Hammer of the Gods: Meet the G-SHOCK MRG-B5000HT “Tsuiki” Limited Edition

There are only a handful of brands that bridge the gap between super affordable and luxury while still commanding respect among collectors. G-SHOCK is one of them.

This is because every piece in its catalogue – from a fun pink $100 Baby G to the 18-karat yellow gold Dream Project #2 G-D001 that sold at auction for $400,000 in 2023 – has a purpose. And that purpose is to deliver a watch that is as timeless as it is unbreakable.

The new MRG-B5000HT “Tsuiki” Limited Edition is an excellent example of G-SHOCK’s appeal. It’s a limited-edition timepiece elevated by the centuries-old art of Japanese metal craftsmanship, blending traditional artisanal techniques with the most modern of materials. Let’s take a closer look.

Since its debut in 1996, the MR-G line has been a prestige line, where designers really get to explore the parameters of the G-SHOCK ethos by playing with premium materials, artisanal techniques, and cutting-edge technology. So, let’s start with the Tsuiki’s use of DAT55G, a titanium alloy three times harder than pure titanium. This case material offers exceptional durability.
 

Other protective elements at work include a black diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating, which provides enhanced scratch and abrasion resistance as well as offering a sophisticated black finish, enhancing both its visual appearance and technical specifications.

This kind of endurance rarely results in a pretty watch – nigh unbreakable? Yes. A feast for the eyes? Not so much. But this is why G-SHOCKs are horological unicorns.
 

To balance out the overall look of this tough timepiece, rose gold accents are applied to various components of the watch. And while the case design reflects the form of the very first G-SHOCK, with its Multi-Guard Structure and built-in buffers for advanced shock resistance, the Tsuiki’s case has been refined with each of its 25 individual components meticulously polished.

Here’s where the magic of the prestige MR-G collection comes in: While technology can at times feel cold and detached, G-SHOCK generally, and the MR-G line especially, makes scientific advances like DAT55G titanium and DLC coating come alive through metal artistry.

The bezel and bracelet of this watch are individually hand-forged by master artisan Kazuya Watanabe using the tsuiki technique, a Japanese metalworking technique.
 

Traditionally, this method uses hammers (tsui) to raise (ki) a sheet of copper. The process is so complicated that it takes decades to master the technique. For an added element of difficulty, the new MRG-B5000HT required master tsuiki artisan to work with titanium, instead of the more malleable copper.

Watanabe’s particular skill is in creating a yuragi effect, in which an organic, non-repeating (or fluctuating) pattern is made by changing the force and angle of hammer strikes. This subtle texture cannot be replicated by machine, and, as a result, every tsuiki object is unique.

Traditionally, the art of Tsuiki is applied to practical but treasured objects, like tea sets used in ceremonies, that are meant to be passed on for generations. Which brings us to the third pillar of G-SHOCK’s appeal to civilians and enthusiasts alike: Functionality.
 

The MRG-B5000HT comes equipped with such practical features as 200m water resistance, five world times selected from 39 cities, a 1/100-second stopwatch, a countdown timer, five daily alarms, a full-auto LED backlight (Super Illuminator), and 12 different 24-hour time formats. It is also packed with G-Shock’s most recent innovations in solar power, Bluetooth Smartphone links, and Multi Band 6 Radio-controlled time setting.

Only 500 pieces of the Tsuiki will be made available worldwide. To further note how special this edition is, the words “2025 LIMITED” are inscribed on the screw lock case back, and each watch will be presented in a handsome black and rose gold box.
 

Priced at $8,000, the MRG-B5000HT “Tsuiki” Limited Edition is available for purchase at select retailers, the G-SHOCK Soho Store, and the G-SHOCK website.