Casio has announced the G-Shock MRG-D5000 Blue Sapphire, a flagship timepiece priced at more than US$80,000 that will see a strict production run of only 20 units worldwide, which blackxperience.com reported stands as one of the most expensive production G-Shock models ever created, translating to roughly Rp1.44 billion. The release celebrates the 30th anniversary of the MR-G line by bringing an experimental synthetic sapphire design into a commercial luxury format.
Development History Began With a 2018 Prototype
The path to the MRG-D5000 started years before its commercial launch. Engineers chose the material for its extreme scratch resistance, though they had to subject it to rigorous testing to ensure it met the brand’s shock-resistance standards.
Interlocking Construction Replaces Traditional Screws
This assembly draws inspiration from traditional Japanese wood joinery techniques, which unite pieces without nails or fasteners.
Classic 1983 Silhouette Meets 24-Karat Gold Details
Despite its exotic material composition, the watch preserves the square silhouette of the original DW-5000C introduced in 1983. The dial features a brick pattern with a blue finish, accompanied by 24-karat gold lettering for the MR-G logo and “SHOCK RESIST” inscriptions. Turning the watch over reveals a Grade 5 titanium screw caseback set with a blue sapphire crystal, engraved with “DREAM PROJECT” and an individual serial number ranging from 1/20 to 20/20. Rather than featuring a sapphire bracelet as seen on early prototypes, the production model utilizes a Dura Soft rubber strap paired with a titanium clasp.
Synthetic Sapphire Components Drive High Price and Exclusivity
Exclusivity defines the release beyond its price tag. The synthetic sapphire components undergo a stringent selection process that requires months of growing the material in ingot form before workers select pieces with matching color and transparency. The MRG-D5000 is scheduled for release in December 2026 with an official Japanese price of ¥11 juta, alongside its international price tag of approximately US$80,000.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Sapphire G-Shock
How much does the G-Shock MRG-D5000 cost?
The watch carries an international price tag of approximately US$80,000, which translates to about ¥11 juta in Japan or roughly Rp1.44 billion.
How many units of the MRG-D5000 are being produced?
Casio is limiting global production to exactly 20 units, with each piece individually numbered from 1/20 to 20/20 and assembled by a single master technician at the Yamagata factory.
What materials are used in the case construction?
The outer case and bezel are made entirely from lab-grown blue synthetic sapphire crystal, while the back casing utilizes Grade 5 titanium with an embedded sapphire crystal.
Does the watch use a sapphire bracelet?
No, despite early prototypes featuring sapphire bracelets, the final production model pairs the sapphire case with a Dura Soft rubber strap and a titanium clasp.
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