The 5000 series is a watch that really needs no introduction. It holds a special place in not only in G-SHOCK history, but in horological history in general. For the uninitiated, it’s the direct descendant of that legendary first square that changed everything in 1983. When Kikuo Ibe created the DW-5000C, he established the design language that would define G-SHOCK as a brand for the next four decades.
G-SHOCK’ MRG-B5000H takes that iconic square form we all know and love, and elevates it with some of the most sophisticated metalwork craftsmanship you’ll find on any watch, period.
When MR-G Meets Master Craftsmanship
While G-SHOCKs are considered affordable by most enthusiasts (and perhaps the best value prop watch brand on the market), the MR-G line takes a different approach to watch making.
Since 1996, this line has been G-SHOCK’s answer to the question “what if we applied premium materials and traditional Japanese craftsmanship to digital shock resistance?” They’ve collaborated with everything from sword polishers to lacquer masters over the years, but the MRG-B5000HT might be their most ambitious collaboration yet.
Master tsuiki artisan Kazuya Watanabe hand-hammers each bezel and bracelet using his signature “fluctuating” yuragi technique. Tsuiki literally means “to shape with a hammer,” and it’s all about finding that perfect organic rhythm with the material. The end result is a textural pattern that’s absolutely stunning, with no two pieces exactly alike.
And this isn’t just any material Watanabe is working with here. It’s DAT55G, a titanium alloy that’s three times harder than pure titanium. After Watanabe works his magic, the entire surface gets a DLC coating for scratch and abrasion resistance that goes well beyond what you’d expect even from premium G-SHOCK.
All the Tech, Plus Ancient Art
Don’t let the artisanal craftsmanship fool you – this is still a fully loaded MR-G with every premium feature G-SHOCK offers. Tough Solar charging means you’ll never need a battery replacement, while Multi-Band 6 atomic timekeeping keeps perfect time by syncing with global atomic clocks. Bluetooth connectivity handles smartphone integration, and the sapphire crystal protects a full-featured digital display with LED backlighting.
The screw-lock titanium caseback features the MR-G logo, though the orientation might vary due to the complex construction. At 200m water resistance, you could theoretically wear this diving, though we’d probably save the hand-hammered masterpiece for occasions that don’t involve saltwater.
Spec Sheet
Case Size: 49.4 × 43.2 × 12.9mm
Case Material: DAT55G titanium alloy (25 separate components)
Bezel/Bracelet: Hand-hammered tsuiki by master artisan Kazuya Watanabe
Surface Treatment: Diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating
Crystal: Sapphire
Caseback: Screw-lock titanium with MR-G logo
Water Resistance: 200m
Power: Tough Solar charging system
Connectivity: Bluetooth, Multi-Band 6 atomic timekeeping
Artisan: Master tsuiki craftsman Kazuya Watanabe
Limited Edition: 500 pieces worldwide
Pricing & Availability
The MRG-B5000HT is priced at ¥935,000 (approximately $6,400) and releases in August. With only 500 pieces worldwide and each requiring individual hand-craftsmanship from a master artisan, these will disappear quickly among serious MR-G collectors.
Recap
G-Shock MRG-B5000HT
G-SHOCK’s premium interpretation of the iconic 5000 series square gets the ultimate artisanal treatment with hand-hammered tsuiki patterns by master craftsman Kazuya Watanabe on DAT55G titanium construction, creating 500 individually unique pieces that combine 40 years of digital toughness evolution with centuries-old Japanese metalworking mastery.
