First, a bit of history…
Back in 1999, the MT-G, or “Metal-Twisted G-Shock”, was introduced as an intermediate step between G-Shock’s core collection and the ultra premium MR-G collection. While it didn’t quite shoot for the stars with, say, hardened titanium cases – MT-G’s are stainless steel with fine resin – it also didn’t come with the commensurate price tag. Even so, it was still clearly positioned as a premium offering, which meant that it came equipped with most of G-Shock’s top-of-the-line goodness baked right in. Today means sapphire crystals, Sallaz-polished stainless steel, multi-stepped motors for the handsets, Bluetooth connectivity, Solar power, and Multi-band 6 atomic radio syncing. As with its upmarket stablemate,the MR-G, the MT-G is assembled on Casio’s vaunted Premium Production Line at their Yamagata manufacture, which means that it benefits from the same hands-on attention and TLC.
Thin is in
Of course, the big story here is the MTG-B3000’s newly svelte figure, which makes it more comfortable on the wrist and finally allows it to fit under the cuff, which has to be a first for this collection. That it retains all of the functionality and durability of its predecessor is an achievement unto itself and a testament to G-Shock’s relentless research and development department, which seemingly never takes a day off.
G-Shock has achieved this remarkable new form factor through the implementation of what they refer to as “high- density mounting technology”, which maximizes the use of space on the movement module. When coupled with a newly refined Dual Core Guard carbon-fiber reinforced inner case, you now have one of the most comfortable and wearable G-Shocks in existence.
To be called an MT-G does require a few things, not least of which is its case finishing. To this end the MT-G’s trademark Sallaz-polished stainless-steel elements are still present and accounted for, though now they effectively sandwich the Dual Core Guard inner case in conjunction with an intricately raised 3D caseback that extends upwards to interlock with the top bezel. Together this novel case design effectively protects the crown and pushers as well as acting as a foundation for the lugs.
Of course, all of the above is for naught if the watch can’t survive a hard knock or two, and in this regard the MTG-B3000 comes through in spades. Remember, this is an entirely analog timepiece, which means that unlike solid-state digital watches, the MT-G’s handsets have the potential to be more vulnerable to abuse. Naturally, G-Shock has this covered. In spite of its slimmed-down profile, the MTG-B3000 remains “Triple-G Resist” rated, which means that it has been thoroughly tested for resistance to shocks, vibrations, and centrifugal forces.
As for functionality, the analog MTG-B3000 packs in a stopwatch, countdown timer, world time (300+ cities), and an alarm, with all its functions adjustable via Bluetooth through a proprietary companion Casio Watches app that supports both iOS and Android. The hands and indexes are coated in Neobrite, and if that’s not enough there’s also a Super Illuminator LED that’s almost bright enough to act as a flashlight in a pinch.
The MTG-B3000 is available in three colorways: monotone black and gray, gray with red IP, and black with green IP, though if past history is anything to go by we can expect some rather stunning limited editions to be following shortly. A supple rubber strap is standard, but a composite stainless steel and fine resin bracelet is also available. Thanks to an innovative quick-release system, the two are easily swapped out.
With the MTG-B3000, G-Shock has taken everything there is to love about the MT-G and refined and pared it down to create the most special MT-G yet. At once beautiful and even brutal, its lines are unmistakably G-Shock. Yet now, thanks to its newly acquired slimness, it’s finally at home on wrists of all sizes.
For more information visit the G-Shock MTGB3000 website.
