Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

These are the most high-end G-SHOCK watches…yes, you read that right

G-Shock offers high-end watches

G-SHOCK MRG-BF1000R-1A 'Frogman' In Titanium on model
G-SHOCK

Two things can certainly co-exist together without there being any friction: toughness and luxury, ruggedness and refinement. While G-Shock has never been thought of as a brand that dominates the highest echelons of haute horlogerie, especially with Rolex and Tudor out there, that doesn’t mean they don’t have their own high-end watches.

G-Shock began as Casio’s vision for a durable watch after engineer Kikuo Ibe developed the first G-Shock in 1983. Apparently, he felt like traditional watches were too fragile, and he had a point, considering what the brand has come up with thus far. Over the years, G-Shock watches evolved and started incorporating advanced features like shock resistance, water resistance, and an array of sensors.

Recommended Videos

The top 5 high-end G-Shock watches

G-SHOCK MTG-B3000PRB1 'Aurora Oval' Limited Edition
G-SHOCK / G-Shock

While G-Shock watches have a much sportier look than luxury timepieces, they also have a massive amount of features and functions that mean they completely deserve a place on your wrist. We’ve created a list of not just the top 5 G-shock watches, but the top 5 G-shock watches that have a high-end, luxury feel.

1. G-SHOCK MRG-BF1000R-1A

G-SHOCK MRG-BF1000R-1A
G-SHOCK

Getting its name ‘Frogman’ from the fact that it’s a high-performance diving watch, the G-SHOCK MRG-BF1000R-1A has a titanium case and bezel, yet it’s lightweight, just as a proper sports watch should be. Upon first glance, you wouldn’t even know it’s a G-Shock watch, as its dial gives off the appearance of an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak or a TAG Heuer Carrera. It has a remarkable water resistance of 200 meters and is powered by a quartz movement.

2. G-SHOCK MRG-B5000BA-1 Kiwami Ao-zumi

G-SHOCK MRG-B5000BA-1 Kiwami Ao-zumi
G-SHOCK

While this watch looks entirely too simple for its big price tag, its functions make up for that. The G-SHOCK MRG-B5000BA-1 Kiwami Ao-zumi is the epitome of a Japanese watchmaking aesthetic, with its square case made out of incredibly hard titanium and blue ion plating. It features a traditional Japanese technique, an “ao-zumi” motif, which is normally made from a block of blue color used in calligraphy. This G-Shock watch is powered by advanced quartz technology and includes features like a day-date calendar and alarm function.

3. G-SHOCK MTG-B2000YR-1A City Illumination Limited Edition

G-SHOCK MTG-B2000YR-1A City Illumination Limited Edition
G-SHOCK

The G-SHOCK MTG-B2000YR-1A City Illumination Limited Edition gives off the vibe of stepping out into the city for a night on the town, with the city lights shining and a world of possibilities. This G-Shock watch features a multi-layer carbon frame with colorful glass fiber laminations. Another splash of color can be seen in the rainbow-inspired ion plating on the stainless steel bezel. It’s powered by advanced quartz movement technology and has several other necessary functions like a day-date calendar and alarm function, and with a 51mm diameter, it certainly makes for a statement on your wrist.

4. G-SHOCK MTG-B3000PRB1 ‘Aurora Oval’ Limited Edition

G-SHOCK MTG-B3000PRB1 'Aurora Oval' Limited Edition
G-SHOCK

Certainly one of the brighter, more eye-popping watches made by G-Shock, the G-SHOCK MTG-B3000PRB1 ‘Aurora Oval’ Limited Edition watch makes you feel like you’re stepping into the aurora borealis or an underground rave full of neon glow bracelets. It has a stainless steel case and is powered by the 5672 module with Tough Solar technology, harnessing solar energy for more sustainable functioning. Other features include water resistance up to 200 meters, in case you’re a man who likes to take his adventures off-land.

5. G-Shock GMWB5000PG-9 Recrystallized Full Metal 40th Anniversary Limited Edition

G-Shock GMWB5000PG-9 Recrystallized Full Metal 40th Anniversary Limited Edition
G-SHOCK

This G-Shock watch would be considered quite simple in style if it wasn’t for the glittering gold finish that draws the eye. The G-Shock GMWB5000PG-9 Recrystallized Full Metal 40th Anniversary Limited Edition was made to celebrate 40 years of G-Shock, meaning it needed to be a showstopper. The square case actually pays homage to the original G-Shock model, which is why the style looks so understated, but the case of the watch embodies that of a gold nugget. It’s powered by the advanced quartz technology seen in most G-Shock watches and includes several features like multi-band atomic timekeeping, Bluetooth connectivity, and 200 meters of water resistance.

How to choose the right G-Shock watch?

G-SHOCK MTG-B3000PRB1 'Aurora Oval' Limited Edition
G-SHOCK

To choose the right G-Shock watch, especially a high-end one, you’ll want to consider technical specifications first, as that’s really what they’re meant for. Decide if you want something with solar-powered movements, atomic timekeeping, Bluetooth connectivity, or alarm function. Also, consider what material you want: titanium, resin, or carbon fiber.

Consider the type of design you want. Some G-Shock watches come with a very simple style, while others come with all the bells and whistles, resembling a higher-end brand. Last, read through reviews and get recommendations from men who have already bought a G-Shock watch so you can find a model that ticks all the boxes.

Sarah Veldman
Sarah has been a freelance writer for over 7 years now, having started while she was living out of a suitcase and traveling…
Topics
Ulysse Nardin dazzles with blast sparkling rainbow high jewelry limited edition
Ulysse nardin's blast sparkling rainbow features mystery-set sapphires
Ulysse Nardin Sparkling Rainbow Liminited Edition

Ulysse Nardin transforms its avant-garde Blast collection into spectacular high jewelry territory with the Blast [Sparkling Rainbow], an eight-piece limited edition priced at CHF 451,700 that fuses haute horlogerie with gem-setting artistry. The timepiece showcases 211 rainbow-colored sapphires totaling 13.33 carats across the entire watch construction.
The original Blast collection, introduced in 2020, drew inspiration from stealth aircraft design to marry high function with unconventional aesthetics, establishing Ulysse Nardin's reputation as avant-garde icon. This high jewelry interpretation elevates that foundation through unprecedented gem-setting complexity while maintaining the collection's distinctive architectural language.
Central to the technical achievement sits the in-house UN-172 skeletonized movement featuring flying tourbillon, silicon escapement, and platinum micro-rotor visible at 12 o'clock. Operating at 18,000 vibrations per hour with 72-hour power reserve, the caliber demonstrates Ulysse Nardin's silicon innovation expertise dating to 2001's legendary Freak timepiece.
The 45mm white gold case receives invisible setting treatment across 211 individually selected sapphires cut into 85 unique shapes. This rainbow spectrum creates seamless gradient effect encircling the entire watch while employing "mystery setting" technique that allows light passage through gems, creating floating stone illusions without visible metal frameworks.
Gem-setting complexity extends beyond case architecture to encompass bezel, dial, crown, and clasp applications, ensuring complete chromatic coverage across every visible surface. The rainbow arrangement requires precise color matching and graduated placement to achieve the seamless transition effects that define the piece's visual impact.
Construction challenges multiply when combining high jewelry techniques with complex movement architecture. The skeletonized dial must accommodate both sapphire setting requirements and tourbillon visibility while maintaining structural integrity and shock resistance expected from luxury sports watches.
The integrated white rubber strap and deployant clasp receive matching sapphire applications, completing the rainbow aesthetic while ensuring practical wearability. Despite extensive gem setting, the watch maintains 50-meter water resistance, demonstrating successful integration of jewelry and timepiece functionality.
Limited production to eight pieces emphasizes exclusivity while highlighting the intensive handwork required for each example. The mystery setting technique demands exceptional gem-setting expertise, with each sapphire requiring individual cutting and placement to achieve the floating effect.
This release continues Ulysse Nardin's tradition of pushing horological boundaries through unconventional materials and techniques. The brand's silicon escapement innovations combine with high jewelry craftsmanship to create timepieces that challenge traditional luxury watch categories.
The CHF 451,700 pricing reflects both the extensive gemwork and limited availability, positioning the piece among the most exclusive offerings in Ulysse Nardin's contemporary catalog. Eight-piece production ensures immediate collector status while showcasing the manufacture's high jewelry capabilities.

Read more
Viberg’s newest suede collection is the shoes you were missing
Viberg releases a new suede collection
man on the beach wearing suede viberg shoe

Known for their rugged and apt footwear for the winter, Viberg is turning to summer for a brand new collection. While wearing suede during the summer might seem like a mix you’ll want to avoid, Viberg is taking the chance and giving you all of the suede pieces you need for your formal summer events. Whether it's a summer wedding or heading into the office during the heat, VIberg’s newest suede collection is all about comfort and style, no matter what the weather is like. Contrary to the brand’s typical traditional sturdy footwear, this new collection is all about bringing in a lightweight material that doesn’t falter in style. 

Viberg brings luxury suede to the summer season

Read more
G-Shock’s original DW-5000c gets mighty full metal reissue
Steel evolution: G-shock's full metal 5000 series celebrates iconic dw-5000c heritage
Casio G-shock original product shot

G-Shock highlights its heritage with the 5000 Series Full-Metal GMW-B5000D-1C, a watch that reinterprets the groundbreaking 1983 DW-5000C. This new release blends the classic styling with updated materials and technology, marking an evolution for the brand’s core design.
The original DW-5000C nearly faded into obscurity but was ahead of its time. It gained traction with younger skaters and surfers, especially after being featured on American television. Today, it’s considered an icon among watch enthusiasts and everyday carry fans, establishing G-Shock’s reputation for toughness and practical utility.
The GMW-B5000D-1C is the first Full Metal model to feature the original’s signature red, blue, and yellow accents—each color carrying meaning: red for “the passion to take on challenges,” blue for “excellent water resistance,” and yellow for “outstanding shock resistance.” Previous Full Metal versions used different color schemes, so this release is especially significant for longtime G-Shock fans.
The construction is a major upgrade from the original’s resin case and rubber strap. The GMW-B5000D-1C uses a stainless steel case and linked bracelet, making it more durable and long-lasting while retaining the iconic look that made the DW-5000C famous.
Modern features include a Tough Solar quartz movement, replacing the old lithium battery and drawing power from sunlight. Bluetooth connectivity allows the watch to sync with a smartphone for easier control and enhanced functionality, bringing the 1980s design into the digital age.
Despite these updates, the essential G-Shock principles remain, especially the shock resistance that first set the brand apart. The GMW-B5000D-1C captures the original spirit, honoring it with new technology and improved durability.
Alongside this release, G-Shock also introduces the GM-B2100SD-1C, which applies the same color theme to the first Full Metal watch’s round case. This two-part launch demonstrates G-Shock’s commitment to honoring its roots while exploring new expressions within the Full Metal series.
The GMW-B5000D-1C is featured on G-Shock’s website, though pricing and availability details have not yet been announced. The timing suggests a focus on collectors and fans seeking a piece of G-Shock history, now reimagined with premium materials and modern features.
This release illustrates how classic designs can evolve through new materials and technology, preserving the core qualities that made them legendary and appealing to both longtime G-Shock enthusiasts and newcomers discovering the brand’s origins.

Read more