There are a few ways to get the G-Shock experience with a metal case construction rather than the brand's famous plastic cases: The newer Full Metal watches reinterpret Casio classics in steel, for example, while the MRG offers a full-on luxury-level G-Shock sometimes costing thousands of dollars. The MTG line is similar to the latter but significantly more affordable, and the newest model combines refined, premium features and familiar looks with a circa $1k price tag.
The dial has a layout consistent with other models, but it's really the faceted bezel which catches the eye with a familiar profile. Where have you seen something like that before? Though the bezel here is 12-sided, it inevitably evokes the look of the famous Audemars Piguet Royal Oak's octagonal bezel (and follows the surprisingly popular G-Shock GA-2100, or "Casioak"). The exposed screws, though typical of the MTG line, reinforce the association.
It's no knock on this G-Shock that it looks a bit like a Royal Oak, as it still very much has its own character. As part of the MTG series, it features premium specs like a steel construction, refined finishing, Tough Solar (batteries recharged by light), bluetooth connection for handy smartphone synching and operation and even sapphire crystal. It's also got the brand's latest upgrades including a carbon inner case for further durability, and new plastic inserts in the metal bracelet are meant to enhance comfort.
As with just about every G-Shock, the list of features and tech is just too long to enumerate, but suffice it to say that this one has all the goodies you can reasonably expect for its price. Oh, and it's going to wear boldly, of course, at 51mm wide. The new Casio G-Shock MTGB2000 is offered in steel (with steel bracelet) with a black dial and bezel for $1,000 or black ion-plated case and blue bezel (on a strap) for $950.
