It’s been 5 years since we first got our hands on the MT-G. Since then, this G-SHOCK has evolved and diversified, winning an iF Design Award with the MTG-B1000 series. As rugged as ever, its design has become more sophisticated, and most recently refined with the MTG-B3000. A watch with an MR-G look that didn’t pass under our radar. On the occasion of the release of theaurora borealis-inspired limited editionWe take this watch in hand to give you our impressions.
MT-G: steel according to G-Shock
For those of you unfamiliar with the Japanese brand, the G-SHOCK world is divided into two categories: the standard range and the MT-G range. Premium range. The special feature of the latter is that all the watches are made in thestate-of-the-art factory of the brand, in Yamagata in Japan. A state-of-the-art factory where the brand’s top engineers and watchmakers work on a production line that enables precision operations far beyond the human eye. The MT-G range for “Metal Twisted G-SHOCK is one of them, combining the watchmaking material of choice, steel, with G-SHOCK’s specialty, resin. The idea: bring prestige to technology to satisfy a more demanding audience. The model we’re reviewing today is a little unusual, taking inspiration from the northern lights with rainbow ionic plating to make each piece unique, and a translucent mauve bracelet.
Highlights
It’s clearly a matter of taste, but the distinctive style of this limited edition is also its strength. As technical as it is wacky, this MTG-B3000PRB-1A will undoubtedly find its audienceas always with G-SHOCK. It’s a daring move, but one that must be appreciated. work done on the casefrom its ultra-complex Dual Core Guard construction (carbon fiber-reinforced resin) to its fascinating rainbow finishespecially on the bezel, which has been treated with a advanced thermal process and recrystallized to give it a micro-martel effect without manual intervention. Secondly, and this is what we like about the new MTG-B3000 range, its makes it extremely portablewhich was less the case with the other models, notably with its thickness of just 12.1mm. You’ll see this in the photos below, but our little 17.5cm wrist fits perfectly. Then there’s its outstanding resistance resistance: resistance to shock, of course, but also to vibration and centrifugal force, a trifecta known as “Triple G Resist” found only in the Premium range. Add to this the Bluetooth Mobile Link for easy setupas well as a solar-powered and radio-controlledand you have a concentrate of the brand’s flagship technologies.
What we regret
In the case of this limited edition, its offbeat style is also its weakness. That’s why we recommend you take a look at the whole range. The other problem, a recurring one – in our opinion – with G-SHOCK’s analog display models, is readability. While the time is easy to read, it is the navigation through the functions which is more difficult. We have a good view, but the mode selector at 9 o’clock with its pale red/mauve markings on a black background means you have to look very closely. Then, even if the Bluetooth connection or even the radio-pilot allow you to set your watch’s time automatically, setting the time and date manually is quite a science. Without a manual, you could spend a good hour fiddling with the crown! Then, while the luminescence of the hands is low, the Super Illuminator function (white LED) makes up for it, especially when you select 3.5 seconds of illumination time. Thanks to this, functions such as stopwatch or self-timer take on their full meaning.
Our opinion on this G-Shock watch
For some time now, we have been more and more attracted to technical watches technical watches. It all started with the G-Squad GBD-H2000, purely because of its looks. For years, we’d been boxed in by watch sizes. When we tried smaller mechanical watches, we were surprised, just as we were with the larger “tool watches”. In short, it’s not the size that counts, it’s how it feels on the wrist! What we like about this new MTG-B3000 series are its much more accessible dimensions than most advanced G-SHOCK models. Rest assured, there are other, far less outrageous references available, including a steel version on a black rubber strap that we were able to try out during the brand’s party at Horel in Bordeaux, but which doesn’t seem to be available yet. After that, it’s a question of budget because with prices starting at 999€ and rising to 1,400€ for this limited seriesIt’s a far cry from the “little” G-SHOCKs you can accumulate. A must-see, and above all, a must-try.
Available from Casio’s official store.
FEATURES – CASIO G-SHOCK MTG-B3000
Case : steel and resin – rainbow ion plating with heat treatment and recrystallization process – Dual Core Guard structure in carbon-fiber reinforced resin – Triple G Resist (shock, vibration & centrifugal force) – 50.9mm wide x 51.9mm long x 12.1mm thick – scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment – screw-lock crown – solid caseback – 20 ATM (200 meters) water resistance
Dial : analog display – circular-brushed background – raised hour-markers fixed to the flange – LED Super Illuminator – Neobrite luminescence on hour and minute hands
Functions : Mobile Link (Bluetooth connection) with settings on CASIO WATCHES app – radio control – Tough Solar operation – world time – stopwatch – self-timer – alarm signal – calendar – mute – power save function – battery level indicator – automatic correction of hand position
Module : reference 5672 – 5-month runtime on rechargeable battery – accuracy of -/+15 seconds per month (without calibration signal)
Bracelet : textured translucent mauve resin – fitted cut 26/21mm – steel loop with rose gold ionic plating – steel pin buckle clasp with purple ionic plating
Information : reference MTG-B3000PRB-1A – limited edition – available on the official Casio website and from authorized retailers – 2-year warranty – €1,400 incl. VAT
