to synchronise the time and also it can be adjusted through a Bluetooth connection with a smartphone. In terms of functionality, the watch offers a dualtime configuration with the ability to adjust for 27 different time zones and for those who might travel to seasonal countries, it can even automatically adjust for daylight savings time.

The MRG-B2000SG is a limited edition of only 700 pieces worldwide, with only five units in Malaysia. It is available at the G-Shock stores in Lalaport and IOI City Mall Putrajaya at a retail price of MYR 30,995.

Baselworld 2019: The Casio Carbon Core Guard novelties

Casio raises the bar

When the going gets tough, the tough get going – the recurrent theme that chimes in with Casio’s perpetual mission. This year’s Baselworld saw Casio raise the bar for its trajectory of material development, evolving from resin to metal and now, carbon, hailed as “The Third Toughness”.

It was in 1983 that Casio introduced G-Shock, which developer Kikuo Ibe had dreamed of in “creating a watch that never breaks.” Embodying toughness in addition to resistance against electric shock, gravity, low temperature, vibration, water and shock, it rose to become a universal favourite. The timepiece resonated among different generations, classes and ethnicities everywhere being durable and affordable. On top of that, it was also accurate, functional, and packed with Casio innovations and technologies that protect the internal components and suspended timekeeping modules within from being adversely affected by direct shock.

Significantly, its 36-year journey – G-Shock celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2018 – truly showcases the evolution of materials. From the first material of resin used for G-Shock’s inaugural square-case 1DW-5000C-1A in 1983, with a resin surface offering superior shock absorbency, to the utilisation of metal as the second material starting with the stainless steel MRG-100-1 in 1996 and running the whole gamut that includes titanium and Cobarion, G-Shock now lifts the veil on its third material – carbon.

The carbon fibre-fortified novelties

Tough yet lightweight, G-Shock’s latest novelties feature a carbon fibre-reinforced resin case that forms the shock-resistant structure’s core – Casio has christened this technology “Carbon Core Guard.” Used in everyday objects like golf clubs and bicycle frames to cutting-edge ones such as racing cars, aircraft and rockets, carbon is deemed perfect for the requirements of G-Shock according to Takehiro Deguchi from Casio Computer Co.’s Strategic Marketing Department (Planning Section 1). It is a durable material like metal while boasting the design flexibility of resin. Essentially, it is multiple times harder, stronger and lighter than iron, besides being resistant against temperature, ageing and deformation, he added.

Casio’s forte is always to equip its watches with high utility and technology quotients that match their design. The latest G-Shock watches are powered by a plethora of technological features such as watch functions on a smartphone app; solar-powered systems for acquiring time data with Bluetooth, which include radio-controlled and GPS-controlled functions, and smartphone link functions with automatic time adjustment, world time for over 300 cities, stopwatch, alarm setting and phone finder; LED lighting and more.

Ushering in a new era for Casio, these Carbon Core Guard-fortified novelties are absolute and distinct statements of timekeeping in and of themselves, as well as a notable affirmation of G-Shock’s next level of toughness.

 

GG-B100 MUDMASTER

The timepiece’s Carbon Core Guard construction is defined by a new, highly shock-resistant case structure integrated with carbon fibre. Its exterior design leverages carbon’s toughness and lightness for a new structure of buttons that resists shock, and also a triple-layered carbon sheet-inserted bezel. After undergoing stringent tests including one involving ash from Mount Fuji, the watch is certified dust and mud-resistant. This watch is ideal for the outdoors and adventurous lifestyles as it withstands the punishing elements found in harsh environments. It is fitted with miniature sensors to measure altitude and atmospheric pressure; an accelerometer to count steps; a thermometer; mission log function; calorimeter; location indicator; thermometer and other useful functions geared towards those with an inclination for exploration.

 

GST-B200 G-STEEL

Also strengthened by a Carbon Core Guard structure, this watch testifies of how carbon is integral to a downsized case. The reason being since carbon is stronger than resin or iron, thickness can be reduced without compromising on toughness. This model features a larger face with more compact proportions – a dial measuring 2.8mm in diameter with a decrease of 2.6mm in overall size – compared to the previous G-Steel. Paired with a stainless steel bezel, this G-Shock is imbued with a sleek and stylish effect. Similar to the Mudmaster, it also features shock-resistant buttons.

 

MTG-B1000RB MT-G 20TH ANNIVERSARY

This striking watch with a rainbow IP bezel echoing a lunar rainbow formed by the light of the moon. Commemorating the 20th year after the creation of the MT-G range, each limited edition piece has unique colour gradations and together with the vibrant dial design, the timepiece emanates an otherworldly vibe with scifi undertones. Its Carbon Core Guard connection comes in the form of a box-shaped frame held by screws to link the bezel, case back and band with a carbon fibre-reinforced resin case.

 

GWR-B1000 GRAVITYMASTER

This aviation concept model’s shock-resistant carbon monocoque case seals the case and back cover for airtightness. With this, the module is protected from impact, centrifugal and vibration forces due to gravitational acceleration. Together with titanium push buttons, carbon is used for the bezel and band resulting in a lighter and stronger watch – weighing merely 72g – that is further enhanced with resistance against damage and rust. A boost to comfort, the carbon fibre insert band is moulded into urethane resin to resist cut and tear. The limited-edition watch features a stopwatch with flyback function.

 

MRG-G2000GA GASSAN

Though not of Carbon Core Guard construction, this limited edition follow-up in the G- Shock MR-G line deserves a special mention. Reflecting the traditions and beauty of Japanese craftsmanship, the model is distinguished for its “yasuri-me” (rasp mark) hand-finished bracelet by Japanese swordsmith Sadanobu Gassan, and a mirror-finish Cobarion bezel. Its recrystallised titanium case parallels the “nie” (iron particles) of a Japanese tempered blade. The colour purple pays homage to the Japanese “koki-murasaki” (deep violet) hue of heated and hardened steel. On the band’s second central link is an inscription of the first character of the motto of the Gassan family, depicting the artful fusion of Japan’s time-honoured skills with Casio’s modern technologies.

By Tan Siok Hoon

 

Casio designs 18k gold G-SHOCK watch

This is not your ordinary Casio watch. This is the G-D5000-9JR, an 18-karat yellow gold piece was revealed by Casio to celebrate their 35th anniversary of the iconic digital watch. The Japanese brand introduced the most expensive watch to date and only 35 pieces will be made available.

Casio reveals $70,000 G-SHOCK for its 35th anniversary

The G-D5000-9JR will be featuring its impact- resistant square case, brand and screws all made entirely of 18K yellow gold with a black LCD case – outrageously luxurious. As with all G-SHOCK, the G-D5000-9JR adopts the original G-SHOCK square case and is packed with Casio technology and function. This timepiece includes a split-second time correction owning to radio waves from six stations across the globe. This ultimate edition of G-SHOCK is powered via Casio’s trademarked Tough Solar charging system and boasts the same shock-resistant double-case construction.

It is no surprise that many would see G-SHOCK as a reasonably-priced watch option, typically retailing over a few hundred dollars or less. The concept model was presented at BASELWORLD, the world’s largest watch and jewellery fair held in Basel, Switzerland in 2015. Though many requested sales, Casio did not carry out the product evaluation as it was only a concept model. It was only made possible to sell once Casio developed for commercialization as “Dream Project” and cleared product evaluations and made it possible to sell. The 18K G-D5000-9JR is a rare release by Casio and is set to retail for approximately $69,500 (7.7m yen), excluding taxes.

Those interested can make reservations for the watch can be made at selected G-shock boutiques in Japan starting May 15, 2019, which the watch will later be shipped in December.