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MR-G at 30: How G-SHOCK Went from Metal Experiment to Blue Rose

Casio’s MR-G began with the MRG-100-1 in November 1996. See how the metal G-SHOCK story connects to the separate Blue Rose Project editions and later anniversary models.
Estimate3–4 min Catalogued SpecialistWatchRanker Team
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Casio dates the MRG-100-1, introduced in November 1996, as the first metal G-SHOCK. MR-G began with a specific engineering challenge: adapting G-SHOCK shock protection to a metal exterior. Three decades later, special editions such as the Blue Rose Project’s MRG-B5000SA-2 and MRG-D5000 pair that history with distinctive materials and limited production.

Why a metal G-SHOCK was difficult to make

G-SHOCK’s original protective approach relied on a urethane case. A metal exterior posed a different problem: Casio needed to preserve shock protection while using materials that would not cushion impacts in the same way.

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In its retrospective development account, Casio says engineer Kikuo Ibe organized a team of eight engineers to pursue an “unbreakable metal watch.” They worked on the project outside regular hours. The team explored separating the bezel from the case, with shock-absorbing material between them, and using L-shaped glass packing to cushion the bezel and glass. Casio also describes repeated case-drop testing during development. These details are Casio’s account of the project, not an independent performance assessment. Casio’s MR-G development history

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What was the first metal G-SHOCK?

Casio’s model chronology identifies the MRG-100-1, dated November 1996, as “The first metal G-SHOCK.” The chronology gives the month and year, not an exact launch day. It also lists the square MRG-110-7 in November 1996. Casio’s MR-G model chronology

#1 Best Overall
Casio Men's GST-B100-1ACR G-Shock Analog Display Quartz Black Watch
  • Smartphone Link Functions; Battery Level Indicator; New Layer Guard Structure; Tough Solar; Dual Dial World Time; Chronograph
  • 200 Meter Water Resistance; Shock Resistance; Neobrite; Bluetooth Capability
  • Quartz Movement
  • Case Diameter: 53.8mm
  • Water resistant 200m (660ft): in general, suitable for professional marine activity and serious surface water sports, but not diving

The line then diversified: Casio lists the MRG-120T-1A, with a titanium case and band, in April 1997, followed by the MRG-1000-7 in November 1998. That sequence shows MR-G moving beyond its initial metal-watch milestone while remaining within G-SHOCK’s broader shock-resistant design approach.

How the Blue Rose Project reframed MR-G

Casio uses the blue rose as a symbol of a miraculous feat—making the impossible possible—and presents the Blue Rose Project as an expression of challenge, a theme it associates with G-SHOCK. The project’s name is Casio’s own product narrative, rather than a technical specification. Casio’s MRG-B5000SA-2 product page

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Casio G-Shock GWG-B1000-1AJF Master of G Series MUDMASTER Flagship Model Triple Sensor Japan Import New
  • Triple Sensor (compass, altimeter/barometer, and thermometer)
  • Solar Powered
  • Radio- Controlled
  • Bluetooth Mobile Link
  • Double LED

MRG-B5000SA-2: Super Blue

Casio says the MRG-B5000SA-2 draws inspiration from the blue world of ice caves in Iceland’s largest glacier. Two blue sapphires are set in its bezel, while blue tones extend across the metal exterior, dial, and crystal. Casio states that the worldwide edition is limited to 500 pieces. These are company descriptions of the watch’s design and announced edition size, not an assessment of its performance or current availability.

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MRG-D5000: Blue Sapphire

The MRG-D5000 Blue Sapphire is a separate watch, not another name or edition count for the MRG-B5000SA-2. Casio’s U.S. product page describes it as the first MR-G timepiece crafted directly in sapphire crystal and states a worldwide limit of 20 pieces. The same page identifies the Dream Project as the Blue Rose Project’s predecessor. Casio’s U.S. MRG-D5000 product page

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Casio G-Shock G-Steel GM2110D Analog-Digital Sky Blue Dial Stainless Steel Watch 43mm - GM2110D-2A
  • Introducing the GM-2110D - an analog-digital combination G-STEEL based on the GA-2100, now with a stylish metal bezel and band update
  • Meticulously forged and polished, the uniform octagonal stainless-steel bezel anchors a simple, no-fuss design with a sophisticated, yet tough look
  • Choose from, sky blue, orange, or lime green, in addition to classic hues of navy and silver

MR-G’s first model and Blue Rose editions at a glance

Model Place in the story Design or material details stated by Casio Stated edition size
MRG-100-1 First metal G-SHOCK; November 1996 Not stated in the cited chronology Not stated in the cited chronology
MRG-B5000SA-2, Super Blue Blue Rose Project edition Blue tones across the exterior, dial, and crystal; two blue sapphires in the bezel; glacier ice-cave inspiration 500 worldwide, per Casio
MRG-D5000, Blue Sapphire Separate Blue Rose Project model Casio describes it as the first MR-G crafted directly in sapphire crystal 20 worldwide, per Casio

The MRG-B2100HR and the anniversary beyond Blue Rose

Casio Europe announced the MRG-B2100HR as another MR-G 30th-anniversary model on September 24, 2026. The announcement describes a latticework dial finished in platinum leaf and a worldwide limit of 800 pieces. It is anniversary context, not evidence that every MR-G anniversary watch belongs to the Blue Rose Project. Casio Europe’s September 24, 2026 announcement

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What the 30-year arc says about MR-G

MR-G’s story links a construction challenge to a design platform: Casio’s account begins with adapting shock protection to metal, while later Blue Rose editions use sapphire, color, and finishing to give individual watches their own identity. The dates and limited-edition quantities here are Casio’s stated facts; they do not establish present-day stock, resale value, or comparative durability.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Casio Men's GST-B100-1ACR G-Shock Analog Display Quartz Black Watch
Casio Men's GST-B100-1ACR G-Shock Analog Display Quartz Black Watch
200 Meter Water Resistance; Shock Resistance; Neobrite; Bluetooth Capability; Quartz Movement
$308.72
Bestseller No. 2
Casio G-Shock GWG-B1000-1AJF Master of G Series MUDMASTER Flagship Model Triple Sensor Japan Import New
Casio G-Shock GWG-B1000-1AJF Master of G Series MUDMASTER Flagship Model Triple Sensor Japan Import New
Triple Sensor (compass, altimeter/barometer, and thermometer); Solar Powered; Radio- Controlled
$870.00
Rank #4
Sale
G-Shock Casio G-Steel Solar Connected Blue Dial Black Resin Strap Watch - GBM2100A-1A2
  • 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

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