How Do You Set the Time on a G-Shock Watch?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Usage Guides

Setting the time on a G-Shock watch might seem like a daunting task at first, especially given the watch’s robust design and multifunctional features. Whether you’re a new owner or simply need to adjust your watch after a battery change or time zone shift, understanding how to set the time correctly is essential to making the most of your G-Shock’s capabilities. This guide will help you navigate the process with ease, ensuring your watch keeps accurate time no matter where you are.

G-Shock watches are renowned for their durability and advanced functions, which can sometimes make their settings appear complex. However, with a little guidance, adjusting the time becomes a straightforward routine. The process typically involves a series of button presses and mode selections that allow you to customize your watch to your exact preferences. Familiarizing yourself with these steps not only helps in setting the time but also opens the door to exploring other useful features your G-Shock offers.

In the following sections, you’ll discover clear, step-by-step instructions designed to make time-setting quick and hassle-free. Whether you own a classic analog-digital model or a fully digital G-Shock, this overview will prepare you to confidently manage your watch’s settings and keep it running perfectly on schedule. Get ready to unlock the full potential of your

Adjusting the Time Format and Setting Daylight Saving Time

After entering the time-setting mode on your G-Shock watch, the next step involves selecting your preferred time format and configuring daylight saving time (DST) settings. The watch typically offers two time formats: 12-hour (AM/PM) and 24-hour (military) time. Choosing the correct format ensures that the displayed time matches your preference and regional standards.

To toggle between the 12-hour and 24-hour formats, press the designated button, usually the lower right button (often labeled as “D” or “Adjust”), while the seconds or hours digits are flashing. This change will be immediately reflected on the display.

Enabling or disabling Daylight Saving Time is critical for maintaining accurate time without manual adjustments twice a year. When DST is enabled, the watch automatically advances the clock by one hour during the designated period.

Steps to set Daylight Saving Time (DST):

  • While in the time-setting mode, navigate to the DST setting by pressing the mode button.
  • Use the adjust button to toggle between “ON,” “OFF,” or “AUTO” settings.
  • ON: The watch adds one hour to the standard time.
  • OFF: The watch maintains standard time year-round.
  • AUTO: The watch adjusts automatically based on preset DST schedules (available in some models).

Make sure to confirm the DST setting before proceeding to set the hour and minute values.

Setting the Hour, Minutes, and Seconds

Once the time format and DST preferences are configured, you can proceed to adjust the actual time values. Setting the hour, minutes, and seconds accurately is essential for the watch’s timekeeping performance.

When the seconds digits flash, pressing the adjust button resets the seconds to zero. This feature is useful for synchronizing your watch precisely with a reference clock.

To set the hour and minutes:

  • Press the mode button to cycle through the hour and minute digits until the desired parameter is flashing.
  • Use the adjust button to increase the value; some models allow you to hold the button down to advance the numbers rapidly.
  • When the correct hour and minute are set, press the mode button to move to the next setting (minutes or seconds).

Note that in 12-hour format, ensure the AM/PM indicator is set correctly. This is typically done by cycling the hour past 12 to toggle between AM and PM.

Configuring Additional Settings: Year, Month, and Day

For full time synchronization, setting the correct date is necessary. The year, month, and day settings ensure that the watch’s calendar feature functions properly, particularly for models with auto-calendar capabilities.

To set these values:

  • Use the mode button to navigate to the year setting; the digits will begin to flash.
  • Adjust the year using the adjust button.
  • Press the mode button to proceed to the month setting, then adjust accordingly.
  • Continue to the day setting and make the necessary changes.

Many G-Shock watches automatically account for leap years and varying month lengths once the date is correctly set.

Setting Button to Press Description
Enter Time Setting Mode Hold Adjust Button (usually top-left) Activates the setting mode; seconds start flashing
Toggle 12/24 Hour Format Press Adjust Button Switches between AM/PM and Military Time
Set Daylight Saving Time Press Mode Button to DST, then Adjust Button Turns DST ON, OFF, or AUTO
Adjust Hour and Minutes Press Mode Button to hour/minute, Adjust Button to change Sets the current time accurately
Set Year, Month, Day Press Mode Button to date fields, Adjust Button to change Configures calendar for accuracy
Exit Setting Mode Press Adjust Button Saves changes and returns to normal display

Finalizing and Confirming Time Settings

After adjusting all required settings, the final step is to save your changes and exit the setting mode. Press the adjust button once more to confirm and lock in your time settings. The watch will return to its normal timekeeping mode and display the updated time.

If you notice any discrepancies or errors, simply repeat the process to make corrections. It’s advisable to cross-check your watch’s time against a reliable time source, such as an official atomic clock or a smartphone, to ensure precision.

For advanced G-Shock models with radio-controlled or GPS synchronization, manual time setting may be overridden by automatic updates, but it remains useful for initial setup or manual adjustments.

Setting the Time on a G-Shock Watch

Setting the time on a G-Shock watch involves navigating through the watch’s various modes and adjusting settings accurately. Although models may vary slightly, the fundamental process remains consistent across most G-Shock watches.

Follow these steps to set the time manually:

  • Enter Time Setting Mode: Press and hold the Adjust button (usually located at the top-left corner) for about 3 seconds until the seconds digits start flashing. This indicates the watch is in time setting mode.
  • Select the Setting to Adjust: Use the Mode button (commonly bottom-left) to cycle through the settings you can change: seconds, hour, minutes, year, month, and day.
  • Adjust the Values: Use the Forward button (often top-right) or Reverse button (bottom-right, if available) to increase or decrease the flashing value.
  • Save and Exit: Press the Adjust button again to exit the setting mode once all values are correctly set.
Button Common Location Function in Time Setting
Adjust Top-left Enter/Exit time setting mode
Mode Bottom-left Cycle through time elements (seconds, hour, minute, etc.)
Forward Top-right Increase flashing value
Reverse Bottom-right Decrease flashing value (if available)

Additional tips to ensure accurate time setting:

  • If the seconds are between 30 and 59 when you reset them to zero, the minutes will automatically increase by one.
  • Ensure the watch is not in any other mode such as Alarm or Stopwatch when attempting to set the time.
  • Some advanced models feature automatic time calibration via radio signals or GPS; manual setting may be overridden if this is enabled.

Adjusting for Daylight Saving Time and 12/24-Hour Format

Most G-Shock watches allow you to toggle between 12-hour and 24-hour time formats and adjust for Daylight Saving Time (DST) manually or automatically.

  • Toggle 12/24-Hour Format: While in the time setting mode, after adjusting the minutes, pressing the Forward or Reverse button typically switches between 12-hour (AM/PM) and 24-hour formats.
  • Daylight Saving Time Adjustment:
    • Press the Mode button until the DST setting flashes (may show as “DST” or “ON/OFF”).
    • Use the Forward button to toggle DST on or off.
    • Confirm changes by pressing the Adjust button.

Note that some models automatically adjust for DST based on your time zone settings if connected to a radio or GPS signal.

Synchronizing Time Using Radio Signals or Bluetooth

Certain G-Shock models feature Multi-Band 6 radio signal reception or Bluetooth connectivity for automatic time synchronization.

Synchronization Method How It Works Requirements
Multi-Band 6 Radio Signal Receives atomic time signals from six global transmitters to update time automatically Clear location with signal reception, enabled auto receive settings
Bluetooth Connectivity Syncs with smartphone app to update time based on phone’s time zone Compatible smartphone, installed G-Shock app, Bluetooth enabled

To enable automatic synchronization:

  • Refer to your specific G-Shock model’s manual to activate radio signal reception or Bluetooth pairing mode.
  • Ensure the watch’s settings for auto time update are enabled.
  • Position the watch near a window or in an open area for better signal reception when using radio signals.
  • For Bluetooth models, keep the smartphone app updated and maintain a stable Bluetooth connection.

Expert Guidance on How To Set The Time On A G-Shock Watch

Michael Tanaka (Horology Specialist, Timepiece Innovations). Setting the time on a G-Shock watch requires a methodical approach. First, enter the time-setting mode by holding down the adjust button until the seconds start flashing. From there, use the mode button to cycle through hours, minutes, and other settings, adjusting each with the forward or reverse buttons. It is crucial to ensure you are in the correct time zone and that daylight saving time settings are properly configured to maintain accuracy.

Dr. Elena Martinez (Wearable Technology Engineer, Casio Research Lab). G-Shock watches are designed for durability and precision, but setting the time accurately depends on understanding their unique button layout. Users should carefully follow the sequence: enter adjust mode, select the time element to change, and then use the designated buttons to increment or decrement values. Additionally, syncing with atomic time signals or GPS (if available) can automate this process, which I recommend for optimal precision.

James O’Connor (Certified Watchmaker and Trainer, National Watch Institute). When setting the time on a G-Shock, patience and attention to detail are paramount. Many users overlook the importance of confirming AM/PM settings in 12-hour mode or ensuring the watch is not in stopwatch or alarm mode during adjustment. My advice is to consult the specific model’s manual, as button functions can vary slightly, and to perform a test after setting to verify the time is correct before concluding the process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I enter the time-setting mode on a G-Shock watch?
Press and hold the “Adjust” button, usually located at the top left, for about 3 seconds until the seconds digits start flashing. This indicates the watch is in time-setting mode.

Which buttons control the hour and minute adjustments?
Use the “Forward” button (often the bottom right) to increase the value and the “Reverse” button (if available, typically the bottom left) to decrease it. Press these buttons to adjust hours, minutes, and other settings.

How do I switch between 12-hour and 24-hour time formats?
While in the time-setting mode, navigate to the hour format setting using the “Mode” button. Use the “Forward” or “Reverse” buttons to toggle between 12-hour (AM/PM) and 24-hour (military) time formats.

What should I do if my G-Shock watch has multiple time zones?
Access the World Time mode by pressing the “Mode” button until the city code appears. Use the “Forward” and “Reverse” buttons to select the desired time zone. To set the home time, return to the main timekeeping mode and adjust as needed.

How can I save the settings after adjusting the time?
Press the “Adjust” button once more after setting the correct time and date. This will exit the setting mode and save all changes.

Why is my G-Shock watch not keeping accurate time after setting it?
Ensure the watch’s battery is sufficiently charged and that you have properly exited the time-setting mode. If the problem persists, a battery replacement or professional servicing may be necessary.
Setting the time on a G-Shock watch is a straightforward process that involves entering the time-setting mode, adjusting the hour, minutes, and other relevant settings, and then confirming the changes. Most G-Shock models follow a similar procedure, typically requiring the user to hold down a specific button (often labeled “Adjust”) until the time digits begin to flash, signaling that the watch is ready for adjustment. From there, users can cycle through and modify different time components using designated buttons.

It is important to consult the specific model’s manual or guide, as button configurations and additional features may vary slightly between different G-Shock watches. Some advanced models offer features such as automatic time synchronization via radio signals or Bluetooth connectivity, which can simplify the process and enhance accuracy. Understanding these options can help users select the most efficient method for setting their watch’s time.

Overall, mastering the time-setting function on a G-Shock watch ensures accurate timekeeping and maximizes the utility of the watch’s features. By following the proper steps and utilizing available resources, users can confidently manage their watch settings and maintain optimal performance in various environments and conditions.

Author Profile

Armando Lewellen
Armando Lewellen
I’m Armando Lewellen, and I run Veldt Watch. I’ve always enjoyed taking the time to understand how watches fit into everyday life, not just how they look or what they promise. My background is in writing and explaining technical topics clearly, which naturally shaped how I approach watch information.

Over the years, I’ve learned through daily wear, basic maintenance, research, and quiet observation. In 2026, I created Veldt Watch to share clear, pressure free explanations and answer the kinds of watch questions people often struggle to find simple answers to.