The fastest way: use the buttons on the side of your watch

G-Shock watches change the time through physical buttons on the case, not a touchscreen. You hold down the button labeled Adjust (usually on the lower left) until the display starts flashing, then use the up and down buttons to move through hours and minutes. The exact button names and sequence vary slightly by model, but the principle is the same across all G-Shock digital watches.

The reason G-Shock uses buttons instead of a screen is durability — the watch is built to survive drops, water, and extreme conditions, and buttons are more reliable than electronics that respond to touch. This also means you do not need batteries or a computer to set the time; you just need your fingers and about two minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • Press and hold the Adjust button (usually lower left) until the hours digit flashes, then use the up and down buttons to set the time.
  • Different G-Shock models have slightly different button layouts, so check your manual or the model number on the back of the watch if the standard method does not work.
  • Once you finish setting hours and minutes, press Adjust again to lock in the change and return to normal display mode.
  • If your watch has stopped keeping time or loses time constantly, the battery may be low and need replacement at a watch repair shop or G-Shock service center.

Step-by-step for the most common G-Shock models

Most digital G-Shock watches follow this sequence. First, locate the four buttons on the case: Adjust (lower left), Mode (upper left), Start/Stop (upper right), and Reset (lower right). Press and hold Adjust until you see the hours digit begin to flash on the display — this usually takes one to two seconds.

Once the hours are flashing, press the up button (Mode) to increase the hour, or the down button (Reset) to decrease it. When the hour is correct, press Adjust once. The minutes digit will now flash. Use the same up and down buttons to set the minutes, then press Adjust again. The display will return to normal, and your time is set.

If you overshoot a number, keep pressing the button — the numbers cycle through, so pressing up past 23 hours will loop back to 00. This is faster than holding the button and waiting for it to cycle all the way around.

What to do if your model has a different button layout

G-Shock makes hundreds of models, and some have buttons in different positions or labeled differently. The most reliable way to find your exact sequence is to look at the back of the watch case, where the model number is printed (usually something like DW-5600 or GA-100). Search for "[your model number] manual" online, and you will find a PDF with diagrams showing which button does what.

If you cannot find the manual, try this general approach: press Mode repeatedly until the display shows a settings screen (usually indicated by a blinking digit or a menu label). Once you see something flashing, use the up and down buttons to navigate, and Adjust to confirm your choice. Most G-Shock menus follow this pattern even when button names differ.

Why your G-Shock might not be keeping time

If you set the time correctly but the watch loses time or stops entirely within a few days, the battery is likely low. G-Shock batteries typically last two to three years depending on the model and how often you use the backlight. A dying battery will cause the watch to run slow, skip seconds, or stop altogether.

Battery replacement requires opening the case, which most people should not attempt at home — the case back is sealed with a gasket to keep water out, and improper installation will ruin the water resistance. Take the watch to a jewelry store, a G-Shock service center, or a watch repair shop. Replacement usually costs between $15 and $40 and takes a few days.

Daylight saving time and time zones

G-Shock watches do not automatically adjust for daylight saving time. When the time changes in your region, you will need to manually add or subtract an hour using the same Adjust and button sequence you used to set the time initially. Set a phone reminder on the day the change happens so you do not forget.

If you travel across time zones, you can either set the watch to your destination time before you leave, or adjust it when you arrive. Some G-Shock models have a second time zone display, which you can access through the Mode button — check your manual to see if yours has this feature, as it saves you from resetting the main time.

Protecting your watch after you set the time

Once the time is set, avoid pressing buttons accidentally while wearing the watch. The Adjust button in particular can be pressed easily if your wrist bumps something. If you notice the time has shifted by an hour or a few minutes, check whether you have been bumping the lower left side of the watch — this is usually the culprit.

If your watch has a button lock feature (some newer models do), you can set up it through the settings menu to prevent accidental presses. Again, your manual will show you how to turn this on. For watches without a lock, just be mindful of the lower left corner when you are doing physical activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I am pressing the right button?

The Adjust button is almost always on the lower left of the watch case. If you press it and nothing happens, try holding it down for two to three seconds — the display should flash or show a menu. If the watch still does not respond, the battery may be dead.

Can I set the seconds on a G-Shock?

Most G-Shock models do not let you set seconds manually. The seconds reset to 00 when you finish setting the minutes and press Adjust to confirm. If you need the seconds to be exact, set the time a few seconds early and wait for the seconds to count up to where you want them.

What if I set the time wrong and want to start over?

straightforward press Adjust again to re-enter time-setting mode and adjust the hours and minutes to the correct values. You can do this as many times as you need. There is no limit to how many times you can change the time.

Do I need to remove the watch to change the time?

No. You can change the time while wearing the watch. Just be careful not to accidentally press other buttons while you are adjusting the time, as this can interrupt the process and require you to start over.

Why does my watch show 24-hour time instead of 12-hour time?

Most G-Shock watches default to 24-hour format, but many models let you switch to 12-hour format through the settings menu. Press Mode repeatedly to find the time format or display settings option, then use the up and down buttons to toggle between 12H and 24H. Check your manual for the exact menu location on your model.