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The Casio G-SHOCK MTG-B3000BD-1AER is part of the latest generation of the MT-G collection, which belongs to the upper class within the G-SHOCK family. One and a half years have passed since the presentation of the predecessor. Which innovations Casio has come up with in the meantime and whether the change to the newcomer is worth it, you can read in the following review…
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Generation changes at G-SHOCK
The Casio G-SHOCK MTG-B2000D-1AER convinced me all around in spring 2021. As a noble G-SHOCK, it could shine with good hardware and software. High-quality materials, intelligent functions. That was my conclusion, which you can read again via the link. That was true for the latest MTG, mind you. After a few interesting special models, Casio announced the next round this March with well-sounding words. Now, in summer, the time has come. The collection, which has been around since 1999, gets an update. MTG-B1000 becomes B3000. Important: my above-mentioned test model is not affected by the model change. Apparently, both series seem to continue to exist in parallel if you look at Casio’s online store. Since the price level is also the same, the question arises to what extent the sub-series differ.
Is it worthwhile to buy if you already wear a B2000 on your wrist? At least die-hard G-SHOCK fans should quickly answer this question with ‘yes’. Nevertheless, even someone like me, a loyal G-SHOCK wearer for 40 years, asks the question whether the changes directly justify a new model or rather inflate the collection into confusion.
Casio G-SHOCK MTG-B3000BD-1AER – G-SHOCKS for the premium market
First image and press material admittedly sound interesting, even if you take off your fan glasses. Casio talks here about the slimmest module, which they “have developed for a G-SHOCK solar chronograph to date. G-SHOCKs and especially MT-G watches have been known for their brute appearance so far. Visually, that remains the same (thank goodness). But a little downsizing never hurt anyone. The watches in “business design” are primarily intended for one target group. Nostalgic fans who don’t want to forgo the familiar chunkiness along with proven G-SHOCK genes and still want to wear materials on their wrist that feel good. Add to that a pinch of smartwatch functions and the MT-G would be fit for the next generation – right?
Whether the plan works out, you can read in this watch review – through the eyes of a loyal (and critical) G-SHOCK lover…
Unboxing
I have ordered the Casio G-SHOCK MTG-B3000BD-1AER. Which one is it? The one with the purple color accents. My last MT-G was gray and black, which is why this time I thought my wrist could use some color. In the meantime, the slimmest G-SHOCK Solar Chronograph has found its way onto my wooden table and is just waiting to finally be unboxed. The box with the red MT-G lettering makes a high-quality impression and shows what the inner workings should also convey: Premium quality!
If necessary, it’s better to download the package insert online, but especially the useful CASIO WATCHES app, which can be used to operate the comprehensive functions conveniently and very intuitively. Of course, you must ask yourself how you will use this watch in 10 years with (by then) outdated technology and whether the app will still be supported at all then. Nevertheless, I can only repeat myself. The CASIO WATCHES app itself is excellently designed and programmed, which means that even newcomers or occasional users can quickly find their way around. The connection to the smartphone is exciting, but not always necessary.
Casio’s G-SHOCK MTG-B3000BD-1AER on the wrist
So much for the app. Now, I’m mainly interested in the changed dimensions. With dimensions of 51.90 by 50.90 millimeters, the Casio G-SHOCK MTG-B3000BD-1AER is still a giant, although also a bit more compact than the B2000. As is so often the case with Casio, the watch usually turns out a bit smaller visually, since pushers are also included, for example. Nevertheless, the MT-G is reserved for wrists with a large circumference. But – this slight optical overweight and clunkiness are ultimately what give a G-SHOCK watch its character. Personally, I wouldn’t want to miss that.
On the other hand, I still don’t really know what to make of the advertised case height, which puts the statement from just now into perspective again. 12.10 millimeters are insane, if you want to compare the watch with its predecessors or other round dial representatives from the house of G-SHOCK. However, this makes the watch lose its bulkiness. It has become sportier and moves with the times. The Japanese step seems logical. My habituation phase probably still lasts a little.
In a watch forum, I read a few days ago the entry of a user who would not want to take the watch to the office. I have a slightly different opinion. Premium models like the MT-G watches have driven Casio’s image change in recent years. G-SHOCK watches are considered iconic and can be quite serious. This is also true of the Casio G-SHOCK MTG-B3000BD-1AER, whose high-quality materials show that the G-SHOCK has long since grown up. The violet and red tones also bring color into the gray everyday office life!
The bouncer among the cases
Casio’s engineers were able to save more than two millimeters on the case. A new module was specially developed for it, which is significantly flatter. As usual, the module is enclosed in a case made of carbon reinforced resin. The so-called Dual Core Guard structure is completed by stainless steel components, which account for most visible surfaces. This new construction further reduced weight. The Casio G-SHOCK MTG-B3000BD-1AER weighs only 148 grams, which is 8 grams less than the B2000 series. This has a positive effect on wearing comfort.
To further perfect the gravity shock design, the metal surfaces have been refined with the so-called “Ion Plating” process, which benefits the scratch resistance. Bulges fill the gaps between the pushers and prevent them from being damaged during drops. All materials are finished to a high standard. You can tell that Casio is a leader in this field.
Hardly any external influence can harm this bouncer-sized case with Transformer optics. The cherry on top of the cream pie is artificial sapphire crystal, which protects the delicate dial. On the other hand, nothing has changed in terms of the case’s water resistance. Casio still gives a value of 20 bar. However, that is perfectly sufficient.
Energy for all eternity
The battery with the somewhat cryptic name CTL920 is powered by environmentally friendly energy. Unsurprisingly, Casio also relies on its Tough Solar system for the B3000 series. The solar cells are built directly into the watch face. They are so small that they do not stand out in the design. Even in low light conditions, the technology works flawlessly. Excess energy is stored in a rechargeable battery and retrieved when needed. If you were to store the Casio G-SHOCK MTG-B3000BD-1AER in a drawer, it would take several months for the watch’s energy reserves to run out.
You don’t have to worry about accuracy. Thanks to the CASIO WATCHES app and the constant Bluetooth connection to the cell phone, regular fine-tuning is a thing of the past.
What functions are available and where they are read off from
Theoretically, the most important functions of the Casio G-SHOCK MTG-B3000BD-1AER could be operated without a smartphone. As a rule, however, operation via app is much more intuitive and faster. There are a few things that can be used and read. Besides the constantly accurate time, there would be the world time, for example, which shows the time in up to 29 different time zones. Or the second time display, which can be found on the red totalizer above 6 o’clock. Stop functions, timers, and daily alarms to remind you of the most important events are also not to be missed. Date and weekday display as well as an automatic calendar complete the wealth of functions.
Without a smartphone, these can be set via Smart Access technology. This is done via the electric crown. The Phone Finder has always been a nice gimmick for me, but not the revolution for everyday use. Maybe because I have my iPhone in my hand all the time anyway. At the push of a button, the misplaced smartphone emits a sound.
Despite the exuberant number of features, the dial is surprisingly easy to read and looks tidy. The bright hands and red color accents contribute to that. In the dark, I rely on the Super Illuminator. All it takes is the push of a button and the dial lights up brightly.
A wristband with quick-change system
I had just briefly mentioned the protrusions of the case. They also function as tabs for attaching the strap change. You can best see the effect, which only takes a few seconds, in the YouTube video. The strap can be released with a click.
Casio continues its smart choice of materials and makes the strap out of stainless steel, but the inlay out of resin, the synthetic resin mixture. Compared to stainless steel, it is much more pleasant to the skin and realizes a great wearing comfort in everyday life. Hardly any conventional stainless steel bracelet can compete with it.
My conclusion about the Casio G-SHOCK MTG-B3000BD-1AER – Never change a winning team!
The Casio G-SHOCK MTG-B3000BD-1AER as part of the new B3000 series is a successful further development of its predecessor. Technically, Casio focuses on evolution rather than revolution. At least in terms of functions and quality of materials, the B3000 series has no advantage over the B2000 watches. In my opinion, both MT-G sub-collections are on par. The design comparison is more interesting. When I first saw the Casio G-SHOCK MTG-B3000BD-1AER, I was still undecided. In the meantime, all doubts have vanished. The flat case design is the future. For old-established Casio wearers, it may still look a bit unusual at the beginning. However, the advantages are obvious: saved weight and more comfort in everyday life.
The B3000B doesn’t reinvent the G-SHOCK principle, but it comes up trumps with decisive improvements. And let’s be honest, the outcry of the fans would have been enormous with a complete reinterpretation.
The Casio G-SHOCK MTG-B3000BD-1AER costs 1.049,- Euros. The 100-euro surcharge is due to the color accents. These are optionally also available in green. The black version comes with a black resin strap. Whether B3000 or B2000, it’s ultimately a matter of taste.
More about Casio and the G-SHOCK MTG-B3000BD-1AER
Here you can find the watch in the online store
More Casio watch reviews in my blog
Casio G-SHOCK MTG-B2000D-1AER Review
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