While it’s generally known that certain G-Shock watches are popular in the military with plenty of anecdotal evidence around the internet, there isn’t much in the way of articles written specifically about the subject. An article by U.S. Coast Guard veteran and commercial diver Benjamin Lowry at Watches of Espionage takes a look at the history of G-Shock from a U.S. military perspective and provides some unique insight into the use of G-Shock watches in the military.
According to the article, dozens of G-Shock models have been acquired as smaller-scale “unit purchases” for military use, but there are only four models with a NATO Stock Number. According to Wikipedia, a NATO Stock Number (also known as a “National Stock Number” or “NSN”) is “a 13-digit numeric code used by the NATO military alliance, identifying all the ‘standardized material items of supply’ as they have been recognized by all member states of NATO.” According to the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency, “The 13-digit unique code is assigned to an item of supply that is repeatedly stocked, stored and issued throughout the federal supply system. It’s assigned at the request of the military services, certain federal or civilian agencies and foreign friendly countries.”
The four G-Shock models in question are the DW-5600E-1V, DW-6600-1V, DW-6900-1V, and DW-9052-1V. (The DW-6600-1V referred to may possibly be the DW-6600E-1V, DW-6600C-1V, or DW-6600-1VZ.) The article also states that until 2018, the DW-9052-1V was issued to new Navy divers at the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center and to SEAL candidates at Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training. Lowry’s Instagram account also has a recent (2022) photo of a Navy SEAL wearing a DW-9052 (see links and image below). We previously wrote about how the DW-6600 was issued to Navy SEALs. The DW-6600 series was discontinued around 2010 but is currently being revived with the DW-6640RE-1 limited edition. The DW-5600E-1V, DW-6900-1V, and DW-9052-1V are still active models in the U.S. and are available at military exchanges, large retailers, and Amazon. They are usually available discounted for around $50 each.
The article contains other information, including anecdotes about current and former military members, as well some interesting reader comments.
Read “The History Of Casio G-Shocks And The US Military” at Watches of Espionage
According to Watches of Espionage, the four G-Shock models that received a NATO Stock Number are the DW-5600E-1V, DW-6600-1V, DW-6900-1V, DW-9052-1V (left to right, not pictured exactly to scale).
Specifications: DW-5600, DW-6600 (2023 version), DW-6900, DW-9052
Benjamin Lowry also runs the submersiblewrist Instagram account, which features photos of military and commercial divers wearing various watches.
Shop: G-Central on Amazon | New Releases (USA Sellers) | Best G-Shock Watches | Specs Catalog
Related Posts:
The Best G-Shock Instagram Accounts
Pilgrim Surf + Supply x G-Shock DW-5600 Collaboration Watch
G-Shock Watches for Military Personnel and First Responders
Aline Jost-Di Raimondo wears G-Shock watches
Herschel Supply Co. x G-Shock G-LIDE GLX-5600HSC-3 Collab
Gold medal wrestler Jordan Burroughs wears G-Shock watches
Paracord Bands for G-Shock Watches by Base 550
G-Shock and Baby-G Women of Summer 2016
Navy SEALs and the G-Shock DW-6600 military watch
Pilgrim Surf + Supply x G-Shock GLX-5600
While a NATO stock number may be a thing in some circles, silence is more important in mine so,
GD350-1B for me and wake by vibration, not sound.