The MT-G collection, which lies just below the top-level G-Shock MR-G items, is Casio G-last Shock's luxury collection. At roughly $1,000 USD (a few thousand less than most MR-G models), MT-G watches are obviously premium-priced, but they incorporate a lot of Casio's latest technology as well as a high-end feel and materials that should please even wristwatch purists. Today, we'll be reviewing the Casio G-Shock MT-G of the current generation, the MTGB2000 collection; this natural steel model is the reference MTGB2000D-1A. This is a new model for 2021.
The MTGB1000 and MTGB2000 are fairly comparable in terms of functionality. That is to say, they share the majority of the same features and provide similar wear experiences. The watches, however, have completely distinct case designs, dials, and movements. As a result, the MTGB2000 is more of a modest upgrade and stylistic variant than a direct replacement for the MTGB1000. In some ways, the fact that the MTGB1000 and MTGB2000 are available at the same time makes them rivals. If you travel frequently and require the absolute fastest automatic time-sync capabilities, I feel the MTGB2000 has the advantage because its newer hardware module appears to have improved Bluetooth and/or radio signal connectivity functions. The MTGB1000 contains the same Bluetooth connectivity functions as the MTGB2000, however Casio seems to have modified the performance for the new module in the MTGB2000. The decision between the G-Shock MTGB1000 and MTGB2000 will largely be based on the wearer's aesthetic preferences.
The information on the dials of the MTGB1000 and MTGB2000 is the same, but the layouts are different. A main dial with seconds, a 12-hour format subdial (primarily for a second time zone), a tiny AM/PM indicator for the second time zone, a calendar window, and a dual-purpose day-of-the-week indicator and function-selector hand are all included. On the case of the MTGB2000, there is an extra pusher. I also found that operating the functions with the pushers was a little easier on the MTGB2000, which is one of the improvements I believe the watch has over the previous-generation model.The dial represents Casio's attempt at restraint in terms of style, with the majority of the visual emphasis on the hands and markers (rather than less significant dial adornment), and legibility is decent. The design is futuristic, with a strong masculine presence. The watch face isn't the most attractive or distinctive from Casio, but it is stylish in the appropriate manner. The goal behind a watch like the MT-G is to focus less on the dial and more on the case and bracelet, which are where the core design expression is supposed to show through. While the hands and hour markers are coated with a limited amount of luminant, the watch has a brilliant LED backlight that allows you to read the dial in the dark.The case is somewhat slimmer and shorter than the previous-generation model, but it is also slightly thicker. The steel and carbon casing of the MTGB2000 is 51mm wide, with a 55.1mm lug-to-lug spacing and a thickness of 15.9mm. It's also 30 grams lighter than the MTGB1000, at only 156 grams (pretty good for a steel case and bracelet). Casio's Carbon Core Guard structure avoids the need for a metal caseback in favor of a complex monocoque carbon inner case structure to which the metal parts are eventually joined. This innovative technology allows G-Shock watches to be both more durable and lower in weight. To be honest, I enjoy wearing a great big metal watch on my wrist, but when it comes to sports watches, the lighter the better.
The casing is water-resistant to 200 meters, and the dial is protected by an AR-coated sapphire crystal that is gently recessed and slightly domed. The steel bezel has a 12-sided pattern and is finished in anthracite gray. While not copying the Royal Oak's octagonal bezel (which some other Casio models currently do), it's clear that Casio wants this next generation MT-G model to be classified as part of the "geometric watch bezel trend" by consumers. This notion was carried over into the case, giving the MTGB2000 an intriguing overall appearance.The “Triple G Resist” case is extremely tough and includes all of the usual G-Shock shock-resistance capabilities. The movement is also "Tough Solar," which means that it is shock-resistant and will realign the hands if they are knocked out of position by massive vibration or stress. The watch's Bluetooth connectivity features are extremely important to me because they allow you to maintain a useful connection between your phone and the watch (for example, the G-Shock App automatically updates the watch's time when you change time zones) as well as operate some of the watch's more finicky features (like setting the alarm or timer) more easily using your smartphone. The atomic clock radio frequency features are an added bonus as a backup, as I don't believe they're used much outside of Casio's native territory in Japan.
The matching steel metal bracelet, in addition to the case's Carbon Core Construction, includes a carbon inner structure that makes it both comfortable and lightweight. Although the bracelet and clasp are simple, they are pleasing to the eye and to wear. The revolutionary articulating strap attachment method is not to be missed. A quick-release system that allows you to simply detach the bracelet and replace it with a strap is one of the new features for the MTGB2000 edition of the MT-G. (which is also available for this watch). Casio didn't even encourage customers to remove the straps from their watches until recently, and now it's integrating quick-release systems in an increasing number of models. It's absolutely fascinating to see how these regulations and personality features of our favorite watch manufacturers might change or update over time.
The Casio G-Shock MT-G has always been a good buy for the money. While it is more expensive than other Casio G-Shock watches, it does have much of the brand's latest technology as well as a refined, civilized style that is more suited to social or business wear rather than casual or sporting wear. Who does a watch like this appeal to the most? Is it a conventional watch enthusiast who wants to go "downmarket" and wear a fancy high-end quartz G-Shock that still looks lovely, or someone who is upgrading from a more mid-level G-Shock watch? I believe that people from both camps will wear both watches, but I'm wondering as to who Casio believes the MT-G watch appeals to the most. The higher-end MR-G watches are primarily about using even higher-end materials and occasionally having hand-made artisanal components, than than adding functionality (such as the bezel or bracelet links).
Anyone looking to go into a high-end Casio should start with the MT-G line, in my opinion. Many will remain there, while a select number will ascend to MR-G. Others may consider the watch to be overdone and prefer a Casio G-Shock with a metal case from the mid-range. In any case, Casio is doing what it does best: improving the MT-G collection, with the MTGB2000 being the best G-Shock MT-G model yet on paper.