Casio’s G-SHOCK watches are arguably the toughest on the market, but their widespread popularity means a plethora of different styles to choose from. Any G-SHOCK watch would be fine, but we’re here to see which ones are really the best. We looked down the whole range to find the top ten G-SHOCK watches for 2023.
Below are some brief and sweet reviews to help you choose the right G-SHOCK, as well as a quick rundown of the most critical specs to look for while shopping.
Table of Contents
- Is it Worth Buying a G-Shock Watch?
- What makes G-SHOCK watches so unique?
- Whose G-SHOCK Watch is the Toughest?
- Quick Buyer’s Guide to the Best G-SHOCK Watches
- 1. Casio Men’s G-SHOCK Classic Analog-Digital Watch
- 2. Casio GGB100BA-1A Special Edition British Army Watch
- 3. Casio G-SHOCK Digital Watch
- 4. G-SHOCK Men’s GG-1000 Mudmaster
- 5. Casio Men’s G9300-1 Mudman G-SHOCK
- 6. Casio G-SHOCK GA100-1A1
- 7. Men’s Casio G-SHOCK GW6900-1
- 8. Casio Men’s GD100-1BCR G-SHOCK X-Large
- 9. Casio Men’s G7900-1 G-SHOCK Rescue Digital Sport
- 10. Casio G-SHOCK Men’s GW9400 Rangeman
- Last Thoughts
Is it Worth Buying a G-Shock Watch?
If it weren’t, we wouldn’t be giving a top-10 summary guide! Every Casio G-SHOCK watch has some of the most rugged design of any model on the market, and Casio does so while keeping its prices amazingly low. G-SHOCK watches are among the most cost-effective on the market.
What makes G-SHOCK watches so unique?
The G-SHOCK line’s hallmark and highest feature is its durability. If you’re looking for a watch that can withstand a lot of abuse and yet last a long time, these are the best in class. G-SHOCK watches can withstand gravitational shock and are waterproof to a depth of at least 200m. Furthermore, tough mineral glass protects these awesome timepieces.
Most models take steps to ensure that the character and other such details shown are legible in any case. Some also have anti-magnetic qualities, further cementing their status as one of the finest watch brands available.
Whose G-SHOCK Watch is the Toughest?
G-SHOCK watches are designed to be extremely durable. They are the best brand in this category. Some of the watches on this page have significantly more protection than others. Consequently, we particularly recommend The Mudman series because it can withstand the most severe environments.
Quick Buyer’s Guide to the Best G-SHOCK Watches
The G-SHOCK line of watches is regarded as one of the strongest and most prominent in the industry. In this guide, we’ll show you why G-SHOCK watches are so popular among adventurers, as well as how to choose the right model for you.
The Benefits of Wearing a G-SHOCK Watch
The G-SHOCK watch has been in development for more than 35 years and has quickly established itself as one of the best Worn by celebrities and military forces alike. When the G-SHOCK was first invented, the aim was to produce a watch that would last for at least ten years.
Casio developed a few design standards to achieve this aim. The first was the ten-layer protection system, which included a mineral glass face shield, stainless steel case and a urethane rubber bumper. As such, this line was created to withstand a drop of more than 10 metres and to be immersed in water to a depth of at least 200m. Every G-SHOCK watch has its own style quirks, but they all follow the same basic concepts.
Case Size
Every G-SHOCK watch has a universally chunky style. The case diameter of the original G-SHOCK watch was 55mm, and larger versions, such as the Mudmaster series, are much larger.
Due to the size, G-SHOCK watches are often marketed to a male market. Howeverm that doesn’t mean ladies can’t wear them. Smaller versions, such as the GA100-1A1, have a significantly reduced size. Compared to a more conventional watch, you’ll definitely want to focus on the case size here.
Movement
About any G-SHOCK watch is digital or has both digital and conventional quartz components. This is a deliberate intellectual choice. These are first and foremost developed as outdoor watches. Furthermore, the digital capabilities mean you get a stopwatch and at least one alarm.
In G-SHOCK watch models, auto-calendars are common. Although wristwatch purists can laugh at the G-SHOCK’s attempt to be more digital, it’s difficult to argue that it enables the watch to do what it does well.
Battery Life
The G-SHOCK watch was designed to be the strongest watch on the planet when it was first introduced. That’s why they developed the triple resistance concept. This has a 10 bar water resistance, the ability to withstand a fall of 10m and a battery that can last up to 10 years.
Many G-SHOCK watches have a battery life of two to ten years, which is a natural consequence of adding more and more battery-sucking features. A solar-powered G-SHOCK like the Mudman or Rangeman is a good choice if you want a watch that will last forever. Using the sun for fuel results in no expiration date.
Resistance to Water
Any G-SHOCK watch on the market is water-resistant to a depth of 200m. This makes them suitable for pool or open water swimming or surfing, but not scuba diving. The answer to how much water resistance is required for scuba diving is still up in the air. For diving, the ISO specifies that a watch only needs to be water-resistant to 100 metres, but many people insist on a ranking of at least 300 metres.
Here are the best G-SHOCK watches for 2022.
1. Casio Men’s G-SHOCK Classic Analog-Digital Watch
The Classic G-SHOCK watch is one of very few that puts analog design ahead of its digital functionality. However, that does not mean it’s devoid of the new features that G-SHOCK fans have come to expect. The G-SHOCK Classic features a long-lasting 1/100-second stopwatch and an automatic calendar, and the luminosity is amazingly bright.
It’s still anti-magnetic, and the smaller optical face displays a dual time. It’s one of the more straightforward G-SHOCK watches. However, it’s well-priced and covers all the essentials.
Pros
- Low cost
- Auto-calendar is handy
- The analog display is easy to read
Specifications
- Dimensions: 47.8 mm
- Battery life: 3 years
- Movement: Japanese Quartz
- 200m water-resistance
2. Casio GGB100BA-1A Special Edition British Army Watch
One of the toughest watches around and held in a nice limited edition case, the GG-1000 Mudmaster. But as it is a special edition, it comes with more features, giving you more choices if you’re shopping for the best G-SHOCK watches. The concept is technically similar, with the same prominent numbers, digital monitor, and identically mounted altimeter and barometer.
There’s also a digital compass included. The colour scheme is the only significant difference, but it’s a cool choice if you want anything that stands out while also providing a plethora of survival-focused features.
Pros
- Tough mineral glass provides protection
- Compass in digital format
- Includes barometer and altimeter
- Buttons are protected from damage by sturdy pipes
- One of the most durable G-SHOCK watches available
Specifications
- Diameter: 55 mm
- Battery life: 2 years
- Movement: Quartz/digital
- 200m water-resistance
3. Casio G-SHOCK Digital Watch
Casio watches are recognised for their excellent value, and this base model G-SHOCK is probably their highest value watch. The Casio G-SHOCK is available for less than $50 on Amazon, but it also has all of the essential functionality that consumers expect from the G-SHOCK range. While the simplicity of this sturdy digital G-SHOCK watch is more utilitarian than its siblings, the vivid backlighting makes it exceptionally readable in darkness, and all of your crucial data is visible at a single glance.
Casio has thoughtfully made their buttons more difficult to press to reduce the chance of mistakenly pressing them. Moreover, it has incredible ten-year battery life.
Pros
- Backlighting that is very vivid
- 2039 pre-programmed auto-calendar, multi-function alert, and 1/100 second stopwatch
- Affordable
Specifications
- Diameter: 45 mm
- Battery life: At least ten years
- Movement: Quartz/digital
- 200m water-resistance
4. G-SHOCK Men’s GG-1000 Mudmaster
The ultra-durable model can withstand even the harshest conditions.
With prominent Arabic numerals that almost decorate the critical time markers, the face is easy to see even under harsh environmental circumstances, suggesting that this is a suitable military watch. Casio’s decision to incorporate extraordinarily vivid LED backlighting further adds to this.
To aid ease of reading the built-in compass, there is a rotating bezel that is numerically labelled. This G-SHOCK model is unusual in that it has both optical and analogue displays for timekeeping. An interactive day and date window are also included.
Pros
- Timekeeping is used in both optical and analogue formats
- (Up to 5) alarm clocks and a stopwatch that is simple to use
- Mud resistance is exceptional
Specifications
- Diameter: 56.2 mm
- Battery life: 2 years
- Movement: Quartz/digital
- 200m water-resistance
5. Casio Men’s G9300-1 Mudman G-SHOCK
A more affordable Mudmaster entry with several exclusive features.
This Mudman G-SHOCK model fits the void well if you’re after the features of the Mudmaster but want something a bit more affordable. For less than $150, the G9300-1 adds much of the essential features of the iconic Mudmaster. Although it does not have an altimeter or barometer, only relying on a compass and thermometer, it does have some very interesting features of its own.
The most notable aspect is the moon charts, which can be very useful if you spend a lot of time in the woods. It’s also smaller than the majority of the Mudmaster versions.
Pros
- Compass and thermometer
- Solar-powered for permanent timekeeping
- A moon graph is used to monitor lunar cycles
- Travelers will chart their time around the world with this service
Specifications
- Diameter: 53mm
- Battery life: Solar, so hypothetically infinite
- Movement: Digital
- 200m water-resistance
6. Casio G-SHOCK GA100-1A1
At a very civilian-friendly price comes this military-grade watch.
G-SHOCK GA100-1A1 from Casio watch from the GA100 Military Series. The GA100-1A1 is among the more professional military watches out there. Though that’s not to say it can’t be worn by “regular” people as well. The case’s black-on-black style is seriously stylish, and the brilliant white face makes it easy to keep track of time.
The three subdials are well-designed and provide access to your alarm clock, pace, and lap numbers for exercise monitoring. It’s all set out in a very efficient way, culminating in a G-SHOCK watch that looks and feels very polished though costing less than $100.
Pros
- The all-black style is seriously smart
- Readability from clean and bright subdials
- 29 time zones
- Electroluminescent backlighting
Specifications
- Diameter: 37mm
- Battery life: 10 years
- Movement: Japanese Quartz
- 200m water-resistance
7. Men’s Casio G-SHOCK GW6900-1
One of the most common watch models among the military is now available in a more consumer-friendly edition.
The G-SHOCK GW6900-1 is a basic but powerful watch that offers incredible value for money. It takes the basic concept of the DW6900 (one of the most common models among soldiers) and reduces it to a more affordable version. The effect is precise timekeeping synchronised to the atomic clock and a build that meets G-SHOCK’s high expectations for durability.
The style is simplistic but successful, with a simple black case and band contrasted with an effortlessly easy-to-read digital display and two chronographs for even more precise timekeeping.
Pros
- A solar-powered battery has an infinite lifespan
- Synchronises with the atomic clock
- Hard to accidentally press the buttons
- One of the lightest models on the list
Specifications
- Diameter: 50mm
- Battery life: Solar, so hypothetically infinite
- Movement: Digital
- 200m water-resistance
8. Casio Men’s GD100-1BCR G-SHOCK X-Large
All-digital display with high functionality at a reasonable price
This G-SHOCK range has a reputation for chunky styles, but the X-Large might be the perfect option if you want your watch big and bold but don’t want to spend a lot of money. The black-on-black style is identical to the tactical army watches we mentioned previously, and the price is around the same.
It has an all-digital display that allows this model to make the most of the available display space. The same monitor is vivid and luminous for use in the dark and underwater, and it can accommodate 5 alarms.
Pros
- The auto-calendar will never run out
- The black style is simple, elegant, and quick to read
- Different time zones available
Specifications
- Diameter: 55mm
- Battery life: 7 years
- Movement: Digital
- 200m water-resistance
9. Casio Men’s G7900-1 G-SHOCK Rescue Digital Sport
One of the most attractive G-SHOCK watches available, suitable for both outdoor adventurers and military personnel.
The G7900-1 is part of the Rescue range, which was created to satisfy the needs of emergency responders. However, it has a tactical nature that makes it ideal for anyone from military personnel to outdoor enthusiasts. You get five regular alarms and light warnings, and the illuminated face can be activated with a quick twist of the wrist.
The inclusion of moon and tide phases appeal to those who like spending time outside. Both of these features come packaged in a slick box that makes this one of the better-looking G-SHOCK watches, thanks to the attractive black and red contrast.
Pros
- Moon and tide phases are handy for outdoorsy people
- Wrist-activated illumination
- 29 separate time zones supported by World Time
Specifications
- Diameter: 50mm
- Battery life: 3 years
- Movement: Digital
- 200m water-resistance
10. Casio G-SHOCK Men’s GW9400 Rangeman
A serious style combined with a wealth of functionality and phenomenal ease of use.
The GW9400 Rangeman might be your best bet if you’re looking for the best G-SHOCK watches that help you when you’re off-grid. It combines the G-SHOCK line’s excellent build quality with an altimeter, barometer, and compass, effectively transforming this wristwatch into an all-in-one hiking and mountain climbing tool.
With the inclusion of a thermometer, you’ll be much more able to deal with seasonal extremes. This black G-SHOCK has a profound aesthetic and crams in all the information you want without asking you to work through a slew of complicated screens, which is an achievement.
Pros
- An altimeter, barometer, and compass are included
- The solar-powered battery guarantees a consistent battery life
- Mb6 atomic timekeeping is used
Specifications
- Diameter: 55mm
- Battery life: Solar, so hypothetically infinite
- Movement: Digital
- 200m water-resistance
Last Thoughts
None of the watches here will let you down if you’re hunting for the strongest G-SHOCK watch. It’s just a case of looking over the specifications to see which one you prefer. If you’re interested in something more smartwatch-like, check out our article about Casio’s first G-SHOCK with Wear OS.
If you enjoyed our post on the best G-SHOCK watches, let us know what your top pick is in the comments section below.
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Last Updated on January 16, 2023
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