Casio Unveils $80,000 G-Shock with Sapphire Crystal Case
Casio's Blue Rose Project includes the MRG-D5000, the first retail G-Shock with an outer case and bezel made entirely from blue sapphire crystal, priced at $80,000.
Casio has announced the Blue Rose Project, a three-watch G-Shock collection headlined by the MRG-D5000, priced at $80,000. According to Wired, it is the first retail G-Shock with an outer case and bezel made entirely from blue sapphire crystal. Only 20 units will be produced.
The MRG-D5000 uses a Multi-Guard Structure with a screwless assembly method developed specifically for sapphire crystal. Only one person at Yamagata Casio can currently perform the outer case assembly process.
The collection also includes the MRG-B5000SA-2 at $9,500, limited to 500 pieces, and the GMW-B5000SB-1A at $850. All three watches are water-resistant to 200 meters, solar-powered, and feature radio-controlled timekeeping.
From Prototype to Production
The Blue Rose Project traces its origins to November 9, 2017, when G-Shock creator Kikuo Ibe showed three sapphire-crystal prototype watches at the G-Shock 35th Anniversary Celebration at Madison Square Garden. Those prototypes did not meet G-Shock shock-resistance standards and were never intended for sale.
Casio started in 1983 specializing in super-tough performance timepieces. The Multi-Guard Structure technique was previously used in the titanium MRG-B5000 from 2022.
Quick answers
How much does the Casio MRG-D5000 cost?
The MRG-D5000 is priced at $80,000 and limited to 20 units.
What is the Blue Rose Project?
It is a three-watch G-Shock collection from Casio that uses blue sapphire crystal, including the MRG-D5000, MRG-B5000SA-2, and GMW-B5000SB-1A.
Are the new G-Shock watches water-resistant?
Yes, all three watches are water-resistant to 200 meters, solar-powered, and feature radio-controlled timekeeping.