G-Shock #43: MTG-120

In 1999 Casio introduced a new G-Shock line which is positioned between the high end MR-G models and the more basic resin models. While the MR-G series were fully made of metal, the MT-G models are usually a mix of metal and resin. The resin parts on MT-G models were often found as links in the bracelet and bumpers on the bezel/case. On today’s model, the MTG-120-1AJF, resin is hard to find. No wonder, it was marketed by Casio as a (full) metal model, although, if you look closely, you find two small rubberish wrist rests and some kind of red resin spacers in the bezel.

The MTG-120 is a full analog model. It has a similar display as the MRG-120 and MRG-121, but if you look closely, you will notice a nice extra. It does not only show the current time, it also shows the date. Instead of a marker at the 4 position, there is a little date window. The date does count until 31, so if the past month has less than 31 days, you have to manually adjust. The case of the MTG-120 is a little bit smaller then the MR-G models.

I think this model would have also have passed for a MR-G. It’s well build and the MRG-120 and the MRG-121, which are pretty much related to this model, have a rubber wrist rest too, although those are located around the screw back. On this MTG it is located at the attachment of the bracelet.

Different form the above mentioned MR-G models are the two crystal guards and the location of the crown. It looks like they put the MRG-121 module rotated 180 degrees in the case, with the light button placed above the crown. The bracelet has full metal links with a brushed 3D arrow like design. The three fold buckle can be used to fine adjust the length of bracelet by 1/4 of a link. The crystal guards and the bracelet give this model a quite sturdy look. It somehow makes me remind to the Revman.

I tried to find the on-line manual, but there is non available for the 2310 module. Not a real problem. There are no sophisticated features on board. The Screw-In crown can be puled out in two phases. At the first click you can adjust the date, at the second click you an adjust time. Like many other (mechanical) analog watches, there is the so called hack feature. When pulled to the second click, the seconds hand stops. This way it possible to set time to the second. I think, like mechanical watches, it’s best to only move the hands forward when adjusting time. Pretty cool is also the backlight, which lights up through the entire mesh dial.

The module (movement) is Antimagnetic according the JIS 1 standard, which is also called Class 1. I’m not sure how a quartz module can be affected by (normal) electromagnetic waves, but after some research (Grand Seiko manual) I learned that Class 1 Antimagnetic means that it is protected for (electro-)magnetic fields that occur with normal equipment in daily life and work. I won’t recommend to test it inside a microwave.

The MTG-120-AJF was released in August 2001. I bought this watch 9 years later in 2010. I checked all my bills around the time I bought this watch, but couldn’t find from who I bought it and how much I paid for it. They do not pop up too often at auctions, but they are also mostly not very expensive. The original retail price was ¥28000 (now around $280.-, €210,-), which was more than double the price of a basic model around that time (and still is). I can’t remember what I paid for it, but I guess it would not have been as much as you pay for a good condition MRG-120. I probably paid around $120.- or so, three years ago. For this price you get a nice heavy full metal G-Shock.

EDIT: The riddle of where I bought this watch is solved. I got a message from my friend/co-author Flexofiel. I bought it from him three years ago. About the price I was spot on. 

Intermezzo #23 What does that G-Shock name mean?

I just found this information on G-Shock Perfect Search. Often is asked what a certain name means, specially the name Master of G and the Master of G models. The text is latterly translated from Japanese to English, so you have to bend the English a little to understand what it says, but I think most is pretty good readable. Red  texts are edits by me.

MR-G It is superlative degree brand "MR-G" had both as for beautiful of ..ratio of G-Shock.. strength and the metal. GIEZ The impact-proof performance of G-Shock is brand "GIEZ ([ji-zu])" with the form refined as it is simply. "G-ESSENCE" that means essence and essence is assumed to be an etymology. MT-G Metal Twisted G. G-Shock and "MT-G" of reformation that arose by fusion of different material such as metals and resins. G-COOL The impact-proof structure is "G-COOL (Cool G)" with a difference from past G-Shock succeeding to and a new streamlined form.

- Commodity theme

FROGMAN  (frogman) G-Shock of waterproof specification for 200m dive in accordance with ISO standard and "FROGMAN (frogman)". MUDMAN  (Mad man) G-Shock that has Mad resist (dustproof and [fusedoro]) structure to cover space of joint of button and band that goes into mud and dust it easily with urethane resin full and "MUDMAN (Mad man)".Note: in translation of phonetic words the letter U is sometimes translated to an A. FISHERMAN  (fisherman) G-Shock of last resist (rust prevention) structure to adopt titanium material for all metallic portions that touch air and "FISHERMAN (fisherman)". RISEMAN  (Raizman) Twin sensor (pressure/temperature) is installed, and it is G-Shock that can measure the atmospheric pressure, high degree (altitude), and temperature, and "RISEMAN (Raizman)". GAUSSMAN  (Gauss man) G-Shock with Mad resist (dustproof and ..prevention.. [doro]) structure and "GAUSSMAN (Gauss man). " ..not receiving the influence of magnetism easily...Note: See Mudman /Madman. RAYSMAN  ([reizuman]) Tough solar is installed, light is perceived, and power is saved, and the dark is G-Shock that shows one's true ability, and "RAYSMAN ([reizuman])". WADEMAN  (Wade man) It is G-Shock that advances to reliance the azimuth, and "WADEMAN (Wade man). " as for the road where the direction sensor is installed, and it provided with the azimuth bezel in which the road. GULFMAN  (gulf man) It is G-Shock of last resist (rust prevention) structure using the titanium material, and "GULFMAN (gulf man). " as for the metal parts that touch air all. REVMAN  ([rebuman]) G-Shock equipped with practicable function and dual stop watch tachymeter in motor sports and "REVMAN ([rebuman])".Note: The Revman is a MR-G model, not a Master of G model. LUNGMAN  (Langman) Pulse sensor (heart Rate Monitor) is installed, and it is G-Shock that makes triathlon theme, and "LUNGMAN (Langman)". ANTMAN  ([antoman]) Electric wave that puts standard frequency transmission is obtained, and it is radio controlled watch G-Shock that ticks away always accurate time, and "ANTMAN ([antoman])". The Antman was the first Casio watch that could receive the radio signal from an Atomic Time transmitter.  SKYFORCE  (sky force) G-Shock equipped with pressure sensor and "SKYFORCE (sky force)". FOX FIRE  (Fox fire) G-Shock equipped with EL backlight that emits light vividly by the dark and "FOX FIRE (Fox fire)". nexax  ([neguzakusu]) G-Shock that assumes design ''Capsule tough'' wrapped with capsule to be concept and "Nexax ([neguzakusu])". CODE NAME  (code name) It has functions such as Contact code, ID, and Vital Statistics, and it is G-Shock that memorizes data, and "CODE NAME (code name)". The Second version of the Codename, the DW-8800 Codename Cipher has also a Morse Code translator on board. X-treme  (extreme) G-Shock to put concept on extreme sports such as surfing, skateboard, and snowboard and "X-treme (extreme)".Evolved into G-Lide. Outside Japan X-Treme models were already released as G-Lide (see below). G-LIDE  (G Ryde) G-Shock for "X-treme (extreme)" to put concept on extreme sports such as surfing, skateboard, and snowboard to change name into world union brand "G-LIDE". G'MIX  (G mix) It is G-Shock that does the theme, and "G'MIX (G mix). " as for the music scene in the world.Outside Japan this series is called Tough Label. TACTICIAN  ([takutei;shan]) It is G-Shock developed for the real yacht race like the designed case etc. , and "TACTICIAN ([takutei;shan]). " in left inclined to so as not to strike the back of the hand at the time of intense operation a timer, a tied graph function corresponding to the yachting race, and racing. SILENCER  (silencer) G-Shock equipped with function to answer activity of professional in sea like [taidogurafu] and vibration alarm functions etc. and "SILENCER (silencer)".

- Commodity series

Anniversary Model  (10th/20th/25th) Special model by whom common sense is overturned and the 10/20/25th anniversary of born G-Shock was commemorated in 1983. Dolphne and Whale Eco-Reserch Network(dolphin whale) Premium version G-Shock from which global environmental concerns that are themes that it is common and whole human family is eternal are produced in commemoration of international dolphin whale conference about which it thinks through dolphin whale. SRF (Surfrider Foundation) G-Shock of green campaigner "Surfrider Foundation (surfrider Foundation)" official watch established by hands of surfers who love seas. G Presents Lover's Collection ([rabakore]) Pair of G-Shock and Baby-G presented to lovers and "G Presents Lover 'S Collection (G [purezentsuraba-zukorekushon])". W.C.C.S. (world coral reef protection society) (World coral-Reef Conservation Society/world coral reef protection society) W.C. C.S . G-Shock of official model. Triple Crown of Surfing It is a game against the tour that ASP (professional surfing league) sponsors, and it is an official model of rally "Triple Crown (triple crown)" of world No.1 in all respects like the level, a noteworthy level, and eminence, etc. Precious Heart Selection "Precious Heart Selection ([pureshasuha-toserekushon])" series that puts special feelings in important person and presents. The World Cup G-Shock that commemorates festival ''FIFA World Cup'' of soccer once every four years that Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) sponsors. Eric Haze model(Hayes Eric) [Korabore-tomoderu] of active artist "Eric Haze (Eric Hayes)" in various fields including HIPHOP field and G-Shock. MEN IN Color series G-Shock and Master of G that specializes in the function are collected, and "Color" is "Man series. " ..the theme color and assumption.. want. Natural environmental protection support series Commodity that supports natural environmental protection various groups in the world that act Music system series Communications series that invents meeting new music

- Presented type

Digital It is a clock that doesn't have the needle, and displays time in the liquid crystal part by the figure. Analogue It is a long hand, a hour hand, and a clock by which Kobari etc. of the second hand and the chronograph type furthermore display time. Digital analog combinations The display of time by the figure of the liquid crystal part in addition to the display of time such as long hands and hour hands etc. are possible clocks.

- The main function

Radio controlled watch It is a clock that displays accurate time by receiving the standard frequency transmission that puts time information. Tough solar Solar power generating system of original Casio. Little light such as fluorescent lamps is a solar panel that generates electricity and driving system by the combination of mass rechargeable batteries.

- Product number and module number

Product number It is a management number put on the commodity. Module number It is a figure of four digits (Or, it is treble) (three) that have been described on the back side of the clock.The module number is written in the rectangle on the back.

This is a translation from this page on G-Shock Perfect Search (GPS).

#45 Neon Lights

Today's subject on 50 Gs is the MTG-520M-4BJF Neon Illuminator. It has been waiting some time for an article on 50 Gs. In August my friend Jurphaas visited me. When I asked him, during our lunch at a brewery, which model of me he wanted to see in real, he answered that he would like to see, he answered that he would love to see my NEON Illuminator. Since we had a very busy schedule that day, I didn't have time to fish this watch outside my watch collection. I hope this article compensates this a little.

Neon lights
Shimmering neon lights
And at the fall of night
This city's made of light

With Neon Illumination I automatically think about one of my favorite bands Kraftwerk. On their album "Man Machine" there is a track called "Neon Lights". When I though including this song in this article, I found this version of U2, from which I forgot it existed too.
I'm normally not a big U2 fan. Not that I hate them, I just don't play their music. I actually like this cover of "Neon Lights". You can't really say the original is better, or the U2 version is better. The text and melodies are the same, but performed in two total different, but well balanced ways.
The name Neon Illuminator does sound flashy, but there is actually no neon light tubes in the watch.

The colors of neon lights tubes can also be formed by a fluorescent coating. A glass tube filled with Neon gives a red glow and with Argon gives a lavender glow when a high voltage is applied. However, when a drop of mercury is added in a tube containing an Argon or a Argon/Helium mixture, it will emit ultra-violet light. Fluorescent coatings can changes UV light into bright visible colors. A Similar phenomenon happens when the backlight of a Neon Illuminator is activated.
At the 3 and 9 position of the watch there are two small LEDs that emit a purple and UV-light. The white marks and drawings on the dial and the paint on the hands are fluorescent paints. When the UV-light of the LEDs falls on these paints, they light up in different colors, which must (and probably also do) remind you to neon lights.
Fluorescence is a pretty interesting phenomena. High energy light (smaller wavelength) shoots electrons of a fluorescent material to a higher orbital. When this "exited" electron falls back to it's ground state, it sent out energy in form of light of lower energy (longer wavelength). When the high energy light source is invisible UV light, it looks like the coatings emit light themselves. I think everyone knows the effect of blacklight in discotheques.
But how does it look on the dial of a ¥28000 watch. At first sight, it looks l
amazing. The colors seem to come out of nowhere. On the other hand, after a while, I think the use of different colors also make it look a bit toyish.
In the MT-G line only 7 Neon Illuminator models were released. The first 5 models (2x MTG-502, 1x MTG-512 and 2x MTG-520) were released September 2002. Two other MTG-520 models were released a month later, a blue dial version and this one. The blue dial version became a very common model and was also released in the US. While this model was sold for ¥28000 in Japan, stores like JC Penney and Wallmart were selling them for bottom prices in the US. I bought a blue version in a blister package for $60.-.
This maroon model however wasn't available for the US market. Although $150.- was a good price for this watch (compared to the suggested retail price in Japan), it was more than double the price you payed for the blue version. Well, I am not too fond of blue, so after some long searches I managed to get eventually two of these. If you don't tell along, I also have two blue version, because they do not look that bad. The plus on this one (besides the color) is the presence of numerals on the dial. Of course, I can read a clock without them, but I personally think it just looks better.
You might think such a watch may have a short battery life. The manual says that under normal conditions the battery will last at least 2 years. Well, my MTG-520M-4BF is still performing well on it's initial battery. Therefore I have never looked under the hood of t is watch. Normal G-Shocks use CR2016 batteries, but this model might be an exception. It's smaller than usual and analog models sometimes use different batteries.
All Neon Illuminators were in the MT-G line. MT-G stands for Metal Twisted G-Shock. This means that metal is used on the watch mixed with other materials. With "other materials" high quality resin is meant. Along with the Giez models, the MT-G models are the bit more exclusive models, where new materials and techniques are introduced.
The MTG-520 model is very streamlined. It's a good model that can be worn under long sleeves at the office. Of course I always prefer to work with short sleeves, so my watches stand out better, some people prefer to wear G-Shocks that are not thick. Though this MT-G model is not really slim compared with current G-Shocks, the rounded forms at the side give it a slimmer look. Cuffs should glide easily over this watch.
The way resin and metal are used is very practical. The parts that might have contact with hard or sharp edges are made of resin, protecting the metal parts of scratching. For instance, the ring around the crystal and the button protections are made of resin.

Also four bumpers, two near the case, the others between the first (fake-) links and the second, give the bracelet extra protection. These bumpers are in fact part of two wrist protectors at the back of the watch.
Pretty eye catching are the drop shaped buttons. They do not only follow the overall streamlined form, they somehow also give me a feel of velocity. The button protection give this even an extra accent.
Very unusual is the G-logo on top of the bezel. Normally we find G-SHOCK on the bezel and do we find the G-logo on the box, merchandise or the back of the watch. I can't remember seeing the G-logo on the front of a G-Shock.

The G-Shock name does appears on the dial however. The dial also shows an ECG line, which also lights up during the illumination.
Also the text ANTIMAG. 1 can be found on the dial. I thought this is somewhat strange. The movement of the watch is purely digital. The minute hand moves every 20 seconds 2°, hardly visible for the naked eye. Maybe strong (electro-)magnetic fields can disturb the quartz crystal, but I think it won't. I think, because every G-Shock can be used dive watch, Casio wants to follow the ISO 6425 divers' watch standard, though every G-Shock probably falls easily within the criteria. The accuracy has to stay within +/- 30 seconds per day. Even my worst Gs are within +/- 30 seconds per month!
So we have a nice looking watch with a Neon Illuminator here. So, what does this watch have more under the hood. Actually it's getting even better. For me, a G-Shock is complete when it has an hourly chime, a stopwatch and a 24 hour countdown timer. This model has even more functions.
First it has a new function, called e-Data. It can store 40 sets of data like internet access codes, e-mail, URL's, etc.

Furthermore there is the World Time function (27 cities, 29 timezones), not one, but 5 alarms, a 24 hour Countdowntimer and a 60 minute Stopwatch.
After you have scrolled through these functions you end up at the H-Set function. This is the Hand Set Function. If you press the adjust button, the time appears flashing and you can adjust the hands to the digital time.

Unfortunately you always have to adjust the hands manual when you change the digital time (for example with DST changes).
I think the MTG-520 is a pretty remarkable watch in the G-Shock line. It combines elegance, toughness and functionality without compromise in one watch. The blue version of this remarkable model was sold in pretty large quantities in the US. It was a somewhat popular model too back then. The maroon version has always been a rare item. After a search I discovered that this model is still for sale at a shop in Malaysia for MR702 ($210,-, €140.-). I haven't seen the blue model for a while, but I think if you look good, you'll find one for a more affordable price in the US.