These four G-Shock 40th-anniversary watches take sharply different approaches: a black full-metal Eric Haze Square, two vivid Flare Red designs, and an MR-G shaped by Japanese swordsmithing. They are the four models Lex Stolk handled for his November 2022 review—not a complete list of Casio’s 2023 anniversary releases. The choice comes down to whether you want graphic full-metal styling, a dramatic red sports watch, or intricate limited-edition craft.
The four watches at a glance
| Model | Design and materials | Reported dimensions | Notable stated details |
|---|---|---|---|
| GMW-B5000EH | Black full-metal Square with Eric Haze graphics | Not stated in the cited review details | Shock resistant, 20-bar water resistance, solar power |
| MTG-B3000FR-1A | Flare Red MT-G with a layered carbon-and-glass-fiber bezel insert and phosphorescent particles | 51.9 × 50.9 × 13.2 mm (Fratello, 2022) | 200-meter water resistance (Casio, 2022) |
| GWG-2040FR-1A | Flare Red Mudmaster with phosphorescent forged-carbon bezel components | 61.2 × 54.4 × 16.1 mm (Fratello, 2022) | 200-meter water resistance (Casio, 2022) |
| MRG-B2000GA-1A | Gassan-inspired MR-G with a hybrid titanium bezel and swordmaking-inspired details | 55.1 × 51 × 15.9 mm (Fratello, 2022) | Limited to 500 worldwide (Casio product page accessed 2026) |
The dimensions are figures reported by Fratello’s 2022 hands-on review, not measurements taken under a stated standardized protocol. Casio’s references may omit regional suffixes: Fratello uses forms such as “-1AER” and “-1ADR,” while Casio product pages use base references such as “-1A.” Check the exact regional variant when looking up a watch.
GMW-B5000EH: a graphic take on the full-metal Square
The GMW-B5000EH applies Eric Haze’s artwork to the metal Square form associated with the first G-Shock’s silhouette. Its black ion-plated steel band carries Haze graphics reproduced as laser-engraved dots. The anniversary logo appears on the case back, and Casio describes a light effect that reveals Haze’s tag.
Casio lists shock resistance, 20-bar water resistance, and solar power for this model. Lex Stolk gave it the most attention among the four in his 2022 review, highlighting the band pattern, metal Square shape, and positive display. That is his personal first impression, rather than an objective ranking or a claim about current owner consensus.
#1 Best Overall
![Casio GA-114RE-1AJR [G-Shock 40th Anniversary Remaster Black Series] Watch Japan Import May 2023 Model](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41t3-w2+ndL._SL160_.jpg)
- Impact-resistant structure *Shock resist
- Anti-magnetic watch * JIS class 1
- World time * 48 cities around the world (29 time zones, with daylight saving time setting function) + UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) time display, home time city replacement function
- Stopwatch * 1/1000 second, 100 hour meter, speed measurement function (MAX1998 unit/h, 2 unit/h unit), lap/split measurement switching
- Timer * Set unit: 1 minute, maximum set: 24 hours, measured in 1 second units, auto repeat
MTG-B3000FR-1A: the more compact Flare Red
The MT-G’s visual centerpiece is a multicolor carbon insert in its bezel. Casio says it is formed from layered carbon and glass-fiber sheets with phosphorescent particles; the anniversary design takes its cue from a solar flare. Fratello reports dimensions of 51.9 × 50.9 × 13.2 mm. Casio’s 2022 Flare Red announcement lists 200-meter water resistance for the MTG-B3000FR.
Among these four, its reported thickness is the lowest. That does not make it a small watch in absolute terms: its broad case still gives it a substantial presence, while the bright bezel makes the anniversary theme immediately visible.
Rank #2
- Rugged & Sporty Design – Matte black finish with bold digital display, built for tactical, military, and extreme sports enthusiasts.
- High-Brightness LED Backlight – Features Super Illuminator LED with a light guide plate, ensuring exceptional visibility in low-light conditions.
- 200M Water Resistance – Engineered for swimming, snorkeling, and outdoor adventures, this shock-resistant watch is ready for action.
- Extended 7-Year Battery Life – Powered by a CR2025 battery, offering years of reliable performance without frequent replacements.
- Shock-Resistant Structure – Built to withstand extreme conditions, making it ideal for sports, military, and rugged outdoor use.
GWG-2040FR-1A: the oversized Flare Red Mudmaster
The Mudmaster takes the same solar-flare theme into a larger, more rugged-looking design. Casio describes phosphorescent forged-carbon components in the bezel. Fratello reports a case measuring 61.2 × 54.4 × 16.1 mm, making it the largest by the cited width and height figures of these four. Casio’s 2022 announcement lists 200-meter water resistance for the GWG-2040FR.
That scale is central to the choice: this is the model for someone who wants an imposing wrist presence and conspicuous red-and-carbon styling, not a discreet anniversary watch. Stolk described both Flare Red watches as attention-grabbing and potential conversation starters; that reflects his initial response, not a measured assessment.
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Rank #3
- Super Matte Finish, Shock Resistant, 200M water resistance, LED light (Super illuminator), World time, Stopwatch, Countdown timer, 5 daily alarms, Hourly time signal, Hand shift feature
- Full auto-calendar, 12/24-hour format, Analog: 2 hands (hour, minute (hand moves every 20 seconds)), Digital: Hour, minute, second, pm, month, date, day, Approx. battery life: 5 years on CR2016
- Quartz Movement
- Case Diameter: 52.8mm
- Water resistant 200m (660ft): in general, suitable for professional marine activity and serious surface water sports, but not diving
MRG-B2000GA-1A: swordsmithing influence in the MR-G line
Casio’s Gassan-inspired MR-G connects the anniversary watch to master swordsmith Sadanobu Gassan. Its hybrid titanium bezel evokes the ayasugi-hada pattern associated with the Gassan family, while details on the band reference elements of sword construction and markings. Fratello describes a textured case and blue-gray finish, and reports dimensions of 55.1 × 51 × 15.9 mm.
Casio states that the MRG-B2000GA-1A was limited to 500 pieces worldwide. Stolk admired the craftsmanship in his 2022 review. This model is the most directly focused on specialist materials and decorative craft of the four, rather than on the Eric Haze graphic treatment or the Flare Red color story.
Rank #4
- Metal-clad daring meets sophisticated gleam in this Casio G-Shock that delivers Smartphone Link via Bluetooth(R) and Tough Solar charging system, all in a meticulously finished metal design with iconic octagonal bezel
- This model features a blue metallic vapor deposition dial that is complemented by a black band made of environmentally responsible bio-based resin
How to choose among them
- Choose the GMW-B5000EH if you want the familiar Square outline in black full metal, with Eric Haze’s engraved-dot graphics and a positive display.
- Choose the MTG-B3000FR-1A if the solar-flare look appeals but you prefer the smaller reported dimensions of the two red models.
- Choose the GWG-2040FR-1A if your priority is a pronounced, oversized Mudmaster presence with forged-carbon bezel details.
- Choose the MRG-B2000GA-1A if the swordsmithing inspiration, titanium construction, and limited production are the main attractions.
These watches share an anniversary, not a single feature set. The available product details do not establish a complete, standardized comparison of functions across all four, so assess each exact reference against your needs rather than assuming the same capabilities from the anniversary branding.
Prices and availability
The prices and stock status reported around the 2022 review are historical, not reliable current buying guidance. Casio product pages identify these as older or limited releases, but current retail availability was not established. In particular, the MR-G’s 500-piece production limit does not indicate how many remain available. Check Casio’s regional product information and confirm the reference, seller, condition, and availability before buying.
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