Skip to main content

The G-Shock MR-G B2000: A timepiece that’s inspired by a katana

The G-Shock MRG-B2000JS-1A and the Juryoku-Maru: San katana are two sides of the same coin

G-Shock MRG-B2000JS-1A
G-Shock MRG-B2000JS-1A G-Shock / G-Shock

A watch that’s forged like a katana and displays time seamlessly; here’s the new G-Shock MRG-B2000JS-1A.

Inspired by a katana, this timepiece brings two worlds together—a representation of a long-standing tradition passed down into the modern world. G-shock and katanas have the same traits; they are durable and are always sought after by many.

Recommended Videos

The G-Shock MRG-B2000JS-1A has an interesting back story. Since G-shock manufactures watches that draw inspiration from different traditions, the brand worked with Teruhira Kamiyama, a katana swordsmith who’s perfected his craft.

Just like the katana’s blade, this new timepiece comes with a bezel forged in a similar style. It features a stylish pattern that’s highlighted by titanium. To achieve this effect, G-shock uses high pressure to merge different layers into one and then polishes the whole material.

Thanks to the crystalization process, the casing is characterized by a crystal-like pattern, similar to the one featured on the Juryoku-Maru: San, G-Shock’s katana.

The case back is as stylish as the front face—it has a large Japanese inscription that was carved on the surface by a katana swordsmith.

Every single detail, from the case back to the bracelet, is accentuated by a unique pattern, which adds some character to the whole look of the watch. The bracelet has an Aogai-Nuri pattern, which is made up of tiny shells covered by lacquer to highlight the blue and black hues.

As a limited edition watch, only 800 pieces were rolled out into the market, and each watch retails at $8,000.

Nathan S.R
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Nathan has devoted his life to collecting watches, studying horology, reviewing watches, and writing about timepieces. As a…
Topics
Blancpain’s $30K diving watch just got a shocking orange makeover
Swiss manufacturer bridges professional diving and lifestyle with vibrant Tech colorways
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Tech 45 promo shot

Blancpain has expanded its Fifty Fathoms Tech collection with a significant lifestyle update, introducing an interchangeable strap system and vibrant new colors that transform the professional diving instrument into a versatile everyday companion.
The 45mm Grade 23 titanium timepiece now enters the permanent collection with a revolutionary tool-free strap system, allowing wearers to switch between styles in seconds. Beyond classic black rubber, Blancpain introduces two summer-ready options: crisp white and vibrant orange straps that inject personality into the serious diving tool.
"When we developed the Fifty Fathoms Tech Gombessa in 2023, it came from the question I asked myself: If the Fifty Fathoms was invented today, what would it look like?" explains Marc A. Hayek, President & CEO of Blancpain. "Now, I love that we can bring color and style into the Tech line, proving that a serious diver's watch can also have a lifestyle side."
The orange colorway isn't merely aesthetic; it matches the Tech's orange central seconds hand and TECH inscription on the dial, creating cohesive design harmony. The vibrant hue transforms the utilitarian timepiece into a statement piece suitable for summer cityscapes as well as coral reef exploration.
Technical capabilities remain uncompromised. The absolute black dial absorbs up to 97% of light, ensuring maximum legibility in murky depths while creating striking contrast with luminescent block-shaped appliques. The unidirectional 120-click ceramic bezel is optimized for use with gloved hands, while the helium escape valve maintains professional diving standards.
Powering the watch is Blancpain's automatic calibre 1315A, a 4Hz movement respected among collectors for its robust 120-hour power reserve, precision timekeeping, and beautifully finished architecture. The sapphire caseback reveals the movement's decorations, underscoring Blancpain's dedication to haute horlogerie even in utilitarian creations.
The interchangeable system addresses practical diving needs by offering straps in multiple lengths, crucial for divers wearing the watch over wetsuits while also perfecting everyday wear on bare wrists. The integrated rubber straps feature a discreet central lug system that maintains the watch's sleek profile.
At CHF 19,000 with two straps included, the updated Fifty Fathoms Tech demonstrates how traditional tool watches can evolve without compromising their core mission while embracing contemporary lifestyle demands.

Read more
G-Shock’s metal makeover we’ve been waiting for
The G-Shock Full Metal Origin: A modern tribute to classic toughness
Full Metal collection: the GMWB5000D-1C and GMB2100SD-1C.

Casio America recently released its latest Full Metal Origin collection, a fitting homage to the brand’s iconic heritage while reinforcing its legacy for unparalleled durability and innovation. The GMWB5000D-1C and GMB2100SD-1C revamp the original G-Shock aesthetic, blending the rugged DNA of the 1983 DW-5000C with modern watchmaking advancements.

The GMWB5000D-1C continues the original brick-pattern bezel, with the ‘SHOCK RESIST’ logo and classic digital display of its predecessor, now encased in a stainless steel body. The GMB2100SD-1C features a hybrid analog-digital design, the DW-5000C’s signature red, yellow, and blue accents on a precision-engineered dial. Both models retain the original color scheme to yield a nostalgic yet contemporary appeal.

Read more
Parmigiani Fleurier unveils summer-inspired Tonda PF Sport Chronograph
Swiss manufacturer creates rose gold chronograph inspired by Mediterranean summer lifestyle
Parmigiani Fleurier Summer-Inspired Tonda PF Sport Chronograph

Parmigiani Fleurier has unveiled the Tonda PF Sport Chronograph Rose Gold Sandstone, a timepiece that merges technical mastery with the understated elegance of Mediterranean summer living. The watch invites wearers to experience time not merely as measurement, but as moments of serene escape.
At the heart of the timepiece beats the high-frequency PF070 calibre, a COSC-certified integrated chronograph movement operating at 36,000 vibrations per hour. Engineered for flawless short-time measurement, the movement offers a 65-hour power reserve driven by a skeletonized 22-carat rose gold oscillating weight, ensuring both precision and visual appeal.
The 18-carat rose gold case features alternating satin-brushed and polished finishes that play delicately with light. The silver guilloché dial, punctuated by sand-toned sub-dials, evokes the warmth of sunlit southern shores. The "Sandstone" designation reflects both color and emotion, capturing the contemplative calm of long summer afternoons along the Mare Nostrum, from Sicily to the Mediterranean islands.
A defining feature is the distinctive Tufo-colored rubber strap, inspired by the pale volcanic stone found throughout Mediterranean landscapes. The strap is textured to evoke the appearance and feel of Cordura, a technical fabric prized for its durability and refined structure. With its corduroy-like tactility and saddle-style stitching, the strap blends resilience with artisanal finesse.
"The Tonda PF Sport Chronograph in rose gold sandstone reflects our pursuit of essential beauty in watchmaking," said Guido Terreni, CEO of Parmigiani Fleurier. "It merges mechanical excellence, through a high-frequency chronograph calibre, with the informal elegance of a summer lifestyle."
The watch's dial showcases Parmigiani Fleurier's expertise in guilloché craftsmanship, featuring the distinctive Triangular Nail pattern that enhances light reflection. Hand-applied 18-carat rose gold appliques with black luminescent coating ensure optimal legibility, while the overall design maintains the relaxed sophistication that defines the Tonda PF Sport collection.

Read more