Review of Casio G-Shock MTG-1000

MT-G. Metal Twisted G. Only Casio could market something like this.

This review marks the second installment of Casio atomic analog on loan from a friend. The MT-G line represents a fusion of construction of resin with stainless steel. If you are someone who enjoys the design and durability of the classic resin models but favor the heft and looks of stainless steel then the MT-G is for you.

The MTG-1000 is a full analog and functions similar to the Giez GS-1100 I reviewed earlier. For the longest time I wanted the ana-dig model MTG-1500 but the model was discontinued and the inventory evaporated before I could get my act together for a purchase. I am peeved that Casio US still features the MTG-1500 on their website even though I have not seen this model available for over 1 year.

Enough tears in the beer. Let’s get on with the task at hand.

So the case construction and design is pretty nice. Basically you have a deep resin bezel typical of most G-Shocks. Surrounding the resin bezel you have the top layer of the case in metal. This metal layer is secured to the case by for screws in the corners. Much to my surprise these screws are finished very well. Not only is there a chamfer to the screw heads and the hole in the case, the slots in the screw heads are oriented to match the natural shape around the perimeter of the case. Pretty cool.

Beneath the metal layer of the case is a resin layer. In the resin layer are the four metal buttons, one of which is signed with the script G.

Under the resin layer is the steel case back. It is held in with 4 screws and is not adorned with any special engraving like the Giez.

Like the case, the bracelet is constructed of both steel and resin. The resin parts seem to be located at the major contact points of the bracelet with the outside world and are also elevated above the steel portions in what I suspect to be an effort to protect the stainless steel from scratches.

The use of resin bumpers extends to even the clasp which is a great idea since the clasp is the most likely place to pick up scratches and swirls. Additionally the clasp is nicely constructed with a forged hinge. The bracelet links are also well constructed and feel solid, although the weight of the bracelet is not as heavy as expected presumable due to the use of the resin.

I think the dial on the MTG-1000 is a little nicer than that on the Giez I reviewed previously. There is a band of texture around the perimeter which is a nice touch. Also the index markers themselves are still somewhat flat like the Giez, however, Casio added a piece of chrome on the chapter ring adjacent to the index marker on the dial which does deliver some extra depth in appearance. The hands are of similar construction and design as the Giez. Also like the Giez, the lume is lousy on the MTG-1000. The dial layout is also similar to the Giez with a 24 hour time at the 9 oclock subdial, main time seconds and chronograph 1/20 seconds on the 6 oclock subdial and the 3 oclock subdial used for several purposes such as day indicator, mode indicator, and count down timer display. The red center post second hand is used as an indicator for the world timer and for the seconds counter in chronograph and timer modes.

Function wise the MTG-1000 is a little better than the Giez. There are some nice improvements with the MTG such as the inclusion of a count down timer which is pretty cool to watch the red indicator hand move backwards. Also the MTG-1000 allows you to jump through modes if they are activated. For example as you advance through the world timer mode and hesitate for a second or two, the hands will start to move to the indicated city. With the MTG-1000 you can press the Mode button and it will still advance to the next mode and the hands will stop and reset themselves. With the Giez if you accidentally activated the world timer mode, you are stuck there until the hands reach their destination. Casio does continue the easy use of the chronograph with a simple press of the upper right button. Additionally the radio controlled sync was successful each time I checked.

Even with these improvements, it is painful to watch the hands move around the dial so slowly for the alarm and world timer modes that I would be hard pressed to ever use these functions. After a few weeks with these Casio analogs I have come to appreciate Citizen’s use of a separate motor for the hour hand making it independent from the minute hand as the greatest innovation for mankind in our lifetime....after the High Definition television of course.

In summary, I like the MTG-1000. I think this is a good option for someone who likes the typical G-Shock construction, but looking for something a little different, perhaps something with the more sophisticated look of stainless steel.

Nuts and Bolts
Module 5022
Crystal diamerer 28.3mm
Case diameter 47mm
Lug to Lug 46mm
Thickness 16.2mm at largest.
Width at clasp 18mm