How to Change the Time on a G-Shock Watch

The basic steps for setting G-Shock time

Most G-Shock watches use the same method to change the time. Press the button labeled Mode or Adjust (usually on the lower left) repeatedly until you reach the timekeeping screen. The display will show the current time and may highlight one section — often the hour or minute field. Once you are on the time screen, press Set or Enter (usually lower right) to begin editing.

After you press Set, use the up and down buttons (typically on the right side) to change the highlighted field. Press up to increase the number, down to decrease it. Move through hours, minutes, and sometimes seconds depending on your model. When all fields show the correct time, press Mode or Set again to save and exit the adjustment screen.

The exact button names and positions vary slightly between G-Shock lines — digital sports models, analog-digital hybrids, and solar-powered versions each have minor differences. Your watch manual will show the precise button layout for your specific model, but the core logic remains: Mode to navigate menus, Set to edit, and arrow buttons to change numbers.

Key Takeaways

Press Mode or Adjust repeatedly until the time display is highlighted, then press Set to enter edit mode.
Use the up and down arrow buttons to change hours and minutes; the exact sequence depends on your G-Shock model.
Press Mode or Set again when finished to save the new time and return to normal display.
If your watch has a manual, check it for your specific model number because button positions and menu order vary between G-Shock lines.
Some G-Shock models require you to hold buttons rather than tap them; your manual will specify the correct method.

Finding your G-Shock model number and manual

Your G-Shock model number is printed on the case back — a small metal or plastic plate on the rear of the watch. It usually starts with letters (like DW, GA, or GW) followed by numbers. Write down this full code before you search for instructions.

Once you have the model number, search for "[model number] manual" on the Casio website or a manual database like ManualsLib. Casio's official site hosts PDF manuals for nearly all G-Shock models, and these PDFs include diagrams showing exactly which button does what on your watch. A manual takes two minutes to find and saves you from guessing.

Differences between digital, analog-digital, and solar G-Shock models

Digital G-Shock watches (like the DW-5600 or GD-100) have a straightforward menu system. You navigate with Mode, edit with Set, and adjust with arrows. The time display is usually the first or second menu screen, so you reach it quickly.

Analog-digital hybrids (like the GA-100 or AW-90) have both a traditional watch hand and a digital display. To change the time, you typically enter the digital menu and adjust only the digital time; the analog hands may need separate adjustment through a different menu or by using a crown (the knob on the side). Check your manual because the process differs from pure digital models.

Solar-powered G-Shock watches (like the GW-M5610 or GXW-56) work the same way as regular digital models for time adjustment — the solar charging does not change the menu structure. However, some solar models include radio synchronization, which means the watch can set itself automatically if you enable that feature instead of adjusting manually.

Adjusting 12-hour versus 24-hour time format

Some G-Shock models let you choose between 12-hour (AM/PM) and 24-hour (military) time display. If your watch shows AM or PM on the time screen, you are in 12-hour mode. To switch formats, enter the time adjustment menu and look for a format or display setting — this is usually a separate menu item from the time itself, not part of the hour-minute adjustment.

Check your manual for the exact menu path because the format toggle location varies. Once you switch formats, the time display updates but the actual time does not change — 3:00 PM in 12-hour mode becomes 15:00 in 24-hour mode. You do not need to re-enter the time when you switch.

What to do if buttons are not responding

If pressing Mode or Set does nothing, the watch may be in a locked state. Some G-Shock models have a hold function that prevents accidental button presses. Look for a small switch or slider on the side of the watch — moving it from Hold to Normal unlocks the buttons. Check your manual for the exact location because it varies by model.

If the watch is not locked and buttons still do not work, the battery may be low or dead. G-Shock watches typically run for two to ten years on a single battery depending on the model. If the display is dim, flickering, or blank, a battery replacement is likely needed. Visit a watch repair shop or jeweler to have the battery replaced — it usually costs between ten and thirty dollars.

Setting the time when you first receive a new G-Shock

New G-Shock watches often arrive with the time set to 12:00 or a default time zone. Before you adjust it, check whether your model has a time zone or city setting. Some G-Shock watches (especially world time models like the GA-110) let you set a home city or UTC offset, which is useful if you travel or live in a time zone that observes daylight saving time.

If your model has a time zone menu, set that first, then adjust the hours and minutes. This way the watch knows your location and can handle daylight saving changes automatically if that feature is enabled. If your model is a basic digital G-Shock without time zone settings, straightforward set the time to your local time and you are done.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I am in the right menu to change the time?

The time display should be highlighted or flashing on the screen. You will see the hours and minutes clearly, and one field (usually the hour) will be selected. If you see other information like the date, day of the week, or alarm time, press Mode again to move to the next menu until you reach the time screen.

What if I accidentally change the date or day of the week instead of the time?

Press Mode to exit the current menu without saving, then start over. As long as you have not pressed Set or Enter to confirm the change, the watch will not save it. If you already saved the wrong information, straightforward re-enter the adjustment menu and correct it using the same steps.

Can I change the time on a G-Shock without the manual?

Yes, the basic method works on most models: Mode to navigate, Set to edit, arrows to adjust. However, some G-Shock lines use different button names or require holding buttons instead of tapping them. Your manual takes two minutes to find online and shows the exact steps for your model, which saves frustration.

Does changing the time affect the alarm or timer?

No. Adjusting the displayed time does not change alarm times, timers, or stopwatch data. These are stored separately in the watch's memory. If you set an alarm for 6:00 AM and then change the time, the alarm will still ring at 6:00 AM in the new time.

Why does my G-Shock keep resetting the time?

A watch that loses time or resets to a default time usually has a low or dead battery. G-Shock batteries last several years, but when they fail, the watch may not hold settings. If the display is dim or flickering, have the battery replaced by a watch repair shop. If the display is normal and the watch still resets, contact Casio support or a repair technician — the watch may have an internal fault.

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.