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The 40th Anniversary G-SHOCK Flare Red MTG-B3000FR-1AER is one of two new models in the novel “Flare Red” series that the manufacturer is launching to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the core G-SHOCK brand. Two new watches, two exciting stories and two watch reviews – enjoy!
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Casio lets it rip
Casio has big celebrations coming up in the near future. In 2023, the G-SHOCK will be 40 years old. The release of the groundbreaking digital watch in 1983 can rightly be called a milestone in the history of the Japanese manufacturer, which is known not only for wristwatches but also for calculators, keyboards and even cameras. A beginning in the announced series of anniversary watches is made by two models that fans and journalists SO would not have expected. This duo is assigned to the future “Flare Red” series. The name says it all.
According to Casio, the spirited design is inspired by solar flares. To perfect the effect, phosphorescent material is also used, among other things. Patterns created by special manufacturing techniques are said to contribute to the fact that each piece can be called unique. The designs are not entirely new. Both watches can be assigned to established G-SHOCK collections, MT-G and GWG. However, this does not detract from the anniversary, quite the opposite.
It’s already clear – my expectations are exceeded in every respect by the published visuals. I had expected another adaptation of the 1983 classic, comparable to the Casio G-SHOCK MRG B5000B-1DR. The move to release two novel, eye-catching designs is bold. This double watch reviews will show whether the venture succeeds. We’ll start with the Casio G-SHOCK MTG-B3000FR-1AER. In the second part, you can read everything about the Casio G-SHOCK GWG-2040FR-1AER.
Part 1 – Casio G-SHOCK MTG-B3000FR-1AER
The 40th Anniversary G-SHOCK Flare Red MTG-B3000FR-1AER on the wrist
The first comparison between MT-G and GWG is exciting. It’s not too often that models from different collections interpret the same design in their own way. The 40th Anniversary G-SHOCK Flare Red MTG-B3000FR-1AER is definitely the more elegant of the two watches. The circular design of the Metal-Twisted G-SHOCK should be sufficiently familiar to most of you. A stainless steel-carbon case looks more purist and not as brute as that of the GWG-2040FR-1AER, whose “chunkiness” is the predominant stylistic device. Instead, things are a bit quieter here, but not more boring. The MT-G is the more grown-up of the two “Flare Red” models. I really like the eye-catching look with the red and orange tones on the wrist. And yes, you can still wear them beyond 50 without looking involuntarily weird. There is no upper age limit.
There is for the diameter of the wrist, but downwards. With a width of 50.9 millimeters and a lug-to-lug length of 51.9 millimeters, the MT-G is not of a petite nature. What I already said about the similar Casio G-SHOCK MTG-B3000BD-1AER, which I had the pleasure to test this summer, applies here. A metal twisted G-SHOCK looks best on larger wrists. And as brute as the specs read on paper: in reality, the MTG-B3000FR looks a bit more compact, since the protruding crown protector is also included. The “Flare Red” version is not quite as slim as the aforementioned MTG-B3000BD. However, 13.2 millimeters in height are okay.
A case in gravitational shock design
The name Metal-Twisted G-SHOCK gives it away. The model that serves as the basis for the 40th Anniversary G-SHOCK Flare Red MTG-B3000FR-1AER uses a case construction that also employs stainless steel. This material, which is otherwise common in the watch industry, is primarily used at G-SHOCK for the premium MT-G collection introduced in 1999. In the case of the MTG-B3000FR, the stainless steel components encase the internal module. The top is finished off with a carbon bezel. Its striking design, reminiscent of a solar flare, was realized by adding colored glass fibers and a phosphorescent material. As a result, the watch even glows in the dark in bright red and orange hues – impressive. Since each resulting pattern is unique, one can confidently call an example of the 40th Anniversary G-SHOCK Flare Red MTG-B3000FR-1AER one-of-a-kind.
In addition to the impulsive flame look, it should not go unmentioned that the workmanship of the materials used is also convincing in terms of quality across the board. To give the construction even more hardness, Casio claims to have refined the surfaces with an IP finish. The ion plating makes the case even more resistant. Sapphire crystal has been installed on the front. It protects the dial from external impacts.
With such an armada of protective materials, a lot can be done. How about a dive, for example? Water resistance guarantees the 40th Anniversary G-SHOCK Flare Red MTG-B3000FR-1AER to a depth of 200 meters. But the black and red timepiece also survives falls or knocks effortlessly, which makes it a companion with all-rounder capabilities. Such qualities are entirely in keeping with the G-SHOCK concept.
The “sundial” rethought
How can you recognize the watches celebrating G-SHOCK’s 40th Anniversary? By their case back, for example. This is emblazoned with an engraved logo designed by US graphic designer Eric Haze. The battery behind it impresses with its long service life.
Casio revolutionized the drive of its watches a few years ago and turned the former quartz battery with the ’10-year runtime’ promise into an environmentally friendly movement. Tough Solar technology is the keyword.
The solar cells required for this were built into the dial and are not recognizable as such. The efficiency is so high that watches with the Tough Solar system work even in low light conditions. Excess energy is stored and then retrieved when you leave the 40 Years G-SHOCK Flare Red MTG-B3000FR-1AER in the drawer for a long time, for example. Even then, it takes several months until all energy reserves are used up. The term sundial takes on a whole new meaning.
The important functions at a glance
What can I do with the MT-G in “Flare Red” design? Quite a lot, is the answer. What was considered an absolute novelty a few years ago, is now common practice at Casio. The G-SHOCK has already been around for 40 years. Bluetooth connectivity and an app make it fit for the future. In my opinion, the built-in functions even cover a large part of what a smartwatch can do. Those who have not yet come to terms with the idea of a “smartphone on the wrist” should perhaps give this watch and the CASIO WACHTES app a try.
After the free download and pairing with Bluetooth, the app is quickly set up and intuitively explains where we can find our timers and alarms. Or how we can set the world time and the automatic calendar. Even a phone finder is on board. If you ever misplace your smartphone in the house, it will emit a sound after you press a button on the clock. Thanks to radio signal reception, the time is always displayed correctly and does not need to be adjusted manually.
However, pairing with the smartphone is not a must. I understand everyone who is annoyed from time to time from constantly looking at the screen. Then the functions can be adjusted via Smart Access technology using the rose gold, electric crown. This is also practical during sports, in nature or in other situations where it is simply impossible to always rely on a charged smartphone.
Dial and bracelet of the 40th Anniversary G-SHOCK Flare Red MTG-B3000FR-1AER.
The dial and the three differently sized totalizers allow you to quickly read the date, world time, day of the week, small seconds and the time. The clarity is due to a sophisticated design, which makes the dial look tidy. LED light allows us to read the displays even in the dark.
You wear the 40th Anniversary G-SHOCK Flare Red MTG-B3000FR-1AER on a sturdy bracelet, which is made of resin and allows comfortable wearing. It is adjusted and closed via a pin buckle. Here is another highlight. Four engraved stars and the lettering “SINCE 1983” make the character of a special model clear here as well.
My conclusion about the special model 40th Anniversary G-SHOCK Flare Red MTG-B3000FR-1AER
This is how the anniversary year can start! It’s not even 2023, but the start is impressive. The 40th anniversary G-SHOCK Flare Red MTG-B3000FR-1AER combines the stunning design inspired by solar flares with the benefits of an MT-G. And those are clearly in the realm of quality. The days when G-SHOCK models were disrespectfully referred to as plastic watches are a thing of the past. It’s no longer a secret that the traditional Japanese brand can keep up with established premium brands from Switzerland. The MTG-B3000FR as well as its unequal sister GWG-2040FR-1AER prove this once again. High-quality materials like stainless steel and carbon inspire with their finish.
Primarily, however, G-SHOCK lovers will love both watches, MTG and GWG for their unique design. A must have for any fan. The Casio G-SHOCK MTG-B3000FR-1AER costs 1,350 euros. 150 euros cheaper is the GWG. Both watches will be available from October 20. There is no limitation.
More about the 40th Anniversary G-SHOCK Flare Red MTG-B3000FR-1AER and the GWG-2040FR-1AER
More Casio watch reviews in my blog
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