
It would be a fair assumption that the success of G-SHOCK’s Frogman in some part influenced the brand’s high-end MR-G line that debuted in 1996. The latter series was the first time G-SHOCK used metal construction for the case and bezel, with the added detail of a cushion between the two to improve shock absorption. Since then, the series has featured the Frogman three times total, with the latest iteration debuting in April. Combining the best elements from the only other MR-G Frogman models, G-SHOCK’s new MRG-BF1000R is the most luxurious Frogman thus far.

G-SHOCK debuted the first Frogman 30 years ago. It was an ISO 6425-certified dive watch with 200m of water resistance — the Casio label’s first ever — and also marked a new chapter for the burgeoning watchmaker. The asymmetrical design was fairly unusual in the watch world and the rugged case, rubber shielding, and thick resin strap kick-started and helped inform the popular “Master of G” series that continued from there. In 1999, the MRG-1100 became the first Frogman to be made from titanium, swapping out the resin material as part of the MR-G series. And while the Frogman had always sported a digital display, the watch got an analog addition for the first time in 2020 with the MR-G GWF-A1000.

While it looks every bit like a standard Frogman, the latest model, MRG-BF1000R, features both a titanium case and bezel, as well as a digital-analog display. For us, the highlight comes from the caseback as a beautiful sapphire crystal has been press-fit into the case and given a blue vapor deposition and dual-sided laser engraving. The blue color carries over to the front, with the outer seconds track and subdials contrasting the black dial and case. Along with the material swaps, the timepiece sports the standard Frogman features such as Super Illuminator LED lighting and Bluetooth smartphone connectivity for logging your dives and keeping track of your dive and surface interval times.

For now, the MRG-BF1000R is only scheduled for release in Japan with an expected price of ¥594,000 (~$4,442). No word yet on a price or release date for the U.S.