Wrist Armor: G-Shock MRGB2000BS3A Hana-Basara Celebrates 25 Years of MR-G Collection in Samurai Style

G-Shock’s year of interesting and diverse releases continues with this summer’s launch of the latest timepieces within the Japanese watchmaker’s luxurious MR-G collection. The new MRGB2000BS3A Hana-Basara, a limited edition that celebrates the 25th anniversary of the high-end MR-G line, is inspired by Hana-Basara samurai armor. The term “Hana” means “ostentatious or brilliant,” and “Basara” is a term of respect for samurai commanders “who shattered conventions with a rebellious style that combined strength and a bold, lavish aesthetic.” Naturally, the watch inspired by this style echoes the armor in its flourish, color, materials, and overall execution.

At first glance, the Hana-Basara’s silhouette resembles those of previous MR-G watches, as it uses the existing MRGB2000 as its base design. The added intrigue in this watch comes primarily from its colors and materials. The blend of green, red, gold and black hues together pays homage to the historic Hana-Basara armor, while the watch’s bezel is constructed from a material called Cobarion, which G-Shock claims is four times harder than titanium. The bezel is shaped via a facet-cutting technique commonly used to cut gems, further accentuating its contrast from the metal, resin, and rubber most often used by the brand for this element. To make the bezels, G-Shock uses an accomplished artisan, Kazuhito Komatsu, who meticulously polishes each one to a mirror finish.

The rest of the watch’s case and its accompanying bracelet are constructed from DAT55G titanium which alternates in color from a brown IP (ion plating) to a traditional Japanese, iron-colored (kurogane) DLC (diamond-like carbon) coating. The case is hefty on the wrist, at 49.8 mm in diameter by 16.9 mm thick, with a water resistance of 200 meters. Four screws, large pushers, and a knurled crown add to the substantial look of the timepiece. A commemorative “25TH LIMITED” engraved plate rests on its left flank, complementing the more standard MR-G engraved caseback where most brands traditionally place their tributes.

On the dial, the interesting colors of the watch continue, here with additional textures, applied indices, and other features, each of them taking direct inspiration from the Hana-Basara armor. Like previous MRGB2000 watches, this special edition features the Tough Solar power charging system pioneered by G-Shock owner Casio, along with dual time zones, a 24-hour chronograph, a 24-hour countdown timer, an alarm, and an LED screen, with its regular timekeeping assisted by radio-controlled synchronization.

As one might expect, the G-Shock MRGB2000BS3A Hana-Basara is priced at the top of the brand’s catalog, at $8,000, and limited to only 400 pieces. The limited edition is available now via select G-Shock retailers globally.

To learn more, visit G-Shock, here.