Start with the Mode Button to Navigate Settings

G-Shock watches use a Mode button — usually on the lower left of the watch face — to move between different functions. Press it repeatedly and you'll cycle through timekeeping, alarms, stopwatch, and settings. The display shows you which mode you're in. Most adjustments happen in the timekeeping mode, which is where you set the time and date.

Before you start, locate the four buttons on your watch: Mode (lower left), Select or Set (lower right), Start/Stop (upper right), and Adjust (upper left). Different G-Shock models vary slightly, but these names and positions are standard. Your watch manual will show the exact button layout for your model — if you don't have it, search "[your model number] manual PDF" online and you'll find it free.

Key Takeaways

  • Press Mode repeatedly to cycle to timekeeping mode, then hold Adjust to enter time-setting screen.
  • Use Select to move between hours, minutes, and seconds; use Start/Stop to change the number in each field.
  • Set the date the same way — Mode to timekeeping, hold Adjust, then Select and Start/Stop to change month and day.
  • Alarms are set in alarm mode, accessed by pressing Mode until the alarm icon appears on screen.
  • If your watch stops responding to button presses, remove the battery for 30 seconds and reinsert it to reset.

Setting the Time and Date

Press Mode until you see the time display with no other icons active — this is timekeeping mode. Now hold down the Adjust button (upper left) for about two seconds until the hour digits start flashing. This means you've entered time-setting mode.

Once the hour is flashing, press Select (lower right) to move to the minutes field, then press it again to move to seconds. While any field is flashing, press Start/Stop (upper right) repeatedly to increase the number. The number will cycle through — keep pressing until you reach the correct value. When you've set all three fields, hold Adjust again for two seconds to save and exit.

To set the date, stay in timekeeping mode and hold Adjust for about four seconds instead of two. The month will flash. Use Select to move between month, day, and year, and Start/Stop to change each number. Hold Adjust again to save. Some G-Shock models show the date at the bottom of the screen; others require you to press a separate button to view it.

Setting and Managing Alarms

Press Mode until you see an alarm icon on the display — usually a bell symbol. You're now in alarm mode. Press Select to choose which alarm you want to set (most G-Shocks have four alarms). The alarm number will flash on screen.

Hold Adjust to enter alarm-setting mode. The hour will flash. Use Select to move between hours and minutes, and Start/Stop to change the numbers. Once you've set the time, hold Adjust to save. To turn an alarm on or off, stay in alarm mode with that alarm selected and press Start/Stop — the display will show whether it's active.

If you want an alarm to repeat every day, look for a "repeat" or "daily" setting in alarm mode — this varies by model. Some watches require you to set each alarm individually; others let you toggle a daily repeat option. Check your manual for your specific model's alarm repeat feature.

Adjusting the Display Brightness and Contrast

Many G-Shock models have a backlight you can control. Press Mode until you reach a settings or display mode — this is often marked with a gear icon or labeled "SET" on the screen. Once there, press Select to navigate to brightness or backlight settings.

Press Start/Stop to cycle through brightness levels. Some models offer a few preset levels; others let you adjust continuously. Hold Adjust to save your choice and return to the previous menu. If your model has contrast adjustment, it's usually in the same settings area.

Changing the Time Format Between 12-Hour and 24-Hour

Enter settings mode by pressing Mode until you see a settings icon. Press Select to find the time format option — it's often labeled "12H/24H" or "FORMAT". Press Start/Stop to toggle between 12-hour (showing AM/PM) and 24-hour format.

Once you've chosen, hold Adjust to save. Your watch will when ready display the time in the new format. This change doesn't affect your alarms — they'll still sound at the time you set, regardless of which format you're viewing.

Resetting Your Watch If Buttons Stop Responding

If your G-Shock isn't responding to button presses or the display looks frozen, a reset usually fixes it. Open the small battery cover on the back of the watch using a coin or small screwdriver — turn it counterclockwise. Remove the battery and wait 30 seconds, then reinsert it and close the cover.

The watch will restart and return to factory settings. You'll need to reset the time, date, and alarms. This is a safe procedure and won't damage the watch. If the watch still doesn't respond after a reset, the battery may be dead — G-Shock batteries typically last two to three years depending on alarm use and backlight frequency.

Finding Your Specific Model's Manual

G-Shock makes dozens of models, and button functions vary between them. If the steps above don't match what you're seeing on your watch, search for your model number online with "manual" — you'll find a PDF from Casio with exact instructions for your watch.

Your model number is printed on the back of the watch, usually near the battery cover. It starts with letters like "G-2900" or "DW-6900" followed by numbers. Once you have the manual, you can see the exact button layout and menu structure for your model, which takes the guesswork out of navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my G-Shock keep losing time?

G-Shock watches are quartz and very accurate, but if yours loses time, the battery is likely dying. A dying battery causes the watch to run slow before it stops completely. Replace the battery — you can do this yourself with a coin and a new CR2032 or similar battery from any drugstore, or take it to a watch repair shop.

Can I set different times for different time zones?

Some G-Shock models have a world time feature that lets you display two time zones at once. Enter settings mode and look for "CITY" or "WORLD TIME" — if your model has it, you can select a second city and toggle between the two. Not all models offer this, so check your manual.

What does the button labeled "Light" do?

That button turns on the backlight so you can see the display in the dark. Press it once to turn the light on; it will stay on for a few seconds then turn off automatically. Pressing it repeatedly drains the battery faster, so use it only when you need it.

How do I turn off all my alarms at once?

You have to turn off each alarm individually. Press Mode to enter alarm mode, use Select to choose each alarm, then press Start/Stop to toggle it off. There's no master "silence all alarms" button on most G-Shock models.

My watch is beeping randomly — how do I stop it?

Your watch is likely in hourly chime mode, which beeps once every hour. Enter settings mode and look for "CHIME" or "HOURLY SIGNAL" — press Start/Stop to turn it off. If that's not it, check that no alarms are set to go off soon by entering alarm mode and reviewing each one.