G-SHOCK MR-G: Japanese craftsmanship meets modern watchmaking technology

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of its premium MR-G line, G-SHOCK is introducing two limited-edition models that blend traditional Japanese metal-leaf art with modern manufacturing technology. Casio has collaborated with Kyoto-based artist Hiroto Rakusho on the design of the dials.

Since 1996, MR-G has been at the forefront of the G-SHOCK collection. The line brings the original concept of exceptionally durable watches to a segment where high-quality materials, sophisticated case designs, and precise craftsmanship play an equally important role.

With the anniversary models MRG-B2100HR and MRG-B2100HS, Casio is now putting Japanese craftsmanship in the spotlight. Both watches are based on the distinctive octagonal design of the 2100 series and combine individually finished dials with modern surface technologies.

Metal Sheet Art from Kyoto

Casio enlisted the help of Japanese artist Hiroto Rakusho to design the watch faces. Born in Kyoto in 1962, this artisan learned the traditional art of metal leaf work from his father and is recognized as a master of his craft by both the Japanese Ministry of Economy and the City of Kyoto.

His work combines traditional techniques of leaf-metal finishing with contemporary design methods. For the two MR-G models, Rakusho crafts each dial individually by hand.

The design is based on the traditional Japanese wood-joinery technique known as kigumi. In this technique, complex structures are assembled using precisely interlocking wooden joints, without the need for nails or other metal fasteners.

Casio translates this principle into a three-dimensional grid pattern on the watch faces. The different levels and surfaces create an ever-changing interplay of light and shadow.

Platinum or gold leaf—two interpretations

The MRG-B2100HR, limited to 800 pieces worldwide, features a dial finished with finely powdered platinum leaf. The silvery, shimmering surface accentuates the three-dimensional structure of the lattice pattern and contrasts with the dark case elements.

The G-Shock MRG-B2100HR

In contrast, Rakusho uses gold leaf for the MRG-B2100HS, which is limited to just 150 pieces. The golden highlights give the dial a different look and accentuate its three-dimensional design.

The G-Shock MRG-B2100HS

This edition is also delivered in a specially designed presentation box, which is likewise finished with gold leaf and bears the artist’s signature.

Textured paints instead of traditional coatings

The blend of craftsmanship and technology continues on the bezel and bracelet. Here, Casio uses a special type of surface treatment in which colors are created not by pigments, but by microscopically fine structures.

Ultrashort-pulse laser technology is used to process surfaces at the micrometer scale. This modifies the incident light in such a way that different color reflections become visible depending on the viewing angle. This process is known as structural color and occurs in a similar form in nature as well, for example on butterfly wings.

The resulting metallic-sheen color gradients draw inspiration from the aesthetics of Rakusho’s metal leaf work and incorporate them into the design of the case and bracelet.

The construction is also intricate: The bezel consists of 27 separately machined and polished components. Among other materials, the watch features the exceptionally hard cobalt-chromium alloy Cobarion, as well as the high-strength titanium alloy DAT55G for the bracelet.

Case Design, Construction, and Crown Protection of the MRG-B2100HR

High-quality craftsmanship, proven G-SHOCK technology

Technically, both anniversary models remain true to the MR-G series concept. Power is supplied by the solar-powered Tough Solar system. A Bluetooth connection enables synchronization with the Casio Watches app.

In addition, they feature anti-reflective sapphire crystal, luminescent hands and hour markers, and the shock resistance characteristic of G-SHOCK. Both watches are water-resistant to 20 bar.

The MRG-B2100HR will be available starting in November 2026 at a suggested retail price of 7,500 euros at select specialty retailers and in the Casio online store. The MRG-B2100HS, limited to 150 units, costs 15,000 euros and will also be available starting in November at G-SHOCK stores and select specialty retailers.

With these two anniversary models, Casio demonstrates the importance that traditional Japanese design and individual craftsmanship have come to hold within the technology-driven MR-G collection. The watches’ distinctive character stems not only from their materials but, above all, from their varied craftsmanship—from the hand-finished dial to the laser-etched metal surface.