The Low-Down

For 2021, not only has G-SHOCK updated the MT-G line with new styling, but in keeping with what is now somewhat of a tradition, they’ve also launched the Blue Phoenix to celebrate the mythical fowl which represents immortality and rebirth in Japanese culture. Mind you, this isn’t the first time that G-SHOCK has gone crazy with the plumage on a metal-cased watch. In fact, the first to sport such fancy feathers was a limited edition from the previous generation, the MTG-B1000RB “Lunar Rainbow”, which was released in 2019 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the MT-G collection. This watch stunned onlookers with its rainbow ion plated bezel treatment, which went from purple to green and back to purple, with blue end links and a veritable rainbow of hands under the sapphire crystal.

IMHO

As with its predecessor, the Blue Phoenix also undergoes a rainbow IP surface treatment which blends blue with flame orange and hints of purple. Due to the nature of the coating, each watch in the series is slightly different, which adds to the uniqueness of this piece. The heavy-duty rubber band also gets the Blue Phoenix treatment – though it may seem a solid navy blue in photos, in fact it’s translucent, which creates a rather cool effect in sunlight.

Of course, under all the visual razzmatazz lurks just about all the technology that G-SHOCK could throw in, barring, it seems, only the kitchen sink. Solar charging? Check. Multiband 6 atomic radio signal syncing? Check. Bluetooth connection to G-SHOCK’s mobile app (iOS and Android)? Check. And, of course, it sports dual time, a stopwatch, countdown timer, and an alarm, which is no mean feat given that this G-SHOCK is 100 percent analog. Don’t fret, though, as it’s still as tough as they come with their “Triple-G Resist” rating, which means that it’s been thoroughly tested for resistance to shocks, vibration, and centrifugal forces. This mission is aided in part by its Dual Core Guard construction, which is comprised of an inner case of resilient carbon fiber-reinforced resin capped with a stainless steel outer case and bezel.

Size-wise it’s a G-SHOCK through and through, which means that it’s probably not the best choice if you’re looking for something to slip discreetly under the cuff of your tuxedo. That said, in spite of its imposing dimensions – 51mm x 16mm – it wears quite comfortably, even on smaller wrists.

If past history is anything to go by, the Blue Phoenix will soon pass back into myth, only to be reborn on the secondary market, and at rather lofty prices. So, if this particular bird of paradise tickles your fancy, it’s best to cast your net now, lest it escape your grasp forever.

Tech Specs

Movement: A quartz movement module assembled by Casio that features a dual-coil motor capable of high-speed hand movement
Dial & Case: Dark Blue; monocoque carbon infused resin case with a steel cargo frame and steel bezel
Functions: Tough Solar, LED light (Super Illuminator) Afterglow, time calibration signal reception, mobile link (wireless linking using Bluetooth®), the auto hand home position correction, hand shift feature, Dual time – 27 time zones, stopwatch, countdown timer, daily alarm, Power Saving, full auto-calendar to year 2099, date display, day indicator, regular timekeeping
Strap: Navy blue integrated resin strap
Price: SGD 1,659 / USD 1,100
Available to buy now: g-shock.sg