Casio officially announced the G-Shock MR-G Frogman MRG-BF1000R-1A for an April 2023 release. This highly anticipated model combines the diving features of the iconic Frogman line with the high-end titanium construction and luxury styling of the peak MR-G line.
While the MRG-BF1000 looks very similar to the previous analog GWF-A1000 Frogman with a similar dial design and asymmetrical shape, there are some key differences in its build. The MRG-BF1000 does not have a carbon monocoque case like the GWF-A1000 and instead has a titanium case with a traditional screw-back (or “screw lock back” as Casio calls it). Along with a sapphire display, a sapphire crystal with a blue vapor deposition is press-fit into the titanium case back, and this crystal has the Frogman logo engraving and other case back labels. This laser engraving is applied to the front and back of the glass for a three-dimensional effect.
While the GWF-A1000 has a bezel made of stainless steel and resin parts, the MRG-BF1000 has a full metal titanium bezel, with fluoro rubber parts placed between the case and bezel to ensure full shock resistance. The titanium of the bezel is treated with a deep layer hardening and a diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating for improved durability. Titanium is also used for the small metal parts like the screws, buttons, and crown. The large button guards on the left side resemble the second-generation Frogman DW-8200 and other similar Frogman models more so than the lower profile buttons of the GWF-A1000.
The MRG-BF1000 has a Dura Soft fluoro rubber band, which is more comfortable than a standard resin band, and the buckle and keeper are made of Ti64 titanium alloy. The band is easily removable by pressing the buttons under the lugs and removing the side pins. Although other band options were not announced, this will allow for easy cleaning.
The watch uses over 70 exterior parts in total, which is the most of any MR-G model. The MRG-BF1000 is slightly smaller and thinner (56 x 49.7 x 18.6 mm) than the GWF-A1000, but also a little heavier (132 grams versus 119).
The MRG-BF1000 is equipped with Tough Solar power, Multi-Band 6 automatic radio time adjustment, and Bluetooth smartphone link. It shares the same functions as the GWF-A1000 but uses the Casio Watches smartphone app for its Bluetooth functions. As a diving watch, it measures dive time (up to two hours) and surface interval time (up to 24 hours) and records up to 30 log data records. As a Frogman, the buttons are designed and tested to be fully operational underwater. Other features include a tide graph, dual time (with 27 time zones and auto DST switching), 1-second stopwatch, 24-hour countdown timer (settable in 1-minute units), daily alarm, date display and day indicator with full auto-calendar, and LED light with afterglow. The optional Bluetooth connection and Casio Watches app offer functions such as automatic time adjustment, approximately 300 world time cities, diving log, tide graph setting (with approximately 3,300 points), self check, phone finder, and Premium Production Line certificate.
source: g-central.com