Hands-On With The Impressive Casio G-Shock MRG-B2100B-1A
The Casio G-Shock GA-2100 series became a fan favorite immediately after its introduction and a staple of the collection soon after that. But despite it being one of the defining model lines in the G-Shock collection, we had not seen a premium MR-G version since the introduction of the “CasiOak” silhouette in 2019. That wait is now over with the introduction of the G-Shock MRG-B2100B-1A. This premium version is an exceptional display of G-Shock’s ongoing innovation efforts. The watch combines the familiar CasiOak aesthetic with three titanium alloys and a dial inspired by Japanese art and woodworking, resulting in a special high-end G-Shock.
When I first opened the box of the new G-Shock MRG-B2100B-1A, I had mixed feelings. At a glance, this luxury CasiOak comes across as just an all-black version of the popular watch. But by now, we all know that when it comes to the MR-G collection, it’s not just about immediate visual impact. Indeed, a closer look revealed a lot of really nice and interesting details, and when looking at the spec sheet, it became even more interesting. By the time I put the new MRG-B2100B on my wrist, I knew this was another special offering, and the impact was much bigger than my first glance led me to imagine. Let me bring you up to speed.
The concept of the new G-Shock MRG-B2100B-1A
The idea behind the new MRG-B2100B-1A is an exclusive version of the 2100 series with a full-analog display and construction using multiple innovative materials. The watch features a 44.4 × 49.5 × 13.6mm case, which is fairly modest for a G-Shock. Well, let me be more specific: it’s modest compared to some of the Master of G models I reviewed recently. However, the dimensions are perfectly wearable, especially in combination with the lightweight materials that Casio used for this specific G-Shock model. That’s also where the real story of this watch begins. Let’s start with the case construction, more specifically with the bezel.
The “bezel” (which, in the G-Shock lexicon, means the outer casing), consists of 27 individual parts, so every single component can be individually polished before assembly. The octagonal top ring is made from Cobarion, a cobalt-chrome alloy four times harder than pure titanium and with a sheen similar to platinum. The other bezel parts and the case are made of Ti64, and the bracelet links are made of DAT55G; both are super hard titanium alloys for extra scratch resistance.
Furthermore, the special multi-guard construction of the case and the bezel ensures the watch is extra resistant to shocks. All the different parts have a diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating for even better scratch resistance. The watch is equipped with a sapphire crystal and assembled at Casio’s Premium Production Line in Yamagata, Japan.
A dial inspired by traditional Japanese woodworking
Another element that stands out is the dial. At first sight, it might seem like a simple textured black dial, but it comes with a story. The 3D texture of the dial takes inspiration from a Japanese woodworking method called kigumi (木組), which involves interlocking wooden parts without using metal. It is a well-known woodworking technique widely used in Japan to construct many things, including boats, houses, and furniture. The brilliant aspect of it is that a seemingly simple wooden construction often features ingenious joints to create something truly special.
For the MRG-B2100B-1A, the G-Shock designers created a metallic black dial with an open pattern to allow light to pass through to the solar panels for Tough Solar charging. As you can see, the completely analog dial is pretty straightforward in terms of functions. It features a date aperture at 3 o’clock with a color-matching black disc and white printing. A sub-dial between 7 and 9 o’clock indicates the day of the week. Additionally, it indicates whether the watch is in radio-controlled Automatic Timekeeping (AT), Standard Time (STD), or Daylight Savings Time (DST) mode.
A G-Shock without the usual abundance of functions
You can switch between modes with the help of the smartphone app by manually adjusting the date and time. You can do this by unscrewing the crown and pulling it out to the first and second positions, and it will automatically change the time mode the watch is in. Besides that, the G-Shock MRG-B2100B-1A is not a watch with the usual wide array of functions. The watch is powered by Casio’s module 5718. In addition to Multiband 6 automatic radio time adjustment, it offers a Bluetooth smartphone link to the Casio Watches app on your phone.
Additional functions include an automatic calendar until 2099, a low-battery alert (the seconds hand jumping at two-second intervals), and a Super Illuminator LED. As with many G-Shocks nowadays, the app can set the light’s duration to 1.5 or 3 seconds. Other app functions are automatic switching to summer time (DST), auto and one-touch time correction, phone finder, hand-alignment correction, and the Time & Place log. Overall, this watch offers far fewer functions than other models, but that is not what this premium G-Shock is all about.
Wearing the G-Shock MRG-B2100B-1A
Once you put it on your wrist, you will get a good idea of what makes this watch so special. Every angle offers new details and a new chance to admire the brilliant finishing of this MRG-B2100B-1A. This watch certainly makes it clear it’s not your average G-Shock. It wears like an absolute charm thanks to its modest size, lightweight materials, and super flexible DAT55G titanium bracelet. The sturdy clasp features a lock button that ensures it won’t open accidentally clasp while you’re busy with sports or any rigorous activities.
I don’t think many people will use this premium G-Shock as a daily beater. With the premium materials and finishing also comes a premium price. If you want a G-Shock MRG-B2100-1A, you must pay €5,000. It’s a hefty price in line with previously released MR-G models we reviewed, like the MRG-B5000B-1DR and MRG-B5000D-1DR or the MRG-B5000R-1. Yes, it’s a lot of money, but what you get in return is undoubtedly impressive. The materials, construction, and finishing make for another special luxury version of a regular G-Shock. That’s why I am sure this newest addition to the MR-G line will quickly find its way to collectors.
The new MRG-B2100B-1A might be much more expensive than the standard GA-2100 series, but it looks and feels like a proper luxury watch. That is exactly what G-Shock is after with its MR-G collection, and it’s what makes G-Shock so special.
What do you think about the new G-Shock MRG-B2100B-1A? Do you prefer it over the regular GA-2100 series? As always, let us know in the comments below!
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