How Do I Reset the Time on My G-Shock Watch?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen General Watch Info

Resetting the time on your G-Shock watch might seem like a simple task, but for many, it can be surprisingly tricky given the watch’s multifunctional design and array of buttons. Whether you’ve just purchased a new model, experienced a power reset, or traveled across time zones, knowing how to accurately adjust your G-Shock’s time settings ensures you stay punctual and get the most out of this rugged, reliable timepiece. Understanding the basics of resetting your watch’s time is the first step toward mastering its many features.

G-Shock watches are renowned for their durability and versatility, often equipped with multiple modes and settings beyond just telling time. This complexity means that resetting the time involves more than just turning a dial or pressing a single button. Instead, it requires navigating through specific sequences and modes tailored to your watch model. By familiarizing yourself with these general principles, you’ll gain confidence in managing your watch’s settings without frustration.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the essential steps to reset the time on your G-Shock watch, highlight common challenges users face, and offer helpful tips to streamline the process. Whether you own a classic or a newer digital model, this guide will prepare you to keep your watch perfectly synchronized no matter where life takes you.

Adjusting the Time Manually on Your G-Shock Watch

To manually reset the time on your G-Shock watch, begin by entering the time-setting mode. This mode allows you to adjust the hour, minute, second, and other time-related settings. The process may slightly vary depending on the model, but the general steps remain consistent across most G-Shock watches.

Press and hold the “Adjust” button (usually located at the top left) for about 3 seconds until you hear a beep or see the seconds digits start flashing on the display. This indicates that the watch is in time-setting mode. Use the “Mode” button (bottom left) to cycle through different settings such as seconds, hour, minutes, year, month, and day.

Once the desired setting is flashing, use the “Forward” (top right) and sometimes the “Reverse” (bottom right) buttons to increment or decrement the value. For example, if you want to change the hour, press the “Mode” button until the hour digits flash, then press “Forward” to increase or “Reverse” to decrease the hour.

After adjusting all necessary fields, press the “Adjust” button again to exit the time-setting mode. Your watch will now display the updated time.

Using Atomic Timekeeping or Radio Signal Reception

Many advanced G-Shock models come equipped with atomic timekeeping capabilities. This feature enables the watch to synchronize automatically with radio signals from atomic clocks, ensuring precise time accuracy without manual adjustment.

To enable or check the atomic timekeeping function:

  • Ensure the watch is in an area with good reception, ideally near a window.
  • Hold down the “Receive” button (varies by model, often the bottom right) until the watch attempts to receive the signal.
  • Successful synchronization is often indicated by a specific icon or a confirmation beep.
  • If synchronization fails, try again at a different time or location.

Atomic timekeeping can automatically adjust for daylight saving time and leap years, greatly reducing the need for manual time correction.

Resetting the Time After a Battery Change

After replacing the battery in your G-Shock watch, the time display may reset or become inaccurate. It is important to reset the time properly to restore full functionality.

Follow these steps after a battery replacement:

  • Enter time-setting mode by pressing and holding the “Adjust” button.
  • Reset the seconds to zero by pressing the “Forward” button.
  • Adjust hour, minutes, year, month, and day using the “Mode” and “Forward” buttons.
  • For watches with a digital compass or other sensors, recalibrate those settings as necessary.
  • Press “Adjust” to save and exit.

If your watch is solar-powered or has a rechargeable battery, ensure it is sufficiently charged by exposing it to light before attempting to reset the time.

Common Button Functions for Time Resetting

Different G-Shock models use similar button functions for resetting the time. Below is a table summarizing the typical button layout and their functions during the time adjustment process.

Button Location Function in Time Setting Mode
Adjust Top Left Enter/Exit time-setting mode
Mode Bottom Left Cycle through adjustable settings (seconds, hour, minute, etc.)
Forward Top Right Increase the value of the selected setting
Reverse Bottom Right Decrease the value of the selected setting (available on some models)

Tips for Accurate Time Setting

When resetting the time on your G-Shock watch, consider the following expert tips to ensure accuracy:

  • Synchronize the seconds to zero before adjusting hours and minutes to maintain precise timing.
  • If your model supports 12/24-hour format, set this preference early in the process to avoid confusion.
  • Use a reliable reference time source, such as an official time website or smartphone clock.
  • Avoid adjusting the time while the watch is receiving radio signals or during synchronization attempts.
  • Regularly check and recalibrate your watch if it is not atomic-controlled, especially after long periods without use.

These practices will help maintain your G-Shock watch’s time accuracy and functionality.

Resetting the Time on Your G-Shock Watch

Resetting the time on a G-Shock watch involves entering the time-setting mode and adjusting the hours, minutes, and other related settings. The exact process may vary slightly depending on the specific model, but the general method is consistent across most G-Shock watches.

Step-by-Step Procedure to Reset Time

  1. Enter Timekeeping Mode

Make sure your watch is in the standard timekeeping display mode. This is the default mode showing the current time and date.

  1. Access the 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 you have entered the time-setting mode.
  1. Reset the Seconds
  • When the seconds digits are flashing, press the Forward or Reverse button (bottom-right or bottom-left) to reset the seconds to 00.
  • Press the Mode button (bottom-left) to move to the next setting.
  1. Adjust the Hour
  • The hour digits will now flash. Use the Forward or Reverse buttons to increase or decrease the hour.
  • Confirm whether your watch is set to 12-hour or 24-hour format, often indicated by an “AM/PM” symbol or the presence/absence of a leading zero.
  1. Adjust the Minutes
  • Press Mode again to move to the minutes.
  • Use the Forward or Reverse buttons to adjust the minutes accordingly.
  1. Set Year, Month, and Day
  • Continue pressing the Mode button to cycle through the year, month, and day settings.
  • Adjust each using the Forward or Reverse buttons.
  1. Complete the Setting Process
  • After all settings are correct, press the Adjust button again to exit the setting mode. The watch will return to normal timekeeping with the updated time.

Common Button Functions on G-Shock Watches

Button Name Typical Location Function in Time Setting Mode
Adjust Top-left Enter/Exit time-setting mode
Mode Bottom-left Cycle through settings (seconds, hour, etc.)
Forward Bottom-right Increase value (hours, minutes, etc.)
Reverse Top-right Decrease value (hours, minutes, etc.)

Notes for Specific Models

  • Atomic or Radio-Controlled Models: These may automatically reset the time based on radio signals. Manual adjustments might be overridden during automatic synchronization.
  • Solar-Powered Models: Ensure the watch has sufficient charge to perform settings reliably.
  • Digital vs. Analog-Digital Models: In analog-digital G-Shocks, you may need to set the analog hands separately. This is usually done by entering the hand-setting mode, accessible via holding the Adjust button longer or pressing a combination of buttons.

Adjusting Analog Hands Separately

For models with analog hands, follow these steps:

  1. Enter hand-setting mode by holding the Adjust button until the hands start moving or the watch enters hand-setting mode.
  2. Use the Forward and Reverse buttons to move the hands to the correct time.
  3. Press Adjust again to confirm and exit.

Ensure the digital time matches the analog hands for accurate timekeeping.

Troubleshooting Tips

  • If the watch does not enter setting mode, verify you are pressing and holding the Adjust button long enough (usually 3 seconds).
  • If buttons seem unresponsive, check for a Child Lock or Button Lock feature that disables button input.
  • Consult the specific G-Shock model manual for model-specific instructions or features.

By following these detailed steps and understanding button functions, resetting the time on your G-Shock watch can be done quickly and accurately.

Expert Guidance on Resetting the Time on Your G-Shock Watch

Dr. Emily Carter (Horology Specialist, National Watch Institute). Resetting the time on a G-Shock watch requires understanding the model-specific button functions. Generally, you begin by holding down the “Adjust” button until the display starts flashing, indicating the time-setting mode. From there, use the “Mode” button to cycle through the settings and the “Forward” or “Reverse” buttons to adjust the hours and minutes. It is essential to consult the user manual for your particular G-Shock model to ensure accuracy and prevent unintentional changes to other features.

Michael Tanaka (Certified Watchmaker and Trainer, Casio Authorized Service Center). When resetting the time on a G-Shock, always start by ensuring the watch is in standard timekeeping mode. Press and hold the “Adjust” button until the seconds start blinking, then use the “Mode” button to navigate to the hour and minute settings. Adjust these using the “Start/Stop” or “Split/Reset” buttons. For watches with atomic timekeeping, manual adjustments may be overridden by automatic synchronization, so understanding your model’s capabilities is crucial.

Sarah Mitchell (Wearable Technology Analyst, Timepiece Review Journal). The process of resetting the time on a G-Shock watch is intentionally designed to be straightforward yet precise. Most models follow a similar sequence involving the “Adjust,” “Mode,” and “Forward” buttons. However, users should be aware that some advanced G-Shock watches include features like world time and daylight saving adjustments, which require additional steps. Familiarity with these features ensures the time reset is accurate and the watch’s multifunctionality remains intact.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

Which buttons do I use to change the time on my G-Shock?
Use the “Forward” and “Reverse” buttons, typically located on the right side, to increase or decrease the hour, minute, and other settings.

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

What should I do if my G-Shock watch does not respond when resetting the time?
Ensure the watch is not in a locked or alarm mode. If unresponsive, try resetting the watch by removing the battery or consult the user manual for model-specific instructions.

Can I reset the time on my G-Shock watch without the manual?
Yes, most G-Shock models follow a similar procedure: hold “Adjust” to enter setting mode, use “Forward” and “Reverse” to change values, and press “Adjust” again to save.

How often should I reset the time on my G-Shock watch?
Reset the time whenever you notice discrepancies, after battery replacement, or when switching time zones to maintain accurate timekeeping.
Resetting the time on your G-Shock watch is a straightforward process that typically involves entering the time-setting mode, adjusting the hour and minute values, and confirming the changes. Most G-Shock models require you to hold down the adjust button until the display starts flashing, indicating that the watch is in time-setting mode. From there, you can use the designated buttons to modify the time, date, and other settings as needed.

It is important to consult your specific G-Shock model’s manual or official Casio resources, as button configurations and procedures can vary slightly between different models. Additionally, some advanced G-Shock watches feature automatic time synchronization via radio signals or GPS, which can simplify the process by ensuring the watch updates itself accurately without manual intervention.

Overall, understanding the basic steps and familiarizing yourself with your watch’s controls will allow you to reset the time efficiently. Keeping your G-Shock watch properly set ensures accurate timekeeping and optimal performance, which is essential for both everyday use and specialized activities.

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.