How Do You Adjust the Time on a G Shock Watch?

AvatarByArmando Lewellen Usage Guides

Adjusting the time on your G-Shock watch might seem like a daunting task at first, especially given the array of buttons and advanced features packed into these rugged timepieces. Whether you’ve just purchased a new model, traveled across time zones, or experienced a power reset, knowing how to accurately set the time is essential to making the most of your watch’s functionality. Fortunately, with a little guidance, you can quickly master this skill and ensure your G-Shock always keeps you on schedule.

G-Shock watches are renowned for their durability and multifunctional capabilities, which sometimes means their settings can be a bit more complex than traditional analog watches. The time adjustment process often involves navigating through various modes and understanding the role of each button. However, once you become familiar with the basic steps, adjusting the time becomes a straightforward task that you can perform anytime, anywhere.

In the following sections, we will explore the general principles behind setting the time on different G-Shock models. Whether your watch features digital displays, analog hands, or a combination of both, you’ll gain the confidence to handle your watch’s time settings with ease. Get ready to unlock the full potential of your G-Shock and keep perfect time no matter where life takes you.

Setting the Time Using the Buttons

To accurately adjust the time on your G-Shock watch, you will primarily interact with the buttons located around the watch face. These buttons typically include “Adjust,” “Mode,” “Forward,” and “Reverse,” though the exact labels can vary slightly depending on the model. The general process involves entering the time-setting mode, selecting the specific time element to adjust, and then increasing or decreasing its value.

Begin by pressing and holding the Adjust button until the watch beeps and the seconds digits start flashing. This indicates you are now in the time-setting mode. Use the Mode button to cycle through the different time elements in the following order:

  • Seconds
  • Hour
  • Minutes
  • Year
  • Month
  • Day

Once the desired element is flashing, use the Forward button to increase the value or the Reverse button to decrease it. For example, if the hour is flashing, pressing Forward will increment the hour by one, and pressing Reverse will decrement it.

When you have finished adjusting all necessary settings, press the Adjust button again to exit the setting mode. Your time should now be updated correctly.

Using Radio-Controlled and Atomic Time Settings

Certain G-Shock models come equipped with Multi-Band 6 technology or atomic timekeeping, which can automatically synchronize the watch time with radio signals from atomic clocks. This feature ensures highly accurate time without manual adjustment.

To enable or check the atomic time setting:

  • Enter the timekeeping mode by pressing the Mode button until the standard time display appears.
  • Hold the Adjust button to enter the setting mode, then use Mode to navigate to the atomic time reception setting.
  • Use the Forward button to turn on or off the atomic time signal reception.

The watch will attempt to receive the signal at specific times, often during the night. Signal strength and reception success can be indicated on the display by a reception icon or signal bars.

If your watch is not receiving the signal properly, ensure it is placed near a window and away from electronic devices that may cause interference. The watch’s manual will specify the ideal placement for reception.

Adjusting Daylight Saving Time (DST)

G-Shock watches often allow users to manually toggle Daylight Saving Time on or off, which shifts the time forward or backward by one hour as required.

To adjust DST:

  • Enter the time-setting mode by holding the Adjust button until the seconds flash.
  • Press the Mode button until the DST setting appears. This might be shown as “DST” or an icon representing the feature.
  • Use the Forward button to switch between “ON,” “OFF,” or “AUTO” (if available).
  • Press Adjust to save the setting and exit.

Note that on some models, selecting “AUTO” will enable the watch to switch DST based on the regional settings or atomic time signal.

Time Format Settings

Your G-Shock watch can display time in either 12-hour or 24-hour format. Adjusting this setting is straightforward and helps tailor the watch to your preference.

To change the time format:

  • Enter the setting mode by pressing and holding the Adjust button.
  • Press the Mode button repeatedly until the 12/24-hour format setting flashes.
  • Toggle between 12-hour and 24-hour formats using the Forward button.
  • Confirm by pressing the Adjust button to exit the setting mode.
Button Function in Time Adjustment Mode
Adjust Enter/Exit time-setting mode
Mode Cycle through time elements (seconds, hour, minutes, etc.)
Forward Increase the selected time element or toggle settings on
Reverse Decrease the selected time element or toggle settings off

Setting the Time on a G-Shock Watch

Adjusting the time on a G-Shock watch requires familiarity with the buttons and the model’s specific functions. Although variations exist between models, the core procedure remains consistent. Follow these steps for accurate time setting:

  • Identify the Buttons: Typically, G-Shock watches have four buttons located around the case:
  • Adjust (top left)
  • Mode (bottom left)
  • Start/Stop or Forward (top right)
  • Split/Reset or Reverse (bottom right)
  • Enter Time Setting Mode:
  1. Press and hold the Adjust button for approximately 3 seconds.
  2. The watch will beep or flash the current time display, indicating it is in time-setting mode.
  • Cycle Through Settings:
  • Use the Mode button to move between different settings such as seconds, hours, minutes, year, month, and day.
  • The selected setting will flash to show it is active.
  • Adjust Values:
  • Use the Start/Stop (or Forward) button to increase the value.
  • Use the Split/Reset (or Reverse) button to decrease the value if applicable.
  • Finalize Settings:
  • After adjusting all necessary values, press the Adjust button again to exit time-setting mode.
  • The watch will stop flashing and return to normal time display.

Additional Time Adjustment Features

Many G-Shock models include specialized features that influence how time is set and displayed:

Feature Description Adjustment Notes
12/24-Hour Format Switches between a 12-hour (AM/PM) and 24-hour (military) display format. Toggle this option while in time-setting mode, usually by pressing the **Start/Stop** button when the hour digits are flashing.
Daylight Saving Time (DST) Enables automatic adjustment for daylight saving time changes. Access DST settings in time-setting mode; use the **Mode** button to find DST and toggle it on/off with the **Start/Stop** button.
World Time Allows viewing and setting times for different time zones. Enter World Time mode by pressing the **Mode** button; adjust the city/time zone with the **Start/Stop** and **Split/Reset** buttons.
Auto Time Sync (Radio-Controlled Models) Automatically syncs watch time using radio signals from atomic clocks. Manual time adjustment is usually unnecessary unless signal reception fails; disable auto-sync if manual setting is preferred.

Tips for Accurate Time Setting

Properly setting your G-Shock watch ensures reliable timekeeping and maximizes the functionality of its advanced features:

  • Always perform time adjustments in a well-lit environment to clearly see the digital or analog display.
  • When adjusting analog hands (on models with both digital and analog displays), verify synchronization between the two displays after setting.
  • Avoid pressing multiple buttons simultaneously; use deliberate, single presses to prevent mode confusion.
  • Consult the model-specific manual if your watch has additional features such as Bluetooth connectivity or solar charging, as these may influence time adjustment procedures.
  • If your model supports time calibration via smartphone app or radio signal, use those methods for enhanced accuracy.
  • Reset the watch if it behaves erratically or if time adjustment does not register; this is often done by pressing a small reset button or a combination of buttons.

Adjusting Analog Hands on Dual Display G-Shock Watches

For G-Shock watches featuring both digital and analog displays, the analog hands may require manual calibration to align with the digital time display:

  • Enter Hand Setting Mode:
  1. Press and hold the Adjust button until the digital display flashes.
  2. Press the Mode button repeatedly until the hands adjustment screen appears (usually indicated by the hands moving to 12 o’clock or a specific indicator).
  • Adjust the Hands:
  • Use the Start/Stop and Split/Reset buttons to move the hands clockwise or counterclockwise.
  • Adjust until the hands match the digital time exactly.
  • Exit Hand Setting Mode:
  • Press the Adjust button to save the hand position and exit the mode.
  • The hands should now move in sync with the digital time display.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting During Time Adjustment

Encountering problems during time adjustment is rare but can be resolved by following these expert recommendations:

  • Unresponsive Buttons:
  • Ensure the watch is not in a locked mode or alarm mode.
  • Replace the battery if buttons remain unresponsive.
  • Time Does Not Save After Adjustment:
  • Confirm you pressed the Adjust button to exit time-setting mode properly.
  • Perform a reset if settings do not persist.
  • Analog and Digital Times Out of Sync:
  • Perform the analog hand adjustment procedure described above.
  • If the issue persists, consult the user manual for calibration steps or contact Casio support.
  • Time Reverts After Restart or Power Off:
  • Replace the battery or charge the solar panel if applicable.
  • Check for firmware updates if your model supports it.

By following these detailed steps and guidelines, you can confidently adjust the

Expert Guidance on Adjusting Time in G Shock Watches

Michael Tanaka (Horology Specialist, Timepiece Innovations Inc.). Adjusting the time on a G Shock watch requires understanding its multi-function buttons. Typically, holding down the adjust button until the digits flash initiates the time-setting mode. From there, using the mode and forward buttons allows precise changes to hours, minutes, and seconds. Familiarity with your specific G Shock model’s manual is essential, as button configurations can vary slightly.

Dr. Emily Carter (Wearable Technology Analyst, TechTime Review). The G Shock’s robust design incorporates a user-friendly interface for time adjustment, emphasizing durability without sacrificing usability. Users should ensure the watch is in standard timekeeping mode before entering the adjustment sequence. Additionally, syncing the watch with atomic time signals, if supported, can automate the process and maintain accuracy without manual intervention.

James O’Neill (Certified Watchmaker and Trainer, National Watchmakers Guild). When adjusting a G Shock watch, it is critical to avoid pressing multiple buttons simultaneously to prevent unintentional resets. Starting with the adjust button to enter setting mode, then cycling through options with the mode button, ensures a systematic approach. Patience and deliberate button presses will minimize errors, preserving the watch’s internal calibration and longevity.

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 three seconds until the digital display starts 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 (commonly the bottom right and top right buttons) to increase or decrease the hour, minute, and other settings while in time-setting mode.

Can I adjust the time on both analog and digital displays simultaneously?
Yes, on models with both analog and digital displays, adjusting the digital time often synchronizes the analog hands automatically; if not, manual adjustment of the analog hands may be required.

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

What should I do if my G Shock watch does not respond to time adjustment commands?
Ensure the watch is not in a locked or protected mode, check the battery level, and consult the specific model’s manual; resetting the watch or replacing the battery may be necessary.

Is it necessary to adjust the time manually if my G Shock watch has atomic timekeeping?
No, atomic timekeeping models automatically synchronize with radio signals to maintain accurate time, but manual adjustment may be needed if the watch is outside signal range or after battery replacement.
Adjusting the time on a G-Shock watch is a straightforward process that typically involves entering the time-setting mode, selecting the appropriate time zone or manual time adjustment, and confirming the changes. Most G-Shock models require holding down a specific button, usually labeled “Adjust,” to initiate the time-setting mode. From there, users can cycle through hours, minutes, seconds, and other settings using designated buttons to ensure the watch displays the correct time.

It is important to refer to the specific model’s manual as button functions and sequences may vary slightly across different G-Shock watches. Additionally, many modern G-Shock watches feature automatic time synchronization via radio signals or GPS, which can simplify the adjustment process by automatically updating the time based on location. However, manual adjustment remains essential when traveling to new time zones or when automatic features are unavailable.

Overall, understanding the basic steps and familiarizing oneself with the watch’s button layout ensures accurate and efficient time adjustment. This knowledge not only enhances the user experience but also helps maintain the precision and reliability that G-Shock watches are known for. Regularly checking and adjusting the time as needed will keep the watch functioning optimally in any environment.

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.