Casio’s metallic MT-G collection received a full redesign in 2018, which saw the overall dimensions of the watch reduced by 2.8 mm x 1.8 mm x 1.1 mm, compared to its predecessor.
For 2018, the case was also strengthened with a new core guard case structure (outer case) that consists of a box-shaped steel frame connecting the bezel, back cover, and band mounts for a stronger structure by bolstering the surfaces instead of the axes against impacts. Additionally, a new carbon-fiber-reinforced resin inner case has resulted in decreased weight and increased rigidity, meaning the MT-G is even more durable and shock-resistant.
The 2019 G-Shock MT-G Camouflage Print Limited Edition features the same steel and carbon-fiber resin reinforced structure as the year-old 2018 MT-G collection, with identical dimensions (55.8 mm x 51.7 mm x 14.4 mm) and weight (171 grams). Aesthetically, however, the exterior of this premium limited edition G-Shock features a unique laser printed camouflage pattern, on the top of the bezel, lugs, and crown guard, as well as the top and sides of the bracelet.
Another visual element the distinguishes this MT-G from the other five references in the current catalog, is the use of yellow gold plating on the crown, three pushers, hour and minute hands, 24-hour subdial ring, second timezone subdial ring, and bracelet mount washers. There are also gold accents on the dial.
A sapphire crystal protects the dial side of the watch and has been set on a plane below the bezel which armors it, reducing the chances of being impacted. The caseback is steel and screwed on with four screws. The water resistance rating is 200 meters.
Driving the functions of the watch is a Japaned made electronic quartz movement that’s solar-powered via light which enters through the grayish-black criss-cross dial. The automatic recharging solar-driven quartz movement, when fully charged, can run for up to 18-months, even without sunlight.
On the dial, large slanted hour indices, coupled with prominent analog hands, display the hours, minutes, and seconds. The dial features a dual illumination system with both standard painted luminescence, and a Super Illuminator, which is a high-brightness LED activated at the press of a button for use in total darkness situations where the painted lume may not be enough.
The time can be set manually using the large, knurled electronic crown. Although rather than hand setting the time in a similar manner to mechanical watches, the Two-Way Time Sync technology combines redundant Bluetooth® low energy connectivity and Multi-Band 6 self-adjusting atomic timekeeping for ultra-precise time syncing, with no user interaction needed, anywhere in the world.
The self-setting technology, which is found across the premium G-Shock lines, in different iterations, produces, arguably the most accurate wristwatch time display in the world, because if the watch successfully connects via Bluetooth, it’s effectively using the same incredibly accurate technology as smartphones and smartwatches.
In addition to the standard hours, minutes, and central seconds display, the MT-G has daily alarms, second-time zone with AM/PM indicator, 24-hour indicator, auto calendar date display, day of the week indicator, battery level indicator, Two-Way Time Sync connect indicator, stopwatch (up to 24-hours), countdown timer (maximum 24-hours), world time (39 TZ + 27 cities), and a phone finder feature.
Verdict
While camouflage is often seen on resin G-Shocks and non-metal watches from other companies, the camo-pattern laser printed metal surface is the first of its kind for a wristwatch. The MT-G is a large timepiece that works best for larger wrists, is great for sporting and outdoor activities, and thanks to the large crown and buttons, it can be operated, even with gloves on. And being that the MT-G collection is fashionable yet totally rugged, this may be a perfect combination. A watch that can look and function as good with camo joggers in an urban environment as it would with army fatigues in a South American jungle.
The MT-G Camouflage Print Limited Edition (Ref. MTGB1000DCM-1) retails for $1,200 and is available at select retailers including Macy’s, Bloomingdales, G-Shock.com, and the G-Shock Soho store. Learn more at G-Shock.
