Quick Jump: The 20 Best G-Shock Watches
The G-Central Top 20 is a list of the overall best G-Shock watches for 2020. Our criteria for ranking include features, style, value, and popularity. This list is ever-evolving and regularly updated to include some of the most current G-Shock releases. We’ve included a wide variety of G-Shock models to help you find the best G-Shock watch that fits your needs.
Why Should You Buy A G-Shock? Casio G-Shock watches are widely regarded as the toughest watches in the world, and every G-Shock model is designed to take an extreme amount of abuse that would render most other watches broken and useless. The raised bezels of G-Shock watches provide excellent impact protection, and the superb 200-meter water resistance allows G-Shock watches to be used for any activity in any environment. The quartz movement of a G-Shock is highly accurate, and some models are equipped with automatic time syncing features that ensure precise accuracy on a daily basis. The basic features like the stopwatch and timer are useful in everyday life, and more advanced features are available for specific outdoor activities. G-Shock watches generally don’t need any maintenance and can be trusted to operate as intended. Not only are G-Shock watches extremely durable and practical, they also offer a fashionably rugged style that is unmatched by other brands. In addition to making useful tool watches, G-Shock has evolved into a popular streetwear fashion brand that offers a large variety of unique timepieces.
About G-Shock Features: All current G-Shock watches feature shock resistance and 200-meter water resistance. Most G-Shocks also have a daily alarm or multiple alarms, world time, EL backlight or LED light, stopwatch, countdown timer, adjustable hourly time signal, auto calendar, button tone on/off, and 12/24 hour time format. The most basic and affordable models lack some features such as multiple alarms, world time, button tone on/off, and auto light activation. Some G-Shocks have other useful features like Tough Solar power (rechargeable by the sun and fluorescent lighting) and Multi-Band 6 (automatic time adjustment via radio wave reception, a.k.a. “Wave Ceptor” or “Radio Controlled”). Some high-end G-Shock watches have the Triple Sensor including a pressure sensor (altimeter-barometer), compass, and thermometer. Bluetooth smartphone link is becoming more common in mid-range and high-end models and allows the watch to sync the time through the internet. For a list of more features, see our G-Shock glossary.
There are many other deserving models that had to be excluded from our Top 20 list below. There is really no such thing as a bad G-Shock, and it mainly boils down to personal preference. To learn more about the entire range of G-Shock watches, see our Beginner’s Guide to G-Shock Watches. For more G-Shock selections, see all of our G-Shock Buying Guides, and for the most affordable selections, see Basic G-Shock Watches Around $50.
G-Central’s 20 Best G-Shock Watches for 2020
20. G-Shock GA-900 Analog-Digital With Long-Life Battery
The GA-900 has the distinction of having the longest estimated battery life (7 years) of any non-solar G-Shock with an analog display. The style is inspired by industrial and construction equipment, and the yellow accents on this GA-900-1A bring to mind the Caterpillar company. With its decagonal bezel, prominent front screws, and bumpers, it sort of resembles a mini-Mudmaster. The watch also has a front LED light button, 1/100 second stopwatch, 60-minute countdown timer, and 5 alarms.
PROS: Longest battery life for non-solar analog G-Shock
CONS: Busy dial, no second LED light for LCD, no auto light
BEST FOR: Daytime use
19. G-Shock G-STEEL GST-B300SD-1A Solar Stainless Steel Analog-Digital
A more formal and maintenance-free G-Shock watch
For those looking for a more formal-looking G-Shock with a stainless steel bezel and band, but want to stay in the affordable realm, the GST-B300SD-1A is the natural choice. This is the first G-STEEL with a front-facing LED light button, and unlike many other analog-digital models, the LCD display is backlit so the entire background is illuminated (like an EL backlight, but using an LED light). This mid-size watch is also solar-powered and can automatically adjust the time through a Bluetooth-connected smartphone, for maintenance-free operation.
The GST-B300 series is also available with a resin bezel and soft urethane bands.
PROS: Tough Solar, Bluetooth, front light button
CONS: No sensors
BEST FOR: Work, social settings, travel
18. G-Shock GBD-H1000 Fitness Smartwatch with Heart Rate Monitor
G-Shock’s most advanced fitness smartwatchh
The G-Shock GBD-H1000 is equipped with a brand-leading five sensors, including an optical heart rate monitor, step counter, pressure sensor (altimeter and barometer), compass (with auto horizontal compensation), and thermometer. It also has GPS, mainly used to measure distance and pace. (It can also show a map of a route traveled on the MOVE smartphone app and location coordinates for your current position.) Advanced fitness features such as V02 max calculation, training data analysis, and automatic training plan creation are useful for serious runners. The GBD-H1000 has an MIP LCD that is the best digital display available in a G-Shock. The watch also has solar-assisted charging, but if using more than the most basic timekeeping and step counting features, USB charging is required. The GBD-H1000 also has smartphone messaging notifications and vibration alerts, and it is one of the only G-Shock watches that can automatically sync the time anywhere in the world with a GPS signal. The GBD-H1000 is simply one of the most advanced G-Shock watches available.
PROS: Quad Sensor, GPS, solar charging, Bluetooth, vibration alerts
CONS: Very large compared to other large G-Shocks
BEST FOR: Runners, athletes, outdoorspeople
17. G-Shock DW-9052-1V Digital Military Watch
An affordable and trusted military favorite
The DW-9052-1V is referred to as the “standard issue” G-Shock and is often seen worn by military personnel around the world. It is one of the cheapest G-Shock watches available, but it is just as tough as more expensive models. The DW-9052-1V has an extra-rugged case design with button guards and an easily-accessible front EL backlight button. For those who need excellent visibility in the dark, the EL backlight illuminates the entire LCD display with a blue/green hue for easy viewing. This basic model also has a stopwatch, countdown timer, and daily alarm.
PROS: Inexpensive, front EL backlight button
CONS: Maybe not at stylish as other G-Shocks
BEST FOR: Military, extreme sports
16. G-Shock DW-5600E-1V Classic Square Digital Watch
The original G-Shock lives on as an ultra-affordable model.
If you’re just looking for a “beater” watch for weekends and recreation, you can’t go wrong with the DW-5600E-1V. In the U.S., it’s one of the most affordable G-Shock watches and usually the cheapest. The DW-5600E-1V is based on the original “square” G-Shock case from 1983 and has basic features such as a 1/100-second stopwatch, 24-hour countdown timer, single alarm, and EL backlight with afterglow. A few things to keep in mind about this basic model: it doesn’t have world time and you can’t turn the button sound off.
PROS: Affordable, slim profile, iconic case
CONS: Has only the most basic features
BEST FOR: All-around
15. G-Shock MTG-B1000 Analog Stainless Steel Watch
Ruggedness and beauty meet in a great all-around timepiece.
The MTG-B1000 strikes the perfect balance of G-Shock ruggedness and contemporary stainless steel styling. It also started the trend of smaller analog-digital G-Shock watches, after they got larger and larger in the 2010s. It’s been described as “mid-size” by Casio, but we’d say it’s more like a large size (when categorizing G-Shocks as small, mid-size, large, and extra-large). The MTG-B1000 has advanced and premium features like a sapphire crystal, Tough Solar power, Multi-Band 6 automatic radio time-sync, Bluetooth smartphone link, and Triple G Resist (for protection against shock, gravitational force, and heavy vibration). The MTG-B1000 can fulfill many roles in a single watch.
The MTG-B1000 series is also available in different colors and with metallic bands.
PROS: Tough Solar, Multi-Band 6, Bluetooth, sapphire crystal, contemporary style
CONS: Heavier than the average G-Shock at 125 grams (with resin band)
BEST FOR: Work, social settings, travel
14. G-Shock G-LIDE GBX-100 Tide Watch
A highly evolved G-Shock at an affordable price
The GBX-100 is the newest G-LIDE surfing model and is one of the most feature-rich G-Shock watches. It has the best tide graph of any G-Shock, with tide height measurements for high and low tides that previous tide models lacked. Other features include a moon phase graph, step counter, Bluetooth smartphone link, smartphone messaging notifications, and vibration alerts. The display, despite the inverted style, has a high contrast at all angles and is easy to read, thanks to the MIP (memory in pixel) LCD technology. The watch also does double duty as a fitness watch, with advanced training features for running.
PROS: Excellent display, many features for the price
CONS: Not solar, 2-year battery life
BEST FOR: Surfing, fishing, boating, water sports
13. G-Shock GMW-B5000D-1 Full-Metal Stainless Steel
The original G-Shock is reborn as a classy stainless steel watch.
When the GMW-B5000D-1 was first released during the 35th Anniversary in 2018, it was an absolute sensation and nearly impossible to get a hold of one. Now that things have calmed down, and it is readily available at non-inflated prices, we can wholeheartedly recommend it. The GMW-B5000D-1 is modeled after the original G-Shock but in a fully stainless steel form. Due to its lineage, features, and build quality, it is highly regarded by both G-Shock fanatics and general watch enthusiasts. It’s hard to argue that this isn’t the best-looking full-metal G-Shock ever made.
The GMW-B5000D-1 has full shock resistance and 200-meter water resistance like any other G-Shock. Casio also added the latest technology such as Tough Solar power, Multi-Band 6 automatic radio timekeeping, and Bluetooth mobile link, which allows the watch to automatically sync the time through a smartphone. The Bluetooth connection also provides other features such as easy watch setting, reminder alerts with descriptions, a time and place log, and a phone finder function. G-Shock purists will appreciate the full stainless steel inner case and screw-lock case back (like the original G-Shock DW-5000C).
The GMW-B5000 series is also available in other colors and titanium versions.
PROS: Stainless steel case , DLC-coated screw-back, solar-powered, Multi-Band 6 radio wave timekeeping, Bluetooth mobile link
CONS: Relatively heavy for a G-Shock
BEST FOR: G-Shock lovers
12. G-Shock GA-700-1B Extra-Large Analog Watch
An extra-large analog-digital model with front light button and 5-year battery
The GA-700 Series was introduced in late 2016 and is on its way to becoming another modern classic. It was the first affordable analog-digital G-Shock watch with a convenient front-facing LED light button. Another standout feature is the estimated 5-year battery life which is one of the longest for a non-solar analog G-Shock watch. It also has a dedicated one-press button to start the stopwatch from timekeeping mode and a target time alert. The GA-700 has an extra-large rugged case (53.4 millimeters-wide, larger than a GA-100) combined with a 3D index and large analog hands. The face also includes an LCD display for features like world time, stopwatch, countdown timer, 5 daily alarms with 1 snooze alarm, and 12/24 hour format. The basic black GA-700-1B is a best-seller, and other popular military-inspired colors are available in the Utility Color Series seen above.
PROS: Longest battery life for a non-solar analog G-Shock, front LED light button, large buttons
CONS: Reverse LCD display may be hard to see in low light
BEST FOR: Sports, outdoors, all-purpose
11. G-Shock GA-800-1A Traditional-Style Analog-Digital Watch
A mid-size G-Shock with a three-handed analog display and unique stopwatch features
The GA-800-1A has a number of unique features. It is the only smaller “mid-size” G-Shock (48.6 millimeters wide) with a third analog hand to display the second (a feature usually reserved for higher-end models). It is also one of the few mid-size analog G-Shocks with a front-facing light button for easy access. This watch also has a one-press stopwatch button that will activate the stopwatch immediately from timekeeping mode and a 120-record lap time memory that includes the date and time. These features make the GA-800-1A a recommended choice for sports and training, though its straightforward design makes it suitable for anyone who needs a weekend watch. The three-handed design and smaller size may appeal the first-time G-Shock buyer who wants a more traditional style and who may be apprehensive about the larger sizes of other G-Shock models.
PROS: Traditional analog style, one-press stopwatch start, lap time memory
CONS: Not solar (approximate 3-year battery life), no world time (but has dual time)
BEST FOR: Training, sports, all-around
10. G-Shock G-SQUAD GBD-800 Training Watch
Affordable G-Shock watch for running and fitness
The GBD-800 is part of the G-SQUAD line of fitness-oriented watches and has unique features like Bluetooth mobile connectivity, a pedometer, and specialized stopwatch and timer functions. For those looking to be more active, the Step Tracker allows a daily goal to be set with a step goal progress display and a step count graph for the past 11 hours. Serious runners will find the stopwatch target time (with 10 settable target times) and 200-record lap memory (with date and lap/split times) useful in achieving new personal bests. Interval training is also possible with the programmable timer (with 5 sets repeatable up to 10 times). Those who desire the most accurate timekeeping will find the watch’s Bluetooth feature useful, as the automatic time adjustment feature will sync the time through a smartphone four times per day. This is the most affordable G-Shock watch with Bluetooth connectivity, and it is a mid-size G-Shock suitable for men and women. The G-SQUAD line is also available in an analog-digital version with the GBA-800 series, but those who plan to use the stopwatch and timer frequently should opt for the larger digital display of the GBD-800.
PROS: Bluetooth mobile connectivity, step counter, specialized stopwatch and interval timer features, lap memory
CONS: Not solar, models with the inverted LCD style are harder to read
BEST FOR: Running, walking, fitness
9. G-Shock GA-2000 with Carbon Core Guard
G-Shock enters the carbon era with a new affordable model
The G-Shock GA-2000 series utilizes the Carbon Core Guard structure which is billed as G-Shock’s “third material” after resin and metal. The watch’s inner casing is made of fine resin reinforced by carbon fiber that allows for a lighter and stronger design. The improved shock-resistant structure provides a sleeker and slimmer look than the usual chunky G-Shock shapes. (The GA-2000 is slightly smaller and lighter than the best-selling GA-100.) The GA-2000 also has quick-release levers built into the bands for easy removal. Casio plans to sell a variety of different bands separately including cloth and Velcro bands, and 24-mm quick release bands from other manufacturers will also fit. Other unique features include lay-flat bands, guardless buttons, a dual-layer stainless steel and resin case back, and a convenient front LED light button.
PROS: Lightweight, relatively slim, easily removable bands
CONS: No auto light, not solar-powered, approximate 3-year battery life
BEST FOR: All-purpose
8. G-Shock GG-B100-1A3 Mudmaster Sensor Watch
An affordable Mudmaster with the Triple Sensor and carbon fiber bezel
The GG-B100-1A3 Mudmaster improves on the popular GG-1000 series with the addition of a pressure sensor (altimeter and barometer) and step counter, a front light button, a carbon fiber bezel, and a carbon fiber reinforced case. The Bluetooth features include a mission log function to record the altitude and GPS location, a location indicator to display the distance and direction (with the LCD display and the second hand of the watch) of a destination, a calorie calculator, automatic time adjustment, and a phone finder function. The GG-B100 is also unique in that the order of the main menu on the watch can be customized.
PROS: Quad Sensor (with altimeter-barometer, compass, thermometer, and step tracker), Bluetooth smartphone link
CONS: Not solar-powered
BEST FOR: Trekking, extreme outdoor activities
7. G-Shock GW-6900-1 Mid-Size Solar Digital Watch
A proven classic case design favored for military use, combined with modern features
The GW-6900-1 is the most advanced version of the popular 6900 line and features Tough Solar power and Multi-Band 6 automatic radio time syncing. This model has one of the most iconic and long-running G-Shock cases along with the 5000-5600 series. It started off as the DW-6600 in 1994 which was the first G-Shock to use the “EL backlight” that illuminates the entire background of the display, and the DW-6600 was known as the Navy SEAL G-Shock. The GW-6900-1 retains the same user-friendliness as the DW-6600 and its successor the DW-6900 but with more advanced features like world time, multiple (5) daily alarms, and a full auto EL backlight (that can be set to automatically activate in the dark with a turn of the wrist), along with the usual features like the stopwatch and countdown timer.
With its straightforward design and easy-access front backlight button, the GW-6900-1 is recommended for military use or any job that demands reliable timekeeping. The GW-6900-1 is a mid-size watch that is also suitable for smaller wrists but it wears a little larger than the 5600 line.
PROS: Solar power and auto time adjustment, front EL backlight button
CONS: No sensors
BEST FOR: Military, work, all-purpose
GW-6900-1 on Amazon GW-6900-1 on eBay
6. G-Shock GWF-A1000 Frogman Diver’s 200M Watch
The storied Frogman gets a makeover with an analog display
While all G-Shock watches have 200-meter water resistance, the Frogman is the only G-Shock with the ISO-certified “Diver’s 200M” designation, and it has buttons that are fully tested for underwater use. The GWF-A1000 is the first Frogman with an analog display, and it has an innovative and effective way of displaying the elapsed dive time by combining the hour and minute hands into a single hand to display the minutes elapsed, and using the hour and minute hands to display hours and minutes (with the second hand running in reverse) for surface interval time. The GWF-A1000 is also the first Frogman with a carbon monocoque case. While the MR-G series is positioned as the top of the G-Shock line and priced accordingly, many longtime fans will always consider the Frogman to be G-Shock’s top model.
PROS: ISO Divers 200M designation, Tough Solar, Multi-Band 6, Bluetooth, Tide Graph
CONS: Some people are divided on the change to an analog display
BEST FOR: Diving, water sports
5. G-Shock GA-100-1A1 Large Analog-Digital Watch
A simple but effective best-selling model
Part of the new breed of large analog-digital G-Shock watches that revitalized the brand in the 2010s, the GA-100 is one of the best-selling models and has become a modern classic. The GA-100 series reaffirmed G-Shock’s status as an innovator of practical and fashionable timepieces. The GA-100-1A1 features a design inspired by an airplane’s instrument panel with high-contrast analog hands and an anti-magnetic structure. It also has an LCD display for functions like the stopwatch and countdown timer. Other features include an auto LED light, world time, and 5 daily alarms. The GA-100-1A1 is a popular choice for police and other uniformed workers. Younger people view the GA-100 series as an iconic G-Shock case and tend to favor the large analog style over the digital models. For gifts or first time G-Shock buyers who mainly need a watch to tell the time, this is one of the safest choices.
PROS: Classic large case, straightforward design, high-visibility analog hands
CONS: Estimated 2-year battery life
BEST FOR: Police, outdoor jobs, all-purpose
GA-100-1A1 on Amazon GA-100-1A1 on eBay
4. G-Shock GW-5000-1JF Origin Tribute Screw-Back Watch
The closest in design and spirit to the original G-Shock watch
Though this list originally excluded Japan-only models, the GW-5000-1JF deserves a place on it because of its well-deserved status and popularity around the world. What makes this watch so special is that it is a tribute to the original G-Shock DW-5000C from 1983 but with updated technology, is made in Japan, and has a stainless steel inner case with a screw-lock case back and DLC coating. Also, it is not a limited edition but a regularly produced model in Japan, so it is not hard to find and purchase for a reasonable price. The outer face design has a cleaner, more subdued style, and the updated modern features include Tough Solar power and Multi-Band 6 automatic radio timekeeping. The original G-Shock from 1983 also had this inner stainless steel case and screw-back structure, but it was abandoned for a resin inner case in later models. With its superior build quality and classic lineage, the GW-5000-1JF is one of the finest examples of a G-Shock.
PROS: Screw-back with DLC coating, made in Japan, Tough Solar/Multi-Band 6, original G-Shock case
CONS: Has a premium price
BEST FOR: G-Shock purists, watch collectors
3. G-Shock GWG-1000-1A3 Mudmaster Solar Analog-Digital Watch
The toughest-looking analog-digital G-Shock with Triple Sensor
The GWG-1000-1A3 Mudmaster made its debut in the fall of 2015 and was the most highly anticipated new model since the Rangeman. The Mudmaster is a serious analog-digital upgrade of the popular Mudman series. The Mudmaster resembles the beefy Rangeman combined with an analog watch, making it one of the best-looking tactical-style analog G-Shocks. It inherits the Rangeman’s guarded button structure and is resistant to mud and dust. Its analog movement is also resistant to extreme vibration. This “ABC” watch has the Triple Sensor that includes an altimeter, barometer, compass, and thermometer. It also has Tough Solar power, Multi-Band 6 radio wave timekeeping, and a sapphire crystal for extra scratch-resistance.
At 59.5 × 56.1 × 18.0 mm, the GWG-1000 is one of the larger G-Shock watches. The digital Rangeman GW-9400 and analog-digital Gulfmaster GWN-1000 offer similar features at lower prices, but the Mudmaster offers an extremely confident look that embodies the best elements of G-Shock design and takes the analog style to a new level of toughness. It is billed as the ideal watch for rescue workers, and it will certainly appeal to those in other physically demanding professions.
PROS: Tough Solar, Multi-Band 6, Triple Sensor, sapphire crystal, very rugged design
CONS: Reverse LCD display
BEST FOR: Large wrists, extreme environments
GWG-1000 on Amazon GWG1000-1A3 at Reeds GWG-1000 on eBay
2. G-Shock GW-9400-1 Rangeman Solar Digital Survival Watch
An affordable fan-favorite with survival features
The GW-9400 Rangeman is the most popular watch in Casio’s Master of G signature G-Shock line of professional-use watches. Its success can be attributed to the Triple Sensor (altimeter-barometer, compass, thermometer) feature, its aggressively bulky appearance that offers extreme shock protection, and its reasonable price.
The Rangeman is resistant to mud and dust with its protected button structure, and the sensors are easily accessed with a single button. It is a good choice for those who like the old-school digital style of G-Shock but also want the latest features at an affordable price. It is one of the most functional tactical watches available with features like sunrise/sunset data, low-temperature resistance, 1000-hour stopwatch, 24-hour countdown timer, and 40 record memory for date/time, bearing, and atmospheric pressure and temperature readings. As an advanced G-Shock model, it also has Tough Solar and Multi-Band 6. It is the best choice for a serious all-around outdoor or survival watch, as its digital structure will theoretically handle more abuse than a watch with mechanical moving parts. If you could only have one G-Shock, the Rangeman would likely be the best choice. For more color options and limited editions, see all Rangeman models.
PROS: Tough Solar, Multi-Band 6, Triple Sensor, sunrise/sunset data
CONS: Large for a digital model
BEST FOR: Hiking, hunting, outdoor recreation, survival
GW-9400-1 on Amazon GW-9400-1 on eBay
1. G-Shock GW-M5610-1 Solar Digital Sports Watch
The original G-Shock style with modern features added
The GW-M5610-1 continues the lineage of the first ever G-Shock, the DW-5000C that launched the brand in 1983. The GW-M5610-1 has the same classic square shape as the original and is one of the best-selling G-Shock watches. It is a good choice for those who prefer a standard-size digital G-Shock over the extra-large analog-digital models. This watch also has one of the slimmest profiles (12.7 mm) of current G-Shock models and serves as an a unobtrusive timepiece for work or recreation. The GW-M5610-1 is recommended for the first-time G-Shock buyer who wants a simple, no-nonsense watch for all purposes. The GW-M5610-1 continues the tradition of Absolute Toughness and provides an extremely rugged and maintenance-free option at an affordable price.
For a more affordable but more basic option (without Tough Solar, Multi-Band 6, world time, multiple alarms, and the auto-activated backlight), see the DW-5600E-1V in our basic G-Shock watches guide.
PROS: Original case design, slim profile, solar-charging and radio time-sync
CONS: May feel small on very large wrists
BEST FOR: All-purpose
GW-M5610-1 on Amazon GW-M5610-1 on eBayFor more options, see all of our G-Shock Buying Guides.
