The Low-Down

This is the first MT-G B2000 series G-Shock model to feature carbon fiber parts on the front exterior. The all-new MTGB2000YBD1 model replaces the metal frame with a laminated carbon frame for improved strength to weight ratio, all in a sleek, black case enhanced with bright red accents.

The MT-G G-Shock series is sometimes referred to as “grown up G-Shock.” It is moody and magnificent, and if “grown up” means developing a solid scratch-proof exterior, this new model has it in spades. With a monocoque inner case of carbon-reinforced resin set in a layered carbon frame, the watch is 77 percent lighter than one forged entirely from stainless steel and yet it’s still super resilient.

No less than 235 sheets of layered and machined carbon and glass fiber form the bezel frame at the sides of the watch. The top-layer carbon sheet wraps around the sides at 3, 6, 9 and 12 o’clock to envelope the watch in a shield of sheer carbon strength. Then tube-shaped carbon sheeting encircles the lugholes for enhanced durability. The layered-composite band, meanwhile, is made from both stainless steel and fine resin parts to deliver a better fit while still retaining the luxury aura of gleaming metal.

As you would expect from any G-Shock, the MT-GB2000YBD1 is packed with features designed to keep you bang on time anywhere in the world. These features include Tough Solar power, Triple G Resist (shock, centrifugal force, vibration), 200-meter water resistance, World Time, a full automatic calendar, multi-band 6 auto radio atomic time sync, Bluetooth smartphone link, dual time, one-second stopwatch (24 hours max), daily alarm and LED light.

G-Shocks fitted with advanced solar technology enable the watch to run literally on light, an environmentally-friendly alternative to using batteries, and with the ability to keep your watch going for as long as the sun continues to pour forth light upon the Earth. That’s estimated to be about another 5.5 billion years. Even if the watch sits in a drawer for 29 months, there is still a battery to keep it powered.

IMHO

If you love an imposing macho watch but don’t like the heft of solid stainless steel, the MTGB2000YBD1 takes up plenty of wrist real estate at 49.8mm wide by 15.9mm thick and 55.1mm lug to lug, and yet is light and easy to wear. For those concerned about how technically challenging and infuriating it may be to master four feature pushers on the watch, relax, it can all be controlled by a G-Shock smartphone app which communicates via Bluetooth. But being a “grown-up” G-Shock, you’d also have to expect a grown-up price.

Tech Specs

Size of case: 55.1×49.8×15.9mm
Total weight: 131g
Case/bezel material: Resin/Stainless steel, Solid Band, Layered Composite Band, One-touch 3-fold Clasp, Carbon Core Guard structure, Carbon monocoque case
Features: 200M Water Resistance, BLE (Bluetooth Low-Energy) Time Sync, LED (Super LED), World Time (27 TZ), Daily Alarm, 1 Sec. Stopwatch (24Hr)1 Sec Countdown Timer (24Hr), Full Auto Calendar
Price: USD 1,200