Casio G-Shock MT-G B2000 review – Modern samurai watch

Tags: Review | Casio | Men's | Classic

8.4.2021 | 9 MIN

Extremely resistant, reliable and accurate, yet representative and, of course, originally from the Land of the Rising Sun… I might be wrong, but I think these would be the requirements of a  modern samurai choosing his watch. And that's exactly what lies in front of me today. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome new G-Shock MT-G B2000.

„Made in Yamagata“ exclusivity

I have no doubt that G-Shockers do not need to be particularly introduced to the MT-G line, and that everyone has met them, either live or on the Internet. But to those of you not familiar with this abbreviation, let me indrocuce it to you... So, what makes these G-Shocks with a price attacking 30,000 CZK so special? In the G-Shock hierarchy the "Metal Twisted G-Shock" line – shortly MT-G, is located just behind the imaginary Olympus, and together with the higest line MR-G (for which, by the way, you pay another extra load of money) they represent the best the Japanese brand Casio has to offer.

Like the MR-G, MT-G is not produced in a regular factory hall filled with robots, which Casio has several of around the world, but they are produced in a premium production line at the Yamagata factory, where manual labor predominates and is more reminiscent of a hospital ward than a quartz factory.

Every detail is inspected here even with the help of a microscope, and the watch also undergoes rigorous endurance tests. And not just any tests. In order to pass the "Triple G" test, randomly selected pieces must withstand a fall from a height, be pounded on with a hammer, survive a centrifuge ride and also experience extreme vibrations on a special device. The 200-meter water resistance test is just a relaxing bath after all this…

Positive shock

The word „wow“ and sligtly dropped jaw was my first reaction after taking this beauty out of the box for the first time. Why am I writing this?... In the last 2 years, I have held in my hands basically every new G-Shock model, and if I should say which one left me astonished, it is definitely this MT-G. To prove it is not just my feeling, my wife, who just happended to be walking by, confirmed this with the words "these are pretty", even though she knows nothing about G-Shocks and so far her ratings were only limited to an unbias "hmm..."

In the last 2 years, I have held in my hands basically every new G-Shock model, and if I should say which one left me astonished, it is definitely this MT-G.

No, it really is not "another plastic underdog", but a watch with design, details and the overall level of workmanship, that can compare to even much more expensive production from Switzerland. After all, Casio it self admits that this model is aimed at both "loyal" fans of the brand, but also "high-end watch users". Add durability and functional equipment, that no other purely analog watch offers, and you get a very unique piece - rough, yet elegant watch you can wear with a suit without any regrets and please your eyes whenever you look at your wrist. Its a chameleon… Can you think of another one like these?

Sandwich is replaced by a monocoque

As usual, Casio has introduced (so far) three different color variants for the European market.

Before I focus on the individual design details (and there is a lot of them), let's take a closer look at the construction of the MT-G B2000 itself as it is a bit of a revolution in the MT-G line.

The sandwich construction made of metal and resin was replaced by a carbon monocoque, hiding the module of the watch. This "capsule" is then inserted into a steel frame, into which a bezel with molded glass is then attached with four screws. The glass is slightly arched and, of course, sapphire with an internal anti-reflective treatment, as is appropriate for watches in this price category.

Thanks to the new carbon construction, compared to the previous model MTG-B1000, they not only slightly decreased its size, but mainly lost a significant 26 grams. The new model thus weighs 156 grams, but with a full lenght band, which is relatively long. So if you shorten the band, the weight of the watch can go even lower.

I will take a moment to talk about the band as it is very unique due to its workmenship. I don't mean the surface treatment now - I'll get to that later, but its construction. Like the previous MT-G models, it deceives with its body. Although from the outside it looks like all-metal, it is not… The inner side of the individual parts is "hollow" and a resin insert is machine-pressed into it.

The inner insert of the bracelet is made of resin.

The reason is obvious - it is mainly about saving weight. Of course, we already know this solution from previous models, but the MT-G B2000 has been completely redesigned and is now another 15% lighter. However, the inner insert has a different mission than just reducing weight. Another advantage can be appreciated especially after waking up. Thanks to the resin insert, the watch does not get cold after putting it on, so getting up in the morning is a little more pleasant. In the insert parts, there are also small "grooves" for sweat or water drainage, if you plan on taking the watch to the water. 

A new feature is a Quick release system for easy strap or band replacement. The system is functional and you can change the strap in an instant without any tools, but to be completely honest, I kind of miss the point of this system. The band is integrated in a different way so basically you can only change it for another original band. And I personally doubt that you will ever change it on your MT-G…

The bracelet is attached with a quick release system, but it will only fit the original band.

I will also briefly talk about the buckle, which with its durability corresponds to the rest of the watch and has a significant number of microregulation holes. However, what I like most about the MT-G line buckles are the two integrated anti-scratch protectors so for example so called "office diving" does not aesthetically harm the buckle.

The buckel has two "protectors", which protect the buckle against unnecessary scratches.

Appearance

Evaluating the look is always quite a difficult thing. Not everybody has to like this new design trend of the versatile bezel. G-Shock started this trend in a very popular GA-2100. In my opinion, the sharper features are especially suitable for durable G-Shocks, and this is doubly true for this model.

The twelve-sided bezel beautifully complements the sharply cut shapes of the steel case and, together with the band, forms a beautifully balanced piece. The symmetry, but also the ergonomics of the control, certainly benefited from the use of four buttons instead of three, as it was typical for previous model. And the surface treatment? Undoubtedly excellent. All metal parts were polished with a special Japanese technique "Zaratsu" (technique used for example for many times more expensive Grand Seiko watches) and later delicately brushed for the most perfect look. I am telling you, this watch is very nice to look at in person and if you like details, you will no doubt be thrilled.

The surface finish is excellent and Casio has used methods that you can usually be found in many manufacturers on more expensive models.

The imaginary cherry on top is the color treatment of the watch. The bezel of the piece I tested in a non-traditional shade of "Burgundy" quite surprised me. In reality it is darker then it seemed in the Casio product photos and it perfectly complements the black that dominates the watch. The only thing I would complain about (given the price) is the fact that it is only an IP (ion plating) treatment and not DLC (diamond like carbon), which is much more durable and Casio obviously saves it for its top MR-G models.

The shade of burgundy wine on the bezel is incredible. And it goes perfectly with black.

On the wrist

And what it is like to have it on? The MT-G line models have never been small and the new Two Thousand Line continues this tradition. But it's not as bad as it might seem. Although Casio states the dimensions 55.1 x 51.0 x 15.9 millimeters in its size charts, but as you probably know from previous G-Shock, these are always measurements including the crown and the integrated transition of the band or strap. If we measure them without buttons, crown or the mentioned transition, the dimensions are a bit more sympathetic 53 mm in height (so-called lug to lug), 45.7 mm in width. You don't necessarily need the hand of a well-fed wrestler to enjoy these beauties.

The wearing comfort is also enhanced by the connection of the band to the case, where the first link is not firmly fixed and the watch thus adapts better to the wrist.

Perhaps my only reservation is with the thickness of the watch. It's not that the watch would dangle significantly or roll over on the wrist, it is well balanced, but it might not be the best friend to narrow sleeves of a shirt…

My aging eyes appreciated the distinctive hands, which made it easier to read during the day and at dusk. At night, the luminiscence with high endurance does its job, and the powerful LED light manages to illuminate not only the hands, but also the date. Luminescent points can also be found above the indices, and thanks to the highlighted "twelve", you no longer have to examine unnecessarily in the middle of the night if you don't accidentally hold the watch upside down. Amazing...

Smart quartz

However, the MT-G B2000 is not just a durable watch wrapped in a stylish look. It is also a showcase of Casio technologies. Sure, these are not "smartwatches", but in the category of purely analog quarts - ie watches without any auxiliary display, you would hardly able to find a smarter ones. Its features include a stopwatch and a timer, both for 24 hours, an alarm clock and, of course, a second (world) time, which has its own dial, including the AM / PM indicator.

Of course, the new MT-G also has a solar power supply, which makes them a virtually maintenance-free watch. However, what I am missing when looking at the dial is the battery level indicator, which you can only check with your phone.This bad habbit has grown a bit with the new G-Shocks and I'm honestly not very happy about it. The watch can warn you your battery is almost dead with its second hand, but that is a bit too late. And as an easy fix, it would be enough to replace the daylight saving time indicator (DST), which you will set to "auto" with the new watch anyway and then never focus on it again…

What I really like is that they use a movement with independed motors for every hand which makes the movement of the hand not only smooth, but mainly agile, which greatly speeds up handling and especially settings. The last, but no less important function is the automatic time synchronization. As with the previous model, we have a choice here in two ways: using radio waves or an Internet server.

B as Bluetooth

Yes, as the letter B suggests in the label of the watch, these are another G-Shocks that can communicate with a smartphone, provided that you have the "G-Shock Connected" application installed. The app is trivially simple (in a good way) and, among other things, simplifies the setting of the watch, shows the mentioned battery status, adjusts the time once an hour, but also checks the correct position of the hands (so-called self check) and can help finding your lost phone with thw Phone Finder feature.

As a huge advantage, I perceive that although the MT-G understands the phone, the watch does not necessarily need it for its full functionality, and if you decide that you do not want to use the app, you will not lose any function. Plus there are no worries that in the future they will face the sad fate of contemporary "smartwatches", which will end up in the trash after their manufacturer ends the app suppoet, which will undoubtedly happen once.

G-Shock of the Year…

What to write in conclusion? The year 2020 was not worth much, but at least it brought something to us, the G-Shock fans. And if I had to vote in the imaginary poll "G-Shock of the Year", the new MT-G B2000 would take a big lead. This piece of Japanese art has come dangerously close to the top models of the MR-G line, and I dare to say that it will become a sought-after classic in the future. And if you think you would never spend that much money on Casio, I only have one piece of advice. When our great government allows us to live a litlle more normal, go take a look at th new MT-G yourself and maybe it will convince you, as I was convinced after seeing it in person, that it is really worth it.