May essentially the most excessive G-Shocks develop into much more excessive? To ask the query is to reply it. You recognize that Casio is at all times searching for methods to make its G-Shock watches extra succesful, and in consequence, they’ve develop into extra excessive. The model’s Frogman is a part of the skilled MR-G assortment. This assortment of utmost G-Shocks holds a few of our favourite fashions, just like the Mudman, Mudmaster, Rangeman, and Gravitymaster. Final yr, I reviewed two of the newest Frogman fashions, and each have been spectacular items of equipment. This time round, G-Shock introduces a follow-up to these. This new Frogman MRG-BF1000B-1A is the primary regular-production mannequin with a titanium bracelet. In consequence, it takes the Frogman to a brand new excessive.
A couple of yr in the past, I wrote a prolonged hands-on evaluate of the present G-Shock Frogman, which was launched to rejoice the thirtieth anniversary of the Frogman collection. For that watch, G-Shock developed a brand new case building, used new supplies, engineered new applied sciences, and launched a brand new design. The end result was a formidable watch in each respect. With a price ticket of €5,000, that new Frogman was additionally one of the crucial costly G-Shocks. However individuals who know G-Shock additionally know that Frogman is not only any watch. With the brand new Frogman MRG-BF1000B-1A, I used to be reminded of that once more in all the precise methods.
The brand new G-Shock Frogman MRG-BF1000B-1A
The brand new Frogman MRG-BF1000B-1A is a variation of the fashions we reviewed. The primary was the MRG-BF1000R-1A, which I already talked about. That watch launched a brand new black and blue design with a Durasoft fluorine rubber strap. The second mannequin was the limited-edition MRG-BF1000E-1A9 in black and yellow, which included a yellow Durasoft strap and a black titanium bracelet. The latest Frogman solely comes on the titanium bracelet and is the primary common manufacturing mannequin to take action.
The brand new launch is a logical development from these first two fashions. After black and blue and black and yellow, the brand new MRG-BF1000B-1A introduces a black and purple coloration mixture. Relating to dial design, the brand new watch follows the primary mannequin in black and blue. Each function a coloured rehaut that holds the white minute markers. Within the restricted version, the rehaut was black and in sync with the dial, whereas the minute observe was printed in yellow. However it’s simply one of many components within the dial as a result of rather a lot is going on right here.
The distinctive case building remains to be spectacular
However let’s begin in the beginning. Just like the earlier fashions, the brand new Frogman has an enormous 49.7mm × 56mm × 18.6mm case. It’s constructed from 70 components to make sure final shock safety, diving practicality, and common performance. The asymmetrical case is manufactured from titanium and has a standard screw-in again. The bezel can also be titanium and, like the remainder of the case, includes a thick layer of hardening compound and a DLC coating for even better sturdiness. Fluoro rubber components are positioned between the case and the bezel to extend shock safety. The crown, push buttons, and screws used for the development of the case are all manufactured from titanium as effectively.
The case building options an O-ring waterproof sealing. On high of that, the watch comes with sapphire crystals on the entrance and the again. As I defined within the article in regards to the first mannequin, a sapphire crystal is press-fit into the titanium case again, guaranteeing a extremely hermetic construction. However Casio additionally selected this building to keep up the watch’s built-in antenna’s radio-wave-reception sensitivity. A full-titanium case again would have made that inconceivable, so this resolution was best. On high of that, similar to the primary mannequin, the purple sapphire rear crystal includes a laser engraving of the Frogman brand on its high and underside, leading to a terrific 3D impact.
The Frogman is a dive watch at coronary heart
The guards on either side of the bezel characterize the case design of the Frogman. You will see an enormous one on the left aspect, and this protects the push buttons. The smaller guard on the precise aspect protects the crown. Talking of which, the crown has an hermetic screw-down building. Just like the bezel and case, it additionally options water resistant fluoro rubber components for elevated shock safety. General, the design is dramatic and excessive in each means. However it serves a goal, as you’ll perceive by now.
We also needs to keep in mind that the Frogman is a really succesful dive watch. Like its predecessors, the brand new mannequin complies with ISO 6425. Due to this fact, the textual content “DIVER’S 200M” is seen on the dial simply above the 5 o’clock marker. Apart from the logos for Casio and MR-G, it’s the solely ornamental textual content on a busy dial full of useful sub-dials and indicators. On high of that, there’s a date aperture tucked in between the 4 and 5 o’clock markers. The massive palms and indices are all handled with white lume that lights up blue at the hours of darkness, so you can even use the watch in darker circumstances.
The premium module No. 5702
All of the functionalities of the Frogman are made doable by the Casio module No. 5702. The model makes use of this particular module for its premium and costlier items. It comes with the usual G-Shock features of a stopwatch, countdown timer, alarm, computerized calendar, dual-time show, world time, and an LED backlight. Moreover, the MRG-BF1000B-1A comes geared up with Powerful Photo voltaic charging, Multi Band 6 computerized radio time adjustment, and Bluetooth connectivity. That final one permits the watch to hook up with your smartphone for numerous extra features, together with computerized time setting and a telephone finder.
As talked about, the Frogman is a diving watch, so the module additionally options some diving-specific features. An vital one is that the Frogman can measure dive time of as much as two hours and repair interval time of as much as 24 hours. Moreover, the watch can file as much as 30 log knowledge data, together with a tide graph. A really cool function is you can entry all of the completely different diving features on dry land and underwater. Due to the development of the case and the buttons, the watch stays absolutely operational when diving.
Sporting the Casio G-Shock MRG-BF1000B-1A
There’s a lot to elucidate in regards to the watch. However how does the Frogman put on? As I defined within the final two articles, I’m at all times amazed by how wearable the massive G-Shocks are. And the Frogman is not any exception. Whereas it’s removed from a modest watch in measurement and look, it’s straightforward to put on. I most popular sporting the 2 earlier fashions on the rubber strap. It was the best and most snug means. Nevertheless, with solely the titanium bracelet for this new MRG-BF1000B-1A, it was a special and enjoyable expertise.
The DLC-coated bracelet appears to be like tremendous technical, and its model completely fits the Frogman. Sizing the bracelet with a push-pin device was straightforward, and it features a dive extension to suit over your dive go well with. The standard of the bracelet is nice, and it includes a quick-change system with an outsized screw pin that’s tremendous straightforward to take away. Sadly, a rubber strap is just accessible individually, and the clasp would profit from an improve. Whereas it’s completely useful, I count on extra from a watch within the €5K+ worth class. As soon as on the wrist, although, the watch feels acquainted, although it’s not a direct copy of the primary black and blue mannequin. That one had white textual content on the guards. This model options an all-black bezel and guards. Consequently, it seems smaller on the wrist than the primary mannequin.
Last ideas on the Casio G-Shock MRG-BF1000B-1A
On the wrist, I used to be additionally reminded that the watch was beautifully completed. I’ve talked about this earlier than, however Casio has upped its recreation with the premium G-Shock choices. Not solely can we get particular hardening remedies for higher resistance towards put on and tear, however the general ending can also be visually spectacular. In consequence, the Frogman looks like a brilliant well-made and premium watch. You’d additionally count on that for a listing worth of €5,800, however the element ranges within the building and end are nothing wanting spectacular. Lastly, utilizing the Frogman is like coming residence. When you’ve got ever owned a G-Shock, you’ll simply discover your means by the completely different features.
It additionally brings me again to a query I answered in one of many earlier Frogman evaluations: who is that this new G-Shock MRG-BF1000B-1A for? I consider it targets hardcore G-Shock followers, notably those that love the Frogman. Moreover, I can see this watch on the wrists of individuals with important mechanical watch collections who simply need a tremendous sensible and succesful dive watch to accompany them on diving journeys. It’s the excellent device to observe for adventures like that. A 3rd encounter with the present Frogman made that very clear. It’s merely a brilliant spectacular G-Shock that reveals the model’s nice work.
For extra data, go to the brand new Frogman’s devoted G-Shock web page. Additionally, inform us your favourite of the three Frogman fashions within the feedback beneath.
