Top 11 Best Casio G-Shock Watches [List & Guide]
The Casio G-Shock is a model that needs no further introduction. It is one of the most iconic models in the world, appreciated for its performance, durability, reliability, and build quality.
The Casio G-Shock has come to become one of the go-to brands for wristwatches and one of the most sold wristwatches on the planet.
Because of the huge popularity, Casio has consistently released new models and iterations in order to cater to its whole audience’s needs, wants, and preferences. As a result, we, today, have a huge selection of G-Shock watches on the market. All are developed for different purposes and situations. With that said, you can be sure to find one that suits exactly what you are looking for. Both in terms of design as well as performance.
G-Shock background & history
The history of the G-Shock stretches all the way back to 1981 when the head of watch design Kikuo Ibe came up with the idea to make a watch that would last a drop and not break. He came up with this idea after a watch was dropped during working hours and broke, which is of course natural due to the delicate nature of a watch and its movement.
You may have figured it out already, but the name ”G-Shock” comes from the concept of withstanding the shock caused by gravity when dropping it, in other words, ”Gravity shock”.
From the very beginning, there were three criteria that the watch had to meet. The first criteria were that the watch would be able to withstand a 10-meter drop, 10 ATMs of water pressure, and lastly, a battery life of 10 years.
The group approved of Ibe’s idea and the research and development started. The first G-Shock model to ever be made become the G-Shock, the DW-5000C.
What is so interesting about the G-Shock is the fact that it is, in general, a sporty and bulky digital watch, yet still, they have managed to establish themselves as popular wristwatches, praised and appreciated all around the world.
When you think of G-Shock, you probably think about the key traits, which is what the G-Shock first and foremost is built for. The core concept of them is that they are able to handle all kinds of harsh conditions, be subject to tough situations, shocks, bangs, and much more. These watches are meant to last.
In this article, we will go through the most popular G-Shock watches that have received the best reviews and ratings.
Top 11 Best Casio G-Shock Watches
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Casio G-Shock G100-1BV
This watch of course offers everything that you expect from a G-Shock. Durability, quality, and robustness. But with this watch, Casio has focused on simplicity and only presented the most important functions. This is a great watch for those who enjoy G-Shocks but don’t want a watch that is overwhelming in its design and functions. The watch of course has the standard G-Shock water-resistance of 200m/660 feet.
It has an analog display and also a digital screen positioned at the bottom of the dial for displaying the different functions.
The watch has a 1/100-second stopwatch, elapsed time, auto calendar, and a mineral crystal on top. It features a chronograph for practicality and has luminosity for improved legibility. In addition to this, it also has a backlight that lights up the dial in low-lit conditions. Another bonus is of course the fact that it is one of the most affordable G-Shocks you can find, with a price of around 50 USD.
Specifications
- Water-Resistance: 200m/660 feet
- Crystal: Mineral glass
- Functions:
- chronograph
- dual time display
- luminosity
- shock resistance
- stopwatch
- Backlight
- Movement: module 2327/5158
Casio G-Shock DW9052-1BCG
This G-Shock model is known as a true workhorse. This watch has been in production since 2002, and Casio has barely made any changes to it throughout this time. This is very impressive, as Cassio has gone with the ”if it’s not broke, don’t fix it” mentality.
It’s by no means the most advanced G-Shock, instead, it is simply a durable watch that will handle all types of different conditions. You could say that it is a basic G-Shock, but it does not offer basic quality.
Of course, it is equipped with the most important and standard functions such as shock-resistance, Electro-Luminescent Backlight with Afterglow, 1/100 second stopwatch, Countdown Alarm, Auto-repeat function, daily alarm, hourly time signal, and so on.
It has a water resistance of 200m/600 feet.
All in all, if you want a trusted companion that can follow you through all kinds of harsh conditions, this is a great alternative.
Specifications
- Diameter: 43mm
- Length: 48.5mm
- Thickness: 14.7mm
- Water-resistance: 200m/660 feet
- Crystal: Mineral glass
Casio G-Shock DW5600E-1V
This is one of the most popular G-Shock watches ever made. The reason for this is that it is presented with a more wearable size, it is simple, affordable, and practical, and works for all kinds of different occasions.
With a price of about 50 USD, it is also easy to see why it is so immensely popular. For 50 dollars, you get a tough watch that is shock-proof, waterproof, has a number of useful functions, and will likely last for years. There are few watches in this price range that can do this.
Unlike most G-Shock watches, the DW5600E-1V doesn’t have a huge and bulky case. Instead, it is slim and has a diameter of 45mm. At the same time, it offers the same 200m/660 feet water resistance which is standard for G-Shocks.
The functions include a multi-function alarm, 1/100-second stopwatch, countdown timer, hourly time signal, auto calendar, and 12- and 24-hour formats. For improved legibility in low-lit conditions, it has an afterglow backlight.
Specifications
- Water-Resistance: 200m/660 feet
- Crystal: Mineral glass
- Functions:
- multi-function alarm,
- 1/100-second stopwatch
- countdown timer
- hourly time signal
- auto-calendar
Casio G-Shock X-Large GD100-1BCR
The Casio X-Large G-Shock GD100-1BCR is an ”extra-large” G-Shock watch with a bulky and sporty design. G-Shocks are generally known to be large and bulky, and this one is even bigger for those who prefer something hefty on the wrist. The watch features a 51.2mm resin case and a mineral crystal on top.
The watch is shock-resistant and durable and has a water resistance of 200m/660 feet, making it tough and able to withstand any type of harsh conditions. For improved legibility, it has a LED backlight.
In terms of functions, it has the standard features you expect in a G-Shock, meaning LED light for improving legibility, 1/100 second stopwatch, five alarms, countdown timer, 12/24-hour formats, multi-home time, and flash alert.
Specifications
- Water-resistance: 200m/660 feet
- LED backlight
- Diameter: 51.2mm
- Crystal: Mineral glass
- Functions:
- stopwatch
- five alarms
- countdown timer
- 12/24-hour formats
G-Shock G-Rescue Series Red Dial Men’s Watch G-7900A
This is a fun and interesting take on the G-Shock both in terms of appearance but also in terms of functions. What makes it stand out is its resin case and strap which, instead of being black is red. This gives a bright and eye-catching look that stands out from the ordinary and is a great choice for someone who wants a unique G-Shock.
At the same time, it offers everything you expect. In terms of functions, it of course has all the standard features, but also more to it than that. Since it is designed as a watch for people regularly around water, and particularly as a surf or fishing watch, the function that stands out is its moon/tide graph. In addition to this, it has a low temp LCD, auto EL backlight, flash alert, world time, and daily alarm. The water resistance is 200m/660 feet.
This watch does not have an analog clock, but only displays the time via digital screens.
Specifications
- Water-resistance: 200m/660 feet
- Diameter: 50mm
- Functions:
- moon/tide graph
- low temp LCD
- auto EL backlight
- flash alert
- world time
- daily alarm
Casio G-Shock DW6900-1V
This G-Shock has a digital screen without an analog clock and durable resin construction. The watch is water-resistant to 200m/660 feet and is of course shock-proof and anti-magnetic. For improved legibility, it has an EL backlight with an afterglow. Additional functions include flashes with a buzzer that sounds for alarms, hourly time signal, countdown timer, 1/100 second stopwatch, elapsed time, split time, and multi-function alarm.
The information is displayed via a large LCD screen at the bottom of the dial as well as 3 additional sub-dials at the top.
The watch has the classic G-Shock design with a sporty resin case and bumpers on the side as well as a bezel that keeps the crystal protected from shocks and bangs.
Specifications
Water-resistance: 200m/660 feet
- Movement: module 1289/3230
- Accuracy: +/- 15 seconds per month
- Functions:
- Flash alert
- Hourly time signal
- countdown timer
- Elapsed time
- split time
- Full auto-calendar
- 12/24 hour formats
Casio G-Shock GWM5610-1
This is one of the most popular G-Shocks out there thanks to its versatile size that sits more discreetly on the wrist. The case has a rectangular shape and is slimmer than many other G-Shocks, which is great for those who want the same durability that we have come to expect from Casio, but without the huge bulky case. As a result, this makes for a great everyday watch.
The case and strap have a resin design which adds to its sportiness and versatility. For convenience, it is solar-powered which eliminates the need for replacing the battery. It is also packed with lots of useful functions such as multi-band atomic timekeeping for improved accuracy, EL backlight, world time, city code display, five daily alarms, 1/100-second stopwatch, countdown timer, full auto-calendar, battery indicator, and power-saving function.
The watch retains its water-resistance of 200 m (660 ft. Don’t let the slightly less sporty design fool you, because this one is still extremely tough and made to handle shocks and bangs.
Specifications
- Water-resistance: 200m/660 feet
- Solar-powered
- World time
- EL backlight
- Five daily alarms
- Radio signals for perfect accuracy
Casio G-Shock Rangeman GW-9400
The Casio G-Shock Rangeman GW-9400 is a watch that has a lot to offer, and this is also revealed via its very sporty design. You can think of this watch as a G-Shock on steroids. Both in terms of design but also in terms of function.
The design has been made even more aggressive with more visible bumpers, which also serve the purpose of keeping the sensor and buttons protected. This watch has a triple sensor, meaning it incorporates an altimeter, barometer, and thermometer which can be useful for outdoor wear. For convenience, it is also solar-powered. The red contrasting colors also add to its sporty appearance.
The face has two screens divided into two sections as well as a sub-dial on the top-left position.
To make it even more suitable for outdoor wear and activities, it also has a digital compass, sunrise and sunset date, timestamp, atomic timekeeping, auto LED, 5 Daily Alarms, a 1/10-second stopwatch, and a countdown timer. Of course, it has a water resistance of 200m/660 feet.
Specifications
- Water-resistance: 200m/660 feet
- Functions:
- digital compass
- altimeter
- barometer
- thermometer
- sunrise and the sunset date
- timestamp
- atomic timekeeping
- auto LED
- 5 Daily Alarms, 1 snooze alarm
- 1/10-second stopwatch
- countdown timer
- day/date/month calendar
Casio XL Series G-Shock GA-700UC-3ACR
If you want a robust and durable G-Shock with a larger size and military-inspired design, the GA-700UC-3ACR is definitely a watch worth considering.
Its XL construction means that it is larger than the standard G-shocks and thus has a great presence on the wrist. Instead of having a black resin case and strap, they have been made in a military green color, giving it an even sportier appearance. The green color really gives it a unique appeal and a more interesting look.
This watch combines both an analog and digital clock which is a nice combination. The water resistance remains the same at 200m, but it also has a super Illuminator LED Light with Afterglow, World Time,4 Daily Alarms, and 1 Snooze Alarm.
The larger size, however, makes it most suitable for people with large wrists, or for those who simply enjoy wearing larger watches.
Specifications
- Water-resistance: 200m/660 feet
- Functions:
- LED backlight with Afterglow
- World Time
- 4 Daily Alarms with 1 Snooze Alarm
Casio G-Shock GA100-1A1
The GA100 combines the convenience of an analog clock with the practicality of a digital screen. The case design will feel very familiar, but the analog clock makes it slightly more versatile and more suitable for everyday wear.
Its water resistance of 200m and shock resistance ensures its toughness, and the resin case and bumpers keep it protected. The case measures 55 x 51.2 x 16.9mm in size.
The watch is sometimes called the ”three-eyed” monster” due to its three sub-dials positioned at the top. The hands do not have luminescence on them, but the watch does have a backlight which helps with legibility in low-lit conditions.
Specifications
- Water-resistance: 200m/660 feet
- Diameter: 51mm
- Length: 55mm
- Thickness: 16.9mm
- Combination of digital and analog, Casio calls it an ”Ana-Digi, “three-eyed” monster
G Shock GA-710 white
Last but not least, we have the Casio G-Shock GA710 white which is a refreshing take on the G-Shock which features a white case and strap which reminds a bit about Star Wars soldiers. This is a perfect watch if you’re a bit tired of the regular black resin G-Shocks and want something fresh that stands out. And with its white case and strap, this watch is sure to do just that.
This watch combines analog with digital and displays the time with regular, large metal hands with a brushed finish. At the bottom of the dial, it has a digital LCD screen, and at the top of the dial, it has an additional two sections for more information.
The case measures 52.8mm in diameter, so naturally, it has a bulkiness to it, but nothing that stands out from the ordinary. The water resistance remains the same at 200m/660 feet.
For improved legibility, it has a super illuminator that lights up the dial.
The watch has all of the standard functions that a G-Shock should have, meaning world time, stopwatch, countdown timer, 5 daily alarms, hourly time signal, full auto-calendar, 12/24-hour format. Another helpful feature is the hand move function which moves the hands away from the screen in case they are blocking it.
If you like this design but are not a fan of white, there are also other colorways to choose from.
Specifications
- Water-resistance: 200m/660 feet
- Diameter: 52.8mm
- Battery life: 5 years on cr2016
- Functions:
- LED light (Super illuminator)
- World time
- 1/100-second stopwatch
- Countdown timer
- Hourly time signal
- 5 daily alarms (with 1 snooze alarm)
- Full auto-calendar
Are G-Shock watches worth it?
When it comes to whether or not something is worth it or not, it’s always to a large extent subjective. But the overall consensus is that G-Shock are great watches that are definitely worth it.
If you’re looking for a tough, durable, and relaible timepiece at a reasonable price Casio G-Shock is definitely the best in the game. Its performance, both in terms of ruggedness but also often in terms of functions is unparallelled.
What G-shock Do navy seals wear?
G-shock is a popular watch amongst Navy SEALs. Specifically, the G-Shock DW-6600 is highly popular and widely used by SEALs. As a matter of fact, the DW-6600 was issued to Navy SEALs and has since become widely used by the Navy SEALs.
The reason why they would opt for a Casio G-Shock is quite obvious. They offer exceptional durability and functionality in the harsh conditions that SEALs may find themselves in. It has everything that they may need – it’s lightweight, water-resistant, has good shock protection, is affordable, has a reliable 200-meter water resistance, 24-hour mode, and electro-luminescent backlight with afterglow.
In a sense, this is the ultimate testimony of superb performance.
To quote G-Central:
“The DW-6600 is considered to be one of the all-time classic G-Shock watches and was a very popular military watch.”
The model was originally launched in 1994 and was one of the models from G-Shock with the longest production period. It was discontinued in 2010. Since then, there is no standard issue G-shock watch for the Navy SEALs, and different soldiers can be seen wearing different watches, oftentimes Suunto and Casio Pro Trek. With that said, there is no longer a standard issue SEAL watch.
Today, the watch that is most similar is the DW-6900. You can find it on Amazon here.
How long do G-Shocks last?
How long a Casio G-Shock lasts ultimately depends on how you wear it and how you care for it. As an everyday watch that you don’t wear in the field and subject to shocks, bangs, and other harsh conditions, a G-Shock watch can last for many years. But it is known as one of the toughest watches there is, and as such, G-Shock watches will last long even in harsh and demanding conditions.
However, with that said, you do need to consider the battery life. And depending on the model, different versions will have different battery life. In general, most G-shock watches have a battery life of at least 3 years. Oftentimes, the batter on many G-Shock watches can last considerably longer than that. Some G-shocks are even solar-powered and can essentially last forever, or until it breaks.
If you change your battery when needed and it does not break as a result of extreme shocks or trauma, a G-Shock watch can last more than a decade, even several decades.
What is the most expensive G-Shock?
The most expensive G-Shock watch ever made is the G-D5000-9JR. This is a G-Shock made in full 18K yellow gold and with a yellow gold bracelet. This watch is based on G-Shock’s classic square design and had a retail price of ¥7,700,000 JPY (~$69,533.49 USD in 2019. Naturally, this watch has an extremely limited production and was only available to order from a few select stores.
Is G-Shock the toughest watch?
This is to a great extent subjective, but we can say with confidence that G-Shock is one of the toughest watches in the world. However, there are a number of achievements that argue that G-Shock is in fact the toughest watch in the world, including a Guinness world record for withstanding being run over by a truck. In the Guinness test, the cheapest G-Shock model, DW-5600, survived being driven over by a truck and kept ticking.
So I would argue that G-Shock is indeed the toughest watch ever made.
Is G-Shock Waterproof?
Yes, most G-Shock watches are water-resistant to 200 meters/660 feet. This means you can go swimming with your G-Shock watch without any issues, and even go diving with many of the models. There are some G-Shock watches that offer better water-resistance than that, and 300m, which is dive watch standard, is not uncommon.
Which is the biggest G-Shock watch?
The Casio G-ShockRangeman GPR-B1000 is considered the largest G-Shock watch. Its dimensions according to the specifications re 60.3 × 57.7 × 20.2 mm. You can check out the BPR-1000 on Amazon Here.
Where are G-Shock watches made?
Today, the Casio G-Shock watches are made in Japan, Thailand, and China. The production in Japan is mainly limited to the more premium and exclusive model lines. The watches made in China are usually the more affordable models. But in 2019, As a result of President Trump’s “List 4” tariffs that took effect on September 1, 2019, Casio shifted the production of some of its wristwatches, specifically those destined for the U.S, including G-Shock of course, from China to Thailand.
Casio G-Shock buyer’s guide
Because there are so many different G-Shock models to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start and which to choose. To help you find the perfect watch for your needs and preferences, some of the most important things to keep in mind are:
Size
As you have seen, G-Shock watches are available in all kinds of different sizes. From 60m or so, down to neat and slimmer alternatives like the square and classic G-Shock. If you have small wrists, you should probably look for smaller alternatives, but if you don’t mind some heft and a bulky profile, G-Shock offers plenty of watches that will be perfect for you.
Analog or digital
As you know, G-Shocks are available either with an analog or digital display. For everyday wear, a lot of people tend to prefer an analog display as it helps make the watch more versatile and look more like a watch and not like a wrist instrument. In general (but certainly not always), digital watches also tend to include more functions as opposed to those with an analog screen. But, for exaple, the Mudmaster is a perfect example of an analog watch that is also packed with functions.
But with this said, the most important thing to consider is the aestethics that a digital vs analog display gives the watch.
Functions
G-Shock watches can be packed with countless of different functions. Altimeters, barometers, thermometers, GPS functions, Bluetooth connectivity and much more. But they can also be relatively simple and feature timekeeping and a few additional basic functions. With this in mind, think about the functions that are the most important for you and how you intend to use it. If you’re just going to use it as an everyday watch, the functions may not be as important, but if you’re going to wear it out in the field when hiking or camping, you may find things like an altimeter or GPS very convenient and practical to have.
With this said, consider the functions that are the most important to you as it will help you narrow down the options.
Water-resistance
Whilst the G-Shock watches offer a water resistance of at least 200m, the water resistance can also vary across models. If you need a watch that is seriously water-resistance, you may want to look for a watch that is resistant to 300m. Most people don’t need more than 200m however.
Style and design
In addition to the size, the style and design of the watch is also important to consider. As you have seen, G-Shock makes watches with a number of different designs where some are more sporty than others. The classic bulky G-Shock is one design, but then you also have the more elegant and versatile square design. Have a look at the case shapes and designs that G-Shock offers and see which one speaks to you the most.
