If sat in a classroom, CASIO would be the quiet kid everyone likes. A darling of watch enthusiasts, the brand has established itself as a firm proponent of fuss-free and reliable watches that deliver more than their often humble prices would suggest. From the iconic F-91W (now a surprising favorite among Gen Zs) to the classic G-SHOCK 5600 and Frogman series, the watchmaker knows how to deliver a robust timepiece that just simply works.

So when the brand proposes a grandiose idea, say a $10,000 G-SHOCK timepiece that exudes both centuries-old artistry and technological prowess, it’s only prudent to pay attention.

It must be said that the idea of a premium, flagship line of G-SHOCK watches isn’t new. First introduced in 1996, the G-SHOCK MR-G line represents CASIO’s highest echelon of horological offerings. Originally made to appeal to adults seeking a fully metal and premium timepiece that still possessed that distinctive G-SHOCK charm and performance, the MR-G line has since evolved into a dynamic canvas used to flaunt the brand’s creativity, craftsmanship and material play.

Traditional Artistry

While the watchmaker has rolled out several upscale G-SHOCK lines, including the MT-G series, fans of the brand seeking to make their most grandiose desires tangible (the “MR” in MR-G stands for “majesty” and “reality”), will resonate most with the MR-G line. Produced in CASIO’s “mother” factory in Yamagata, the G-SHOCK MR-G watches are crafted exclusively in high-end metals and materials before being hand finished and decorated by master artisans.

G-SHOCK MRG-B2000KT-3A

It’s good news then that CASIO has released yet another exquisite addition for fans to admire. Rendered in multi-hued titanium, the 49.8mm MRG-B2000KT-3A isn’t shy about making its presence known. The watch’s substantial size and rugged styling may immediately draw the eye, but it is its bezel that commands attention.

Meticulously crafted limited-edition timepiece with engraved bezel featuring a phoenix in flight, an enduring icon of resilience and good fortune

Made from titanium that has undergone a deep-layer hardening process, the bezel is meticulously hand engraved by master metalsmith Kobayashi Masao. Using shishiai-bori, a traditional Japanese sunken-relief technique, Kobayashi carves each bezel entirely by hand using only a hammer and chisel. The result is a sculptural depiction of a phoenix in flight, defined by artful lines, deep relief and a distinctive rock-grain texture that offers the timepiece both visual intrigue and a sense of tactility.

Adorned in the gorgeous colors of the auspicious phoenix

The phoenix itself — an auspicious motif associated with good fortune, nobility, happiness and longevity — is split across the bezel, with its head and tail positioned on opposing sides. This ouroboric-like composition adds dynamism, creating a subtle sense of motion while drawing the eye towards the dial.

The bezel’s artisanal craft is further accentuated by its finish. Meant to evoke the iron handguards of traditional Japanese swords, the titanium bezel is treated with a deep green diamond-like carbon coating, allowing it to take on the unique blue-green hue of heated iron. And if that wasn’t enough, CASIO adds an extra flourish with four bezel screws, each set with emeralds.

The four bezel screws are set with emeralds, a symbol of wisdom and the power to see the truth

Robust and Ready2

In signature G-SHOCK fashion, the MRG-B2000KT-3A’s case is engineered to meet the fundamental demands of toughness: resistance to shock, vibration and the everyday knocks that define the brand’s DNA.

Like the bezel, the titanium case has undergone the same deep-layer hardening process, enhancing its surface strength and scratch resistance without compromising the metal’s lightweight quality. Adding further protection is the brand’s ingenious Clad Guard Structure, a specialized construction that reinforces the crown and pushers by integrating their guard components directly into the case architecture.

Clad Guard Structure

This approach, a staple of the MR-G line, disperses shock forces and protects the module from impacts transferred through these vulnerable points, ensuring both durability and operability in demanding conditions.

Of course, this being a flagship and limited edition MR-G timepiece, the case is imbued with more than just robust functionality. Sporting a crystalline texture reminiscent of those found on traditional Japanese blades, the pure titanium case has been carefully heated to give off a shimmery finish that catches the eye when hit by light.

Ultra-precision machining forges exquisite dial design

This texture, coupled with a warm coppery-brown hue achieved through advanced ion plating, results in a case that exudes old-world charm while being robust and lightweight.

It is this same philosophy that carries through to the dial. Despite a multitude of elements, from an arrow-fletching pattern across its surface to a red-to-orange gradated dial ring inspired by a phoenix’s plumage, the dial retains a pleasing legibility.

This, of course, is helped by the watch’s gently curved applied indexes that add depth and visual contrast as well as offset subdials that convey information without overwhelming the composition.

Functionally, the MRG-B2000KT-3A delivers everything expected of a flagship G-SHOCK. Alongside shock and magnetic resistance, the watch is water resistant to 200 meters, with solar power ensuring reliable, low-maintenance operation. Radio-controlled time calibration and Bluetooth connectivity enable automatic time adjustment, while features such as world time across 27 time zones, a stopwatch, countdown timer, daily alarm, and high-brightness LED illumination are all present and seamlessly integrated.

Limited to 800 pieces worldwide, the MRG-B2000KT-3A is a striking expression of CASIO’s craftsmanship and horological pedigree. And while the G-SHOCK name will always be synonymous with shock resistance, this latest MR-G shows that the line still packs plenty of surprises.

Tech Specs: G-SHOCK MRG-B2000KT-3A

Movement Solar quartz (Tough Solar); five months’ battery life on full charge (normal use) or up to 26 months (power-saving mode)
Functions Hours, minutes and seconds; dual time; Bluetooth smartphone link; Multiband 6 (radio controlled); world time (27 time zones); stopwatch (1-second); countdown timer; daily alarm; full auto-calendar; LED light
Case 54.7mm × 49.8mm × 16.9mm; titanium with deep-layer hardening and brown AIP (arc ion plating) coating; titanium bezel with green DLC coating, hand-engraved with phoenix motif (shishiai-bori technique); water resistant to 200m
Dial Feather-like pattern in line with phoenix theme; applied gold-tone hour markers
Strap Dark green Dura Soft rubber with titanium clasp, deep-layer hardened and brown AIP-coated
Price SGD 9,888
Availability Limited edition of 800 individually numbered pieces worldwide