It’s no secret that Casio G-Shock watches are popular with soldiers in the military and first responders. For around $100-$160 (and often discounted far below their list prices), a G-Shock is the best rugged watch that can withstand the most demanding use and the harshest environments. While all G-Shock models can handle the rigors of military life and emergency work with their superior shock protection and 200-meter water-resistance, we’ve chosen the following watches for their conservative styling, low price, features, and battery life.
Our selections are made with new service members in mind who are looking for an affordable watch that does its job without drawing a lot of attention. More advanced G-Shock models with Bluetooth connectivity may present security issues and their use may restricted in the field or in top secret environments, so we haven’t included any of those. We also don’t recommend paying hundreds and hundreds of dollars to buy a single watch for military service. While you are certainly free to do so, our selections here are based on the idea of getting the most practical and durable utility watch for your money, rather than purchasing a watch for fashion or status reasons, so we’re not going to throw every G-Shock model under the sun at you.
G-Shock GA700UC-8A
The GA700 Utility Color Series offers military-friendly colors.
The GA700 is an affordable G-Shock watch that has gained a lot of popularity since its 2016 release. This extra-large 53.4 mm watch is a good choice for larger soldiers with bigger wrists. The GA700 is notable for its front-facing LED light button (which is not common on affordable analog-digital G-Shock models) and its approximate 5-year battery life, which is longer than the average non-solar analog model. Other features include world time, 5 daily alarms with 1 snooze alarm, stopwatch, and countdown timer. The dark gray GA700UC-8A from the GA-700UC Utility Color Series is one of three models with military-inspired colors.
PROS: Front light button, long battery life, rugged appearance
CONS: Countdown timer is limited to 60 minutes. Thick size (18.4 mm).
List Price: $99 Size: 57.5 × 53.4 × 18.5 mm Weight: 69 grams
Structure: Resin case, bezel, and band, mineral glass
Protection: Shock Resistance, 200-meter Water Resistance Power: Battery (CR2016, approx. 5-year life)
Features: World time (31 time zones, 48 cities + UTC, DST on/off, home/world time city swapping), 1/100-second stopwatch (23:59’59 max, elapsed time, split time, 1st-2nd place times, target time alarm, direct timing start button), countdown timer (60 minutes, settable in minutes), 5 daily alarms (with 1 snooze), hourly time signal, LED light with 1.5 or 3-second afterglow, full auto-calendar, button tone on/off, 12/24-hour format, hand shift
GA700UC-8A on Amazon GA700UC-8A on eBay
G-Shock GA2100-1A1
Despite being the trendiest G-Shock watch of the 2020s, the GA-2100 is also suitable for military use, thanks to its slim structure, light weight, and affordable price. The GA-2100 gets some backlash for being so popular these days, but it’s just as durable and shock-resistant as any other G-Shock model. The blackout GA2100-1A1 has a simple style that won’t call unnecessary attention to itself, which is a desirable trait in a military watch. As the slimmest men’s G-Shock model, the GA-2100 will fit under uniform sleeves better than other models and is less likely to get snagged on clothes when performing first aid.
PROS: Relatively thin. Clean and minimalist dial design. LCD display is backlit.
CONS: Inverted LCD display is small and hard to read. No auto-activation for LED light.
List Price: $99 Size: 48.5 × 45.4 × 11.8 mm Weight: 51 grams
Structure: Carbon Core Guard, carbon case, resin bezel and band, mineral glass, Neobrite
Protection: Shock Resistance, 200-meter Water Resistance Power: Battery (SR726W x 2, approx. 3-year life)
Features: World time (31 time zones, 48 cities + UTC, DST on/off), stopwatch (23:59’59 max, 1/100-second first 60 minutes, 1-second after 60 minutes, elapsed time, split time, 1st-2nd place times), countdown timer (24 hours, settable in seconds, minutes, and hours), 5 daily alarms, hourly time signal, dual LED light with 1.5 or 3-second afterglow, full auto-calendar, button tone on/off, 12/24-hour format, hand shift
GA2100-1A1 on Amazon GA2100-1A1 on eBay
G-Shock GWM530A-1
The solar-powered GWM530A-1 has a sleeker and more streamlined style with a relatively low profile. It also has the Multi-Band 6 function, which automatically adjusts the time by receiving radio signals from the transmitter stations in the US, UK, Germany, Japan (2), and China. Another advantage of this watch is that the digits on the LCD display are larger compared to other G-Shock watches. The GWM530A-1 has more of a generic look versus the rugged style of other G-Shock watches, but that can be favorable in a military setting.
PROS: Large display, solar power, Multi-Band 6
CONS: Lacks the signature rugged G-Shock look
List Price: $140 Size: 56.8 × 46 × 16.6 mm Weight: 67 grams
Structure: resin case, resin and stainless steel bezel, resin band, mineral glass
Protection: Shock Resistance, 200-meter Water Resistance Power: Tough Solar
Features: Multi-Band 6 auto time adjustment, 5 world times (31 time zones, 48 cities + UTC, DST on/off), 1/100-second stopwatch (23:59’59 max, elapsed time, split time, 1st-2nd place times), countdown timer (24 hours, settable in minutes and hours), 5 daily alarms with 1 snooze, hourly time signal, full auto EL backlight with afterglow, full auto-calendar, button tone on/off, 12/24-hour format
GWM530A-1 on Amazon GWM530A-1 on eBay
G-Shock AWGM100B-1A
This Tough Solar/Multi-Band 6 model features a simple all-black design with high-contrast white analog hands for easy viewing. It is a good choice for basic time-telling and maintenance-free operation, but if you plan to use functions like the stopwatch and countdown timer often or want to see the seconds clearly, we suggest buying a full digital model with a larger LCD display.
PROS: Conservative styling with advanced features
CONS: No third analog hand for seconds (but does have a seconds display on LCD), countdown timer limited to 100 minutes
List Price: $160 Size: 52 x 46.4 x 14.9 mm Weight: 56 grams
Structure: Resin case and band, resin and aluminum bezel, mineral glass
Protection: Shock Resistance, 200-meter Water Resistance Power: Tough Solar
Features: Multi-Band 6 auto time adjustment, world time (31 time zones, 48 cities + UTC, DST on/off, home/world city time swap), 1/100-second stopwatch (60 minutes max, with split), countdown timer (100 minutes, settable in seconds), 5 daily alarms (with countdown), hourly time signal, full auto LED light with afterglow, full auto-calendar, button tone on/off, 12/24-hour format, hand shift
AWGM100B-1A on Amazon AWGM100B-1A on eBay
G-Shock GW6900-1
Navy SEAL wearing DW6600 (predecessor to DW6900 and GW6900)
The simple and straightforward GW6900-1 has an easily accessible EL backlight button on the front of the case, which makes it a good choice for those operating in the dark. The DW6900-1V is a more affordable option with the same case, but it lacks Tough Solar, Multi-Band 6, and world time. The GW6900 descends from the DW6600, which was the first G-Shock with a full screen electroluminescent (EL) backlight and was issued to Navy SEALS. The solar-rechargeable battery should last over 10 years, making the GW6900-1 a good choice for military members who are on long deployments.
PROS: Iconic and proven G-Shock case, solar charging, Multi-Band 6
CONS: More expensive than the basic DW6900
List Price: $140 Size: 53.2 × 50 × 17.7 mm Weight: 63 grams
Structure: resin case, bezel, and band, mineral glass
Protection: Shock Resistance, 200-meter Water Resistance Power: Tough Solar
Features: Multi-Band 6 auto time adjustment, 5 world times (31 time zones, 48 cities + UTC, DST on/off), 1/100-second stopwatch (23:59’59 max, elapsed time, split time, 1st-2nd place times), countdown timer (24 hours, settable in minutes and hours), 5 daily alarms with 1 snooze, hourly time signal, full auto EL backlight with afterglow, full auto-calendar, button tone on/off, 12/24-hour format
GW6900-1 on Amazon GW6900-1 on eBay
G-Shock G9000-1V
The G9000-1V Mudman has an extra-protective case featuring mud and dust resistance. It’s a good choice if your deployment takes you to an extreme environment like the desert or jungle. The G9000 also has specialized features such as two stopwatches and five multi-function alarms that are more versatile than the usual daily alarm. The multi-function alarm can be set as a daily alarm, a date alarm for a time on a specific date, a 1-month alarm that sounds everyday on the month set, and a monthly alarm that sounds on a specific day every month. Although this particular model is more colorful with its red buttons than other G9000 models that are currently available, we suggest the G9000-1V for its easy-to-read non-inverted LCD display.
PROS: An extra-rugged model with protected buttons, two stopwatches, multi-function alarms
CONS: Buttons are harder to press due to their sealed structure
List Price: $110 Size: 52 × 46.3 × 16.3 mm Weight: 56 grams
Structure: Resin case, resin and stainless steel bezel, resin band, mineral glass
Protection: Shock Resistance, 200-meter Water Resistance, Mud Resistance Power: Battery (CR2025, approx 3-year life)
Features: World time (29 time zones, 48 cities + UTC, DST on/off), 2 1/100-second stopwatches (999:59’59.99” max, elapsed time, split time, 1st-2nd place times, 1 stopwatch with auto-start), countdown timer (24 hours, settable in minutes and hours, auto-repeat, progress beeper), 5 independent multi-function alarms with 1 snooze, hourly time signal, flash alert, auto EL backlight with adjustable afterglow, full auto-calendar, 12/24-hour format
G9000-1V on Amazon G9000-1V on eBay
G-Shock GD120MB-1 Military Black
The GD120MB-1 is a blacked-out all-digital Military Black version of the popular 100 series style of case. The GD120 has a 7-year battery, making it a good choice for worry-free military use.
PROS: Large case is good for bigger wrists, large buttons, good battery life
CONS: Reverse display may be harder to read in low light
List Price: $110 Size: 55 × 51.2 × 17.4 mm Weight: 72 grams
Structure: Resin case, bezel, and band, mineral glass
Protection: Shock Resistance, 200-meter Water Resistance Power: Battery (CR2025, approx 7-year life)
Features: Multi-time (4 cities), world time (31 time zones, 48 cities + UTC, DST on/off, home/world time city swap), 1/100-second stopwatch (23:59’59.99” max, elapsed time, split time, 1st-2nd place times), countdown timer (24 hours, settable in seconds, minutes, and hours), 5 daily or one-time alarms, hourly time signal, flash alert, auto LED backlight with 1.5 or 3 second afterglow, full auto-calendar, button tone on/off, 12/24-hour format
GD120MB-1 on Amazon GD120MB-1 on eBay
G-Shock GA100MB-1A Military Black
The GA100MB-1A is a stealthy matte black G-Shock with an analog-digital display. It is a large model with stealth lettering that is part of the Military Black series. The GA100MB-1A has high contrast analog hands for quick and easy reading, but this comes at a cost of less battery life than all-digital (LCD only) models. The GA100MB-1A features magnetic resistance, a 1/1000 stopwatch, and a speed measurement function that will calculate your speed measured over a certain distance. This model is a favorite for police and law enforcement use, as it matches dark uniforms well.
PROS: Large analog style, easy-to-read contrasting analog hands
CONS: Battery life is rated for 2 years, LCD display is not backlit
List Price: $110 Size: 55 × 51.2 × 16.9 mm Weight: 70 grams
Structure: Resin case, bezel, and band, mineral glass
Protection: Shock Resistance, Magnetic Resistance, 200-meter Water Resistance Power: Battery (CR1220, approx. 2-year life)
Features: World time (29 time zones, 48 cities + UTC, DST on/off, home/world time city swapping), 1/1000-second stopwatch (23:59’59 max, elapsed time, lap time, split time, speed indicator), countdown timer (24 hours, settable in minutes and hours, auto-repeat), 5 daily alarms (with 1 snooze), hourly time signal, auto LED light with 1.5 or 3-second afterglow, full auto-calendar, 12/24-hour format
GA100MB-1A on Amazon GA100MB-1A on eBay
G-Shock GWM5610-1
The classic GWM5610-1 is based on the first G-Shock model ever made with modern features added such as Tough Solar power and Multi-Band 6 timekeeping. At 12.7 millimeters thick, it is a relatively thin G-Shock model, which makes it a good choice for wearing under long sleeve shirts and military uniforms, where some of the thicker G-Shock watches may pose a problem. The GWM5610-1 is a good all-around watch for all military activities. It’s the kind of watch you can wear all the time and not have to worry about.
PROS: Lightweight, classic design, solar power, Multi-Band 6 timekeeping, unobtrusive slim profile
CONS: May feel too small for large wrists
(Specs for updated GW-M5610U, which Casio America and Amazon are now selling as the GWM5610-1.)
List Price: $150 Size: 46.7 x 43.2 x 12.7 mm Weight: 52 grams
Structure: resin case, bezel, and band, mineral glass
Protection: Shock Resistance, 200-meter Water Resistance Power: Tough Solar
Features: Multi-Band 6 auto time adjustment, 5 world times (31 time zones, 48 cities + UTC, home/world city swap), 1/100-second stopwatch (1/100-second first hour, 1-second after one hour, 23:59’59 max, elapsed time, split time, 1st-2nd place times), countdown timer (24 hours, settable in seconds, minutes, and hours), 5 daily alarms with 1 snooze, hourly time signal, full auto LED backlight with 1.5 or 3-second afterglow, full auto-calendar, button tone on/off, 12/24-hour format, date/month display swap, adjustable day display language (6)
GWM5610-1 on Amazon GWM5610-1 on eBay
G-Shock GD350-8
The gray GD350-8 looks like army equipment. Its special features are designed for stealth operations. The countdown timer can be displayed and activated in regular timekeeping mode. The timer has a dedicated start button that is large and easily accessible. For end of countdown alerts, the watch can be set to vibrate or to beep and flash an LED light. This unique vibration alert can also be used for the alarms and hourly time signal. The high luminescence LED can be set up for 1, 3, or 5 seconds, while most other G-Shock watches with an adjustable light are limited to a maximum of 3 or 4 seconds. The watch also features 5 daily alarms including 1 snooze alarm and an above-average 5-year battery with a low battery warning. The combination of special features designed for military applications makes this our top G-Shock for soldiers and service members.
PROS: Large display, vibration mode, dual display mode, long battery life
CONS: Pricey for a non-solar model, thicker size (18 mm)
List Price: $130 Size: 55 × 51.2 × 17.4 mm Weight: 72 grams
Structure: Resin case, bezel, and band, mineral glass
Protection: Shock Resistance, 200-meter Water Resistance Power: Battery (CR2025, approx 7-year life)
Features: Multi-time (4 cities), world time (31 time zones, 48 cities + UTC, DST on/off, home/world time city swap), 1/100-second stopwatch (999:59’59.99” max, elapsed time, split time, 1st-2nd place times), countdown timer (24 hours, settable in seconds, minutes, and hours), 5 daily or one-time alarms with 1 snooze (selectable flash alert/vibration alert), hourly time signal, flash alert, auto LED backlight with afterglow, full auto-calendar, button tone on/off, low battery warning, 12/24-hour format
GD350-8 on Amazon GD350 on eBay
About Military Dress Codes and Watches: While certain military units may have their own specific dress codes, there aren’t any strict regulations on wearing watches in the military other than to keep it simple and conservative. Regarding jewelry in Army Regulation 670–1, the U.S. Army states “Soldiers may wear a wristwatch … with Army uniforms, unless prohibited by the commander for safety or health reasons,” and goes on to say “Any jewelry or monitors worn by Soldiers while in uniform or in civilian clothes on duty must be conservative.” 2201 of the U.S. Navy’s Uniform Regulations states “Wristwatch / Bracelets. While in uniform, only one of each may be worn.” In AFI 36-2903, the U.S. Air Force is more specific on what constitutes a conservative watch and says, “Conservative examples (not all inclusive) are solid color black, brown, silver or gold. Prohibited examples are diamond-covered, neon, bright colors, and bands that exceed 1-inch width…” The U.S. Marines Corps Uniform Regulations state “Inconspicuous watches are authorized for wear in uniform.” Based on these regulations, we can assume that any dark, solid-color G-Shock watch is acceptable for military use in all branches.
Conclusion: Keep in mind that any G-Shock model is rugged enough for military use, so you may want to explore other options outside this list. For high-end specialty G-Shocks with more features like compass sensor, altimeter, and barometer see our Master of G Buyer’s Guide. For our overall top G-Shock picks see our 20 Best G-Shock Watches. For the cheapest options see Cheap G-Shock Watches Around $50.
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the GD120MB (i have the camo version: GD120cm) is one great watch. the camo version comes with the standard display. love it. i have small wrists (like girly sized lol) and this watch fits just fine, and doesnt look too big for my small arms.
I have 35 gshock watches and 6 PROTREK watches. I have 5 over the ones you have on your Website. I have the g100-1a , the gw6900-1 the mudman. The ga700-1b .I love that watch for the price. I have 2 Rangeman gshock watches and the GWF 1000-1 Frogman. And the King GXW56-1BJF gshock and the gwm5610-1 gshock and way to many more to mention. I have been wearing gshocks for 34 year’s. I am glad I found your Website. You give great information on your website. I love all gshocks Big or small. Thanks for keeping the buyer informed.
Hello
Your site is very good for sharing g shock watches information. I have recently been introduced to g shocks. And thrilled for all functionalities they have. I have purchased “rangeman “and “gulfmaster gn 1000b” and iam enjoying. I want to collect one more .pl. advise me between ” ga 100 and ga 700 . Which one to select in terms of features and battery life.
And one more clarification , is there any other watch model in the world that can be compared with g shock watches in terms of features and functionalities ?
Thank you. GA-100 and GA-700 are similar with a few differences. GA-700 is a larger size and has longer battery life (5 years versus 2 years). GA-700 countdown timer is 60 minutes maximum and GA-100 is 24 hours.
Glad you show the GW6900-1, a descendant of the DW6600. For me the biggest advantage of the GW6900-1 vs DW6900-1V is the “solar” rechargeable battery. It’s why I abandoned quartz watches in the very early 1980’s during my military career, using Hamilton MIL-W-46374B and GG-W-113 watches, alternating periodically between them. I could always sync to a WWV HF signal or a comm center chronometer every few days. When you’re out in some Godforsaken wilderness, desert wasteland or jungle, watch battery replacement isn’t feasible. The 6-band time sync is a bonus. If outside a region covered by one of the LF time signals (e.g. WWVB), it will continue working just fine, with the ability to set the time manually as needed, which shouldn’t be very often. The moderate size makes it much easier to keep under a sleeve when necessary and much less likely to get snagged and caught on equipment, the consequences of which could be injurious. A thinner profile so that it doesn’t stand as proud on the wrist would be welcome without compromising its near indestructibility. Small size and small thickness were part of the MIL specs.
I have a Casio G – Shock DW6600 but the pushbutton for the light is gone. Is there somebody who cab send me the pushbutton please? This watch is a emotional watch. I get it as a gift from my son when he was a militair.
I served in the military for 20 years and through them I was issued several G-Shocks which facilitated my job; these watches can take the daily beatings of military life, needless to say the tough and crazy rigors of actual combat training which we constantly find ourselves in. I would have to say the most popular G-Shock model to be issued during my time in the service has to be the DW6900-1V. Its a rugged compact watch which had everything we needed at the time. However, with the advances of military technology and the changing facets of modern warfare more units are begging to issue out the iconic GW9400-1 Rangeman. Great watches which are dependable and extremely utilitarian in nature; a perfect fit for military life.
it’s because of G-Shock that i now wear a Rangeman GW-9400, which is the best/toughest non Bluetooth model in their inventory… the triple sensor is extremely useful once calibrated, and the solar powered, RC updated atomic time keeping makes it a set it an forget it… one recommendation i might add, is that they come standard with screen protecting “bull bars” for the ultimate indestructible watch… i purchased an aftermarket, black powder coated one and not only does it look incredibly epic, but in my line of work being a journeyman union ironworker, it’s an added layer of protection in an industry where literally everything around you is made of metal, sharp, or extremely heavy… Just some food for thought