What’s the appeal of a Casio watch that costs thousands of dollars, a price traditionally the preserve of mid-tier Swiss entries? The answer is an easy one: just look at the MRG-G1000HT Hammer Tone.

The interior of this G-Shock is technologically driven with literally every Casio innovation available, including its proprietary Tough Solar charging system, and the GPS Hybrid Wave Ceptor that calibrates the time via both GPS and radio signals. The rest of this analogue quartz watch is decked out with the usual bells and whistles such as the worldtimer, calendar, chronograph, alarm, and countdown timer.

The exterior of the MRG-G1000HT exudes a level of Japanese craftsmanship that the most discerning connoisseur will approve of. The dimple-like pattern on the bezel and bracelet links is an intricate metalworking technique called tsuiki, where thin metal sheets are hammered into a three-dimensional shape, traditionally for the manufacture of copperware and armour. For this watch, Casio enlisted Bihou Asano, a third-generation master in this technique. Asano’s portfolio of work includes the restoration of the suspended incense burners for the Kyoto State Guest House and the refurbishment of the statues of deities on the rooftop of the Osaka City Central Public Hall.

Casio didn’t just stop there though. The brand applied the akagne (copper) coating on the bezel screws, pushers, and crown to create a distinctive shade for these parts, while also finishing the bezel and bracelet with silver-grey accents of oboro-gin finishing. The watch is overtly masculine, and brazenly bristles with the ruggedness of a tool watch despite these intricate finishing techniques.

The final result? An intricate piece of art that is chock full of reliable, convenient technology, in a package that remains tough and sporty like the original G-shock was conceived to b. A limited run of 300 pieces will be sold worldwide.

Specs

• Dimensions: 54.7mm
• Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph, dual dial worldtimer, GPS signal, radio wave reception, countdown timer, alarm, full auto-calendar
• Power Reserve: NA
• Movement: Casio Tough Solar movement
  Case: DLC-coated titanium
• Water Resistance: 200 meters
  Strap: DLC-coated bracelet with tsuiki treatment

This article was originally published in World of Watches Magazine