The Best G-Shock Watches of 2023

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If you’re on the lookout for a tough timepiece, get yourself a G-Shock. It took over two years and 200 prototypes before the first G-Shock watch rolled out in 1983, and it has managed to keep its stellar, gritty reputation ever since. The G-Shock watch is a cult classic. For the best out there, we give the nod to the light, tough, and titanium Full Metal GMW-B500. But it doesn’t stop there. Here are six more of the most trustworthy G-Shock options that stand the test of time.

Why You Should Buy a G-Shock Watch

There’s a reason the Casio G-Shock has a cult following: They’re awesome. They’ve been around for 40 years now and people still love them; one of the biggest watch bloggers out there just wrote a book with the brand. 

The shock-resistant structure and high quality of these watches means they rarely need maintenance, while their quartz movements are known for being super-accurate. Some even use GPS to automatically sync time on a daily basis. All G-Shocks are water-resistant up to 200 meters. Best of all, they come at affordable prices, with some being available for under $100. Most G-Shocks also have a daily alarm, world time, a backlight, a stopwatch, a countdown timer, and an auto calendar, as well as 12- or 24-hour time formats. 

Related: Complete Guide to Buying a Vintage Watch for Burgeoning Collectors

Why You Should Trust Me

My interest in watches began with me coveting my grandfather’s 1957 Hamilton. I have covered menswear for over a decade, including a stint at the Daily Mail. I’ve written about award shows and fashion shows, featuring everything from formalwear to streetwear and swimwear. I spend my days traveling from Los Angeles to Copenhagen to Athens and beyond in search of the latest trends for men in wine, spirits, fashion, and music.

Full Metal GMW-B5000 watch

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Best Overall G-Shock Watch: Full Metal GMW-B5000 

A direct descendant of the original G-Shock, the Full Metal GMW-B5000 takes its inspiration from futuristic Japanese style. It’s the kind of watch you might find someone wearing in Akira. Made from lightweight titanium with geometric camouflage in black-and-brown ion plating, this stylish piece can be worn just about anywhere.

• CASE: Titanium
• MOVEMENT: Quartz
• DIAL: Black
• SIZE: 43.2mm
• STRAP: Titanium bracelet 

Analog-Digital 2100 watch

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Best G-Shock Watch to Pair With a Smartphone: Analog-Digital 2100

The Analog-Digital 2100 features a variety of colors as well as functions, like Smartphone Link and Tough Solar charging. It also uses the Carbon Core Guard structure to preserve a similar fit on the wrist as the original model. It’s water resistant up to 200 meters.

• CASE: Carbon
• MOVEMENT: Quartz
• DIAL: Black
• SIZE: 45.4mm
• STRAP: Resin

Master of G-Land Mudmaster watch

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Best G-Shock Watch for Adventure: Mudmaster

One of the toughest models from G-shock (and that’s saying something) the Mudmaster gets its name from being mud-and-dust proof–a rare designation for a watch. It also happens to be giant and features large Arabic numerals, so it’s easy to check the time even in the worst weather. You can also check your position with the watch’s compass as well as the temperature.

• CASE: Resin
• MOVEMENT: Quartz
• DIAL: Black
• SIZE: 55.3mm
• STRAP: Resin

More G-Shock Watches We Love

Best G-Shock Watch for Dressing Up: Full Metal 2100

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The Full Metal 2100 is the first full-metal addition to the 2100 line. It features a classy, minimalist design that makes it a watch that can be dressed up or down. It also pairs with your smartphone via Bluetooth, which keeps the watch precise.

• CASE: Stainless steel
• MOVEMENT: Quartz
• DIAL: Black
• SIZE: 44.4mm
• STRAP: Stainless-steel bracelet

Best G-Shock Watch for Swimming: Frogman

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The giant 30th anniversary edition of the Frogman is one of the more expensive G-Shock watches out there, but for good reason. The bright colors were inspired by the Amazon’s poison dart frog, and it’s cut from a base material of colorful carbon and glass fibers laminated in random patterns—making it so no two bezels are exactly alike.

• CASE: Resin
• MOVEMENT: Quartz
• DIAL: Black
• SIZE: 51.7mm
• STRAP: Resin

Best Low-Profile G-Shock Watch: G-Steel GST-B400

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If you want a G-Shock but still want to go with a sleeker design, then this one’s for you. At 12.9mm, the G-Steel GST-B400 is the slimmest G-Shock available, yet it still features all the high-tech elements you might be looking for, including solar charging, Bluetooth connectivity, a world timer, five alarms, and an automatic perpetual calendar.

• CASE: Resin
• MOVEMENT: Quartz
• DIAL: Black
• SIZE: 49.6mm
• STRAP: Resin

Best G-Shock Watch Under $200: Move GBA-900

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Featuring Bluetooth connectivity, the Move GBA-900 is basically a digital personal trainer, thanks to its ability to access your smartphone GPS. It measures specific spans, like distance, speed, pace, and calories burned by connecting to your smartphone via an app.

• CASE: Resin
• MOVEMENT: Quartz
• DIAL: Black
• SIZE: 48.9mm
• STRAP: Resin