Most people are probably perfectly happy to wear a cheap watch; there’s nothing wrong with that. Campers, hikers, homesteaders, preppers, on the other hand, don’t really have that option.
Cheaper watches, as good as they can be, aren’t always that durable and they can fall apart fairly easily. If you’re doing or will be doing any kind of outdoor activity, then your watch must be durable and able to take a beating.
There are many different brands of watches available; but Casio is probably the best-known one and their G-Shock line is amazingly popular. They’re sturdy, budget-friendly, and stylish. With that in mind, what are the best G-Shock watches on the market? Well, let’s find out.
What to Look for when Buying a G-Shock
When it comes to buying any watch or piece of gear there are certain things that you should look for.
- Budget: How much can you afford to spend on a watch? Not all watches have the same price so it’s a good idea to know what you can and/or can’t afford.
- Size: some watches are bigger than others, do you need a large, extra-large, or a small watch?
- Durability: obviously, if you’re outdoors a lot and you do a lot of outdoor sports/activities, your watch is going to be banged around quite a bit. Not all watches can take that kind of abuse, you want something durable that’s going to take a beating with a smile and ask for more.
- Comfort: Your watch is going to be on your wrist daily or almost daily, it should be a comfortable piece to wear or you’re not going to like it.
- Aesthetics: If you’re going to wear it every day it should at least be nice to look at.
Disclosure: This post has links to 3rd party websites, so I may get a commission if you buy through those links. Survival Sullivan is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See my full disclosure for more.
1. G-Shock GW9400 Rangeman
The GW9400 Rangeman is a sturdily built piece that can take a beating. It comes with a compass, barometer, altimeter, stopwatch, timer, and other cool features. The strap is made of resin and has a buckle to ensure that your watch doesn’t go anywhere while on your wrist.
It’s water resistant to 200 meters and, get this, it’s solar powered. No more worrying about getting new batteries with this bad boy, no, sir!
You can get this one here.
2. Casio G-Shock GA100-1A1
Stylish and functional the GA100-1A1 is water resistant to 200m (660ft) and has a range of functions including both an analog and digital watch face with a backlight.
Other than that, you’ve got all the usual bells and whistles that come with a G-Shock: stopwatch, alarms, and, of course, a tough design that you can beat the heck out of.
All that said, this one can be a bit harder to read and the backlight doesn’t light up the digital portion of the watch. It’s not a serious problem – unless, of course, you don’t know how to read an analog watch.
If this sounds like the watch for you, it can be purchased here.
3. Casio G-Shock GW2310
Another solar powered watch, the GW2310 has both 12 and 24-hour formats and works in 31 different time zones. The solar battery allows for a watch which doesn’t need to be charged. Additionally, the atomic timekeeping means you don’t have to set the time.
The LED backlight makes reading the watch in the dark very easy. It can take a serious beating so you can take it on a variety of adventures without worrying too much about the watch falling apart on you.
This one can be purchased here.
4. Casio G-Shock GG-1000 Mudmaster
This one is very sturdily-built and is mud resistant – there’s a system in place to keep dust and mud out of the watch.
It can handle some of the harshest environments and has a variety of features including a stopwatch, timer, two formats (12 and 24-hours), and a calendar.
Shock resistant and water resistant up to 200 meters, this is a great piece for those who like getting down and dirty. You can get yours here.
5. Casio G-Shock GR8900-A1
Tough and stylish, the GR8900-A1 comes with an LED backlight, altimeter, compass, barometer, and thermometer which makes it great for outdoor adventurers everywhere.
It’s shock resistant and water resistant to 200 meters. The black display might be a bit difficult to read without the backlight. If you’re looking for something like this, you can get it here.
6. Casio G-Shock GD100-1BCR
This member of the G-Shock family comes with five different alarms and two formats (12 and 24 hours respectively). Shock resistant and water resistant up to 200m. The backlight is nice and bright making reading the time in the dark a breeze.
It’s also nice and durable so you can beat it up without much trouble – except maybe to your conscience – and it’s quite easy to work with; especially if you’ve owned other G-Shocks.
It’s stylish and functional, and if you’d like to get it for yourself; you can get it here.
7. Casio G-Shock G100-1BV
Okay, of all the G-Shocks on this list I think this is probably my favorite one. Analog and digital displays, 12 and 24-hour formats, backlight with afterglow, and shock resistant, this one is a very stylish piece that’s sure to be a conversation starter.
You can get yours here.
8. Casio G-Shock 6900 Military
The 6900 is water resistant up to 200m and has a backlight that you can use to check the time in the dark.
You can use either a 12- or 24-hour time format and the quartz movement keeps time with an accuracy of roughly fifteen seconds. There are multiple alarms that you can use.
You can get yours here.
9. Casio G-Shock Rangeman GPR-1000-1JR
This is a pricey watch, there’s no doubt about that but that’s true of most smart watches…yes, this is a sort of smart watch.
It comes with a solar battery and GPS; it also has Bluetooth functionality which is pretty cool for a watch. The durable construction means you can beat this thing senseless, and it’ll keep coming back for more.
You can get this one here.
10. Casio G-Shock GW7900B Rescue
Built for those who work in the emergency services, this one is solar powered and has radio time sync with a hands-free backlight.
The LCD screen can handle very low temperatures so if you’re a big fan of mountain climbing this would be the watch for you. You can get it here.
11. Casio G-Shock GWM5610-1
This one has a cool retro look to it. A solar powered piece, this is one of the smaller members of the G-Shock family and as such you can wear it comfortably under long sleeved shirts and jackets.
Considering how big most of the G-Shock watches are, this is quite a big deal when you’re walking around in winter. Like its relatives, this one is sturdily built and you can beat it up quite a bit.
You can get this one here.
12. Casio G-Shock GW9300-1 Mudman
An older member of the G-Shock family, the Mudman is a solar powered watch that comes with a compass and thermometer. It’s mud and dust resistant, and while it’s a bit on the bulky side, it’s a very comfortable piece to wear.
You can get this one here.
13. Casio G-Shock DW9052-1V
Nothing fancy on this one, it goes back to basics and gives us a simple piece that does what any watch should do; it tells time. It may be basic, but it’s durable, waterproof and shock proof so you’re definitely getting good quality at a great price.
Get this one here.
14. Casio G-Shock GBA800-8A Urban Trainer
Do you like to go running in the morning? You do? Well, then this might be the watch for you.
The analog and digital displays are easy enough to read and the rugged construction mean it can take a serious beating. It comes with a built-in step tracker and Bluetooth capability which makes it great for runners.
If you want this one, you can get it here.
15. Casio G-Shock DW5600E-1V
Oh boy, this one takes me back. This was my first watch, and my folks, sisters, and all of my school friends had this one.
When I was growing up in the early 2000s, you were one of the coolest kids on the playground if you had this thing.
It’s a simple, square shaped digital watch that has the same quality construction of the other G-Shocks and was given the ‘world’s toughest watch’ award by the Guinness Book of Records in 2017. This model has been around and popular since the 80s and its popularity keeps on going.
If you need a simple watch, and you like a classic then this is for you. Get it here.
16. Casio G-Shock G9000MS Mudman
The Mudman has been around for quite a while and has remained a bestseller for good reason.
It has a durable construction which is mud and dust resistant with protected buttons. The buttons may be harder to press but that’s a small price to pay for a good watch.
You can get yours here.
17. Casio G-Shock GW-5000-1JF Solar
Okay, so another retro-looking piece, this one is a tribute to the original G-Shock DW5600-C – a model from 1983. It has a stainless-steel case which means you can beat this one up quite a bit more that the regular plastic cased watches.
The solar battery never needs to be replaced or recharged and the quality construction makes this one amazingly durable.
You want one? Great, get yours here.
18. Casio G-Shock GST-S110D-1ACR G-Steel
Man, what a mouthful that name is! This one is going to be a little bigger than some would like but it has a full stainless-steel case which makes it both durable and stylish.
It has both an analog and digital displays with LED backlights for each. Additionally, you get all the regular bells and whistles; alarms, stopwatch, timer, you get the idea.
You want one of these, you know you do. Get it here.
19. Casio G-Shock DW5900
We talked about the 5600 earlier – one of the 5600s anyways – this one is the 5900 and the only real changes are to the shape of the case and the face/display.
The case has been widened a bit from the 5600, and there are three round counter pieces on the display. Apart from that, you’ve got the usual bits and bobs associated with a G-Shock and you’ll love having this one on your wrist.
Get yours here.
20. Casio G-Shock GMWB5000CS
This is a pricey watch, and it looks like something out of a science fiction movie. The metal case makes it a durable watch, it’s solar powered and has a mineral glass case.
I get the feeling this was supposed to be a limited edition and it became so popular that Casio decided to keep it – what do you guys think?
Get it here if you’re interested.
21. Casio G-Shock GBA200UC-2A
So, you need a new fitness tracker, and you don’t know what to get. Well, that’s where this guy comes in.
Analog and digital displays and all the usual G-Shock goodies with a built-in accelerometer which can send real-time training stats to your phone via an app. It also looks great without being super bulky or crazy looking.
Sound good? You can get one here.
22. Casio G-Shock GD-400
If you’re a skater or biker, then you’re probably having plenty of accidents in the road or skate park.
These types of accidents can seriously damage your watch, this particular watch has two metal bars across the face which keeps it from slamming into the ground when you do.
If that’s something you need, then you can get this one here.
23. Casio G-Shock GWFD1000B-1 Frogman
Okay, so most if not all the G-Shock watches are waterproof/water resistant to 200 meters and this one is no exception.
The usual quality construction that you’ve come to expect with a solar battery and depth gauge. Shock proof, and just a cool piece in general; this one is pricey, but you’re getting a good watch out of it so…good deal, I guess?
You can get this one here.
24. Casio G-Shock GA2100SKE-7A
Double displays (analog and digital) with a backlight for each one, sturdy G-Shock construction, water resistant to 200 meters, shock resistant, and cool to look at. It’s fancy-looking without being overwhelming or ridiculously expensive.
You can get this one here.
25. Casio G-Shock GSW-H1000 Move
This one is another fitness watch but instead of the G-Shock app, it uses a Google program called Wear OS to track your fitness.
It is a very bulky watch which may put some people off but if that doesn’t bother you and the price doesn’t bother you then this may be a good one to get. Get here if you like.
26. Casio G-Shock GAS100G-1A
Casio really seems to like the analog/digital combination on their G-Shocks. This one has a nice vibrant color scheme to make reading it nice and easy, with a backlight making it a breeze to read in the dark. It has a stainless-steel bezel which gives it a bit of flair – flashy but not obnoxiously so.
The quartz movement allows for accurate timekeeping and the 200-meter water resistance and durable construction make this a must-buy.
You can get yours here.
27. Casio G-Shock G-7900A Rescue Concept
Okay, so this is a member of the G-Shock Rescue series that has a simple, easy-to-read digital face and a comfortable resin band and buckle to ensure a good fit.
It only comes in red which may or may not be a deal-breaker for some but it’s a great watch at a reasonable price.
If you want one of these, you can get it here.
28. Casio G-Shock Resin Quartz Sports Watch
Finally, a G-Shock that’s more name than number! Water resistant to 200 meters and shock resistant, this one has a very simple design to keep things… well… simple.
Sometimes you don’t want a crazy looking watch with four circles, analog and digital displays, etc. this one goes straight back to basics. It’s lightweight and comfortable and you can’t go wrong with this one.
You can get this one here.
29. Casio G-Shock GA-700UC-3ACR
So, what do we have here? Quartz movement for accurate timekeeping, analog and digital displays, backlight, shock resistant, water resistant to 200 meters, and built like a tank.
This one is big – probably bigger than some would prefer – but it can take a serious beating and keep coming back for more. It also looks pretty cool, which never hurts.
Grab this one yourself here.
30. Casio G-Shock G8900A-1
The G8900A-1 (seriously, more numbers?) has a shock resistant resin case with Japanese quartz movement, two-time formats (12 and 24-hours), and all the usual G-Shock features. It’s sturdily built and water resistant to 200 meters.
If you want this one, you can get it here.
Many, Many More on the Market
If you’re in the market for a G-Shock, I hope this list helps significantly. If you’re not too keen on what’s listed, trust me, there are tons more to choose from. I hope you guys enjoyed the article and found it informative and helpful.
As always, thanks for reading and I’ll see you for the next one. Take care!
Greg spent much of his younger years camping and hiking. Greg grew up on a small farm with lots of livestock such as cows, horses and chickens. He’s good with a bow and arrow, is a huge knife enthusiast, and has a blackbelt in Taekwondo.