Casio Frogman Leaps into Luxury

G-Shock’s iconic dive watch gets a titanium makeover.

In a lineup filled with icons, G-Shock’s Frogman stands out, not only for its iconic design and branding, but also for its status as G-Shock’s lone ISO-certified dive watch. Indeed, ever since its introduction in 1993 with the DW-6300, the Frogman has been the standard bearer for the Master of G line of specialized G-Shocks, with many of the brand’s most famous and desirable limited editions and collaborations using it as their foundation.

For the majority of its three decades in G-Shock’s collection, the Frogman has been an unapologetically digital affair, which flew in the face of more traditional dive watches. To the consternation of some purists, this changed with the introduction of the GWF-A1000, which, for the first time, eschewed an LCD for an analog handset. Even so, notable features like a tide indicator, dual time, and a dedicated dive mode remained intact, if reimagined. And while more traditional Frogmen remain in the catalog, it’s clear that analog represents the future of the Frogman.

And so it is for 2023, with the 30th anniversary of this vaunted nameplate, that G-Shock sees fit to give the Frogman a proper materials upgrade in the form of the MRG-BF1000.

Casio G-Shock MRG-BF1000 “Frogman”
Casio G-Shock MRG-BF1000 “Frogman” (Image: Peter Tung)

The Essence of Excellence: Discover the G-Shock MRG-BF1000 Frogman’s Titanium Construction and Superior Finishing

If you noticed the “MR-G” featured prominently in the model name, full marks all around. The MR-G line, which rolls off Casio’s Premium Production Line at its Yamagata manufacture, has always stood at the absolute pinnacle of G-Shock’s collections, and for the MRG-BF1000 that means full titanium construction, sapphire crystals front and back, and a superlative level of finishing befitting an MR-G.

(It should be noted here that the MRG-BF1000 is not the first Frogman to wear the MR-G mantle. That distinction goes to the short-lived MRG-1100-2, which made its debut in 1999. Of course, as was the custom of the time, it was an all-digital affair, unlike the BF1000.)

Of course, simply crafting a titanium case does not a Frogman make, and so it is that over 70 parts are required to ensure that the MRG-BF1000 maintains its shock resistance and diving chops.

Casio G-Shock MRG-BF1000 “Frogman” (Image: Peter Tung)
Casio G-Shock MRG-BF1000 “Frogman” (Image: Peter Tung)
The MRG-BF1000 in full titanium construction with 70 plus exterior components that make up its complex structure include an O-ring waterproof sealing, sapphire crystal and screw-lock construction (Image: Peter Tung)
The MRG-BF1000 in full titanium construction with 70 plus exterior components that make up its complex structure include an O-ring waterproof sealing, sapphire crystal and screw-lock construction (Image: Peter Tung)

Beneath the hardened and DLC-coated titanium bezel is a special shock-absorbing fluoro-rubber compound that protects the screw-locked titanium inner case. The buttons and crown employ G-Shock’s Clad Guard Structure, which ensures absolute water resistance through the use of O-rings. (In a neat touch, G-Shock’s attention to detail is on display here in the form of a logo which is always horizontally aligned when the signed crown is screwed down.)

The bezel is divided into multiple parts, and a shock absorber is placed between the parts to create a bumper-like shock absorbing effect (Image: Peter Tung)
The bezel is divided into multiple parts, and a shock absorber is placed between the parts to create a bumper-like shock absorbing effect (Image: Peter Tung)

Around back, the screw-down caseback, also rendered in DLC-coated titanium, features a press-fit sapphire crystal which is engraved with a first-generation Frogman logo. The sapphire is rendered in a deep blue vapor deposition as a nod to the briny deep for which the watch is intended to explore.

Vibrant blue case back that has a press fit sapphire crystal insert with blue vapor deposition and engraved with the diving frog character from the first-generation of Casio G-SHOCK Frogman watches (Image: Peter Tung)
Vibrant blue case back that has a press fit sapphire crystal insert with blue vapor deposition and engraved with the diving frog character from the first-generation of Casio G-Shock Frogman watches (Image: Peter Tung)

Dive with Confidence: The Casio Frogman’s Advanced Dive Features and Quick-Release Straps

 

And explore it does, with a bevy of diving-specific features that make the MRG-BF1000 an ideal backup to a modern diving computer. First and foremost, there is the dive mode, which upon activation, uses individual step motors to move the hour hand and minute hand to the 12 o’clock position, from which point they will move in lockstep to measure bottom time. Current time will then be displayed in the generously proportioned subdial at seven o’clock. Surface interval time can also be measured, and the entire dive can then be transferred to a divelog on the CASIO Watches app on the user’s phone via Bluetooth. A tide graph at three o’clock indicates local diving conditions, and can be programmed to show tides at a number of major diving sites around the world.

In another first for the Frogman, the MRG-BF1000 features a push-button quick release for the straps, which are executed in supple and highly resistant Dura Soft fluoro-rubber. This allows for easy break down and cleaning after dives.

Durable fluro rubber strap that is interchangeable and has a Ti64 titanium alloy buckle and band loop (Image: Peter Tung)
Durable fluro rubber strap that is interchangeable and has a Ti64 titanium alloy buckle and band loop (Image: Peter Tung)

Casio MRG-BF1000: A Remarkable Dive Watch with Advanced Features and Connectivity

 

Of course, this being a G-Shock, traditional functionality such as a stopwatch, countdown timer, dual time and alarm are also present and accounted for. G-Shock’s Multi-Band 6 can pull in time signals from six atomic timekeeping stations, and “Tough Solar” solar power makes sure that you’re never low on juice for a dive. For night dives, there’s an LED Super Illuminator, and the hands and indexes are generously coated with Neobrite lume.

Thanks to the aforementioned Bluetooth connectivity, all of the MRG-BF1000’s myriad features and functionality can be easily programmed through the user’s phone, along with automatic time-syncing. What’s more, the dive log can also store photos from the dive sites, alongside a timeline display of dive date, time and number of dives.

Naturally, all of this goodness doesn’t come cheap, but considering the high degree of functionality, along with the superior materials and craftsmanship that the MR-G name implies, the MRG-BF1000’s list price of approximately USD 5,000 doesn’t seem unwarranted. That said, it may give prospective owners pause when they’re donning their wetsuits for fear of banging it up on the dive boat, but this would be a shame, as the MRG-BF1000 was designed for just that sort of use and abuse.

Regardless of how people put it to use, one thing is abundantly clear: The MRG-BF1000 is a fantastic 30th birthday present to the line and more than earns its status as an MR-G.

Casio G-Shock MRG-BF1000 “Frogman” (Image: Peter Tung)
Casio G-Shock MRG-BF1000 “Frogman” (Image: Peter Tung)

Tech Specs

Casio G-Shock MRG-BF1000 “Frogman”

Movement: Quartz module 5702; solar rechargeable battery
Functions: Tough Solar, Multi-Band 6, Bluetooth connectivity, tide indicator, dive time and surface interval measurement, dual time, stopwatch, countdown timer, daily alarm, and Super Illuminator
Case: 56.7mm × 51.7mm; titanium, sapphire crystal caseback with blue vapor deposition and engraved with “Frogman” diving frog character; ISO 200-meter water resistant
Dial: Black with analog time display; luminescent hour markers coated in Neobrite
Strap: Black Dura Soft fluoro-rubber; Ti64 titanium alloy loop and buckle
Price: USD 5,000

Find out more about the G-Shock MRG-BF1000 here.

MORE STORIES ABOUT G-SHOCK

G-SHOCK’s 40-year journey: Kikuo Ibe reflects on dreams and the future
Dec 29, 2023
G-Shock’s Style Meets Indestructibility
Dec 1, 2023
Casio G-SHOCK and UNDEFEATED Drop New Limited-Edition Anniversary Watch
Aug 17, 2023
G-Shock MR-G Frogman MRG-BF1000E “Double Anniversary”
Revo Reviews: The Casio G-SHOCK MR-G Frogman MRG-BF1000E-1A9 “Double Anniversary”
Aug 1, 2023
Casio MTG-B3000PRB-1A
Introducing the Casio MTG-B3000PRB-1A
Jun 23, 2023

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

2 comments

  1. Danny says:
    Super frogman

    I’m one of the few crazy people that will buy one. It rewards the more you wear it. Such as the subtle glitter in the sand blasted dial. It will be for the frogman enthusiasts though. It has a wrist presence and architecture unlike any other watch at that price. The titanium polishing is next level. Superb. Unique.

  2. Claudio Pacciarini says:
    Gorgeous watch

    I’ve been waiting for a MR-G with domed sapphire crystal and good legibility for years. This is it. One of the most , if not the most beautiful MR-G to date. Me too will be one of the few crazy ones to purchase this gem. Love it.

return-to-top__image
Back to Top