Casio Unveils The G-Shock MR-G Frogman MRGBF1000R1A Dive Watch
When most people think of G-Shock watches, it’s typically the brand’s budget-friendly models that first come to mind. However, Casio produces its highly popular G-Shock collection at an incredibly wide range of values, and while the point of entry is often less than a hundred dollars, the top-of-the-line models can cost more than an entry-level Rolex. Sitting at the very top of the Casio G-Shock spectrum is the MR-G series, and these models feature advanced internal modules paired with finely finished full-metal cases. The latest release from Casio for 2023 is an ultra-premium rendition of the Frogman, which is the purpose-built professional dive watch from the greater G-Shock universe, and the new Casio G-Shock MR-G Frogman MRGBF1000R1A takes the model’s classic asymmetric silhouette and presents it in a full-titanium package with a completely analog display.
Measuring 49.7mm-wide by 18.6mm-thick, with an overall lug-to-lug profile of 56mm, the case of the new Casio G-Shock MR-G Frogman MRGBF1000R1A is highly reminiscent of the inaugural Frogman model from 1993. However, while the overall profile has been retained, the case itself is a highly premium execution that is crafted entirely from titanium that has undergone a deep-layer hardening process and given a black DLC coating for additional scratch resistance. Consisting of over 70 individual components, the titanium case and bezel incorporate fluoro rubber buffers between the various metal sections to help provide the MR-G Frogman MRGBF1000R1A with the same legendary shock resistance that defines the rest of the G-Shock series.
The dial is protected by a clear sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment, while the reverse side of the watch is fitted with a threaded screw-down caseback that features another sapphire crystal that has been finished bright blue with a vapor deposition process and engraved with the Frogman collection’s logo. While its dimensions make it an objectively large watch, the use of titanium for the case helps to keep its weight down, and since the Frogman series is designed to be worn over the sleeve of a wetsuit, the rather large size of the MRGBF1000R1A ultimately makes quite a lot of sense from a functional standpoint.
Each of the individual titanium case components on the new Casio G-Shock MR-G Frogman MRGBF1000R1A has been separately machined and finished to produce crisp, detailed lines that recreate the angular structure of the classic Frogman’s injection-molded resin bezel. Additionally, while all G-Shock watches offer a fairly generous 200 meters of water resistance, models from the brand’s Frogman series are ISO certified, and since they are specifically designed for scuba diving, their buttons remain fully operational while underwater.
Although the case is made entirely from titanium, metal bracelets aren’t really all that ideal for actual diving purposes, and so the new Casio G-Shock MR-G Frogman MRGBF1000R1A is fitted with a black rubber strap made from Dura Soft, which is a robust and comfortable fluoro rubber that feels both softer and more flexible than the standard resin straps fitted to most G-Shock models. Both the dual-pronged buckle and strap keeper are made from black DLC-finished Ti64 titanium to match the watch case, while the ends of the strap connect to the case with a quick-release system to facilitate easy strap changes.
While the original Frogman was a completely digital watch, Casio also now makes versions that feature full-analog displays, and the new G-Shock MR-G Frogman MRGBF1000R1A is of the later variety, with multi-function hands and sub-dials responsible for tracking all of its various operations. The dial itself embraces a largely dark gray and blue color profile with bright white luminous hands and hour markers, along with a date window at the 4:30 location.
While a fully analog display might sound slightly cumbersome for a feature-packed dive watch, Casio’s Frogman models offer a number of tricks to facilitate their operation while underwater. For example, when set to diving mode, the hour and minute hands will stack on top of each other and move in unison to increase legibility while tracking elapsed time. Additionally, since the Casio G-Shock MR-G Frogman MRGBF1000R1A also offers Bluetooth connectivity via a dedicated app, dive logs and other metrics tracked by the watch can be viewed on a smartphone, and tide data is available for more than 3,000 locations around the world.
Powering the new Casio G-Shock MR-G Frogman MRGBF1000R1A is Module No. 5702, which is one of the brand’s premium movements that offer a wealth of dive-oriented functionality and modern-day conveniences. Solar-powered with both radio-controlled timekeeping and Bluetooth connectivity, Module No. 5702 offers all of the usual G-Shock functions such as a stopwatch, countdown timer, alarm, automatic calendar, dual time zone display, world timer, and a LED backlight. Additionally, it also includes a number of other scuba-related features, such as a tide graph and a dedicated diving mode that tracks submersion and surface times with the ability to store up to 30 records.
While this amount of functionality in a fully analog watch can often be accompanied by a rather convoluted setting process, the fact that the new G-Shock MR-G Frogman MRGBF1000R1A can be configured through Casio’s smartphone app means that setup will be painless and long-term timekeeping will be virtually perfect due to its Bluetooth connectivity and radio controlled time synchronization. Lastly, although operating the watch is achieved by pressing the buttons on the side of its case, setting it requires you to unscrew the crown at 3 o’clock, which means that there is zero chance of accidentally disrupting its timekeeping by pressing any of the buttons.
Casio’s premium MR-G series sits at the very top of the G-Shock hierarchy, and Frogman models almost always cost more than other collections simply due to their ISO-certified diver’s features. Therefore, when it comes to a full-titanium MR-G version of the Frogman, you can almost guarantee that it will be one of the brand’s most expensive models, and the new Casio G-Shock MR-G Frogman MRGBF1000R1A is accompanied by an official retail price of $5,000 USD. Although you can get your hands on an entry-level Frogman for as little as several hundred dollars, this new ultra-premium rendition is primarily aimed at serious collectors and those who want a highly elevated execution of one of the brand’s most capable models. For more information on the Casio G-Shock MR-G Frogman MRGBF1000R1A, please visit the brand’s website.
