Facet-cut bezel inspired by a “brinicle” beneath the icy polar sea: Special commemorative MR-G FROGMAN celebrating the MR-G 30th anniversary

Since the debut of MR-G in 1996, the G-SHOCK flagship line has presented a unique course of evolution defined by passion for delivering ultimate strength and beauty. The MRG-BF1000EB features a very special design to commemorate 30 years of MR-G.

A rare natural phenomenon encountered beneath harsh polar seas, the “brinicle” — a type of ice column that forms in extremely cold ocean waters, combining the words “brine” and “icicle” — inspires the design. With this motif, the newest addition to the MR-G FROGMAN line of full-fledged diver’s watches captures the scarcely fathomable worldview of extreme diving, thrilling the adventurer’s heart all the more.

The image of a brinicle extending in the downcurrent as it freezes the surrounding seawater is a breathtaking, overwhelming spectacle of the sea. Swirling facet cuts on the bezel evoke this stunning image. Intricate facet-cut surfaces, meticulously crafted using cutting and polishing techniques by artisan KOMATSU Kazuhito, reflect light from various angles, creating a gleam infused with sublimity and beauty.

The bezel is made with COBARION,*1 a super-hard alloy. A deep blue hue is applied with arc ion plating (AIP),*2 and a pair of lab-grown blue sapphire gemstones are set in the screw heads. The case is made with Ti64 titanium alloy instead of standard pure titanium to deliver enhanced strength. This commemorative limited-edition design exudes a deep passion for uniqueness in every detail of the timepiece’s construction and finishing.

The MRG-BF1000EB comes with a strap made of flexible, stain-resistant Dura Soft rubber. In addition, an interchangeable titanium bracelet is also included as a limited-edition feature, and the watch is presented in a special box co-developed with Japanese luggage brand Proteca.

The tireless commitment to originality and innovation that defines MR-G craftsmanship comes together with artisanal craftwork and finely honed sensibilities to deliver an intricate yet bold structural beauty. The resonance of these creative energies gives rise to a truly special timepiece, symbolising the renewed spirit of challenge embodied by MR-G as the line celebrates its 30th anniversary. Available in a limited edition of just 800 pieces worldwide.

*1 COBARION, a cobalt-chromium alloy manufactured exclusively by Eiwa Corporation, is a registered trademark.
*2 AIP (arc ion plating) is a trademark of Kobe Steel, Ltd.

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MRGBF1000EB-1A

$14,999.00

Special decorative flair: The brilliant gleam of sapphire

Each of the two front screws that accentuate the distinctive asymmetry of FROGMAN design is set with a 57-facet round brilliant-cut lab-grown blue sapphire. Radiating a luxurious brilliance, they shine in concert with the facet-cut bezel.

Case-back engravings: Symbolic expressions of the FROGMAN identity

The case back features a screw-lock construction and is made with Ti64 titanium alloy paired with blue vapour-deposited sapphire crystal. The iconic FROGMAN diving frog character is engraved on the case back, along with a serial number certifying it as one of a limited edition of 800 pieces worldwide, and “MR-G 30TH” commemorating the special anniversary.

* Due to the screw-lock construction of the case back, the orientation of the logo and lettering on it may not match up perfectly with the dial.

Stronger, deeper: A shock-resistant structure specialized for diving

A shock-resistant construction using lightweight, rust-resistant titanium for key exterior components is adopted to deliver the ISO 200-meter diving water resistance demanded of diver’s watches. The watch is made up of an intricate combination of over 70 components, ensuring a tight seal and achieving a powerful and beautiful form.

The face-guarding structure employs separate components positioned at 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock, crafted into intricate forms with sophisticated metal processing technologies. Buffers made of Dura Soft rubber are also installed where needed. Ti64 titanium and titanium carbide (TiC) coating provide even greater strength and abrasion resistance.

The original MR-G Clad Guard Structure is adopted, incorporating protective parts into the crown and buttons to help absorb impacts to the module. The screw-lock crown ensures a tight seal and incorporates buffering components made of highly water-resistant Dura Soft rubber — one more example of design developed specifically with divers’ needs in mind. A special construction keeps the MR-G logo, engraved on the crown, horizontally aligned when the crown is screw-locked.

* Some parts are not shown in the photo.
* Image shows the MRG-BF1000R-1A.

Interchangeable style options ensuring a lightweight, comfortable fit

The watch comes with a white strap. Made from Dura Soft, a fluoro rubber material that combines exceptional resistance to discolouration, stains, and aging with flexibility and a comfortable feel on the wrist, the strap enables stress-free wear, even on active days.

In addition, a titanium bracelet is included as an interchangeable option. The lightweight material offers a lustrous shine, with even greater strength lent by a deep-layer hardening process. The bracelet also features a link construction with many moveable parts, allowing it to fit comfortably on the wrist. It is extendable as well, so it can even be worn over a wetsuit. Simply remove the side pins while pressing the buttons on the lugs’ underside to quickly and easily swap out the band.

Dial design exuding passion for readability

The dial features a sandblasted matte black finish, creating enhanced contrast with the hands and indexes to maintain readability underwater. The hour markers are coated with Neobrite to ensure excellent visibility even in low-light conditions. To create a vibrant and enduring glow, skilled artisans carefully apply thick layers of phosphorescent paint by hand.

Minute markers 0 through 20 are given prominently raised dimensional forms to indicate dive time ranges for reference. Lightweight carbon material is used for the hour and minute hands to enable oversized forms for them as well. The practical performance of a diver’s watch and the refined design of an analog timepiece come together to offer functional beauty befitting the flagship MR-G line.

Special design celebrating the MR-G 30th anniversary

Handcrafted by master artisans, this timepiece is limited to 800 pieces worldwide. To commemorate 30 years of MR-G, the watch is presented in a premium set that includes an interchangeable bracelet and band mounting tool. A special box co-developed with Japanese luggage brand Proteca is also included for storing the set.

Cutting/polishing craftsman KOMATSU Kazuhito

President of the Komatsu Cutting Factory. Known foremost for his Hana Shinju faceted pearls produced by applying cuts to the surfaces of genuine pearls using traditional diamond-cutting techniques. The first Japanese artisan awarded 1st prize in the U.S.-based “Gemmy” awards for gem-cutting in 2009. Also awarded the 3rd Monodzukuri Nippon Grand Award Prime Minister’s Prize. One of the foremost Japanese artisans in this field, highly esteemed worldwide.

Artisanal craftwork and sensibilities resonating with ultimate beauty

The “brinicle” — a natural phenomenon seen only in polar seas — was selected as the design theme for this special MR-G FROGMAN commemorating the anniversary of the MR-G line embodying luxury and adventure. The bezel evokes the swirling pillars of ice that form in the most frigid ocean waters, their forms and radiance expressed through hand-cut crafting performed by cutting/polishing artisan KOMATSU Kazuhito.

This exquisite cutting, performed by the traditional Japanese artisan, elevates the design to the realm of art, an embodiment of finely honed craftsmanship and aesthetic sensibilities. Vortex facet cuts create a bezel that reflects light in complex patterns with its spiraling arrangement of intricately shaped and polished surfaces. COBARION, a super-hard alloy that suits polished surfaces with a high degree of smoothness, is used for the bezel. The surface is coated with AIP to achieve a blue color tone with impressive depth.

Facet-cutting is a technique typically used in gemstone arts. Applying it to a super-hard alloy is an exceptionally difficult process, with each step performed by hand with great care. For this reason, only a handful of bezels can be produced per day, making them highly rare. Each watch displays a one-of-a-kind brilliance, befitting a limited-edition model commemorating the 30th anniversary of MR-G.