Despite the familiar case shape, the Casio G-Shock MTG-G1000AR is about as far removed from the archetypal G-Shock as it gets. It isn’t the metal case per se, since G-Shock watches with such cases have been offered as a premium alternative to resin-clad ones for decades. Rather, the watch stands out with its case’s unusual finish, which Casio designed with a “sunken treasure” motif in mind.

This worn, aged look is achieved by first applying a layer of rose gold to the case via ion plating, in a process similar to particle vapour deposition (PVD). A second layer of black diamond-like carbon (DLC) is then added over the rose gold surface, before being stripped off selectively to create the weathered effect. For consistency, the bracelet features an identical treatment, while the indexes and hands on the dial have been rendered in matching rose gold.

The MTG-G1000AR maintains the triple resist feature (against shock, vibration, and centrifugal force) of all G-Shock watches, despite having a metal case that transmits forces rather than dampening them. To achieve this, the internal architecture of the timepiece has the brand’s proprietary Core Guard structure, where selected points between the case and movement are cushioned with Alpha Gel, an extremely shock absorbent silicone. The watch will thus survive, and even thrive, in harsh environments – further wear and tear on the surface finishing will only enhance its rugged look.

Casio has fitted the MTG-G1000AR with its vision of the ultimate quartz movement, which places a heavy premium on being useful and convenient. The movement is powered by light energy, and runs for around 19 months on a full charge after entering its power-saving mode automatically, thus making energy management a non-issue. For time keeping, the watch displays two time zones simultaneously, with local time calibrated either automatically or manually via GPS signals and/or terrestrial radio waves, depending on one’s location.

Without any signal calibration, the watch will still maintain an impressive accuracy of +/- 15 seconds a month. In a throwback to digital G-Shock watches with backlit LED lights, the MTG-G1000AR has an LED illuminator as well, lest the dial’s photoluminescent markers run out of energy. Rounding off its list of functions are a chronograph, countdown timer, and alarm.

Specs

• Dimensions: 58.8 x 54.7mm
• Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, second time zone, date, chronograph, countdown timer, alarm, LED illuminator
• Power Reserve: 19 months on a single full charge after activating power-saving function
• Movement: Proprietary Casio Tough Solar quartz movement
• Material: Steel
• Water resistance: 200 meters
• Strap: Stainless steel and resin composite bracelet with deployant buckle

This story was first published in World of Watches.