Casio added two new distinctively octagonal-shaped carbon-infused MT-G watches to their collection in late 2020.

The first thing I noticed about the G-Shock MT-G MTGB2000D, with its new angular case design, is that light reflects off the case and bracelet far more than the previous MT-Gs. This gives the watch a bit more upscale look. The second is that the rugged steel case is large, yet still maintains refined proportions, perhaps because of the new lines of the case.

The Dimensions 

Based on our measurements the diameter across the case including the crown guards is 49.5 mm, the thickness is 15.5 mm, and the lug-to-lug is 54.25 mm. Our measurements vary slightly from the factory specifications, however, they were recorded with two different calipers, one digital and the other manual, multiple times (although neither caliper has been professionally calibrated).

If you’re ordering online without trying the watch on first, the circumference of your wrist is one way to determine how well it might fit, however, it’s really the width that matters more in regard to comfort. My wrist is approximately 57 to 58 mm across, and so the watch at 54.25 mm lug-to-lug fits well.

The Bracelet

Weight is also always an important factor and as much as I like the idea of a steel case and bracelet — its weight can add up very quickly. And that can often translate to an uncomfortable experience. To mitigate weight issues, Casio engineers created a semi-hollowed steel bracelet design with fine resin composite pieces underneath, making the bracelet wear much warmer than cold steel, and of course, reducing the overall weight, and therefore improving the comfort. It essentially feels more like a ceramic or titanium bracelet, with the looks of a typical steel bracelet, and the warmth of rubber.

The Case

Referred to as “Dual Core Guard” all of the models in the MTGB2000 series feature Casio’s latest high-tech fusion of carbon, resin, and steel. The hybrid structure utilizes a carbon monocoque inner case that is surrounded by a metal frame, giving the watch a refined metal look when viewed straight on and from the sides. The caseback is made of carbon composite and is actually part of the one-piece (monocoque) inner case — so the durability is greatly enhanced by the single-piece design, plus since the carbon is what actually touches your wrist, it’s notably warmer than steel and hypoallergenic. A fixed PVD-plated steel bezel, which is bolted to the exterior case, and a sapphire crystal, protect the dial. The edges of each case are beveled and polished to enhance the appearance. The depth rating is 200 meters.

The MTGB2000D-1A

For this review, I received a loaner of the MTGB2000D-1A (pictured) which has a steel exterior case, a carbon monocoque inner case and caseback, a black PVD treated steel bezel with a circular brushed finish, a sapphire crystal, and a steel bracelet with a fine resin underside (approx. 22 mm wide at the clasp), and weighs 157.6 grams.

The MTGB2000B-1A2

The second model that launched alongside this is the MTGB2000B-1A2 which has a black PVD-treated steel exterior case, a carbon monocoque inner case and caseback, a blue PVD treated steel bezel, a sapphire crystal, and a soft polyurethane strap (approximately 22 mm wide at the buckle), and weighs 127 grams.

Total Weight

At 157.6 (on bracelet) and 127 grams (on a strap) respectively, these two new MT-Gs are lighter than some past models (Casio states 15% lighter), however, by comparison, the MTGB1000XB we reviewed earlier this year, with a carbon fiber bezel and composite carbon case and, without an exterior steel shell, is even lighter at 111.1 grams on a strap. But once you add the bracelet to that watch, the weight of the past model jumps to 171 grams. At that point, the new structure really shines considering you get the look of a steel case and bracelet — without the extra weight.

The Crown

Another component that has been enhanced for the latest MT-G is the crown. With an 8.8 mm diameter, the screw-down design has an easy-to grip steel surface the reminds me of diamond plate material and an updated crown stem design that seems more robust. Everything controlled by the crown is still via electronics but the feel of adjusting it has more of a mechanical feel now.

The Movement

This is the first series to be equipped with three dual-coil motors, resulting in faster movement of the hands, and also in a more efficient reception of the radio wave time-calibration signals which takes place via Bluetooth when paired with a smartphone while using the dedicated G-Shock Connected app. As a redundant backup, multi-band 6 atomic time signals automatically connect to the watch itself and adjust the time settings even if a mobile signal is not available. As has been standard for the MT-G line, the movement has a “Tough Solar” design meaning that the watch is automatically charged by sunlight entering the dial. The typical G-Shock assortment of functions such as a daily alarm, LED, 24-hour stopwatch, world time with DST adjustment, countdown timer, and a fully automatic calendar are included. And by holding down the button at 2 o’clock LED Super Illuminator Afterglow activates and lights the dial.

The Dial

Rearranged subdial locations, and new skeleton hands, give the dial a new look, to go with the new case shape while maintaining a familiar overall aesthetic. The large metallic brushed hour and minute hands have a cut-out towards the center of the dial and luminous paint on the opposite ends. Ridged, three-dimensional, heavily sloped metallic applied hour markers — with double markers at 12, and a cut-off marker at 3 — give the gray-colored, light-absorbing dial an upgraded appearance. The different angles and surfaces play with light reflections nicely. Four flat-ended brushed steel push-piece buttons, mounted on the case flanks, control the watch settings and functions, along with the crown.

The Bezel

Framing the new MTGB2000D is a black PVD-plated bezel on the model shown, with a premium-looking circular brushed finish, and on the black-PVD case variant, the bezel is blue PVD-plated. Four big functional bolts sit just outside of the four corners of the bezel and secure the bezel directly to the outer stainless steel case. Inside of the bezel sits a thick flat spherical sapphire glass crystal with a non-reflective inner coating that protects the dial and offers a clear view of the display.

Verdict

The premium MT-G line combines stainless steel and carbon fiber coupled with the most advanced MT-G watch movement technology to date and you get the best of both worlds with a steel exterior and the weight savings benefits of the carbon monocoque inner case. Not to mention, where the carbon and resin touch your wrist, on the caseback and the bracelet, respectively, the material is both warmer than steel and hypoallergenic.

While both MT-Gs have the weight-saving single-piece carbon monocoque inner case and caseback, it’s the bracelet that saves the most weight with this design — although comparatively, the absolute weight is still lower for the strap version.

The MTGB2000B-1A2 with a black PVD steel case and blue-PVD bezel retails for $950. The MTGB2000D-1A that I reviewed with a traditional steel case and a black PVD bezel with circular brushing combined with a steel and carbon bracelet retail for $1,000.

These are available now at GShock.com and select retailers or head on over to try on in-person at G-Shock SoHo.

Learn more at G-Shock.

 

SPECIFICATIONS

Casio G-Shock MT-G MTGB2000D

Reference: MTGB2000D

Year: 2020

Total Weight: 157.6 grams

Case Diameter: 49.5 mm (excluding hinges/crown guards)

Case Thickness: 15.5 mm

Lug-to-Lug: 54.25 mm

Crown Diameter: 8.8 mm

Glass: Sapphire crystal (armored)

Movement: Module 5636

Depth Rating: 200 meters

Bracelet: 29 mm at the lugs/22 mm at the buckle (stainless steel with fine resin backing)