Casio Rumored to Be Preparing the Most Expensive G-Shock Ever With a Sapphire Case
Casio may be preparing a major statement piece for the 30th anniversary of its prestigious MR-G series, and if the latest reports are accurate, it could become the most expensive G-Shock ever released.
The rumored watch is said to be an ultra-limited Casio MR-G model with only 20 units planned worldwide. The reported price is 10 million yen, which is approximately $65,000. That would place it above every previous G-Shock in terms of retail price, including the famous solid gold G-Shock square released in 2019.
The MR-G collection already sits at the top of Casio’s G-Shock lineup. These watches are known for premium materials, advanced finishing, and Japanese craftsmanship, often combining rugged G-Shock durability with luxury watchmaking details. However, this rumored anniversary model appears to push the concept much further than usual.
The biggest reason for the expected high price is the reported use of a sapphire case. Casio has used sapphire crystal on many watches before, especially for scratch-resistant watch faces, but a full case made from sapphire would be something entirely different for the G-Shock line. Sapphire is extremely hard and difficult to machine, making the manufacturing process slow, expensive, and wasteful compared with more conventional materials such as stainless steel, titanium, or resin.
That kind of production challenge would also explain the extremely small run of just 20 pieces. A sapphire-cased G-Shock would likely require highly specialized cutting, polishing, and quality control, especially if Casio wants to maintain the shock-resistant reputation that defines the G-Shock name.
If the rumored 10 million yen price is accurate, this model would surpass the previous record holder, the G-D5000-9JR. That watch was made from solid 18-karat gold and launched in 2019 for the G-Shock 35th anniversary. It was limited to 35 pieces and priced at 7.7 million yen. While currency exchange rates make direct dollar comparisons tricky, the yen price clearly shows that the rumored MR-G would be positioned at a much higher level.
The comparison within the MR-G range is even more dramatic. Recent high-end MR-G models have already crossed into luxury watch territory, but most remain far below the rumored 10 million yen figure. For example, special Japan-exclusive MR-G releases have reached beyond 1 million yen, while standard premium MR-G models can cost several hundred thousand yen. A sapphire anniversary edition at 10 million yen would represent a huge leap for the series.
Casio has already opened an MR-G 30th anniversary section on its official website, celebrating three decades since the original MRG-100 debuted in 1996. That timing adds weight to the possibility of a major commemorative model arriving before the end of the year.
Still, nothing has been officially confirmed. No model number, images, specifications, or release date have been published by Casio at this stage. The watch’s final design remains unknown, and the sapphire case detail has not been verified by official materials.
For now, this should be treated as a high-profile rumor rather than a confirmed launch. Even so, the idea of a sapphire-cased Casio MR-G has already sparked interest among G-Shock collectors and luxury watch fans. If Casio does release such a model, it would likely become one of the most collectible G-Shock watches ever made.
A 20-piece sapphire MR-G priced at around $65,000 would not be aimed at everyday buyers. Instead, it would serve as a showcase of Casio’s highest level of engineering, craftsmanship, and anniversary ambition. For collectors, it could become a landmark release in the history of the G-Shock brand.
