How to change the time on a G-SHOCK watch
You’ve just unboxed your new G-SHOCK watch, but first, how do you set the time? It’s one of the first things our customers ask. Whether you’re setting it up for the first time, travelling across time zones, or adjusting for daylight savings, this step-by-step guide will show you how to update your watch in 4 simple steps, so you can start using it right away.
Setting the Time on a G-SHOCK: The 4 Buttons Explained
Before setting the time on your G-SHOCK watch, it's key to understand its 4 buttons. Each one is designed with specific functions, making adjustments quick and simple.
Adjust
The Adjust button is on the top-left corner of your watch and it allows you to enter the configuration mode to change the settings.
Reverse (-)
The Reverse button, located on the top-right corner of your watch, lets you select the desired values.
This button is also used when adjusting the time zone, simply press this button to scroll through and choose the correct city.
Mode
The Mode button that can be found on the lower-left corner allows you to cycle through various settings including world time, stopwatch, timer, alarm and time.
Forward (+)
The Forward button, located in the lower-right corner of your G-SHOCK watch, lets you move forward by one value with each press. It works as the opposite of the Reverse button.
Light
The Light button, found on some G-SHOCK watches at the top-right corner, is used to illuminate the display for better visibility, but it also serves a role in adjusting time settings. Similar to the Reverse button, the Light button allows you to select desired values or change between different time zones.
How to Adjust the Time on G-SHOCK Watches
All G-SHOCK watches feature the World Time function, making it incredibly easy to set the time by selecting your city.
City Codes:
All G-SHOCK watches have over 40+ world city time zones built in. These are represented via a 3 letter abbreviation. London for example is LON, Chicago - CHI and Tokyo TYO. Some city abbreviations are similar to city airport codes such as Dubai - DXB and Los Angeles - LAX. These pre-set city time zones are incredibly useful when travelling.
- To adjust the time on your G-SHOCK watch, press the Adjust button to view the Home City name on the digital screen. Then simply hold the Adjust button down (about 3 seconds) until the flashing SET indicator disappears from the display and the current selected city code appears.
- Use the Forward (+) and Reverse (-) buttons to scroll through the city codes until your city is displayed.
- After selecting the city, press the Mode button to enter the DST (Daylight Saving Time) setting mode, then use the Forward and Reverse buttons to cycle between the On and Off options.
ON when the clocks go forwards in March
OFF when the clocks go back in November - Once you are happy with the time and date, press the Adjust button to exit from the configuration mode
Explore our GA-B2100 range which features Bluetooth smart tech that allows for auto updates worldwide as you travel and a built-in phone finder.
Can You Automatically Adjust the Time on a G-SHOCK Watch?
Yes, if you have a Bluetooth-enabled G-SHOCK, you can automatically adjust the time by syncing it with the CASIO Watches app. For non Bluetooth models, adjustments need to be done manually.
What is atomic timekeeping on G-SHOCK watches?
On some G-SHOCK watches you may see the words ‘Radio Controlled’ or ‘Multiband 6’ stamped on the case back or dial. Both of these functions indicate that the watch's time will be automatically updated via radio controlled antennas located in various locations around the world.
How Does Atomic Timekeeping Work?
There are several radio transmitters located around the world. If your G-SHOCK watch is in range of one of these transmitters, it will receive an automatic time update overnight. All you need to do is set a home time city so the watch knows which time to display. You can do this by following the same four steps as setting a standard G-SHOCK watch and selecting your home city (for the UK, set the watch to London - LON).
Not sure if your G-SHOCK time zone will update automatically? Explore our full range of G-SHOCK Atomic Timekeeping Watches
There are now six radio transmitters used by radio controlled G-SHOCK watches, located in the UK, Germany, China, with two in Japan and one in North America. Did you know that CASIO is the only watch brand in the world that uses a transmitter here in the UK?
If you travel outside the range of one of these radio transmitters, you can use the WORLD TIME mode to view the time in any time zone and the watch will automatically calculate the time based on the last radio-controlled data it received.
How to Change Your Watch’s Time Using the CASIO Watches App
All G-SHOCK smart watches will automatically update the time as you travel.
Step 1: Open the World Time tab and tap the box showing the current time, date, and time zone.
Step 2: Choose a time zone by either searching for a city or holding a spot on the map for 3 seconds to drop a pin.
Step 3: Once selected, the map will update to your new city. Tap Set this city to the watch to send the updated time.
Step 4: Wait for the app to complete the sync and confirm the time change.
Your new World Time will appear in the World Time box, ready to swap or confirm.
Click the video below for a visual breakdown of how to set the time on your G-SHOCK watch.
Easily Change the Time on Your G-SHOCK Watch Today
Setting the time on your G-SHOCK watch manually or through the CASIO Watches app is as easy as 4 simple steps. Whether you’re travelling, adjusting for daylight savings, or just fine-tuning your setup, you’re now equipped to make quick updates.
Need more help? Reach out to G-SHOCK Support for expert advice anytime.
Explore our G-SHOCK blog and G-TIPS for more guidance, tips and inspiration.