The fastest way to set your G-Shock time

Most G-Shock watches use the same basic method: press the button labeled Mode until you reach the time-setting screen, then use the other buttons to adjust hours and minutes. The exact button sequence depends on your specific model, but the principle is identical across the brand. You do not need any tools or a computer — everything happens on the watch itself.

G-Shock makes dozens of models, and each one has a slightly different button layout and menu structure. Before you start, locate your watch's model number — it is printed on the back of the case or in the instruction manual — so you can follow the right steps. If you have lost the manual, the G-Shock website and YouTube both have video guides for nearly every model ever made.

Key Takeaways

  • Press Mode repeatedly to navigate to the time-setting screen, which usually shows the hour and minute fields highlighted or blinking.
  • Use the button labeled Adjust or the up and down arrow buttons to change the hour, then press Mode or a similar button to move to the minutes field.
  • After you set both the hour and minutes, press Mode again to exit the time-setting screen and return to the normal display.
  • If your G-Shock has a seconds field, you can usually reset it to zero by pressing a dedicated button or holding down a button during the time-setting process.
  • Some digital G-Shock models let you toggle between 12-hour and 24-hour time format before you set the hours, so check whether your watch is in the correct format first.

Finding the Mode button and understanding the menu

The Mode button is always on the left side of your G-Shock, usually at the top or bottom of that edge. Pressing it cycles through the watch's different screens: time display, alarm, timer, stopwatch, and settings. Each press moves you forward one screen. When you reach the time-setting screen, you will see the hour and minute fields either highlighted in a darker color or blinking on and off.

The number of presses it takes to reach the time screen varies by model. Some watches reach it in two presses; others take four or five. If you overshoot and go past the time screen, keep pressing Mode — the menu loops, so you will come back around to it. There is no penalty for cycling through the menu multiple times.

Adjusting the hour field

Once the hour field is highlighted or blinking, look for a button labeled Adjust, or buttons with up and down arrows. On most G-Shock models, the up arrow is on the right side of the watch (top button) and the down arrow is below it. Press the up arrow to increase the hour; press the down arrow to decrease it. The hour will cycle from 1 to 12 (or 0 to 23 if your watch is in 24-hour format) and then loop back to the beginning.

Hold down the up or down button if you need to jump several hours forward or backward — the hour will scroll continuously rather than changing one number at a time. This is much faster than tapping the button repeatedly. Release the button when you reach the correct hour.

Moving to the minutes and setting them

After the hour is set, press the Mode button once to move the highlight to the minutes field. The minutes will now blink or be highlighted instead of the hour. Use the same up and down arrow buttons to adjust the minutes. Minutes usually increment by one with each press, so if you need to move from 15 to 45, you will need to press the up arrow 30 times — or hold it down and let it scroll.

Some G-Shock models let you hold down the button to scroll through minutes in larger jumps (every 5 or 10 minutes instead of every 1 minute). Check your watch's behavior the first time you adjust — if it jumps by fives, you can use that to your advantage. If it increments by ones, holding the button is still faster than tapping.

Resetting seconds and exiting the time-setting screen

After you set the minutes, press Mode again to exit the time-setting screen. The watch will return to its normal time display, and your new time is now saved. The seconds will have advanced during the time you spent adjusting, so the time on your watch may be a few seconds off from the actual time.

If you want the seconds to be exactly zero, some G-Shock models have a dedicated button to reset them, or you can hold down a specific button while in the time-setting screen. Check your manual or a video guide for your exact model to see whether this feature exists on your watch. For most everyday purposes, being off by a few seconds does not matter, and you can straightforward set the time again later if it drifts.

Switching between 12-hour and 24-hour time format

Before you set the hour, check whether your G-Shock is displaying time in 12-hour format (with AM and PM) or 24-hour format (where 13:00 means 1 p.m.). If your watch is in the wrong format, you will need to change it first, because the hour field behaves differently in each mode.

To switch formats, navigate to the time-setting screen and look for a button labeled Set or Format, or press a combination of buttons (often Mode and Adjust held together). Your manual will specify the exact method for your model. Once you have selected the correct format, proceed with setting the hour and minutes as described above. The format choice is saved, so you only need to change it once.

What to do if your watch is not responding to button presses

If pressing Mode does not cycle through the menu, or if the buttons feel stuck, the watch may be in a locked state. Some G-Shock models have a hold button or a lock feature that prevents accidental changes. Look for a button labeled Hold or Lock, usually on the left side of the watch, and press it to unlock the buttons. Then try pressing Mode again.

If the buttons still do not respond, the battery may be low or dead. G-Shock watches typically run for two to ten years on a single battery depending on the model. If you suspect a dead battery, take the watch to a jeweler or watch repair shop — they can replace it quickly and inexpensively. Do not attempt to open the watch yourself, as this can damage the seals that keep it water-resistant.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I set the time correctly?

After you exit the time-setting screen, the watch will display the time you just set. Compare it to a phone, computer, or clock you know is accurate. If it matches, you are done. If it is off by a few seconds, that is normal — the seconds advanced while you were adjusting. You can set it again if you want it to be exact.

Can I change the time without losing my alarms or other settings?

Yes. Changing the time does not affect alarms, timers, or any other settings stored in your watch. Only the hour and minutes change. All your other data remains exactly as it was.

What if I accidentally pressed Mode too many times and went past the time screen?

Keep pressing Mode. The menu loops, so you will cycle back to the time-setting screen. There is no way to get stuck or damage the watch by pressing buttons.

Do I need to change the time when daylight saving time starts or ends?

Yes, you will need to adjust the hour forward or backward by one. Some newer G-Shock models have an automatic daylight saving time feature, but most do not. Check your manual to see if your watch has this feature. If it does not, you can set the time manually using the steps above.

Why does my G-Shock keep losing time or running fast?

G-Shock quartz watches are very accurate, but they can drift by a few seconds per month due to temperature changes or age. If your watch is losing or gaining more than a minute per month, the battery may be failing or the watch may need service. Take it to a watch repair shop to have it checked.