Limited Edition Casio G-Shock MRGB2000KT-3A "Kobayashi Tsuba" Arrives at US Retailers

Casio’s G-Shock MRGB2000KT-3A watch (pictured) is now available at some US retailers.

For the first time, American collectors and luxury watch enthusiasts can secure one of the most extraordinary G-Shocks ever created—the MRGB2000KT-3A—through select third-party retailers. This highly limited piece, already launched in Japan and the UK, brings a profound level of traditional Japanese metalcraft to the forefront of modern horology.

The quest to own this masterpiece just became more accessible. While an official US launch date and allocation remain unconfirmed by Casio, authorized retailers like Arizona Fine Time now have the watch listed for $8,000. For those exploring the global marketplace, platforms like Chrono24 show listings starting from approximately $6,242, offering potential alternatives for acquisition.

You can view the official listing at Arizona Fine Time here: Casio G-Shock MRGB2000KT-3A "Kobayashi Tsuba".

A Design Forged in Artistry and Tradition

This is not a typical G-Shock. The MRGB2000KT-3A tells a story of fusion, where Casio's legendary toughness meets the soul of the Japanese sword. The centerpiece is its bezel, a canvas for metalsmith Kobayashi Masao. He hand-engraved a majestic phoenix motif inspired by the tsuba—the intricately crafted iron guard of a samurai sword. This isn't a stamped or laser-etched pattern; each bezel bears the marks of individual craftsmanship.

The color scheme, dubbed kurogane-iro (heated iron), presents a dark blue-green hue that shifts in the light. This shade is applied to a DLC-coated titanium bezel, which is anchored by four bezel screws, each adorned with a genuine emerald. The matching Dura Soft strap and copper-colored casing elements complete a look that is both deeply tactical and undeniably luxurious. Even the dial features a subtle arrow pattern, a nod to precision and direction.

Master-Craft Meets Modern Tech

Underneath its artistic exterior lies the pinnacle of G-Shock technology. The MRGB2000 platform is packed with features for the global citizen:

Bluetooth & Multi-Band 6: The watch connects to your smartphone via the G-Shock Connected app for easy setting and automatic time adjustments. It also syncs with radio time signals around the world.
Dual Time Zone Display: A clever sub-dial allows for simultaneous tracking of two time zones across its support for 27 world cities.
Tough Solar Power: A solar panel under the dial converts light into energy, eliminating the need for battery replacements.
Robust Feature Set: Includes a 1/100-second stopwatch, countdown timer, five daily alarms, and a power-saving function.

Extreme Rarity Drives Demand

The single greatest factor defining this watch is its scarcity. Due to the intensive, hands-on engraving process by Master Kobayashi, production is limited to only 800 pieces worldwide. This global limitation makes its appearance at US retailers a significant event for the collecting community.

As noted by watch news outlet G-Central, this release is part of a wave of holiday-season G-Shocks hitting the US market, including several limited editions not available through Casio's own website. You can read more about that broader context here: G-Central Report on New Holiday G-Shock Releases.

For international marketplace options, one can browse listings on Chrono24: Chrono24 - Casio G-Shock MRGB2000KT-3A.

The Verdict: A Statement Piece for the Discerning Collector

The Casio G-Shock MRGB2000KT-3A "Kobayashi Tsuba" transcends the category of a tool watch. It is a wearable sculpture, a tribute to craftsmanship, and a technological flagship all in one. Its arrival at US retailers, albeit through limited channels, offers a rare opportunity to acquire a future icon without navigating the uncertainties of an international waitlist. With only 800 in existence, this is a timepiece where heritage, art, and innovation collide—and its window for acquisition is undoubtedly narrow.