Introducing: The G-Shock MRG-B2000JS-1A Juryoku-Maru: San
Casio G-Shock presents a high-end MR-G model inspired by Japanese craftsmanship every year. A regular MRG-B2000 is already on G-Shock’s top shelf. However, models designated with resounding Japanese names, such as Tsuiki, Tetsu-Tsuba, Sadanobu Gassan, Shougeki-Maru, and Hana-Basara, are the epitome of G-Shock technology. The Juryoku-Maru: San, a katana specially made for G-Shock by master swordsmith Teruhira Kamiyama, inspired the 2024 MRG-B2000JS-1A.
G-Shock MRG-B2000JS-1A Juryoku-Maru: San
Teruhira Kamiyama is a young swordsmith of exceptional talent. He is also the leader of the katana world in modern Japan. Kamiyama’s pursuit of the strength and beauty of the Japanese sword aligns with G-Shock’s vision for MR-G models. For this reason, Casio commissioned the katana master craftsman to forge an original G-Shock sword, the Juryoku-Maru: San.
Teruhira Kamiyama holding the specially made Juryoku-Maru: San katana
I had the opportunity to visit Kamiyama at his forge in Setouchi, Okayama, and learn about the origin of the MRG-B2000JS-1A. This review will be of the latest G-Shock MR-G, but I’ll also tell you what I learned in that meeting. The brand has carried over multiple elements from its custom-made Juryoku-Maru: San katana to the watch. Of course, I will also touch on these elements here.
Recrystallized hybrid titanium bezel
One of the most striking elements of a katana is its blade. The impeccable tempering pattern that master swordsmith Teruhira Kamiyama forged for the Juryoku-Maru: San’s blade inspired the MRG-B2000JS-1A’s bezel. The bezel pattern captures Kamiyama’s blade design in Ti64 and pure titanium layers.
Casio subjects these layers to high-temperature and high-pressure compression. The material is then cut, polished, and recrystallized to create the bezel shape with a unique pattern featuring the two types of interwoven titanium. In addition, the MRG-B2000JS-1A’s titanium case is recrystallized to evoke the large crystals visibly, as in the Juryoku-Maru: San blade’s temper pattern. The bezel and case pattern varies with each watch due to the details of the manufacturing process.
Hand-engraved 燦 inscription
Using the same technique as on the katana’s handle, Kamiyama has manually engraved the inscription 燦 — the Japanese character for san, meaning “brilliant” — on each case back. The watch is a limited edition of 800 pieces worldwide, each with a serial number, and Kamiyama himself engraved every single one. So, again, due to the handmade nature of the engraving, the exact look on the case back will vary with each watch.
Aogai-nuri-pattern bracelet
Aogai-nuri (青貝塗), meaning “blue-shell painting,” is a kind of Japanese raden (螺鈿), or mother-of-pearl inlay. It is a decorative technique used in traditional Japanese crafts and woodwork. The name refers to inserting abalone, turban, pearl oyster shells, and others that fall into the aogai category of shells into a carved surface of lacquer or wood. The thinness of the shells used characterizes aogai-nuri. These shells are shaved to a thickness of approximately 0.1mm. When applied on top of lacquer, the thinness of the shells allows the black color underneath to shine through, making the shells appear blue, hence the name.
Traditional Japanese artisan Mamoru Nomura, the third-generation head of Sagaraden Nomura in Kyoto, used this decorative aogai-nuri technique for the Juryoku-Maru: San’s scabbard. It’s captured in an original design created especially for the MRG-B2000JS-1A’s bracelet. Casio used an original (patent-pending) structural color technique 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. Casio selected the special DAT55G alloy from Daido Steel to protect the structural color from scratches. Furthermore, the bracelet receives a diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating, providing even greater abrasion resistance.
The bracelet has a push-button safety clasp that prevents it from opening unintentionally. Additionally, the clasp offers three positions for fine adjustment via holes on the sides. This type of clasp is present on other MR-G models, albeit in different material combinations.
Dial pattern
The Juryoku-Maru: San’s hilt features hishimaki-gara (菱巻柄), a traditional diamond-shaped pattern often seen on katanas. The hilt’s textured pattern inspired the base texture of the dial, while the indexes evoke the curvature of a katana’s blade.
The elements described above are those from the Juryoku-Maru: San katana that inspired the design of the MRG-B2000JS-1A. However, that’s not all to mention about this premium watch, of course. Let’s move on to the other most important points.
Yamagata Premium Production Line
Like all premium G-Shock models, the MRG-B2000JS-1A is produced in Casio’s Yamagata factory in Japan. With a combination of technology to maximize accuracy using the company’s special manufacturing equipment and a high level of human skills found only in top-certified personnel, Yamagata Casio produces high-quality and high-precision watches. Casio works with a skill-identification system often seen in Japan, ranging from Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum to Meister. During my visit to the Yamagata factory, it was funny to learn that nobody realized the German origin of the “Meister” gradation.
While I had seen master watchmakers in Switzerland and Germany, I’d never seen such a vast automated manufacturing plant like the Yamagata Premium Production Line in Japan. As far as the eye can see, there are robots and automated machines, with everything under perfect conditions, including the few employees in this area. What surprised me even more than the enormous size was the flawless finish of every watch leaving this Yamagata factory. I am grateful to Casio for allowing me to experience and see this firsthand.
Sallaz polishing of the Clad Guard Structure
There’s much more to say about the MRG-B2000JS-1A’s qualities, but these qualities aren’t unique to this special watch. Lex and Mike already mentioned the more general specifications of the G-Shock Juryoku-Maru: San’s predecessors. Nevertheless, I’ll also mention a few here. For instance, there’s the finishing of metal exterior parts. G-Shock applies Sallaz(*) polishing to these to achieve a high degree of smoothness. Then, the bezel and case undergo a deep-layer hardening process to strengthen their surfaces. As mentioned previously, the bezel has a diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating, and the case receives arc ion plating (AIP) to provide even greater abrasion resistance.
*Sallaz and Zaratsu
We’re often asked what the difference is between Sallaz and Zaratsu polishing. The answer is less complicated than most people think. In the early days of watchmaking, Japanese watchmakers bought and used German polishing machines made by Gebrüder Sallaz, or “Sallaz Brothers” in English. Many Japanese watch brands, like G-Shock, Citizen, and Minase, still use the original German name Sallaz for their polishing. However, Grand Seiko, for instance, uses the Japanese phonetically adapted name Zaratsu (ザラツ). In essence, it all comes down to a European technique called black/mirror polishing, which aims to reduce any distortions in the surface of the metal to reflect light evenly. The difference between a Sallaz Brothers’ polishing machine and others is that the former uses the flat front of the rotating polishing disk rather than the rounded side.
Enhanced shock resistance and accuracy
Like any other G-Shock, the MRG-B2000JS-1A is made to withstand extremely harsh use. Its construction helps the watch withstand three types of gravitational acceleration — shock, centrifugal force, and vibration. Furthermore, it’s virtually waterproof to 200 meters and resistant to strong magnetic fields. The MRG-B2000 series adds protective parts built into the screw-lock crown and buttons to help absorb impacts to its capable and complex module 5625. This is a solar-powered module offering Multi Band 6 radio-controlled timekeeping, with additional Bluetooth connectivity to the wearer’s smartphone for automatic setting of the time and its many different functions.
Super Illuminator and sapphire crystal
In the MRG-B2000JS, G-Shock uses its Super Illuminator technology to assure readability in dim and dark conditions. The Super Illuminator is a spectacular combination of high-brightness LED and Casio’s proprietary Neobrite luminescent material. It is a feast for the eyes and strong enough to be admired even in daylight. A scratch-resistant, highly transparent sapphire crystal with an antireflective coating contributes greatly to the crisp appearance of the immaculately finished dial, indexes, and hands.
Closing thoughts and pricing
Now that I have explained most of the technical specifications and inspirational background, I’ll share personal impressions of probably G-Shock’s most expensive watch in its current lineup. Yes, the retail price for the G-Shock MRG-B2000JS-1A Juryoku-Maru: San is €8,000. And yes, that’s a lot of money. “Specifically for a G-Shock,” I hear you say. But it’s not just any G-Shock. It’s the pinnacle of what Casio can currently produce in its high-end Yamagata Premium Production Line factory.
Teruhira Kamiyama’s workshop
I would probably have reacted the same way if I had not had the opportunity to experience the development of this watch and see its production myself. It is and remains a G-Shock, but it is produced and finished at a level that can compete with the big names in the European watch industry. And that certainly, and fortunately, shows. To experience a watch the way I did this one is priceless. I hope I can convey some of the feeling and value it gives to this special MR-G model.
In addition to my visit to Teruhira Kamiyama, who explained the watch’s origins to me, and the visit to the Premium Production Line facility in Yamagata, I had the privilege of wearing a sample of the MRG-B2000JS-1A Juryoku-Maru: San for several weeks. Although it is a large watch with a nearly 50mm diameter, it’s a treat to wear, even on my 17.5cm wrist. The time it bothered me most was when I had to take it off and return it to Casio. 😉
Availability
The G-Shock MRG-B2000JS-1A Juryoku-Maru: San has been available for sale from late November 2024 onwards. As mentioned, it is an edition of 800 individually numbered pieces. The first collectors to get them — Steffen Ebers and Marc Krämer, for whom we brought handwritten personal messages from Teruhira Kamiyama — received their watches during an event at the G-Shock boutique in Hamburg. As long as there is stock remaining, the MRG-B2000JS-1A can be ordered through a national G-Shock online shop, G-Shock boutiques, and retailers certified to sell Premium Production Line models.
What is your opinion on the G-Shock MRG-B2000JS-1A Juryoku-Maru: San? Can a brand like G-Shock justify such an asking price with a high-end product like this? Price aside, what do you think are the strengths and probable weaknesses of the MRG-B2000JS-1A? Please let us know in the comments below!
