M2 2021 Luxury Watch Preview: G-Shock

M2 brings you its top watch picks in a series featuring the best of this year’s luxury timepiece releases.

G-Shock MRG-B2000 Kachi-Iro

At one time ultramarine was worth more than gold, as its deep blue colour came from the rare lapis lazuli rock which was only found in Afghanistan. All around the ancient world these rocks were carved into ornate sculptures, including Tutankhamun’s famous death mask, and the remaining powder was used as a clothing dye. In Japan this colour was known as kachi-iro or ‘winning colour’ as the samurai who wore armour dyed kachi-iro, noticed they won more often while wearing it.

Today that same winning spirit continues within the new G-Shock MR-G models where the kachi-iro colour has been revived as an accent on the bezel inner, logo and inset dials of the MRG-B2000 model. The Japanese warrior theme continues with the crystallised titanium sword blade texture on the MRG-B2000R model’s bezel while the outer face periphery features a cut reminiscent of a Japanese fan. The concave surfaces of the hour markers resemble the curve of a samurai sword as do the hands. Both models are equipped with Bluetooth® communication capabilities for smartphone connectivity.

The MRG-B2000B comes as a full metal band while the MRG-B2000R comes on a fluorine rubber band featuring a Bishamonten armour tortoise shell finish.

G-Shock MTG-B2000PH Blue Phoenix

The phoenix, the ancient symbol of rebirth has been used for millennia to illustrate how individuals, civilisations, cities, companies and, closer to home, even football teams have been able to come back from ashes to vibrant life once more. Often described as a bird with a colourful plumage, G-Shock have taken both this variation plus its Blue Phoenix cousin from the East that bears auspicious tidings as inspiration for the new MTG-B2000PH shock-resistant watch.

Making the most of the properties of both metal and resin for durability and expression, this model features CMF design integrating colour, material, and finish. This technique has created a rainbow-like ion plating on the bezel and case as well as a multi-coloured dial, while the bezel features an independent construction separate from the case. Subtle colour variations in the yellow-to-red gradation over light-blue ion plating mean that every single watch is unique — no two look quite the same. Look for accents of pink and/or orange on the dial too.

Featuring bluetooth communication capabilities which include automatic time adjustment when paired with a smartphone, the watch is good for travellers as it automatically adjusts to local time when crossing time zones. Comes with a translucent navy-blue band to finish off a truly resplendent vision of the Blue Phoenix.