MRGB2000JS-1A (#614/800)
Introducing the stunning G-SHOCK inspired by the art of forging Japanese katana swords from the flagship MR-G line of timepieces honouring artisanal craftwork. Dedicated to traditi onal Japanese artisanal techniques handed down over centuries, this timepiece celebrates the traditions and aesthetics unique to Japanese swords with a design that incorporates the Juryoku-Maru: San, the katana commissioned by Casio for the MR-G line. The Japanese word for brilliant, the San in the sword’s name reflects the shine of the Japanese sword blade and its shell-studded scabbard. The bezel, made of recrystallized hybrid titanium, evokes the distinctive edge pattern forged by master swordsmith Kamiyama Teruhira. The pattern is crafted with recrystallized layers of pure and Ti64 titanium that is cut, polished, and treated with a deep-layer hardening process to capture the pattern’s unique characteristics. Subtle differences in materials and processing conditions, as well as the inscription of 燦, the Japanese character for San, hand-etched on the case back by the master himself, mean that each timepiece has its own utterly unique look, no two alike. After recrystallization and deep-layer hardening processes, blue-grey AIP® is applied to the pure titanium centre case to express the blue of the Juryoku-Maru: San sword. The watch band features the aogai-nuri blue shell lacquer design by artist Nomura Mamoru, which adorns the Juryoku-Maru: San scabbard, achieved using a processing technology developed especially for this timepiece. Aogai-nuri refers to the mother-of-pearl inlay used so often in Japanese sword scabbards. The titanium alloy DAT55G band is finished with a structural colour technique that utilizes micro-level ultra-precision processing to create iridescent colours inspired by aogai-nuri blue shell lacquer. Three times harder than pure titanium, the DAT55G special alloy protects from scratches and wear to keep the stunning mirror-finished surface and structural colour flawless for years. More than an homage to a beautiful tradition, this timepiece provides outstanding modern functionality, as well. Equipped with Bluetooth® for smartphone connectivity, the watch adjusts to radio-wave time signals for precision timekeeping and comes packed with handy functions powered by original CASIO technology. This very special MR-G celebrates both the traditional craftsmanship and modern technologies of Japan — all in a singular katana-inspired timepiece. Kamiyama Teruhira A young swordsmith of exceptional talent, Kamiyama leads the world of katana in modern Japan. Kamiyama’s pursuit of the strength and beauty of the Japanese sword mirrors the CASIO vision for G-SHOCK, and it was for this reason that CASIO commissioned the katana master craftsman to forge an original G-SHOCK sword, the Juryoku-Maru: San. Nomura Mamoru Third generation head of SAGARADEN NOMURA in Kyoto. Nomura entered the family business at the age of 20. Having studied urushi lacquer techniques, he performs every step of the process from painting to ornamentation (mother-of-pearl inlay and metallic powder maki-e) himself. In 2018, Nomura received the Japan Traditional Crafters Chairman’s Award for his lacquer natsume (matcha caddy). *AIP® (arc ion plating) is a registered trademark of Kobe Steel, Ltd. *DAT and DAT55G are registered trademarks of Daido Steel Co., Ltd. Product Features Recrystallized hybrid titanium bezel evokes the beauty of the katana blade The bezel is inspired by the exquisite temper pattern forged for the Juryoku-Maru: San sword blade by master swordsmith Kamiyama Teruhira. The bezel pattern captures Kamiyama’s blade design in layers of pure and Ti64 titanium that are subjected to high-temperature, high-pressure compression. This material is then cut, polished, and recrystallized to create the bezel shape with a unique pattern featuring two types of interwoven titanium. The case is also recrystallized to evoke the large nie crystals visible in the blade’s temper pattern. * The pattern on the bezel and case will vary with each individual watch due to details of the manufacturing process. Inscription on case back embodies the soul of the master craftsman Using the same swordsmithing technique, Kamiyama has hand-engraved the inscription of 燦, the Japanese character for San, on each individual timepiece, giving every single one its own unique look. Limited to 800 pieces worldwide, each with a serial number. * The finished look will vary with each individual watch due to details of the manufacturing process. Aogai textured band inspired by blue shell lacquer scabbard design The beauty of traditional artisan Nomura Mamoru’s decorative aogai*1 blue shell lacquer on the Juryoku-Maru: San scabbard is captured in an original design created especially for this timepiece. Casio employed its original structural color technique (patent pending) to create a vibrant look and texture that changes color depending on the viewing angle. Micro-level ultra-precision processing produces microstructures on the metal surfaces that reflect light to create magnificent coloring. Three times harder than pure titanium, the special alloy DAT55G*2 was selected to protect the structural color from scratches, and a diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating is applied as well, providing even greater abrasion resistance. *1 Aogai: Raden (mother-of-pearl inlay) technique using abalone shell, turban shell, pearl oyster shell, and others that fall into the aogai category of shells. *2 DAT55G: DAT is a registered trademark of Daido Steel Co., Ltd. in Japan. Dial with hishimaki-gara diamond pattern incorporates worldview of Japanese swords The textural pattern of hishimaki-gara, the traditional diamond shapes seen on the Juryoku-Maru: San hilt, adorns the base of the dial, while a decorative design evoking the look of a folding fan adorns the perimeter. The indexes evoke the curvature of a sword blade. The katana worldview and traditional Japanese aesthetics set the watch off with sophisticated textural appeal down to the finest detail. Sallaz polishing and double-hardening process to bring out the beauty of the metal Sallaz polishing and other techniques are meticulously applied by skilled artisans to exterior metal components to achieve a high degree of smoothness. The bezel and case are also treated with a deep-layer hardening process to harden the surface layer. Diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating is applied to the bezel and arc ion plating (AIP®) to the case to provide even greater abrasion resistance. * AIP® is a registered trademark of Kobe Steel, Ltd. Clad Guard Structure for reliable shock resistance and operability Protective parts are built into the crown and buttons to help absorb impacts to the module. * Image shows the MRG-B2000B-1A4.