TOKYO — Casio Computer Co., Ltd. is expanding the flagship end of its G-SHOCK lineup with the launch of a new MR-G timepiece that blends traditional Japanese craftsmanship with advanced watchmaking technology, the company announced Thursday.
The new model, the MRG-B2100D, introduces a three-dimensional latticework dial inspired by kigumi, a centuries-old Japanese woodworking technique that relies on intricate joinery rather than nails or metal fasteners. The dial is finished in hanada-iro, a deep, dignified shade of blue historically associated with Japanese art and textiles.
The release underscores Casio’s broader corporate philosophy, which the company describes as being driven by its purpose: “Through the power to put wonder at hand, bring new levels of joy to lives one by one.” That vision, Casio says, is embodied in the MR-G line, which represents the highest tier of the G-SHOCK brand and is intended to merge the Japanese spirit of master craftsmanship with cutting-edge engineering.
As part of the MR-G family, the MRG-B2100D maintains the shock resistance for which G-SHOCK watches are known, while emphasizing refined aesthetics and premium construction. The latticework dial is designed to evoke the functional beauty of kigumi, translating an architectural technique traditionally used in wooden structures into a metal form suitable for a luxury sports watch.
According to Casio, the dial’s visual concept draws inspiration from a national treasure five-story pagoda seen through drifting morning mist in Yamagata Prefecture, the region where MR-G watches are manufactured. The hanada-iro blue surface subtly shifts in tone depending on lighting conditions and viewing angle, reflecting the transition from dawn to morning and lending the watch a dynamic appearance throughout the day.
The dial itself features elaborate geometric patterns formed by wave-like ridges and fine perforations. These tiny openings are not purely decorative. Casio says the gaps allow light from sunlight or indoor sources to pass through the dial, generating sufficient power to drive the watch’s internal systems. This approach aligns with the brand’s longstanding focus on durability and practicality, even in its most premium offerings.
Beyond the dial, the MRG-B2100D showcases a complex case construction. The case and bezel are made up of 27 individual components, each of which is polished separately before being assembled with high precision. This process allows Casio to achieve sharp surfaces and contrasting finishes that would be difficult to realize with a single-piece design.
The emphasis on meticulous finishing reflects the MR-G line’s role as a showcase for what Casio considers its highest level of manufacturing expertise. Traditional Japanese craftsmanship techniques are applied alongside modern production methods, reinforcing the brand’s effort to position MR-G watches as both technologically advanced instruments and expressions of cultural heritage.
While Casio did not disclose pricing or availability details in its announcement, MR-G models are typically positioned at the top end of the G-SHOCK portfolio and target consumers seeking luxury sports watches with a distinctive design identity. The incorporation of kigumi-inspired elements and hanada-iro colouring further differentiates the MRG-B2100D in a competitive global watch market where storytelling and craftsmanship play an increasingly important role.
With this release, Casio continues to leverage its Japanese roots as a source of design inspiration, translating traditional forms and techniques into contemporary products. The MRG-B2100D stands as a statement piece within the G-SHOCK universe, combining cultural symbolism, precision engineering, and the rugged performance standards that have defined the brand for decades.
