Casio delays £6,000 luxury G-Shock just before launch, with no new date confirmed

Casio has postponed the launch of its ¥1.1 million (approximately £6,000) G-Shock MR-G Haruka just two days before its scheduled Japanese release. The watchmaker attributed the delay to production-related circumstances, apologising to customers without providing a revised launch date.

The special-edition watch was due to go on sale on 13 November to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Casio's flagship MR-G collection. Limited to just 800 individually numbered pieces worldwide, it pairs a hand-finished platinum-leaf dial with precision laser detailing. Casio has not disclosed the precise production issue or indicated whether availability in other markets will be affected.

A handcrafted platinum-leaf dial with a colourful twist

Casio has a history of working with Japanese master craftsmen on its luxury MR-G watches, from traditional metal-hammering techniques to hand-engraved samurai-inspired designs. For the collection's 30th anniversary, the watchmaker has turned to metal-leaf artist Hiroto Rakusho, whose intricate platinum-leaf work gives the Haruka a distinctly different character.

The MR-G Haruka draws on kigumi, a traditional Japanese technique of joining wood without nails or metal fittings. Its intricate latticework dial is finished by Rakusho, who applies finely powdered platinum leaf by hand. Known as sunago, the technique creates subtle variations in light and shade, giving each watch its own distinctive finish.

The painstaking process is rather more involved than decorating an ordinary watch face. As Casio explains, Rakusho worked at its Yamagata factory, where the delicate components required a clean environment. Applying the platinum leaf to the dial's uneven surface proved challenging, requiring several prototypes to perfect the finish.

The octagonal bezel comprises 27 individually polished components, while ultrashort-pulse laser processing creates iridescent structural colours across the bezel and bracelet. Rather than relying on conventional paint, microscopic surface textures produce shifting colours as the viewing angle changes.

Beyond its elaborate finish, the MR-G Haruka features titanium construction, Tough Solar charging, Bluetooth connectivity, Multi-Band 6 radio-controlled timekeeping, sapphire crystal and 200-metre water resistance. For a watch built around precision timing, its own arrival remains rather less certain.