Casio MRG-B2100HR hands-on photos reveal a darker, more subtle limited-edition MR-G
Casio’s new MRG-B2100HR is turning out to be far more mysterious in real life than its official images first suggested. Early hands-on photos of the limited-edition G-Shock MR-G show a watch with two very different personalities: under direct light, it flashes with rainbow-like color across parts of the bezel and bracelet; in normal indoor lighting, it can appear almost completely black.
That contrast is the biggest surprise. Casio’s original product images made the MRG-B2100HR look bold, colorful, and highly reflective, especially around the bezel and bracelet. But real-world shots suggest the effect is much more restrained. Most of the time, the watch looks like a sleek, dark MR-G model, closer in appearance to an all-black premium G-Shock. The color only comes alive when light hits the metal from the right angle.
The secret is Casio’s structural color treatment. This is not paint, plating, or a traditional coating. Instead, the color is created by cutting microscopic patterns into the metal using an ultra-short pulse laser. These tiny textures interact with light, producing shifting tones depending on the viewing angle. That means the MRG-B2100HR can look nearly black one moment and suddenly reveal blue, green, purple, or rainbow highlights the next.
The new images also show that the color is not spread evenly across the entire watch. It appears strongest around the outer edge of the bezel and on selected bracelet links. In close-up shots, the finish looks more like oxidized metal, mineral layers, or heat-treated titanium than a glossy decorative surface. One angle can make the bracelet glow with multiple colors, while another angle makes the same section look dark and understated.
On the wrist, the MRG-B2100HR seems surprisingly wearable for such a rare and expensive watch. Under a sleeve or in softer indoor light, it does not scream for attention. Instead, it presents itself as a premium black G-Shock with only subtle hints of color around the edges. For collectors who were unsure about the rainbow finish, these real-world photos may make the watch more appealing than the official renders did.
The dial is another major highlight. Casio worked with Kyoto foil artist Hiroto Rakusho, who uses powdered platinum foil known as sunago across the dial’s lattice-style surface. Because the foil is scattered by hand, the pattern is naturally uneven. Some areas appear denser, while others are more open, giving every dial a slightly different look. This handmade detail adds depth and individuality, making each piece feel more personal.
The MRG-B2100HR is built as a high-end model in Casio’s MR-G lineup. It uses a Ti64 titanium case and a Cobarion bezel, combining lightweight durability with a premium finish. The watch keeps the familiar octagonal shape of the 2100 series but elevates it with advanced materials, artisanal dial work, and a unique light-reactive exterior.
Casio will produce only 800 units of the MRG-B2100HR. The watch is scheduled to go on sale in Japan on November 13, priced at ¥1,100,000 including tax.
For G-Shock collectors, this limited-edition Casio MR-G is likely to be one of the most talked-about releases of the year. It is not simply a colorful watch, and it is not just another black titanium model either. The MRG-B2100HR sits somewhere between both ideas, offering a hidden burst of color that only appears when the light is just right.
