Elevated Icon: The G-SHOCK MRGB5000
By reimagining one of its most iconic designs in titanium alloy with DLC finishing, G-SHOCK teaches us a lesson in elegant brutalism. Clearly, this is not your father’s G-SHOCK.
By Watchonista
Back in 1983, when the G-SHOCK DW-5000C debuted, nobody could have predicted the hold it would have over the public.
From being born out of Project “Team Tough,” led by engineer Kikuo Ibe, to becoming the icon we know it as today, is not an easy path. The shape is easily identifiable, and the watches have been used by people all over the world as the ultimate rugged tool-watch that can go anywhere and do anything.
The DW-5000C is where the legend of G-SHOCK started.
Fast forward to today: G-SHOCK is still true to these roots, continuing to innovate for greater reliability, readability, and functionality. That original model DW-5000C? It’s been reborn (albeit with significantly upgraded materials) as the MRGB5000.
So, what better way to honor the genesis of this brand than to revisit the “OG-G” and give it the 21st-century luxury treatment.
The MR-G Line from G-SHOCK
In terms of design, the MRGB5000 is a direct homage to the original DW-5000C. But that is really where the similarities end because this piece represents a serious piece of craftsmanship and design from start to finish.
The current MRGB5000B-1 and MRGB5000D-1 have a beautiful luster, which is no accident, considering the case is made from the Ti64 Titanium alloy, with the top of the bezels crafted from COBARION – a cobalt-chrome alloy four times harder than pure titanium alone. So, not only is the bezel incredibly durable, but the COBARION also gives it a beautiful gleaming jewel-like quality.
The case and bezel assembly itself have 25 separate parts in them. And as you can see from our exploded view imagery, it fits together with all the rugged elegance one would expect of a model like this from the MR-G line of watches.
Luxurious Fit & Finish
Although the materials are impressive on their own, it’s the way they come together to form a whole that really distinguishes the MRGB5000 models.
The silver-colored MRGB5000D-1 exhibits a beautiful mix of brushing and Sallaz polishing throughout its case and bracelet that features a TiC (titanium carbide) coating. For example, if you turn the watch on an angle, you’ll see that the brushing changes direction depending on where it’s been applied.
The team at G-SHOCK explains that it was this level of detail that necessitated the 25-part case and bezel. That assembly, known as the “Multi-guard Structure,” was designed not only to allow for detailed finishing work but also to improve shock absorption by integrating silicone into the assembly process. It is a G-SHOCK, after all.
In addition to the case structure, the band is also made of DAT55G titanium alloy, and the bracelet links include individually polished screws. The MRGB5000B-1 offers much of the same beautiful metal finishing but coats the Ti64 Alloy in DLC to mimic the original’s black case and bracelet color in a more upscale fashion. An antireflective sapphire crystal and screw-lock caseback finish off this luxurious package.
21st Century Tech
While these new models pay tribute to the original’s design, the materials are not their only significant upgrades.
Their guts have gotten the full-21st-century treatment and now incorporate Bluetooth technology to communicate with your phone. Beyond merely telling the time in over 300 cities, this functionality allows your watch to record your current location at the push of a button, reminds you of upcoming calendar events, and performs self-checks. Plus, with G-SHOCK’s Multi-Band 6 Atomic Timekeeping feature included, which automatically corrects the time to your home-city-setting for those times you are out of range of your Bluetooth device, your MRGB5000 will always get you where you need to be on time.
All of this is in addition to its solar power generation and incredible battery life (even in total darkness, it has 22 months of power). So, while the design harkens back to the original, the tech is very much cutting-edge.
The Adventurers Luxury Watch
These are watches for connoisseurs – they have been assembled using the highest quality materials, with many of the components being hand-finished and polished to perfection. Looking at the images of its construction are almost as impressive as handling it in-the-metal.
This watch is as elegant as it is tough. But make no mistake, this is still the go-anywhere, do-anything watch that all G-SHOCKs are known for – it’s just that this one can also go to a black-tie event and hang with the best of them.
For more information about the MRGB5000, visit the G-SHOCK website.
(Photography by Liam O'Donnell)
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