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Best G-Shock Watch: What Would Bam-Bam Buy?

Best G-Shock Watch
Written by Sean Nelson

So, are you tired of getting inaccurate time readings because your watch can’t handle a bump or two, not to mention more serious shocks? Do you want a watch that’s resistant to impacts, but also comfortable to wear? Well, then you want to get the best g-shock watch.

These watches were specifically designed to make sure people get accurate readings especially if they’re doing strenuous activities on difficult terrains. So, from constructions worker to marine workers, from police officers to people who love mountain biking or jogging, these devices are a definite improvement from the more general S-shock watches. And we’re here to help you get a device that fits your needs.

G Shock Watch

In this article, we’ll discussing some of the most important features you should take into consideration when making your purchase. After that, we’ll tackle some of the best such gadgets on the market, so read on.

Our Top Picks

ProductSolar PowerBest UseWaterproof LevelPrice
Casio G-Shock GWM5610-1YesMountain biking, water sportsUp to 660 feetCheck price on Amazon
Casio G-shock MudmasterNoConstruction workUp to 656 feetCheck price on Amazon
Casio Rescue ConceptNoWatersports, professional marine activityUp to 660 feetCheck price on Amazon
Casio GW-9400-1CR Master of GNoCross-trainingUp to 660 feetCheck price on Amazon
Casio G-Shock GulfmasterYesHiking, backpacking, professional marine activitiesUp to 200 feetCheck price on Amazon
Casio G-Shock GWF-1000-1jfYesDivingUp to 656 feetCheck price on Amazon
Casio G-Shock GA100A-7A SportNoSurface water sports, outdoor sportsUp to 660 feetCheck price on Amazon
Casio G-Shock Classic NoOperating hard machineryUp to 656 feetCheck price on Amazon

Things to Consider Before Buying

There are plenty of things to consider before getting a g-shock watch, but they all relate to your purpose. So without further ado, keep in mind the:

Actual Shock Resistance

This is the most important feature, and we assume that you want a watch that can handle impacts really well if you’re here. But there are different levels of shock resistance, depending on your purpose.

For instance, if you’re operating hard machinery, maybe doing construction work, you really need a resistant watch.

Watch Resistance

If you’re going to use this watch for keeping track of your progress and time for activities like mountain biking, you need a medium shock-resistance. And finally, a watch for hiking or backpacking doesn’t have to be the most resistant to shocks on the market, so you don’t have to invest as much.

Overall Resistance

You might also be interested in how resistant your watch is in general, and this time you need to check the materials used for its construction. For instance, stainless steel is quite sturdy, as is resin for the case. On the other hand, a resin wristband isn’t the most comfortable on the market.

Black G Shock Watch

A mineral window is great in terms of scratch resistance. You can also check the waterproof rating so you’ll know if you can wear the watch for showering, swimming or diving. Besides, the watches intended for professional applications like construction work will likely be debris-proof and mud-resistant as well.

Battery Life

Depending on how long and how often you’ll wear this watch, the battery life becomes a prominent feature as well. We all want long battery lives for convenience, but sometimes that’s not essential, like when you’re close to home or have spare batteries in your backpack.

Person is Wearing G Shock Watch

On the other hand, if your mountain biking in remote places, you might be interested in a long battery life or a rechargeable battery. If your watch is solar-powered, kudos to you: you can simply expose it to sunlight and you’re ready to go.

Functions

Multiple functions are important, but you should select the ones that fit your purpose. For instance, moon and tide info is capital for professional marine activities, but not so much for the regular construction worker.

Watch Functions

Make sure you have a dual time and various time zones if you’re constantly on the road. An accurate stopwatch and countdown timer are amazing if you want to keep track of your progress. And don’t neglect how important the daily alarms are to help you meet all your tasks.

Ease of Reading

A watch that’s easy to read is really important no matter what activity you’re doing, and this issue can be tackled from different perspectives. For one, you need a large display, but not one that’s too large to make the watch feel uncomfortable.

Easy to Read Watch

You can also look for a backlight if you’re going to use this watch in dark conditions. But make sure that this backlight is easy to turn on, that you can use it anytime you want to, and that it lights up all the necessary details.

With that in mind, let’s look at what the market has to offer.

Best Products on Today’s Market

The watches below are quite different in terms of features, recommended use and prices, so we’ve summarized all their pros and cons after discussing their main features. Hopefully, that will help you reach a faster, better decision.

Casio G-Shock GWM5610-1 Sport Watch

Price: Approx. $105Casio G-Shock GWM5610-1 Sport Watch

Weight: 1.82 ounces

Dimensions: 1.83 x 1.7 x 0.5 inches

Specific features: Resin case, mineral window, solar power activated, 10 months battery life, waterproof up to 660 feet, multi-band atomic timekeeping, EL backlight, various time zones, 5 daily alarms, stopwatch, countdown timer

Best use: Mountain biking, water sports

The Casio G-Shock GWM5610-1 Sport Watch is a terrific sport watch for hiking or mountain biking. The best news is that you can use this watch on solar power alone, which is amazing for remote places, and the battery can hold for 10 months on just a single charge. And you also have a low battery indicator and a power saving function.

This timepiece is quite resistant since it’s manufactured from sturdy materials. It’s even great for professional marine activity since it’s waterproof up to 660 feet so you can definitely use it for the most rugged water sports. The downside is that, even with this great waterproof rating, you can’t use it for scuba diving.

There are lots of functions and features we love about this watch, like its multi-band atomic timekeeping that renders it very precise. The shock resistance is great, and we certainly appreciate the EL backlight for dark environments. However, it’s quite difficult to turn this backlight on, and it won’t work below a medium battery level, which is pretty terrible for emergency situations.

So this is the perfect watch for daytime sports and activities, maybe even competitions. With 29 different time zones and city code display, you can certainly keep track of different locations. Besides, there are 5 daily alarms available, an accurate 1/100 seconds stopwatch and a countdown timer.

PROS:

  • Resistant
  • Long battery life
  • Waterproof
  • Plenty of functions
  • Solar battery charging
 CONS:

  • Difficult to turn on the backlight
  • Backlight doesn’t work on a low battery

Related: If you want to turn your G-sock watch into a Mil-shock watch, you can consider the HDT Design Adapter. It’s an inexpensive, versatile device, and it can certainly become useful if you’re planning to wear the watch for prolonged periods of time since it’s extremely comfortable.

Check the price on Amazon

Casio G-Shock Mudmaster GWG1000-1A3 Watch

Price: Approx. $700Casio G-Shock Mudmaster GWG1000-1A3 Watch

Weight: 6.08 ounces

Dimensions: 4 x 5 x 4 inches

Specific features: Debris-resistant, mud-resistant, triple sensor, soft resin band, double-LED illuminator, waterproof to 656 feet, stainless steel case

Best use: Construction work

The Casio G-Shock Mudmaster GWG1000-1A3 Watch is at the other side of the price spectrum when you compare it to the other Casio g-shock watch we’ve just reviewed. But this one is specifically created for construction workers, those who have to tackle huge piles of debris and rubble on a daily basis.

The Mudmaster name is really evocative of the conditions it can perform in, and the Triple Sensor used can give accurate info about direction, pressure, and temperature even in these difficult conditions. Besides, this watch gets a 5/ 5 from us regarding its resistance to vibrations, since it can be used even while you’re operating heavy machinery.

And we love how resistant to mud it actually is, with its smartly placed gaskets that block the mud from getting in through the buttons and screws. And the resin band is very soft, it has a cloth-like texture, so it’s very comfortable for constant use. Don’t forget the easy to read display and the double-LED illuminator for dark conditions.

However, there’s no real backlight, and the double LED can be a bit brighter. This watch is waterproof to 656 feet, and it’s made from terrific materials, like resin for the band and stainless steel for the case. That doesn’t make it heavy at all, surprisingly, but be prepared to find a somewhat large design.

PROS:

  • Incredibly resistant to shocks
  • Mud-proof
  • Debris-proof
  • Various readings
  • Easy-to-read display
 CONS:

  • Large
  • Dim LED light
  • Expensive

Related: If you’re working constructions, then the AMSTON Safety Hard Hat is great because it has an easy adjustment, it’s secure, breathable and comfortable. So what’s not to like?

Check the price on Amazon

Casio Rescue Concept Digital Watch

Price: Approx. $70Casio Rescue Concept Digital Watch

Weight: 2.4 ounces

Dimensions: 2.06 x 1.96 x 0.69 inches

Specific features: Moon and tide graphs, waterproof to 660 feet, large low-temperature LCD, EL backlight, 29 time zones, countdown timer, stopwatch, 50 mm resin case, resin band

Best use: Watersports, professional marine activity

The Casio Rescue Concept Digital Watch is at a lower price range, though it’s great in terms of its resistance to shocks. The moon and tide graphs are its best features, which make it unique on the g-shock watch market, not to mention amazing for professional marine activity.

And since this watch is waterproof to 660 feet, you can use it for various water sports as well. But don’t forget you can’t actually use it for scuba diving. The LCD is great in terms of ease of reading, and it even works at low temperatures, as well as dark environments thanks to its EL backlight.

You’ll get plenty of alerts and alarms here, a world time with 29 different time zones, a countdown timer, and stopwatch. The construction of it is quite sturdy, the 50 mm resin case is pretty large though, but the resin band has a reliable buckle closure.

However, the moon graph only has a one-day accuracy, which could be better if you’re in the marine profession. The display also looks a bit dim when you’re reading it at a vertical angle, and the instruction manual is quite small.

PROS:

  • Resistant
  • Inexpensive
  • Secure
  • Easy to read
 CONS:

  • Large display
  • One day accuracy for the moon graph
  • Dim display in vertical angle
  • Small instructions manual

Related: If you need a more breathable, quick-dry watchband, then the ArtSTyle Watch Band is great because it’s manufactured from nylon. Besides the buckle is really sturdy, the strap is non-allergenic and waterproof, so you can use it on different terrain and in different weather.

Check the price on Amazon

Casio GW-9400-1CR Master of G Watch

Price: Approx. $220Casio GW-9400-1CR Master of G Watch

Weight: 16 ounces

Dimensions: 4.4 x 3.9 x 3.9 inches

Specific features: Compass, altimeter, barometer, thermometer, sunrise and sunset times, Mb6 atomic timekeeping, 1/10 stopwatch, countdown timer, auto LED, buckle closure, stainless steel case, mineral crystal, waterproof up to 660 feet

Best use: Cross-training

The Casio GW-9400-1CR Master of G Watch raises the price bar a little, but it has some unique features that make it great for cross-training. For instance, it has a compass, altimeter, and barometer which are great for hiking and other outdoor sports that require you to be constantly on the move.

Its included thermometer lets you prepare for the outside conditions, while the sunrise and sunset times are perfect for hunting or fishing. The Mb6 atomic timekeeping and the time stamp are amazing features if you’re interested in accuracy above all, though the 1/10 second stopwatch could be more precise.

Nevertheless, the stopwatch along with the countdown timer is great for sports or other activities when you need time tracking and progress measurements. The auto LED is great since you won’t have any difficulty turning the light on, like with the first Casio we reviewed.

The buckle closure is another point in its favor in terms of security, and we love the mineral crystal window and the stainless steel case. Don’t forget this is a solar-powered watch, that’s also resistant to 660 feet of water.

On the other hand, this watch is a bit heavy at 16 ounces, and the plastic wristband doesn’t attach very securely to the watch.  The buttons are quite sensitive too, so it’s not recommended for police officers.

PROS:

  • Multiple functions
  • Precise timekeeping
  • Easy to read
  • Waterproof
  • Resistant
 CONS:

  • Heavy
  • Sensitive buttons
  • Not a very secure attachment between the wristband and the case

Related: The ProFitness Cross Training Gloves are great if you’re into this. They offer an awesome grip and good wrist stability, which reduces the chance of injury. Plus, the material is comfortable and breathable, and they’re quite inexpensive for such versatile uses.

Check the price on Amazon

Casio G-Shock Gulfmaster Watch

Price: Approx. $300Casio G-Shock Gulfmaster Watch

Weight: 3.56 ounces

Dimensions: 4.2 x 3.9 x 3.8 inches

Specific features: Round display, analog/ LCD, mineral window, buckle closure, black resin case, resin band, stainless steel bezel, triple sensor, tide function, water resistant to 200 feet, solar powered

Best use: Hiking, backpacking, professional marine activities

The Casio G-Shock Gulfmaster Watch places us right in the middle of the price pool and comes with its own unique set of features. The round display is quite appealing, but the thing we love most about it is that it’s an analog/ LCD, which makes it exact and easy to read.

Besides, the window is made from a sturdy mineral that has an amazing resistance to scratches. The buckle closure is very resistant as well, just like the black resin case. However, when it comes to the case, you should know it’s quite large so it might not be really comfortable if you have small wrists.

The resin band is quite comfortable though, even if that’s not the rule of thumb with G-shock watches. The stainless steel bezel is another point in terms of its design, though it’s somewhat protruding, and we love its functions. The triple sensor is quite accurate, giving info about temperature, pressure, and altitude, but you also get a smart access feature and a tide function.

This watch is water resistant up to 200 feet, not as much as its peers, but it’s solar powered, so it doesn’t require a battery. However, all these features are a bit difficult to set, so you should arm yourself with some patience.

PROS:

  • Cool design
  • Resistant to scratches
  • Comfortable
  • Accurate triple sensor
  • Tide function
  • Solar powered
 CONS:

  • Large case
  • Protruding bezel
  • Difficult to set up

Related: The Wildhorn Highpoint Daypack is a great backpack for a day hike, it has a 30 L capacity, and you can take use it at work too. We love it because it’s stylish, resistant and lightweight, with enough exterior compartments for a convenient carry.

Check the price on Amazon

Casio G-Shock GWF-1000-1jf Digital Watch

Price: Approx. $500Casio G-Shock GWF-1000-1jf Digital Watch

Weight: 3.95 ounces

Dimensions: 2.04 x 1.98 x 0.7 inches

Specific features: Solar powered, 656 feet waterproof level, auto EL backlight with afterglow, world time, moon and tidal reading, 1/100 second stopwatch, countdown timer, 5 daily alarms, battery power indicator, power saving function, yellow color

Best use: Diving

The Casio G-Shock GWF-1000-1jf Digital Watch is still moving us deeper into the price pool, offering the temptation of some really improved features. This is a tough, solar powered watch, so it doesn’t require you to change the battery all the time. It’s also one of the most shock-resistant watches in our review, with a 656 feet waterproof level.

The EL backlight is a true asset when it comes to dim or dark environments, but we love it even more because it’s automatic and because it has an afterglow. The world time is great for different time zones and accurate data from all these parts of the globe.

But what makes it perfect for professional marine activities are its mood data that covers the moon age and phases, along with a complex tide graph. You can also dive with this watch, and you’ll get an accurate dive time, along with surface interval measurements.

You can enjoy the precise, 1/100 second stopwatch and the countdown timer for accurate time tracking, while the 5 daily alarms are real lifesavers. Don’t neglect the battery power indicator and the power saving function, as well as a vibrant yellow color that’s easy to spot underwater.

Unfortunately, even if the dive mode is great, it doesn’t have a depth reading which is quite important for professional divers. It’s also a bit large, so that might affect how comfortable it feels on your wrist.

PROS:

  • Accurate
  • Resistant
  • Dive mode
  • Solar-powered
  • Great backlight
 CONS:

  • Large
  • No depth reading
  • Quite expensive

Related: The Cressi Anti-Slip Neoprene Socks are amazing for diving. They’re really soft and have an anti-slip coating which is great for slippery wet surfaces, they’re very supple and flexible, not to mention easy to put on. And if you’re worried about scratches and chaffing, the elastic-span neoprene prevents all that, making for a great use with boots as well.

Check the price on Amazon

Casio G-Shock GA100A-7A Sport Watch

Price: Approx. $100Casio G-Shock GA100A-7A Sport Watch

Weight: 7 ounces

Dimensions: 6 x 6 x 7 inches

Specific features: Various readings, time, date, 29 time zones, stopwatch, countdown timer, blue hands, white dial, luminous 3D indexes, 5 alarms, buckle clasp, anti-magnetic structure, waterproof up to 660 feet, resin case

Best use: Surface water sports, outdoor sports

The Casio G-Shock GA100A-7A Sport Watch looks like something you would wear on a spaceship. That’s because it has a huge case that makes it easy to read, combining various info about pressure, temperature, and distance, as well as world time, date, stopwatch and countdown timer. So you need a lot of space to fit all that info, not to mention that the watch has a white dial with blue hands, luminous 3D indexes, and cut-out details which make it look very astro-like.

But this watch has a durable build and offers different functions. You’ll get 5 alarms, time formats both in 12 and 24-hour displays, and the buckle clasp is very secure and easy to adjust. We like that you can use this watch even in the most difficult conditions, but the anti-magnetic structure is truly its best feature.

This watch is waterproof up to 660 feet, but you can only use it for surface water sports, so no diving with it. The resin case is quite resistant, just like the scratch-resistant mineral window. So with that in mind, there are little downsides to speak of, maybe the fact that it’s quite a high-maintenance watch because of its white color. So you can’t use it on a constant basis, nor when you’re doing very strenuous activities because even sweat can stain it.

PROS:

  • Stylish
  • Resistant
  • Waterproof to 660 feet
  • Anti-magnetic structure
  • Multiple functions
  • Secure closure
 CONS:

  • High-maintenance
  • Not for regular use

Related: If you’re into outdoor sports, the Adidas Youth Soccer Tiro 17 Pants are the best for the job. With a 100% polyester manufacturing, they’re extremely breathable and light. The Climacool technology also helps in that regard, and their slim fit is quite comfortable, just like the zip at the leg opening.

Check the price on Amazon

Casio G-Shock Classic Analog-Digital Watch

Price: Approx. $55Casio Anti-Magnetic G-Shock Watch

Weight: 2.54 ounces

Dimensions: 2.16 x 2.01 x 0.67 inches

Specific features: 656 feet waterproof, magnetic resistance, EL backlight with afterglow, dual time, daily alarm, 1/100 second stopwatch, 12/ 24-hour format, CR2016 battery, 3-year battery life

Best use: Operating hard machinery

The Casio G-Shock Classic Analog-Digital Watch helps us complete the list with a less expensive, yet equally performing watch that bears the Casio reputation. You can either get the black/ red version or the black/ yellow design, but they both look awesome.

With great features like increased shock resistance, 656 feet waterproof level, and a magnetic resistance, this watch is great for operating hard machinery. However, you shouldn’t expose it to a strong magnetic field or otherwise, it won’t render the time as accurately.

We love the EL backlight that makes it easy to read in dim or dark conditions, and the afterglow is great. You’ll get a dual time which is a poignant feature for people who are often traveling, and a daily alarm. The 1/100 second stopwatch is quite accurate too, and it’s great for all sorts of sports.

The time is displayed either in a 12-hour or a 24-hour format, whichever is more convenient, and the CR2016 battery used is quite powerful, with a 3-year life.  On the downside, remember how we complained about some of the other watches that are too large? Well, us Goldilockses still haven’t found the right size, because this one is too small even for small wrists.

Besides, the digital face is a bit recessed, so the display is a bit difficult to read. You should also know that the backlight will only make the day and date visible, while the dark hands are hard to read.

PROS:

  • Inexpensive
  • Awesome design
  • Anti-magnetic
  • Accurate
  • Long battery life
 CONS:

  • Small display
  • Recessed face
  • Backlight doesn’t light everything

Related: Do you love listening to music while you’re working, but do you also want something that will cancel the surrounding ruckus? Well, the Beats Studio3 Wireless Headphones are great for the job. With their ergonomic design and adaptive noise canceling construction, these stylish wireless headphones are a dream come true for people operating heavy machinery or avid gym rats.

Check the price on Amazon

Wrap Up

We’ve taken you through a series of amazing watches that you can wear in different situations. You get to pick from a wide plethora of prices, designs, functions, and unique features, so we hope you’ve found the right watch for you. But if you haven’t we hope that our buying guide will help you find something you like faster.

That said, we’re curious what you’re going to pick. Will you get a watch that’s perfect for construction work, for professional marine activities or one that’s better for outdoor sports? Will the price tag influence your choice, or are comfort and professional applications more poignant matters? Leave us a comment below.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sean Nelson

Sean was backpacking since he was 7. He was born close to the RMNP and his father was a ranger, so life surrounded by mountains and wildlife is a norm for Colorado. He likes to explore, but prefers to stay in USA. In his opinion, there are too many trails and options in US to go abroad.