The basic steps for most G-Shock models

To change the time on a G-Shock watch, you enter the timekeeping mode and then use the buttons to adjust the hours and minutes. The exact sequence depends on your model, but the principle is the same across most digital G-Shocks: hold the Mode button until you reach the time-setting screen, then use the up and down buttons to change each digit.

G-Shock watches have four buttons—typically labeled Mode, Select, Start/Stop, and Adjust—arranged around the face. The Mode button cycles through different functions (time, alarm, stopwatch, and so on). The Select button moves between the hour, minute, and second fields. The Adjust button (sometimes called the up or down button) changes the value of whichever field is highlighted.

Before you start, check whether your watch is in 12-hour or 24-hour format. This affects how the hours display and how high they count. Most G-Shocks default to 12-hour format, but you can change this in the settings if you prefer 24-hour time.

Key Takeaways

  • Press and hold the Mode button until the time display starts flashing, which signals you have entered time-setting mode.
  • Use the Select button to move between the hour field, minute field, and second field—each will highlight when selected.
  • Press the Adjust button (or up/down buttons) repeatedly to change the highlighted number to the correct value.
  • Once all three fields are correct, press Mode again to exit and save your changes.
  • If your watch has a manual for your specific model number, consult it first, because button layouts and sequences vary between G-Shock lines.

Finding your specific model number and manual

G-Shock makes hundreds of models, and the button sequence can differ between them. Your model number is printed on the back of the watch case or inside the band. It usually starts with letters (like DW, GA, or GW) followed by numbers.

Once you have the model number, search for it on the Casio G-Shock website or on YouTube. Casio publishes PDF manuals for most models, and the manual will show you the exact button order for your watch. YouTube videos often demonstrate the process in real time, which can be clearer than written instructions if you are unsure which button is which.

If you cannot find a manual online, contact Casio customer service with your model number. They can walk you through the steps or send you a digital copy of the manual.

Step-by-step for the most common G-Shock models

If you own a DW-5600 (the classic square G-Shock), a GA-100 (the larger analog-digital), or a GW-M5610 (the solar model), the process is similar. Press and hold Mode until the hour digits start flashing. This usually takes two to three seconds. The watch will beep or vibrate to confirm you are in time-setting mode.

Once the hour field is highlighted, press Select to move to the next field if you need to adjust the minutes first, or press Adjust to change the hour. Each press of Adjust increases the hour by one. Hold Adjust to cycle through faster. When the hour is correct, press Select to move to the minutes field and repeat the process.

After the minutes are set, press Select one more time to highlight the seconds field. Most people leave this at 00, but you can adjust it if needed. Once all three are correct, press Mode to exit. The display will stop flashing and your new time is saved.

Resetting seconds to zero without changing hours or minutes

If you only want to sync the seconds to the top of the minute (a common reason to adjust a watch), you do not have to change the hour and minute fields. Enter time-setting mode by holding Mode, then press Select twice to jump directly to the seconds field. Set it to 00 and press Mode to exit.

This is useful if your watch has drifted by a few seconds or if you want to synchronize it with another clock. It takes about five seconds and leaves the hour and minute untouched.

What to do if the buttons are not responding

If pressing Mode does not enter time-setting mode, the watch may be in a different mode (like alarm or stopwatch) that is blocking access. Press Mode repeatedly to cycle through all the modes until you return to the main timekeeping display, then try holding Mode again.

If the buttons feel stuck or unresponsive, the watch may have water or debris inside. Tap the watch gently against your palm a few times and try again. If that does not work, the button mechanism may need professional cleaning. Do not force the buttons, as this can damage the internal contacts.

Some G-Shock models have a hold function that locks the buttons to prevent accidental changes. Check the manual or the back of the watch for a hold switch or button. If it is engaged, disengage it first.

Adjusting for daylight saving time or time zones

When daylight saving time begins or ends, you only need to change the hour field. Enter time-setting mode, press Select to highlight the hour, and adjust it up or down by one. Press Mode to exit. The minutes and seconds stay the same.

If you travel to a different time zone, the same process applies. Change only the hour field to match the local time. Some G-Shock models with radio synchronization (like the GW series) can receive time signals from atomic clocks and adjust automatically, but manual adjustment is still faster if you are in a hurry.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I need to hold Mode to enter time-setting mode?

Most G-Shocks require you to hold Mode for two to three seconds. You will see the hour digits start to flash and hear a beep. If nothing happens after five seconds, release and try again. Some models require a shorter or longer hold—check your manual if the standard timing does not work.

Can I change just the hour without touching the minutes?

Yes. Enter time-setting mode, adjust the hour to the correct value, then press Mode to exit without pressing Select. The minutes will not change. This works on all standard G-Shock models.

What happens if I press Mode while in time-setting mode?

Pressing Mode exits time-setting mode and saves your changes. If you have not finished adjusting all the fields, the ones you changed are saved and the ones you did not touch stay as they were. There is no "cancel" option—changes are always saved when you exit.

My watch is a G-Shock with both analog and digital displays. Do I change the time the same way?

Yes. The digital time and the analog hands are linked—when you change the digital time, the analog hands move to match. Use the same button sequence as you would for a digital-only model. The manual for your specific model will confirm the exact steps.

Is there a way to set the time without using the buttons?

No. G-Shock watches do not have a computer connection or app for setting the time. The buttons are the only way. Some solar models (GW series) can sync to radio time signals automatically, but you still use the buttons to set the initial time and time zone.