Casio is preparing to release one of its most elaborate G-SHOCK models yet: the MRG-B2000KT-3A, a samurai-inspired titanium timepiece with a hand-engraved bezel. According to leaks, this limited-edition watch will see only 800 units worldwide, each featuring unique detailing that ties modern watchmaking to centuries-old Japanese swordcraft.
The design draws from the kurogane-tsuba, the ornate handguard of a samurai sword, once both protective and decorative. Casio collaborated with master artisan Masao Kobayashi, who engraved a phoenix—Hōō in Japanese mythology—across the bezel. The bird symbolizes peace, prosperity, and wisdom. Kobayashi employed shishiai-bori, a high-relief engraving technique historically used on sword fittings, alongside forging, carving, grooving via the tsuiki method, and tinting. Because each bezel is carved by hand, no two watches are identical.
The case and bezel use Ti64 titanium alloy, recrystallized for improved durability, then coated in a bronze DLC finish with a rough geometric texture. The watch measures 54.7 × 49.8 × 16.9 mm, weighs about 138 grams, and pairs with a fluororubber strap for flexibility and water resistance. A flat sapphire crystal with dual-side anti-reflective coating protects the feather-pattern dial, which extends the phoenix motif into the time display and even onto the presentation box. As with all MR-Gs, it carries 200m water resistance along with G-SHOCK’s trademark shock and magnetic resistance.
Inside, the watch runs on Casio’s Module 5625 Tough Solar movement, equipped with Bluetooth and Multiband 6 for radio-controlled accuracy. It packs in dual time, world time across 27 zones, stopwatch and countdown timers up to 24 hours, alarm, perpetual calendar to 2099, and LED Super Illuminator lighting. Casio’s Smart Access crown, hand alignment correction, and power-saving modes round out the functionality. On a full solar charge, it lasts about five months without light, or 26 months in power save.
Pricing hasn’t been announced, but Casio’s history with MR-G limited editions suggests the MRG-B2000KT-3A will retail north of $5,000. Previous titanium artisan-inspired models, like the MRG-B2000BG-3A, came in at $3,300, while collaborations with swordsmiths and lacquer artisans reached $8,000. With only 800 individually numbered pieces, availability will be tight, and collectors will likely scoop them up quickly.
