Designed by Casio, G Shock has been a lifelong partner for many who delight in robust and environmentally resistant watches, especially military men.
With several models on the market, it can be challenging to decide on the best G Shock for military personnel to buy for yourself or a colleague. But, don’t be ruffled; we’re here to help. Here’s a who’s who list and review of the nine best military-grade G Shock watches.
PRODUCT | FEATURES | LATEST PRICE |
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1. Casio Men’s GD350-1B |
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2. Casio Men’s XL Series G-Shock Quartz GA-700UC-8ACR |
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3. Casio Men’s G-SHOCK Quartz GWM5610-1 |
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4. G-Shock Rangeman GW-9400 |
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5. Casio Watch GA100-1A1 |
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6. CASIO G Shock Quartz Watch GG1000-1A5 |
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7. Casio G-Shock GA700CM Series Camo Wrist Watch (Men’s) |
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8. G-Shock Gulfmaster GN-1000-1AJF |
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9. Casio Men’s G-Shock Quartz Watch |
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Table of Contents
G Shock Watch Reviews
Without further ado, let’s get into the reviews of each of these watches and find out why they made it to this list to help you make up your mind.
1. Casio Men’s GD350-1B
The Casio Men’s GD350-1B is a digital watch with an all-black resin bezel and case material with yellow marks. The resin material makes it easier to care for the timepiece and also empowers it to last longer.
With a face diameter of 49mm, this watch gives you a broad and easy-to-read screen. In addition, the readings on the screen are so visible that you can view them even from a distance.
Like most G Shock watches, this model is shock-resistant and water-resistant to a depth of 200m. So, whether you’re in combat, taking a scuba dive, or falling from a height, this watch will continue to work perfectly.
In addition, the GD350-1B comes with a large button for the watch’s countdown timer, a feature that’s missing in most G Shock watches. What’s more, once you raise your hand to view the watch’s face, the LED lighting automatically turns on. Casio calls it the super illuminator. With its bright backlight, you can see the watch’s face at night or in unusual dim areas.
The GD350-1B works with 35 time zones across 100 cities. Moreover, it has a 12/24 hour time format plus a full auto-calendar pre-programmed up to 2099. Its five daily alarms allow you to stay right on time. A vibration feature also alerts you on countdown timers, daily alarms, and hourly time signals.
The watch’s CR2032 battery takes care of these power-draining features. Its battery has a lifespan of up to 5 years, plus you get notified when the battery is dying out. Sold yet?
PROS
- Long-lasting battery life
- Wide and super-illuminated screen
- Shock and water-resistant
- Vibration alarms that can be muted
CONS
- No solar-charging feature
- No magnetic resistance
- Relatively bulky
Bottom Line
The GD350-1B is one of Casio’s best-selling G Shock watches. With a user-friendly and easy-to-read interface, simple navigation buttons, and a time zone that cuts across 100 cities, it easily takes the cake when it comes to the best G Shock for military purposes.
2. Casio Men’s XL Series G-Shock Quartz GA-700UC-8ACR
The Quartz GA-700UC-8ACR is your best bet if you’re seeking a robust G-Shock watch with high technical refinements. This anal-digital watch is available in various colors, including a dark grey resin with a utility military watch face, plus a 3D dial hand.
Similar to other G Shock watches, this watch can absorb high levels of shock. What’s more, it’s water-resistant, up to a depth of 200m. This feature makes the Quartz GA-700UC-8ACR durable.
The Quartz GA-700UC-8ACR has a 24-hour countdown timer featuring a 1/100 stopwatch and elapsed time, split time, and first-second phase countdown modes. It also comes with super illuminator LED lighting that brightens up when brought close to a person’s face. You can also turn on the backlight manually with the iconic front button.
Also, the watch has 31 time zones that cut across 48 cities, and you can swap between time zones. So, telling the time difference of colleagues in other cities is no longer an issue. You can also set daily alarms to keep you on track with your activities. The Quartz GA-700UC-8ACR weighs 2.5 ounces and is powered by a CR2016 battery that gives you a battery life of 5 years.
PROS
- Easily-lit screen
- Afterglow feature keeps screen up for sometime
- Long-lasting battery
- Water, gravitational and magnetic resistance
- Made for everybody and can be worn for casual occasions
CONS
- You can’t charge batteries with solar energy
Bottom Line
The Quartz GA-700UC-8ACR is the best pick for you if you’re looking for a watch with that bold look that quickly gets you noticed. In addition, its extraordinary features like the super illuminator and 24-hour countdown timer make it a sought-after G Shock watch.
3. Casio Men’s G-SHOCK Quartz GWM5610-1
If you’re looking for that G Shock that you can put on for every occasion, even when off duty, then the Quartz GWM5610-1 will serve you best. Designed by Casio in 2011, this is one of G Shock’s solar watches. When charged fully, it can last for 10 months. Plus, there’s a visible battery life indicator that prompts you if your battery is running out.
Furthermore, you can prolong your battery life with several battery-saving options, including decreasing screen brightness, turning on the dark mode, disabling the wrist raise feature, and turning on the power reserve mode.
Moreover, you can set a maximum of 5 daily alarms to keep you prompted on pending activities. Plus, the auto backlight feature lights up the screen whenever your hand is moved toward your face. Of course, it’s automatically disabled when your battery is running low, too.
On top of that, it’s resistant to shock and water at a depth of 200m. And last but not least, the Quartz GWM5610-1 has a world time that features approximately 29 time zones across 48 cities. Furthermore, it gives you a full-auto programmed calendar for up to the year 2099.
PROS
- Battery charging via solar gives you an overall long-lasting battery
- Easy swapping between timezones
- Battery level indicator to prompt you when the battery is running out
CONS
- Narrow screen size
- Stuck metallic buttons make it hard to navigate
Bottom Line
This solar-powered Quartz GWM5610-1 G Shock model is one of a kind, providing you with the true essence of long-lasting battery life. We recommend this watch for you if you’re on a budget and want a solar G Shock.
4. G-Shock Rangeman GW-9400
The G-Shock Rangeman GW-9400 is a member of the master G class family, and it’s resistant to shock and water for up to 200m. In addition, it has triple sensor features that make it capable of keeping altitude, telling temperature levels, measuring atmospheric pressure, and helping you navigate easily.
All these features are convenient for military use, especially when on the sea or at camps. Also, it measures altitude ranges of between a negative 700m to 10000m and atmospheric pressure ranges of between 260hpa to 1100hpa. The altitude and atmospheric pressure can alert soldiers of low oxygen areas that require oxygen tanks.
Moreover, the compass helps you navigate your way on the sea or find your destination when lost. On top of that, you can easily check the temperature level of your current location, and the watch sounds off an alarm when there’s a significant temperature change. Yet, it can work perfectly at very low temperatures.
Speaking of alarms, this one lets you set a maximum of 5 daily alarms. Plus, it features a world clock that helps you tell the time in 31 time zones across 48 countries, and it has a full-auto pre-programmed calendar from now until 2099.
Finally, the watch feels less bulky around the wrist with a featherweight of 93g and a broader face width of 53.5m.
PROS
- Water and shock-resistant
- Measures temperature and has a compass feature
- Measures altitude and atmospheric levels to help you determine oxygen levels
CONS
- Comparatively expensive
- Doesn’t support solar charging
Bottom Line
When at camp, the G-Shock Rangeman GW-9400 can be your safety companion. With measures of temperature, altitude, atmospheric pressure, and many other essential features, you’re pre-informed of your environment’s conditions.
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5. Casio Watch GA100-1A1
Shock-resistant, resistant to magnets, and water for up to 200m, the Casio Watch GA100-1A 75g watch comprises a black resin watch face band and rough surface buttons to help you grip tightly to the controls.
While it has similar features to most G Shocks, including the super illumination backlight feature that allows you to see the watch’s face in dark rooms, the Casio Watch GA100-1A 75g further includes an hourly time signal that beeps at the mark of each hour. Speaking of that, the watch also gives you the option to turn off these alarms manually.
And on the note of alarms in general, you have access to 5 daily alarms, broken into four daily alarms and one snooze alarm. These alarms can help you stay focused on and on time on all your projects.
Above that, the GA 100-1A1 comes with other time features like its word clock feature that gives you access to 29 time zones across 48 cities. The watch also comes with a full-auto pre-programmed calendar that spans to 2099. All these features are powered by the CR1220 battery, which can last for a minimum of two years.
PROS
- Shock, magnet, and water-resistant
- Super illumination and a wider screen for easy visibility
CONS
- Comparatively, the battery doesn’t last for long
- World clock covers fewer time zones as compared to other G Shock watches
Bottom Line
Looking for a wider screen G Shock watch that’s resistant to shock, magnet, and water? Then the GA 100-1A1 is your best choice. This watch is also good for you if you’re on a budget.
6. CASIO G Shock Quartz Watch GG1000-1A5
Also known as the Mudmaster, the CASIO G Shock Quartz Watch GG1000-1A5 is a rugged and tough-looking device that’s a member of the master G collections. It’s designed to resist extreme and harsh conditions. Plus, it’s resistant to shock, mud, and water at a depth of 200m.
Get into the dirt with no worries – the watch’s compact design prevents anything from entering with the help of its gaskets. When it comes to visibility, this monster G Shock is a grade A. It has well-labeled 12, 9, 6, and 3 hour-marks and a 56.2mm screen diameter to allow easy readability.
The watch also features a compass for easy navigation to a preferred location. This feature comes in handy when you have lost your bearings. You can measure your direction within an interval of 0-359 degrees.
Moreover, you can easily find out the temperature levels of your current location with this watch. To add up, the Quartz Watch GG1000-1A5 comes with a world clock that features thirty-one time zones across 48 cities.
PROS
- Water, mud, and shock-resistant
- The compact design prevents sand or dust from entry
- Bidirectional compass for easy navigation
- Wider screen and visible hour marks for easy readability
CONS
- With a weight of 3.2 ounces, it’s relatively bulky on the hand
- Comparatively expensive
Bottom Line
Despite its comparatively high price, this monster yet multifunctional watch is one of the best-selling G Shocks globally. It’s rugged and can survive harsh conditions, making it suitable for all recruits who go through a series of rigorous training.
7. Casio G-Shock GA700CM Series Camo Wrist Watch (Men’s)
The Casio G-Shock GA700CM Series Camo Wrist Watch is an anal-digital watch, and its casing is made from the full eye-catching silhouette. Its camouflage colors help the indicators on the screen stand out, increasing visibility.
What’s more, the superluminous backlight helps brighten the screen in pitch-black areas. Plus, you can set the backlight duration to stay up for up to 3 secs. The screen’s diameter of 53.4m increases visibility.
Moreover, the G-Shock Quartz GA 700CM-3A comes with a countdown timer that counts from 60 minutes and a 1/100 seconds stopwatch. These timer features help you stay on track with your daily activities.
In addition, you can tell the time from 31 time zones that span across 48 countries. And lastly, the device runs on a CR2016 battery that lasts for a minimum of five years.
PROS
- Long-lasting battery life
- Large screen size for easy screen visibility
CONS
- The battery isn’t solar chargeable
Bottom Line
The G-Shock Quartz GA 700CM-3A is best for you if you want a long-lasting battery with good screen visibility. This watch gives you five years of use without having to replace the battery.
8. G-Shock Gulfmaster GN-1000-1AJF
From the Gulfmaster series, the G-Shock Gulfmaster GN-1000-1AJF watch is robust and rugged and can resist shock and water up to 200m. The urethane strap helps the watch to fit perfectly around the wrist. Moreover, it has a super bright LED backlight that lights up when brought close to a face.
This Gulfmaster also features twin sensor models that allow you to quickly tell direction when on the sea and a weather forecast indicator that instantly informs you about weather changes. The device also has a moon age indicator and a tidal graph that helps measure high and low tides on the sea to prevent shipwrecks.
The watch also has a world clock that comes with 29 time zones from 29 cities. The SR927W powers the watch, and the battery can last up to two years of battery life.
PROS
- Rigorous and robust watch that can resist falls and shocks
- Keeps you informed about the weather forecast
CONS
- You can’t charge the batteries with solar energy
- Comparatively expensive
Bottom Line
If your job leaves you spending more time on the sea, then the G-Shock Gulfmaster GN-1000-1AJF is just the best G Shock for you. Sail to land safely by avoiding high tides that could cause shipwrecks with a compass that can easily help you navigate your way on the sea.
9. Casio Men’s G-Shock Quartz Watch
This Casio Men’s G-Shock Quartz Watch is suitable for anyone on a low budget and looking to get a G Shock that’s water and shock-resistant. This sports watch weighs 1.87 ounces, with a black resin strap that fits comfortably around the wrist.
The watch also has a countdown timer that you can set to countdown at an interval of 1 minute or an hour. Plus, it has a 1/1000 stopwatch for timing any activity at a given limit. The watch alarm goes off at every hour mark. Of course, you can turn off this feature if you don’t want it.
Furthermore, the G-Shock Quartz has a 12/24 hour time format with a full-auto pre-programmed calendar up to 2099.
PROS
- Water and shock-resistant
- Good for a low budget
CONS
- Provides less advanced features
Bottom Line
We recommend the Casio Men’s G-Shock Quartz Watch for you if you’re low on budget and looking for a watch that provides you with shock and water resistance capabilities.
What to Look For When Buying a G Shock
While it’s true that the presence of several options on the market can make the choice challenging, below are the main factors you should consider before purchasing a G Shock.
Battery
The battery life is one of the many important factors to look out for. You can either get yourself a watch with a battery life span of five years (which is cool), but what’s way cooler is a plus of solar charging capabilities that could last a decade or more.
Screen
Always check for screen width and visibility. Readability is vital. If your watch has all the cool features and you can’t tell the time or view anything on it, then what’s the essence?
Now, imagine being in a shady area with a low battery, and you can’t turn on your backlight. A narrow screen will make issues worse. Get a wider screen like that of the G Shock GD350-1B, and enjoy a better experience.
Other Smartwatches Aren’t a Replacement for G Shocks
Sometimes, people will recommend other watches for you when you tell them you want to get a G Shock. While these watches can perform similar functions as the G Shock and even more, can they withstand falls and other harsh conditions? No. When it comes to robustness and resistance, the G Shock is in a league of its own.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can You Tell if a G Shock Is Fake?
There are several features for verifying the authenticity of a G Shock, the first being the package. The original box comes with a barcode which you can scan to confirm. Moreover, the warranty card is another verification tool. Marco is the sole distributor of G Shock.
As such, all warrant cards have their name on them. To add up, the super illuminance for fake G Shocks is mostly dim, and you can barely see in dark areas.
Can Women Wear G Shocks?
Absolutely, yes. G Shocks aren’t solely made for a sect of people even though they’re popular among some people. Casio even has tailored G Shocks for women, including the GMAS120MF-7A2 and the GMDB800SC-1B.
How Deep Can I Dive With a G Shock?
Most G Shocks allow an underwater depth of 200m, making them suitable for scuba diving. But remember, constantly using it in water activities like bathing and swimming can reduce its water resistance.
Do Navy Seals and Special Forces Use G Shock?
There’s no standard-issue watch for navy seals and special forces, but many use brands such as G Force and Seiko. G Force, in particular, has been a popular choice since it became public knowledge that the Casio G-Shock DW-6600 was once given to seals.
Final Verdict
The G Shock continues to remain one of the most rugged and robust watch brands for decades. So it’s no surprise that its watches are among the best seller ones for military men. If you’re looking to get the best G Shock for military camps or survival adventures, we hope we’ve helped you.
There’s a wide range of tailored military watches you can choose from. For example, if you want a long-lasting battery life G Shock that could go for years without charging, then you can get yourself the G-Shock Quartz GA-700UC-8ACR or the G-Shock Quartz GA 700CM-3A.
Alternatively, get the Quartz Watch GG1000-1A5 if you want a mud-resistant G Shock. And last but not least, if you’re low on a budget, Casio Men’s G-Shock Quartz Watch will suffice.
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