Casio has been making G Shock watches for over 36 years. The original G Shock inventor, Kikuo Ibe, was tired of his digital watches breaking so he decided to solve the problem.  The rest is watch history!

Since that fateful day back in 1983, Casio has been expanding the range of G Shock watches more and more. In fact, this iconic watch series is so large it is often hard to find the very best G Shock watches on the market.

Our Top Picks

So, in this review I am going to cover some of the classics, the most popular and the best G-shock watch that Casio has to offer!

Product overview

Casio Men's G-Shock Quartz Watch with Resin Strap, Black, 20 (Model: DW5600E-1V)
Original G Shock

G Shock DW5600E-1V

  • Quartz analog movement
  • Mineral crystal
Casio G-Shock GA-1100 Gravitymaster Stylish Watch - Blue / One Size

G-SHOCK GA 100-1A1 Military Series

  • Black-out Watch
  • Quartz analog movement
Casio Men's G-Shock DW9052-1V Shock Resistant Black Resin Sport Watch
Durable & Affordable

Casio G Shock DW9052-1V

  • Super durable
  • Digital display
Casio G-Shock Mudman Super Dual Illuminator Men's Quartz 52mm Digital Watch G9000-1V
Best For Mud

Casio G Shock Mudman G9000-1V

  • Quartz analog movement
  • Mineral crystal
Casio Men's GW-9400BJ-1JF G-Shock Master of G Rangeman Digital Solar Black Carbon Fiber Insert Watch
For The Outdoors

Casio G-Shock Rangeman GW-9400BJ-1JF

  • Sunrise/sunset data, Countdown timer, Elapsed time, World Time, 5 Alarms, Atomic time
  • Digital display
Casio Men's GG-1000-1A3CR Mudmaster G-SHOCK Quartz Casual Watch, Green

Casio G-Shock GG-1000-1A3CR Mudmaster

  • 31 time zones, Daylight saving, Stopwatch, Countdown timer, 5 daily alarms, Hourly time signal, Full auto-calendar
  • Digital Compass, Thermometer
G-SHOCK [Casio] CASIO Watch GULFMASTER GN-1000-1AJF Men's
On The Water

G Shock Gulfmaster GN-1000

  • Special Functions: Tide graph and moon age graph, bearing memory, compass, thermometer
  • Digital display
CASIO G-SHOCK Connected GMW-B5000D-1JF Radio Solar Watch (Japan Domestic Genuine Product)
Modern Dress Watch

Casio G Shock GMW-B5000D-1JF

  • Atomic timekeeping, Bluetooth connection
  • 39 time zones, alarms, countdown timer, stopwatch and of course great illumination
Casio Men's XL Series G-Shock Quartz 200M WR Shock Resistant Resin Color: Matte Tan (Model GA-700UC-5ACR)

Casio G Shock GA-700UC

  • 48 cities and UTC timezones, 4 daily alarms & 1 snooze, stopwatch, and countdown timer, illuminator with afterglow, handshift function
  • Digital watch

Best G Shock Watches

Casio Men's G-Shock Quartz Watch with Resin Strap, Black, 20 (Model: DW5600E-1V)
Original G Shock

G Shock DW5600E-1V

Let’s start with the modern version of the original DW-5000C, the G Shock DW5600. It is very much like the original, only tweaked and improved as you would expect.

This is the kind of G Shock you get when you are don’t want that more modern “chunky” and oversized G Shock style. The overall case size is only 48.9 mm, and 13mm thick, which is better suited to less chunky wrists and more everyday wear in the office.

Sure, you may forsake the super protection of the tougher G Shocks, but this model is still a durable timepiece and also includes all the basic digital watch functions, including backlight!

See our full DW-5600 review here.

Specifications

  • Quartz analog movement
  • Mineral crystal
  • Resin case and band
  • Alarm, Stopwatch, Countdown timer, EL backlight
  • Water-resistant to 200m (660ft)
  • Shock resistant
  • Case size: 48.9 × 42.8 × 13.4mm
Casio G-Shock GA-1100 Gravitymaster Stylish Watch - Blue / One Size

G-SHOCK GA 100-1A1 Military Series

This military-style G Shock is super rugged, waterproof and shock-resistant, so you know you can count on it when the going gets rough. It has a riveted screw case with recessed buttons and a well-protected bezel. And it’s an “all black” model that will suit those looking for a blackout look.

It also comes with a strong backlight LED which you can rely on in low-light, and there is a range of digital functions you can use in all manner of situations. This includes a stopwatch, and countdown timer, hourly time signal, 12/24hr time, 29 zone world time, 5 alarms, and an automatic calendar.

This watch is lacking some of the extra sensors you get in the higher end ranges, but it should be more than enough for most.

Specifications

  • Black-out Watch
  • Quartz analog movement
  • Mineral crystal
  • Plastic case with silicone band
  • Bright backlight, stopwatch, countdown timer, 29 zone world time, 5 alarms, automatic calendar
  • Water resistant to 200m (660ft)
  • Case size: 55 x 51.2 x 16.9mm
Casio Men's G-Shock DW9052-1V Shock Resistant Black Resin Sport Watch
Durable & Affordable

Casio G Shock DW9052-1V

The DW9052-1V model from G Shock is one of those timeless classics that can be seen on many a police professional or military personnel’s wrist. And for very good reason. Not only is this G Shock watch designed to take it, with shock resistance and 200m water resistance. The design has stood the test of time. They use two layers of plastic to absorb and protect, which means that this thing can seriously take a beating.

Sure, it is not a dainty timepiece you will be wearing out on date night, but for a day to day beating, you can’t go past the DW9052-1V. It doesn’t have any other remarkable features to speak of. Just the usual digital functions (countdown timer, stopwatch, alarm, illumination). But hey, when you just want a watch that works, and lasts, why spend a fortune on something that will just break?

Specifications

  • Super durable
  • Digital display
  • Mineral Crystal
  • Water-resistant to 200m (660ft)
  • Functions: Backlight, alarm, stopwatch
  • Case size: 46 x 15 mm
Casio G-Shock Mudman Super Dual Illuminator Men's Quartz 52mm Digital Watch G9000-1V
Best For Mud

Casio G Shock Mudman G9000-1V

Ever since the mid-nineties, Casio has been releasing the G Shock Mudman to great acclaim. It is a watch that is not only designed to be tough, but to also function, and ensure when the going gets very very dirty. It was first designed with urethane on the buttons and a thick bezel to withstand anything the mud and dirt can throw at it. And it is low-temperature resistant, just for something extra.

So, if you think you will be taking your wrist, and your watch with it, through some tough conditions, then the Mudman might just be the classic G Shock watch you need!

There are countless variations of this watch, but this model is one of the most popular. It has a stand-out red accent on all the buttons, and the ever-reliable protection around the bezel you expect on a Mudman. The time and other information is easy to read on the dial, and the dual illuminator (lighting both the dial and LCD) is no problem in low-light.

In terms of functions, it has the usual suspects: 29 time zones (48 cities), daylight saving on/off, 1/100 second stopwatch, countdown timer,four alarms, hourly signal, auto calendar and 12/24 hour time.

And in case you are not a fan of those larger G Shocks, this one measures just 49mm across, so is a reasonable size for this kind of Casio.

Specifications

  • Quartz analog movement
  • Mineral crystal
  • Resin case and band
  • Bright backlight, 29 time zones (48 cities), daylight saving on/off, 1/100 second stopwatch, countdown timer, four alarms, hourly signal, auto calendar and 12/24 hour time.
  • Water resistant to 200m (660ft)
  • Case size: 49 x 16 mm
Casio Men's GW-9400BJ-1JF G-Shock Master of G Rangeman Digital Solar Black Carbon Fiber Insert Watch
For The Outdoors

Casio G-Shock Rangeman GW-9400BJ-1JF

The G-Shock Rangeman is the sun-powered watch for you if outdoor features are what you are after. It’s a G-Shock watch loved by military personnel, which means it features things like: sunrise/sunset data, Altimeter/Barometer, Thermometer, and Digital Compass.

Like all other G-Shock watches, it’s 200m water resistance and shock-resistant, so it will last. Additionally, it’s also mud resistant around the case and buttons, just like the Mudman.

The list of functions that are included is a stopwatch, countdown, and alarms. But this G-Shock model takes things a step further!

Never be late again with the correct time, all the time. That means atomic timekeeping which is updated at least once a day. Then there is Tough Solar, these are G-Shock solar watches that charge from our friend the sun. So, no more dead batteries when you least expect it!

 

Specifications

  • Sunrise/sunset data, Countdown timer, Elapsed time, World Time, 5 Alarms, Atomic time
  • Digital display
  • Resin plastic band and case
  • Triple sensor: Altimeter/Barometer, Thermometer, Compass
  • Water-resistant to 200m (660ft)
  • Case size: 44 x 10mm
Casio Men's GG-1000-1A3CR Mudmaster G-SHOCK Quartz Casual Watch, Green

Casio G-Shock GG-1000-1A3CR Mudmaster

Part of G-Shocks Master of G Series, the Mudmaster usually takes things a step further than the Mudman (depending on the specific model of course). The usual 200m water resistance and shock resistance applies, as does G Shocks mud resistance in this case. They have used a triple gasket system on all moving components (yes, the buttons) to ensure nothing gets in. And this particular G-Shock model also has ISO 764 Class Magnetic Resistance. You also get an analog-digital display, so have two ways of telling the time.

Unlike many other G shocks, this one is designed with easy to interchange bands. So you can chop and change the look of your watch far more easily.

In terms of functions, there is a digital compass and a thermometer. Which may or may not be useful, depending on what you intend on doing with this watch. The rest of the functionality is quite standard with

  • World time – 31 time zones
  • Daylight saving
  • 1/100-second stopwatch
  • Countdown timer
  • 5 daily alarms (with 1 snooze alarm)
  • Hourly time signal
  • Low battery alert
  • Full auto-calendar (to year 2099)
  • 12/24-hour format

Specifications

  • 31 time zones, Daylight saving, Stopwatch, Countdown timer, 5 daily alarms, Hourly time signal, Full auto-calendar
  • Digital Compass, Thermometer
  • Digital & Analog display
  • Mineral Crystal
  • ISO 764 Class Magnetic Resistance
  • Resin plastic band and case
  • Water resistant to 200 meters (660ft)
  • Case size: 56.2×55.3×17.3mm
G-SHOCK [Casio] CASIO Watch GULFMASTER GN-1000-1AJF Men's
On The Water

G Shock Gulfmaster GN-1000

For water-lovers, you can’t go past a water-lovers G-Shock watch – the Gulfmaster GN-1000. There is also a tide graph and moon age graph, which is great if you spend time on the water. It also has a dual digital/analog display like many G Shocks, as well as great shock and water resistance.

This G Shock watch has a Twin Sensor (compass and thermometer) along with bearing memory.

Of course, it also comes with a high-brightness auto LED light so you can always see the display. The other digital watch functions we all know and love (timer, stopwatch, alarms etc).

Specifications

  • Special Functions: Tide graph and moon age graph, bearing memory, compass, thermometer
  • Digital display
  • Mineral Crystal
  • Resin plastic band and case
  • 200 meters (660ft) water resistance
  • Case size: 50.5×53.4×15.9mm
CASIO G-SHOCK Connected GMW-B5000D-1JF Radio Solar Watch (Japan Domestic Genuine Product)
Modern Dress Watch

Casio G Shock GMW-B5000D-1JF

This is the super-modern version of the retro DW5600 G-Shock line. Rather than plastic, the stainless steel case and band stand out from first glance and are far classier than most G Shocks. You could even wear this G-Shock model as a retro dress watch if you wanted.

The GMW-B5000D was actually developed to celebrate the 35th anniversary of G Shock watch back in 2018. And of course, Casio has taken things to a whole new level. Not only with the materials, but also the tech.

This model has a multi band 6, that autocorrects the time. There is a built-in Bluetooth connection you can use to connect it with your smartphone. It has world time for 39 time zones, alarms, countdown timer, stopwatch and of course great illumination. And, it has G Shock Tough solar, so you don’t need to worry about running out of battery!

Specifications

  • Atomic timekeeping, Bluetooth connection
  • 39 time zones, alarms, countdown timer, stopwatch and of course great illumination
  • Digital display
  • Mineral Crystal
  • Stainless steel band and case
  • 200 meters (660ft) water resistance
  • Case size: 49.3×43.2×13mm
Casio Men's XL Series G-Shock Quartz 200M WR Shock Resistant Resin Color: Matte Tan (Model GA-700UC-5ACR)

Casio G Shock GA-700UC

Another popular series from G Shock is the GA-700 range. It has all the hallmarks of the indestructible G Shock watch, with the over-protected case and bezel. The buttons are all stainless steel and easy to grip, including the illuminator button conveniently on the front. It comes in a range of colors, all muted earthy tones which are great for the outdoors or those working with their hands. However, it also comes in a brighter range of colors including blue, red, white and the usual G Shock black.

Features include 48 cities and UTC timezones, 4 daily alarms & 1 snooze, stopwatch, and countdown timer. Illuminator with afterglow (you can set). There is also a hand shift feature to move the analog hands out of the way of the digital display on the bottom.

 

 

Specifications

  • 48 cities and UTC timezones, 4 daily alarms & 1 snooze, stopwatch, and countdown timer, illuminator with afterglow, handshift function
  • Digital watch
  • Mineral crystal window
  • Resin case and band
  • Water-resistant to 200m (600ft)
  • Case size: 57.5×53.4×18.4mm