G-Shock Unveils The MR-G Gassan MRGB2000GA-1A 40th Anniversary Watch

roadwarrior

Grand Tyme Master
Founding Member
Joined
Jul 17, 2014
Messages
64,651
Bzs2nOJ.jpg


G-Shock Unveils The MR-G Gassan MRGB2000GA-1A 40th Anniversary Watch

November 3, 2022 by Ripley Sellers

NkGoKg9.jpg


To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the G-Shock collection, Casio has created a new and ultra-exclusive addition to its flagship MR-G lineup that is produced in collaboration with the famous Japanese swordsmith Sadanobu Gassan. Building upon the premium MRG-B2000 series, the new G-Shock MR-G Gassan MRGB2000GA-1A 40th Anniversary watch combines the brand’s highly durable, feature-packed sports model with unique materials and finishing techniques that are characteristic of traditional Japanese sword-making. Born in the Nara Prefecture in 1979, Sadatoshi Gassan represents the sixth generation of the famous Gassan family of swordsmiths, and he brings his knowledge of traditional craftsmanship techniques to the high-tech world of Casio to create a striking limited-edition model that represents the very finest that G-Shock has to offer.

EDqjD1V.jpg


Crafted entirely from titanium, the G-Shock MR-G Gassan MRGB2000GA-1A 40th Anniversary Edition measures 49.8mm wide by 54.7 lug-to-lug, with an overall thickness of 16.9mm. While these dimensions categorically make it a rather large watch, you can almost guarantee that just like most G-Shock models, the actual on-wrist experience will be far more manageable than the on-paper specs might initially make it appear. While the watch itself is made entirely from titanium, the MR-G Gassan MRGB2000GA-1A features multiple different types of titanium throughout its case and bracelet components. While the solid-link band is made from a fairly standard titanium alloy, the center links feature traditional Gassan “yasuri-me” rasp marks and characters individually applied by Sadanobu Gassan himself, which make each watch slightly unique and give them a distinct handcrafted quality. Meanwhile, the case of the watch is crafted from deep-layer hardened recrystallized titanium, and the bezel has been produced using a unique additive 3D modeling technique using laser-melted Ti64 titanium powder built into a wave-like shape and then fused with pure titanium to recreate the Gassan family’s signature rolling wave “ayasugi-hada” pattern that appears throughout the material of the bezel.

RxGHivT.jpg


0bsKQuz.jpg


Both the bezel of the watch and its bracelet have been treated with a blue/gray AIP (arc ion plating) process that offers DLC levels of hardness and abrasion resistance, while the blue/gray hue of the finish itself is meant to evoke the blue-tinged ferrous coloration of finely crafted traditional swords. Three push buttons located on the side of the case and a gold IP screw-lock crown offer access to the internal module that powers the watch, while the bezel secures to the middle case with four visible screws on its top surface. As this is an MR-G model and one of the most premium G-Shock watches available, a sapphire crystal with a glare-resistant coating protects the dial side, while a solid screw-on titanium caseback helps provide the MR-G Gassan Edition with the G-Shock collection’s signature 200 meters of water resistance. Lastly, located on the side of the case right around the 10 o’clock position is a small metal plate with a small engraving celebrating the G-Shock’s 40th anniversary.

PDbPdEf.jpg


05ESwM9.jpg


Despite offering advanced multifunction quartz watch features, the G-Shock MR-G Gassan MRGB2000GA-1A 40th Anniversary Edition features a completely analog display for a more refined and elevated aesthetic. While the case is the real star of the show on this model, the dial also offers plenty of visual intrigue and continues the same gray, blue, and gold color profile found throughout the case of the watch. A trio of centrally mounted hands displays the time in the standard default mode, while a date window sits at the 4:30 location, and the day of the week is displayed by the register at 3 o’clock. A 24-hour representation of the time appears at the 10 o’clock position, while a secondary time zone display with its own AM/PM indicator appears below it around the 7 and 8 o’clock locations. With that in mind, the G-Shock MR-G Gassan MRGB2000GA-1A offers a wealth of functionality, and some of the hands can perform additional tasks, simply depending on the mode of the watch. The dial largely features a dark gray color with a subtle pattern that mirrors the etching on the center links of the bracelet, while bright pops of gold and silver evoke the image of steel blades and brass guards, further playing into the watch’s sword-inspired overall aesthetic.

hQXqFj4.jpg


As part of G-Shock’s top-of-the-line range of models, the MR-G Gassan MRGB2000GA-1A is powered by one of the most advanced internal movements that the brand has to offer. Officially known as Module No. 5625, the solar-powered movement offers radio-controlled timekeeping, a dual time zone display with home city time-swapping and daylight savings settings, a stopwatch, countdown timer, multi-function alarm, LED backlight, automatic hand alignment correction, and a fully automatic calendar, plus Bluetooth connectivity to your smartphone via the Casio G-Shock app. While it offers access to all of this functionality through an entirely analog display, the number of features that it offers rivals the specs of even some of the most advanced digital timepieces. Casio’s G-Shock watches are supposed to be inherently modern creations that are capable of doing things that are simply not possible with traditional mechanical movements, yet it’s still nice to see the brand offer certain premium models with entirely analog displays for those who what the G-Shock’s legendary functionality in a slightly more refined overall package.

jnb2xRF.jpg


GZaW7U2.jpg


You will see G-Shock watches on the wrists of people who have virtually no interest in timepieces, yet the brand is also a favorite among seasoned collectors who own multiple different watches that each cost thousands of dollars. Part of this is due to the fact that a highly-durable and feature-packed wristwatch is simply a very practical item to own and wear, yet an equally important part of the G-Shock widespread popularity is the incredibly diverse range of price points that are covered by the brand’s greater catalog. G-Shock’s most affordable models start out at under $100, yet on the opposite side of the spectrum, you have watches like this MR-G Gassan MRGB2000GA-1A 40th, which is accompanied by an official retail price of $8,000 USD with production limited to just 500 pieces worldwide. One way of looking at this incredibly wide range of prices is that the new MR-G Gassan costs about 100 times more than an entry-level G-Shock. However, the other way of looking at it is that you are getting the very best that Casio and G-Shock have to offer, along with unique high-tech materials and components that are hand-finished by one of the most famous swordsmiths in the world, all for roughly the same price as a standard stainless steel sports model produced by some of the big-name luxury brands within the Swiss luxury watch industry. For more information, please visit the brand’s website.

1U4r1S1.jpg


Swordsmith Sadanobu Gassan​

Born in Nara Prefecture in 1979. Born into the famous Gassan family of swordsmiths, a resident of the world of sword making from a young age. In 1998, began training with father, Sadatoshi Gassan. In 2006, recognised as a swordsmith by the Japanese Agency for Cultural Affairs. Since then, has continued to challenge himself in new areas of craftsmanship that carry forth the traditions of the past, and has won numerous prizes and accolades in various competitions. As sixth in the Osaka Gassan family, he is expected to take the lead in the next generation of Japanese sword-making. Currently serves as a director of the All Japan Swordsmith Association.

mrgb2000ga-gassan-1920x612.jpeg


Passion for craftsmanship, fusing tradition and innovation — A G-SHOCK 40th anniversary model inspired by the Japanese sword

Announcing a new collaboration with Sadanobu Gassan, one of the premiere swordsmiths in Japan, to commemorate the G-SHOCK 40th anniversary. This limited-edition watch is an addition to the MR-G series, the flagship G-SHOCK line. It presents a combination of strength and beauty with a range of features that incorporate the techniques and aesthetic of Japanese sword-making into the design.

The bezel’s recrystallized hybrid titanium expresses the Gassan family’s signature ayasugi-hada pattern. A decorative rasp-mark pattern and hand-carved inscription adorn the band. The recrystallized titanium case reproduces the look of the temper patterns of a Japanese sword. A blue grey AIP® treatment evokes the blue-tinged ferrous hue long thought to exemplify a finely crafted sword. Introducing an MR-G that embodies a deep passion for craftsmanship, fusing tradition and innovation.


features-02-1.jpeg


Hybrid titanium bezel evoking the look of Gassan family sword blades’ ayasugi-hada patterns​

The renowned Gassan family of swordsmiths has a proud tradition that spans 800 years. The most distinguishing characteristic of the swords they craft is a pattern called ayasugi created in the tempering of the blades’ steel. This beautiful pattern, evocative of rolling waves, is expressed in the material used for the watch bezel, along with its processing and finishing.​

features-02.jpeg


Hybrid titanium bezel crafting​

A combination of pure titanium and a special Ti64 titanium alloy is molded and then recrystallised. Blue grey AIP® applied to the surface creates a distinctive pattern and color tone. No two watches feature quite the same appearance — each is truly one-of-a-kind.​


features-03.jpeg


Recrystallized titanium case capturing the beautiful look of sword blades’ temper patterns​

The case is covered with a distinctive crystallised pattern, brought out by heat treatment applied to the pure titanium, to evoke the crystalline nie patterns that appear on Japanese sword blades. A deep-layer hardening process and titanium carbide finish applied to the case provide even greater strength and abrasion resistance. An engraved metal plate commemorating the G-SHOCK 40th anniversary is affixed to the side of the case.​

features-04.jpeg


Ferrous blue hue reproduced with blue grey AIP®​

Ferrous blue hue reproduced with blue grey AIP®​

An AIP® process is applied to the bezel and band to achieve hardness exceeding that of a diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating and enhanced abrasion resistance. The new blue grey hue expresses the blue-tinged ferrous colouration considered to be the mark of a finely crafted sword.
AIP® (arc ion plating) is a registered trademark of Kobe Steel, Ltd.

collage.jpeg


DETAILS​

details-01.jpeg

Dial with hishimaki-gara diamond pattern incorporating the worldview of Japanese swords​

The traditional diamond-shaped hishimaki-gara pattern, often seen on Japanese sword handles, is used as a dial face texture, while a decorative design evoking the look of a folding fan adorns the perimeter. Additional design features — from index marks that evoke the curvature of a sword blade to hour and minute hands with multifaceted cuts — set the watch off with sophisticated textural appeal down to the finest detail.

details-02.jpeg

Clad Guard Structure for durability and operability​

The Clad Guard Structure builds shock resistance into the crown and buttons, ensuring toughness and ease of operation while reducing the case size. αGEL® inserted into the head cover of the crown helps to absorb shocks.
*αGEL is a registered trademark of Taica Corporation.
*Image shows the MRGB2000B-1A4.

details-03.jpeg

Solar-powered timekeeping with Bluetooth® and radio control for enhanced accuracy and reliability​

details-04.jpeg

Super Illuminator (high-brightness LED light) for readability in the dark​

details-06.jpeg

Scratch-resistant, highly transparent sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating​

ico--c-app.png


Multiple functions, all at your fingertips
CASIO WATCHES(smartphone app)
  • Automatic time adjustment
  • Easy clock setting
  • World time (300 cities)
  • Watch status display
    Graphical display of time-reception status, solar power generation status, internal data update history and more.
  • Self-check
    Automatic evaluation of watch functions’ operational status. Displays a screen alert in the case of malfunction.
  • Phone finder

SPECIFICATIONS​

(Watch Functions)​

  • Shock-resistant structure
  • ISO 764-compliant magnetic resistance
  • 20-bar water resistance
  • Tough Solar (solar powered)
  • Smartphone Link (automatic connection)
  • Radio-controlled (Multi Band 6)
  • Auto hand home position correction
  • Dual time
  • Stopwatch
  • Countdown timer
  • Alarm
  • LED light (Super Illuminator)
  • Date and day display

Bluetooth® is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.​

 
:thumb: for posting this one, Mike.:hat:
 
Back
Top Bottom