How to Change the Time on a G-Shock Watch

The Basic Steps to Set G-Shock Time

To change the time on a G-Shock watch, press and hold the Mode button (usually on the lower left) for about three seconds until the display flashes or shows "SET" on screen. This enters adjustment mode. Once you are in adjustment mode, use the up and down buttons (typically labeled + and −) to scroll through the time fields—hours first, then minutes—and press the forward button (usually on the lower right) to move to the next field and confirm each change.

The exact button layout and menu structure varies slightly between G-Shock models, so check your watch face or manual for the specific button labels. Most digital G-Shocks follow this same pattern, though some older or specialized models may have different sequences. Once you finish setting the minutes, press Mode again to exit adjustment mode and return to normal timekeeping.

Key Takeaways

Hold the Mode button for three seconds to enter time-setting mode; the display will flash or show "SET" to confirm.
Use the up and down buttons to change the hour and minute values, and press the forward button to move between fields.
Different G-Shock models have slightly different button arrangements, so your watch manual will show you the exact layout for your model.
Press Mode again when finished to exit adjustment mode and return to normal display.
If your watch has a 12-hour format, make sure you set AM or PM correctly, as some models require this step.

Finding Your Watch Model and Button Layout

G-Shock watches come in dozens of styles, and button placement is not always identical. The easiest way to find your exact model number is to look on the back of the watch case or in the original box or paperwork. Model numbers usually start with letters like DW, GA, GD, or GW followed by numbers.

Once you have the model number, search for "[Model Number] manual" online or visit the Casio G-Shock support website. The manual will show you a diagram of your watch with each button labeled and the exact sequence for entering time mode. Many manuals are available as free PDF downloads. If you no longer have the manual and cannot find it online, you can also take a photo of your watch and ask in G-Shock forums or subreddits—other owners of the same model can walk you through the steps.

Step-by-Step for the Most Common G-Shock Models

For classic digital models like the DW-5600 and DW-6900, the process is straightforward. Press and hold Mode until you see "SET" appear on the screen—this usually takes two to four seconds. The hour field will begin to flash. Press the up button (+) to increase the hour or the down button (−) to decrease it. Once the hour is correct, press the forward button (usually labeled "Start/Stop" or with a right arrow) to move to the minutes field.

The minutes field will then flash. Use the up and down buttons again to set the correct minutes. After you set the minutes, press the forward button one more time. Some models will then ask you to set seconds; if so, repeat the process. When all fields are set, press Mode to exit and return to the normal time display. The entire process usually takes less than a minute once you know which buttons to press.

For G-Shock models with an analog hand and digital display (like the GA-100 series), the steps are similar, but you may need to adjust the analog hand position separately. Check your manual for whether the analog hand syncs automatically or requires manual adjustment after you set the digital time.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most frequent error is holding the Mode button too briefly and not actually entering adjustment mode. If the display does not flash or show "SET," try holding Mode for a full three to four seconds. Some models require a longer press than others. Another common mistake is pressing the wrong button and accidentally advancing to a different menu (like date or alarm settings). If this happens, keep pressing Mode until you return to the normal time display, then start over.

Many people also forget to account for AM and PM when setting a 12-hour watch. If your G-Shock displays time in 12-hour format, pay close attention to whether the current setting shows AM or PM, and make sure you set it to match the actual time of day. Some models let you toggle between 12-hour and 24-hour format in the settings menu; if you are unsure which format your watch is using, check the manual or look for a small "PM" indicator on the display.

A third mistake is moving too quickly through the fields. If you press the forward button twice in rapid succession, you may skip past the minutes field entirely and end up in the seconds or date menu. Press each button deliberately and wait a moment for the display to respond before pressing the next button.

What to Do If Your Watch Is Stuck in Adjustment Mode

If you press buttons and the display keeps flashing without returning to normal time, you are likely still in adjustment mode. Press the Mode button once to move to the next field, or press it repeatedly until you cycle back to the main time display. If the watch seems completely unresponsive, try pressing Mode and holding it for five seconds—this often forces an exit from any menu.

If your watch still will not respond, it may have entered a different mode (like alarm or stopwatch mode). Check the display for any indicator text like "AL" (alarm) or "ST" (stopwatch). If you see one of these, press Mode repeatedly to cycle through the menus until you return to the normal time display. If the watch is completely frozen and no button presses work, try removing the battery for 30 seconds and reinserting it, though this will reset the time and you will need to set it again.

Setting Time on Solar and Radio-Controlled G-Shocks

Solar G-Shocks (models with "Solar" in the name) set the time the same way as regular digital models—hold Mode, adjust hours and minutes, and press forward to confirm. The solar charging feature does not change the time-setting process at all. However, make sure your solar watch is fully charged before setting the time, as a low battery can cause the display to behave unpredictably.

Radio-controlled G-Shocks (often marked "Atomic" or "Wave Ceptor") can set the time manually the same way, but they also have an automatic time-sync feature. If your radio-controlled watch is in range of a time signal (usually available in North America, Europe, and Japan), you can often press a dedicated button to sync the time automatically rather than setting it by hand. Check your manual for the "Receive" or "Sync" button, which is often separate from the Mode button. If automatic sync fails or you are out of range, you can always fall back to manual time-setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to change the time on a G-Shock?

Once you know which buttons to press, the entire process takes less than one minute. Finding the Mode button and entering adjustment mode takes about five seconds, and setting the hours and minutes takes another 20 to 30 seconds. The first time you do it, you may take longer while you locate the buttons and remember the sequence, but it becomes much faster with practice.

Will changing the time reset my alarms or other settings?

No. Changing the time does not affect alarms, stopwatch records, or other settings stored in your watch. You are only adjusting the current time display, not erasing any data. Your alarms will continue to work based on the new time you set.

What if I cannot find my G-Shock manual?

Search online for your model number plus the word "manual"—most Casio G-Shock manuals are available as free PDFs on the Casio website or on watch enthusiast sites. If you cannot locate the manual, post a photo of your watch on a G-Shock forum or Reddit community, and other owners will tell you the exact steps for your model. You can also contact Casio customer service directly with your model number.

Can I change the time if my G-Shock is in a different mode like stopwatch or alarm?

You need to return to the main time display first. Press Mode repeatedly until the normal time appears on screen and any mode indicators (like "ST" for stopwatch or "AL" for alarm) disappear. Then follow the standard time-setting steps. You cannot adjust the time while the watch is in another mode.

Does my G-Shock need to be in 24-hour format to set the time correctly?

No. Your G-Shock will work correctly in either 12-hour or 24-hour format. The important thing is to set the correct hour and minute values and, if using 12-hour format, to make sure AM or PM matches the actual time of day. You can usually change between 12-hour and 24-hour format in the settings menu if you prefer one over the other.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.