In honour of the Japanese katana sword “Juryoku-Maru: San”, Casio Computer Co Ltd has released a new addition to the MR-G line.
The latest MRG-B2000JS, flagship of the G-Shock brand of shock-resistant watches, embodies the strength and beauty of the unique sword.
This special watch is limited to 800 pieces worldwide.
Based on the concept of delivering the ultimate in toughness-driven watches, the MR-G line is the pinnacle of the G-Shock brand, meticulously crafted down to the smallest detail and incorporating state-of-the-art technology and master metalworking techniques.
The Juryoku-Maru: San, an original sword commissioned by Casio for the MR-G line, brings the katana and MR-G design together in a combination of strength and functional beauty for which both the sword and the watch brand are known.
The katana blade is forged by master swordsmith Teruhira Kamiyama, while the aogai (mother-of-pearl inlay technique using abalone, turban, pearl oyster and other shells) blue shell lacquer scabbard is designed by traditional artisan Mamoru Nomura.
Kamiyama leads the world of katana craft in modern Japan, and his pursuit of the strength and beauty of the Japanese sword mirrors the Casio vision for G-Shock.
He has received numerous honours, including awards from the Japanese government.
Traditional artisan and third generation head of Sagaraden Nomura in Kyoto, Nomura entered the family business at the age of 20.
Having studied urushi lacquer techniques, he performs every step of the process from painting to ornamentation (mother-of-pearl inlay and metallic powder maki-e) himself.
In 2018, he received the Japan Traditional Crafters Chairman’s Award for his lacquer natsume. He was also named a Master Craftsman of Kyoto in 2019.
He has exhibited art panels, interior mirrors and other pieces in five “Maison&Objet Paris” trade fairs in France, earning him global recognition.
Based on the “Juryoku-Maru: San” motif, the distinctive shock-resistant MRG-B2000JS design evokes its extraordinary shape and expresses the traditional techniques and aesthetics unique to Japanese katana swords.
The recrystallised hybrid titanium bezel with its unique temper pattern is made in layers of Ti64 and pure titanium that are subjected to high-temperature and high-pressure compression.
This material is then cut, polished and recrystallised to replicate the beautiful blade pattern of the “Juryoku-Maru: San”.
The band is textured with the aogai blue shell lacquer used on the sword’s scabbard.
Micro-level processing of DAT55G (registered trademark of Daido Steel Co Ltd), a metal alloy three times harder than pure titanium, produces microstructures on the metal surfaces that reflect light to create magnificent colours which change depending on the viewing angle.
Using the same technique as swordsmithing, Kamiyama has hand-engraved the Japanese kanji character for san on each individual timepiece, giving each its own unique look.
Elements such as the textural pattern of hishimaki-gara − the traditional diamond shapes seen on the Juryoku-Maru: San’s hilt − and indexes evoking the curvature of a sword blade, convey the katana worldview down to the finest detail.
