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

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Usage Guides

Setting the correct time on your G-Shock watch is essential for making the most of its robust features and ensuring you stay punctual in any situation. Known for their durability and multifunctionality, G-Shock watches are a favorite among adventurers, athletes, and everyday users alike. However, with their array of buttons and settings, adjusting the time might seem a bit daunting at first glance.

Whether you’ve just purchased a new G-Shock or need to reset the time after traveling across time zones, understanding the basics of how to set your watch is key to unlocking its full potential. From analog-digital hybrids to fully digital models, each G-Shock offers a slightly different approach to time-setting, but the process remains straightforward once you know the steps. This guide will walk you through the essentials, helping you confidently navigate your watch’s controls.

Before diving into the specifics, it’s helpful to appreciate the versatility and precision that G-Shock watches bring to your wrist. Beyond just telling time, these watches often include features like world time, alarms, and stopwatch functions—all of which rely on accurate time settings. By mastering how to set the time, you ensure your G-Shock remains a reliable companion, no matter where life takes you.

Adjusting the Time Using the Button Configuration

To set the time on your G-Shock watch, the process typically involves using the buttons located around the watch face. Each button serves a specific purpose, such as entering the time-setting mode, adjusting hours, minutes, and other settings. While the exact button layout can vary slightly between models, the general procedure remains consistent.

Begin by pressing and holding the Adjust button (usually located at the top-left corner) for about 3 seconds. This action initiates the time-setting mode, and you should notice the seconds digits start to flash on the display, indicating that you are now able to modify the time.

Use the Mode button (commonly the bottom-left button) to cycle through the different settings you can adjust. The sequence typically follows seconds, hours, minutes, year, month, and day. When the desired setting is flashing, use the Forward (top-right) and Reverse (bottom-right) buttons to increase or decrease the value.

Once you have set all the values correctly, press the Adjust button again to exit the time-setting mode. The watch will then return to its normal timekeeping mode with the updated time displayed.

Understanding the Button Functions for Common G-Shock Models

Different G-Shock models may have slight variations in button functions, but the following table summarizes the most common button assignments used during time setting:

Button Common Location Function During Time Setting
Adjust Top-left Enter/Exit time-setting mode
Mode Bottom-left Cycle through settings (seconds, hour, minute, etc.)
Forward Top-right Increase the flashing value
Reverse Bottom-right Decrease the flashing value (not available on all models)

If your model lacks a Reverse button, the Forward button may cycle values in only one direction. Refer to your specific model’s manual for exact details.

Setting World Time and Daylight Saving Time (DST)

Many G-Shock watches include a world time feature that allows you to view the current time in various time zones. To adjust the world time or enable Daylight Saving Time (DST), follow these steps after entering the time-setting mode:

  • Press the Mode button to navigate to the world time or city code setting.
  • Use the Forward and Reverse buttons to select the desired city code or time zone.
  • To toggle DST on or off, press the Adjust button briefly or follow the instructions specific to your model.

Activating DST will typically advance the time by one hour automatically, ensuring your watch displays the correct local time during daylight saving periods.

Additional Tips for Accurate Time Setting

When setting the time on your G-Shock watch, consider these expert tips to ensure precision:

  • Synchronize your watch time with a reliable source, such as an atomic clock or your smartphone.
  • Ensure the watch is in Timekeeping Mode before attempting adjustments.
  • If your watch has an auto-calendar feature, make sure the date and year are set correctly to avoid discrepancies.
  • When adjusting the seconds, pressing the Adjust button can sometimes reset the seconds to zero for accurate synchronization.
  • If your model supports radio-controlled timekeeping or GPS time sync, use those features for automatic updates instead of manual setting.

By carefully following these instructions and understanding your watch’s button layout, you can confidently set and maintain the correct time on your G-Shock watch.

Setting the Time on a G-Shock Watch

Setting the time on a G-Shock watch involves a series of steps that slightly vary depending on the specific model, but the general procedure remains consistent across most versions. The following instructions outline the standard method to manually set the time on a typical digital or analog-digital G-Shock watch.

Before starting, ensure your watch is in the standard timekeeping mode. If it is displaying the date, stopwatch, or another function, press the Mode button until the time display appears.

  • Enter Time Setting Mode: Press and hold the Adjust button (usually located at the top-left) for about 3 seconds until the seconds digits start flashing, indicating you are in the time setting mode.
  • Reset Seconds: When the seconds are flashing, press the Forward button (often the bottom-right) to reset seconds to 00. If the seconds count is between 30 and 59, resetting will also increment the minutes by one.
  • Adjust Other Settings: Press the Mode button to cycle through the adjustable settings in this order:
    • Seconds
    • Hour
    • Minutes
    • Year
    • Month
    • Day
    • 12/24-Hour Format
  • Change Values: Use the Forward button to increase the value. On some models, a Reverse button (bottom-left) allows decreasing values.
  • Finalize Settings: After setting all required values, press the Adjust button again to exit the setting mode. The watch will return to normal timekeeping with the updated time.

Adjusting the Analog Hands on Analog-Digital G-Shock Models

For G-Shock watches with both analog and digital displays, synchronizing the analog hands with the digital time is essential for accurate timekeeping.

If the analog hands do not match the digital time, follow these steps to adjust them:

  • Enter time setting mode by pressing and holding the Adjust button until the seconds flash.
  • Press the Mode button repeatedly until the watch enters the hand adjustment mode, often indicated by the hands moving to a specific position or flashing.
  • Use the Forward and Reverse buttons to move the hands clockwise or counterclockwise to align them with the digital time.
  • Press the Adjust button to confirm and exit the hand setting mode.

Additional Tips for Accurate Time Setting

Tip Explanation
Use Radio Signal or Bluetooth Sync (if available) Many modern G-Shock models automatically adjust time via radio signals or smartphone Bluetooth connection. Enable these features for precise automatic time updates.
Set Time in 24-Hour Format Setting the watch to 24-hour time format can reduce confusion between AM and PM times.
Ensure Battery is Sufficient Low battery power may cause inaccurate timekeeping or prevent time adjustment. Replace or recharge the battery if necessary.
Perform Hand Home Position Adjustment If analog hands are misaligned or skipping, perform a hand home position adjustment to recalibrate the hands. Consult the specific manual for this procedure.

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

Michael Tanaka (Horology Specialist, Timepiece Innovations Inc.). Setting the time on a G Shock watch requires understanding its multi-functionality. Start by pressing and holding the adjust button until the digits flash, indicating the watch is in time-setting mode. Use the mode button to cycle through hours, minutes, and seconds, adjusting each with the forward and reverse buttons. It is crucial to ensure the watch is not in daylight saving or world time mode during this process to avoid confusion.

Dr. Elena Ruiz (Wearable Technology Expert, TechTime Research Lab). The G Shock’s robust design includes a straightforward yet precise method for time adjustment. Users should first identify their specific model’s button layout since variations exist. Generally, entering the setting mode involves holding the top-left button, then navigating with the bottom-left button. Adjustments are made using the top and bottom right buttons. Patience and careful button pressing prevent accidental mode changes or resets.

James O’Connor (Certified Watchmaker and Trainer, National Watch Academy). From a watchmaker’s perspective, the key to setting a G Shock watch correctly lies in following the sequence of button presses exactly as outlined in the manual. Many users overlook the importance of confirming each step by waiting for the display to stop flashing before proceeding. Additionally, synchronizing the watch with an atomic clock or smartphone can enhance accuracy after manual setting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I enter the time-setting mode on a G Shock watch?
Press and hold the “Adjust” button until the seconds start flashing, indicating that the watch is in time-setting mode.

Which buttons do I use to change the time on a G Shock watch?
Use the “Forward” and “Reverse” buttons, typically located on the right side, to increase or decrease the values for hours, minutes, and other settings.

Can I set the time manually if my G Shock watch has atomic timekeeping?
Yes, you can manually set the time, but atomic timekeeping will automatically adjust the time when a signal is received, ensuring accuracy.

How do I switch between 12-hour and 24-hour time formats on a G Shock?
While in the time-setting mode, navigate to the hour format setting and toggle between 12-hour and 24-hour formats using the “Forward” or “Reverse” buttons.

What should I do if my G Shock watch is not responding during time adjustment?
Ensure the watch is not in a locked mode or alarm setting; try pressing the “Mode” button to cycle to the time display, then attempt to enter time-setting mode again.

Is it necessary to reset the watch after setting the time on a G Shock?
No reset is required; simply press the “Adjust” button again to exit the time-setting mode and save your changes.
Setting the time on a G-Shock watch involves a straightforward process that typically requires entering the time-setting mode, adjusting the hour, minutes, and other relevant settings, and then confirming the changes. Most G-Shock models use a combination of button presses—usually involving the ‘Mode,’ ‘Adjust,’ and directional buttons—to navigate through the settings and make precise adjustments. It is essential to refer to the specific model’s manual, as button configurations and features can vary slightly between different G-Shock watches.

Key takeaways include the importance of ensuring the watch is in the correct mode before attempting to set the time, as well as understanding the function of each button to avoid confusion. Many G-Shock watches also offer additional features such as world time, daylight saving adjustments, and 12/24-hour format settings, which can be customized during the time-setting process. Familiarity with these features enhances the overall user experience and ensures accurate timekeeping.

In summary, mastering the time-setting procedure on a G-Shock watch not only ensures accurate time display but also unlocks the full potential of the watch’s multifunctional capabilities. By following the designated steps carefully and consulting the user manual when necessary, users can efficiently set and maintain the correct time

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.