Although Casio now produces the G-Shock in a wide variety of different forms, the classic “Square” was the original design for the G-Shock when it was first introduced to the world back in 1983, and it continues to remain one of core silhouettes in the brand’s contemporary lineup. Additionally, while the “Square” lends itself to some of the absolute least expensive G-Shock models that Casio currently produces, it also accounts for some of the most expensive, and certain high-end versions can routinely be priced at several thousand dollars. As one of its latest new releases for 2024, Casio has created an ultra-premium and modernized expression of the DW5000C-1B, which is the gold-accented version of the inaugural 1980s G-Shock, and similar to other models that sit at the very top of the vast G-Shock hierarchy, the new Casio G-Shock MRGB5000R-1 is crafted from titanium and fitted with an intricately constructed bezel that uses an extra-hard proprietary alloy known as COBARION.
Most Casio G-Shock watches are crafted from some type of resin and exist firmly on the affordable side of the spectrum. However, this isn’t the first time that Casio has produced a high-end version of the “Square” G-Shock using titanium and COBARION, and the Casio G-Shock MRGB5000R-1 is essentially a new colorway/configuration of the premium G-Shock MRGB5000 watches from 2022. What this means is that the new G-Shock MRGB5000R-1 measures 43.2mm in diameter by 12.9mm thick, with an overall lug-to-lug profile of 49.4mm, and rather than having a case made from resin with a mineral glass crystal and a screw-on caseback (the go-to construction for nearly all of the brand’s entry-level “Square” watches), the new Casio G-Shock MRGB5000R-1 has an internal case that is crafted entirely from black DLC-coated titanium, and it features an anti-reflective sapphire crystal protecting its display, along with a threaded screw-down titanium caseback that is engraved with the G-Shock logo.
Rather than having an outer bezel made from soft resin like the entry-level “Square” models, or even a single piece of stainless steel like on the mid-tier GMWB5000 series, Casio’s top-of-the-line “Square” G-Shock models like the new G-Shock MRGB5000R-1 have bezels that are assembled from 25 individual components, and the top section of the bezel is constructed from COBARION, which is a proprietary alloy that is approximately four times harder than titanium with a bright shine that is similar to platinum. The components of the bezel are all finished separately before receiving a black DLC treatment, and this allows Casio to create dramatic transitions between the various raised and recessed sections. Beyond its finely finished appearance, the case of the MRGB5000R-1 also features the brand’s Multi-Guard Structure, which incorporates a four-corner suspension system that consists of T-shaped bars and flat springs to provide the MRGB5000R-1 with the same industry-leading shock resistance that defines all Casio G-Shock models.
Unlike the original ultra-premium “Square” watches from 2022 that were fitted with metal bracelets, the new black and Casio G-Shock MRGB5000R-1 is paired with a black Dura Soft fluoro rubber strap, although the straps that are fitted to Casio’s MR-G series represent a significant departure compared to the standard two-piece resin straps than can be found on Casio’s various entry-level G-Shock models. Not only is the Dura Soft Fluoro rubber itself supposed to be softer than the brand’s standard rubber strap material, but it also features titanium components molded into its structure to strengthen the connection points that are responsible for securing it to the case. Additionally, rather than being completed by a simple tang-style buckle, the black Dura Soft strap on the Casio G-Shock MRGB5000R-1 features a cut-to-fit design, and it connects to a black DLC-coated titanium folding clasp that operates with a double push-button release.
Just as you would expect from one of the most premium G-Shock models in Casio’s current lineup, the new black and gold G-Shock MRGB5000R-1 is powered by one of the brand’s most advanced internal movements, and inside its titanium case is Module No. 3541, which is exclusively reserved for MR-G watches. Along with having solar charging, Casio Module No. 3541 also includes both Multiband 6 radio-controlled timekeeping and bluetooth connectivity, plus it comes packed with all of the usual multi-function digital watch features, such as stopwatch, alarm, countdown timer, world timer, automatic calendar, and backlight. While some might think that bluetooth connectivity would be slightly redundant on a watch that already has radio-controlled timekeeping, the bluetooth integration also allows users to configure their watches with their smartphones via the Casio Watches app, and this eliminates a lot of the menu-diving and button-pressing that is typically associated with some of the more advanced features on G-Shock watches.
Given that the new Casio G-Shock MRGB5000R-1 is fitted with a rubber strap instead of being paired with a matching titanium bracelet like the original MRGB5000 models from 2022, this latest release for 2024 is actually a bit less expensive than its predecessors, and it is accompanied by an official retail price of $3,100 USD. While this same amount of money can get you a watch from various luxury manufacturers, the G-Shock MRGB5000R-1 represents the absolute best in Casio’s modern lineup, and it offers a unique take on what should be considered a luxury wristwatch. Personally, I love that Casio continues to produce these ultra-premium expressions of its most basic model, and from a conceptual standpoint, these high-end “Square” MR-G watches are the total antithesis of something like the MoonSwatch. While the MoonSwatch represents the democratization of an exclusive design by creating a lesser version of a model that has historically been a premium product, the new Casio G-Shock MRGB5000R-1 elevates the familiar by creating a highly exclusive rendition of G-Shock’s most ubiquitous design. For more information on the Casio G-Shock MRGB5000R-1 watch, please visit the brand’s website.
