11 Best Tactical Casio G-Shock Military Watches (2023 Reviews)

G-Shock makes the toughest watches in the world. It's probably the only watch brand that you can take to hell and back.

This article has everything you need to know about choosing the best G-Shock for military use, including: 

• 30-second summary & quick picks
• 11 solid army G-Shocks reviewed ($45 - $200+)
• Military G-Shock features & buyer's guide
• U.S. army watch regulations - all you need to know
• And a few words on Casio's "Gulf Delta" line of military G-Shock watches

Remember - in the military, your watch is a piece of gear you wear every single day. It goes where you go. So it's a good idea to invest in a good one from the get-go.

Ready? Let's get started...

Compare Best Military G-Shocks

Image	Product	Mil. Features	Solar
	1. Casio G-Shock Rangeman GW9400-3CR	Compass, Thermometer, Altimeter	Yes
	2. G-Shock GG1000-1A5 Mudmaster	Compass, Thermometer	No
	3. Casio G-Shock GD350	-	No
	4. Casio G-Shock G9300 Mudman	Compass, Thermometer	No
	5. Casio G-Shock G9000	-	No
	6. Casio G-Shock GA 100-1A1	-	No
	7. Casio G-Shock GD-400	Vibration alarm, mil. timer	No
	8. Casio G-Shock DW6900-1V	-	No
	9. Casio G-Shock GWM530A-1	Atomic Time	Yes
	10. Casio G-Shock DW9052	-	No
	11. Casio G-Shock DW5600E-1V	-	No

11 Best Tactical Casio G-Shock Military Watches Reviewed

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1. Casio G-Shock Rangeman GW9400-3CR - Best Overall

Size and Weight: Large (53mm diameter, 3.28oz. weight)

What's Special About It

G-Shock Rangeman GW9400 is one of the best tactical watches and G-Shocks out there. It is Casio's top military watch - they call it the "survival watch" of all the features packed inside.

Right off the bat -

Casio's advanced triple sensor technology gives you these three bad boys:

• Compass
• Thermometer
• Altimeter/Barometer (elevation & atmospheric pressure)

Side note: You won't be relying on the sensors in the military, but never hurts to have a backup. 

Time and sensor readings can be recorded - you get 40 data slots. With a press of a button, you can record the exact time of a key event happening. Or log temperature changes in your area.

No compromises from Casio when it comes to movement on GW9400:

• Multi-Band 6 - Automatic radio time calibration means that the watch is accurate 100% of the time
• Tough Solar - You won't have to worry about the battery running out

In other words, Rangeman GW-9400 requires ZERO maintenance.

Like any advanced G-Shock, the Rangeman comes with five alarms. Sunrise/Sunset time indicator is another neat feature that I find myself using a lot. Perfect for timing my evening runs, especially in winter months.

Military Features

Rangeman's got your covered for military features:

• Big buttons are easy to press when wearing gloves.
• Dedicated backlight button at the front.
• Hands-free backlight functionality with adjustable duration
• Button sounds can be muted.
• Triple sensor "survival" features

P.S. If you want to see the Rangeman in an army environment, check out the user photos in Amazon reviews. There are some great shots there.

Bottom Line

You're looking at the best military G-Shock on the market. 

And since Rangeman GW-9400 was first released in 2014, today's price is way lower than it was back in the day. This model comes in army green, but there is also a military black version of the GW-9400 that I included in one of the boxes above.

Watch the video below for a short review of its main features.

3 Best Things About Rangeman GW-9400 

+ Casio's Triple-Sensor
+ Military Functionality
+ Best Military G-Shock on the market

Rangeman GW-9400 Cons

- No Vibration Alarm
- Too Large For Small Wrists
- No Multi-Time display

Side note: If you like the Rangemaster but want an analog display, check out the similarly-priced Casio GG-1000-1A3CR Mudmaster. You can read more about it in our G-Shock Mudmaster Review. 

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2. G-Shock GG1000-1A5 Mudmaster - Analog "Extra Tough" Pick

Casio G-Shock GG1000-1A5 Mudmaster is the top analog G-Shock in Casio's premium Master of G line. The watch features rugged, masculine looks, and is one of the toughest G-Shocks ever made. The watch is popular in the military and among law enforcement officers. Besides Twin Sensor, you're getting hands-free backlight and various basic G-Shock features (a timer, 5 alarms, etc.)

The only weak point of the GG-1000 Mudmaster is its lack of solar battery and atomic time. However, there is the fantastic Mudmaster GWG-1000 that comes with a solar battery AND triple sensor, but its price is significantly higher.

Casio G-Shock GG1000-1A5 Mudmaster Key Features: 

• Twin Sensor
• Hands-free backlight
• Analog Compass & Compass Bearing Feature
• Extra-resistant to mud, dust particles, and vibration
• World time

Read More: G-Shock Mudmaster Review

3. Casio G-Shock GD350 - Best Military Features (Under $100)

What's Special About It?

G-Shock GD (Gulf Delta) 350 is a part of Casio's tactical military line of watches. (Along with the GD-400 below.)

What makes the GD-350 stand out from the rest of G-Shocks are the military-specific functions of the watch - vibration alarm and a dedicated timer button.

Military Features

First -

GD350 has a dedicated timer button. You access the countdown timer with one quick press - right from the home screen. The timer has a dedicated screen right above the time display to the left. 

This is something that many G-Shocks don't have. If you like to have your timer to be accessible without going through the functions menu - this is the watch for you.

Second -

GD350 comes with a silent vibration alarm. You can have an alarm without giving away your location - whether to humans or wild animals.

Again - the vibration alarm is quite rare and GD350 is the only G-Shock that I know of that has it.

You're also getting:

• Big buttons that are easy to press in gloves
• Button sound mute
• Hands-free backlight
• Front backlight button
• Low battery warning (rare on non-solar G-shocks)
• Five alarms
• World time

The GD 350 runs quite big and can be considered oversized at 51mm in diameter and 2.64 oz. in weight.

Bottom line

GD350 is the best affordable tactical military watch from Casio. At below $100, it's also one of the best budget G-Shocks you can get because of its solid features.

Read More: We've also done a full review on G-Shock GD350, read for a closer look at its vibration alarm feature.

3 Best Things About G-Shock GD 350

+ Dedicated Timer Button
+ Silent Vibration Alarm
+ World Time

G-Shock GD 350 Cons

- Not quite as versatile as the GW 9400 Rangefinder
- Too large for small wrists
- Non-Solar Movement

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4. Casio G-Shock G9300 Mudman - The Toughest

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What's Special

The most special thing about the G-Shock G9300 is it's extra-tough "Mudman" construction. There are two parts to it:

• Caseback edges are covered in resin (to protect the steel parts)
• The buttons are protected by rubberized caps

This construction gives the G9300 "Mudman" extra protection against water and mud. It also makes the watch tougher than other G-Shocks, as they’re not as well protected against mud.

Features

G-Shock G9300 comes with a Twin Sensor that consists of:

• Compass
• Thermometer

In addition to that, you get all the same "premium" G-Shock features that the GW-9400 Rangeman comes with - including a Tough Solar movement.

The only downside of the G9300 "Mudman" is the lack of the Multi-Band 6 atomic clock. But even without radio calibration, the +-15 second accuracy of the quartz movement will be enough for most purposes.

Bottom Line

What makes the G9300 "Mudman" attractive is its "bang for the buck" you're getting. For a little above $100, you can get yourself a twin sensor watch with an extra-rugged construction. So while the G9300 is not the most advanced G-Shock on the market, it's well worth the money.

4 Best Things About G-Shock G9300

+ Value for money
+ Twin Sensor
+ Extra-tough "Mudman" construction
+ Solar Movement

G-Shock G9300 Cons

- No multi-band 6 radio calibration
- Not as advanced as the GW9400 Rangeman

P.S. Want to know more? Read our full G-Shock Mudman Review.

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5. Casio G-Shock G9000 "Military Concept" Mudman - Toughness Budget Pick

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What’s Special

G-Shock G9000 is the "original" Mudman from 2006. It has the extra-rugged construction like its bigger brother G9300 above but doesn't come with the tough solar battery and the Twin Sensor.

This version of the Mudman comes in a unique all-black stealthy "military concept" design, which is why it's been dubbed the "military g shock mudman" watch.

Features

While the G9000 doesn't have much in terms of advanced features, the basics are covered well. The standouts are:

• Button sound mute
• Hands-free backlight
• Dedicated front backlight button

Bottom line

G-Shock G9000 is an army classic – and one of the best budget G-Shocks you can get. Extra-rugged construction, hands-free backlight, tactical design – what more could you ask for?

G9000 gets the job done and countless servicemen swear by it.

Also…

Personal opinion, but this is one of the best-looking G-Shocks out there. There's just something about the "tactical" screen and the way that the features "pop" out at you from the case. Count me sold on the military concept.

3 Best Things About G-Shock G9000

+ One of best budget G-Shocks
+ Extra-tough "Mudman" construction
+ Great design

G-Shock G9000 Cons

- No advanced features

P.S. Want to know more? Read our full G-Shock Mudman Review.

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6. Casio G-Shock GA 100-1A1 Military Black Series - Best Analog Display

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What's Special About It

First off -

STYLE. I love the black-white contrast on G-Shock GA 100 1A1's dial. Beautiful, but tough and rugged at the same time.

Second -

This model is constantly selling at a discount. But even at its original price, it offers great value for what it costs.

Features

Starting from the special stuff, you get:

• Magnetic resistance
• Pilot tools (speed/distance input and mach indicator)

Side note: Mach calculator's nice and dandy, but you won't be using it out in the field. Same with magnetic resistance... chances are you will never need it unless visiting some kind of a research lab.

So, here's what actually matters: 

• You can use a dual time display to keep track home time when on deployment. Won't have to pull a General Schwarzkopf to keep track of two timezones.
• World time is useful as always - switching between different timezones is effortless.
• There is no silent mode - but many of the sounds on the GA 100 series are disabled by default. It's more silent than other G-shocks.
• You've got your hands-free backlight, but there is no dedicated backlight button in the front of the watch.
• The movement runs on battery - not solar. But at this price point, with the features that they've packed into this watch, we have nothing to complain about.
• Five alarms.

As you can see from the picture, the GA100 is large:

• Width: 52mm
• Thickness: 16.9mm
• Weight: 2.47 oz.

Bottom Line

If you're looking for a budget military G-Shock with analog display, the GA100 is your watch. Otherwise - the GD350 will have better functionality for the same price.

Best Things About G-Shock GA 100-1A1

+ Great value for the price
+ Multi-time and World Time displays
+ Style & many colors options (Black & Gold, Black & Red, Orange, etc.)

G-Shock GA 100-1A1 Cons

- No silent vibration alarm
- Backlight button on the side (no dedicated button)
- Non-solar movement

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7. Casio G-Shock GD-400 Military Watch (Gulf Delta) - Screen Protection

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What's Special About It

G-Shock GD400 is a cousin of the GD350.

As you can see, protective bullbars around the watch are the main thing setting it apart from other G-Shocks.

So The GD400 looks - and is - extra rugged. 

Side note: bullbars are not necessary unless you're doing some outright crazy stuff with your G-Shock. The normal construction is enough to withstand general abuse. 

Features

When it comes to features, GD 400 is not as good as the GD 350 above. 

Despite sharing the name, GD 400 does not have:

• A silent vibration alarm
• The dedicated timer button

Silent mode is the only army-specific feature that the GD-400 has. And frankly - if you ask me - the bullbars (that are not necessary in the first place) do not make up for the lack of functionality.

The rest of the features include:

• World time
• 4-city multi-time display
• Five alarms
• Low battery warning (rare on non-solar G-shocks)
• Dedicated backlight button
• Hands-free backlight

As you can see - it's a decent watch. You're still getting quite a bit for your money. If they had included the GD 350 features in this one... It would have been a killer-watch.

The bottom line?

There are better military G-Shocks out there. GD 400 looks like a military watch. And If you want a military-looking watch - go for it.

But unfortunately, it just doesn't have the military-specific functionality of its cousin GD 350 (Not to mention the #1 pick - Rangemaster). Otherwise, it would be higher up on the list.

3 Best Things About G-Shock GD-400 Military

+ Rugged look (bullbars)
+ Silent mode & Low battery warning (rare G-shock features)
+ Multi Time and World Time display

G-Shock GD-400 Military Cons

- Doesn't have the military features of GD 350
- The screen can be hard to read

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8. Casio G-Shock DW6900-1V - Worn by Navy SEALS

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What's Special About It

Wouldn't you want to have a G-Shock that was actually used by Navy SEALs?

Well, you're looking at it.

G-Shock DW 6600 was the watch issued to Navy SEALs in the 90s. It replaced the Rolex Submariner as the official watch of the Navy SEALS. It's easy to see why - the DW 6600 was more affordable and more reliable than a Rolex.

Side Note: G-Shock DW 6900 is the direct successor of the DW 6600 model. It's the closest we can get new. The original DW 6600 is out of production, but you can find vintage pieces. 

Features

This is your basic, affordable G-Shock watch. 

That's because the design is from the 1990s. Many of the advanced features of G-shocks simply didn't exist back then.

But, let's also face the fact -

At this low price point, we can't expect more.

As a daily beater that you're not afraid to flush down the toilet - this watch is perfect.

For advanced functionality - including military settings - you're better off with one of the models above.

3 Best Things About Casio G-Shock DW-6900-1V

+ Navy SEALS heritage
+ Affordable
+ Dedicated front light button

Casio G-Shock DW-6900-1V Cons

- No advanced features
- Only one alarm
- You can get better value for your money elsewhere

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9. Casio G-Shock GWM530A-1 - Best For Small Wrists

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What's Special About It

You're looking at one of the most affordable Tough Solar/Atomic Clock G-Shocks on the market today.

That's really the main selling point here.

And, as you can probably guess from the title -

G-Shock GWM530-A1 is quite humble in size:

• 46mm in width
• 16.2mm in thickness
• And roughly 2 oz. in weight

Compare that to the 52-53mm cases of the Rangeman or the GA100 1A1 above. Heck - even from looking at the image you can tell that this G-Shock looks smaller than the rest. If you want a smaller G-Shock that still packs a punch, this is the watch for you. 

Features

For its size - this thing is packed with features. 

Besides from the Tough Solar movement and consistently perfect accuracy (Multi-Band 6 radio signal calibration) you're getting:

• World time
• Hands-free backlight
• Front backlight button
• Silent mode
• Five alarms

What more do you need from a basic G-Shock?

I mean, I'd love to see some more features. But then I remember how small and affordable this G-Shock is. So there's really nothing more to ask from Casio here.

It's a great little watch.

3 Best Things About G-Shock GWM530A-1

+ Affordable
+ Solar battery and Radio-controlled precision
+ Smaller size = going to fit all wrists

G-Shock GWM530A-1 Cons

- None (taking the low price and size into account)

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10. Casio G-Shock DW9052 - Budget Pick

What's Special About It

G-Shock DW-9052 is one of the most affordable G-Shocks on the market.

(Competing only with DW 5600 square that I've included below.)

It's affordable, rugged, and simple. 

Besides the price, there is almost nothing special about this watch. It's about as basic as it gets.

Features

There is a cool timer display. See that bar in the middle of the watch? It's constantly moving and counting seconds.

You're also getting:

• One Alarm
• Dedicated front light button

The watch is quite large at 47mm in width and 2.08 oz. in weight.

The bottom line? 

DW 9052 is as basic of a G-Shock as it gets. It's a perfect beater watch.

But as a military watch? You can do better with any of the above models.

P.S. If you want to know more, we have a full review on G-Shock DW9052.

3 Best Things About G-Shock DW-9052 1CCG Military 

+ (Very) Affordable
+ Can set alarm weeks and months ahead
+ Cool display

G-Shock DW-9052 1CCG Military Cons

- Not a single advanced feature
- Only one alarm

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11. Casio G-Shock DW5600E-1V - Budget Square Pick

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What's Special About It

I love the G-Shock DW-5600. It's the basic square G-Shock that still has the original design of the first G-Shock released in 1983. It's where the whole G-Shock line started.

And being one of the smallest G-Shocks out there, it's affordable and fits small wrists.

• Width: 43mm
  
• Thickness: 13.4mm
• Weight: 1.87 oz. 

What makes the DW-5600 special for me is that you can wear it in any situation. Google around and you'll even see people wearing this classic square with a suit.

So let's move on to the features.

Features

You're getting the basics with the standard, affordable version DW-5600 square.

One alarm, side pusher for backlight...

Nothing special - it's your average beater G-Shock watch.

There are, however, many variations of the square. Different functions, different colors...

Here are the two that recommend you check out:

• Casio G-Shock DW5600MS-1CR G-Force Military Concept - basic square with military coloring
• Casio Men's G-Shock GWM5610-1 Tough Solar - solar square with atomic clock 

Especially with the solar square, you're getting great value for the money. 

3 Best Things About Casio G-Shock DW-5600

+ (Very) Affordable
+ Classic style (Versatility - you can wear it anywhere)
+ Modest size will fit even small wrists

Casio G-Shock DW-5600 Cons

- No advanced features
- No dedicated backlight button
- Small buttons are hard to press in gloves

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Military G-Shock Buyer’s Guide

What Makes A Good Military G-Shock?

I'm glad you asked.

Because any G-shock will be "good enough" for tactical action.

But, since we're looking for a great one -

Here are the 2 things separate the "Good" tactical military G-Shock from the "Great":

1. Military-Specific Features
2. Affordability

Side note: The military-specific features also make Casio G-Shock a better military watch pick than some of the alternatives, including Timex, Luminox, and even Casio's regular watches. 

Let's start with the features.

Basic Casio G-Shock Features

Every G-Shock is: 

• Rugged
• Shock-Proof
• Waterproof to 200m/660ft.

In addition to that, every G-Shock comes with a:

• Accurate quartz movement (+-15 sec per month)
• A 24-Hour Stopwatch
• A 24-Hour Countdown Timer (with auto-repeat function)
• A Calendar (day, date, month)
• 12h/24h time setting (you can toggle between them)
• Afterglow Backlight
• At least one alarm
• Hourly time signal

Not bad, eh? 

What more do you need for the military? Even the most basic G-Shock qualifies as a military-grade G-Shock.

These watches are built for this.

And yet -

Some G-Shocks better than others for military use. 

Military G-Shock Features

In addition to all the basics above -

Here's what you'll want to have on a Casio G-Shock for military use:

• Big buttons (so you can operate the watch with your gloves on)
• Hands-free Backlight (to see the time in the dark without having to press buttons)
• Button beep mute (so that operating the watch doesn't give away your position)
• Advanced "survival" features - Tough Solar Battery, Compass, Silent vibration alarm, Thermometer, Barometer, Altimeter, Sunrise/Sunset times etc.

But those are the most important tactical features that separate "the good" military G-Shocks from "the great" ones. And you'll find them on the watches in this list.

The Price

Finally a few words about the price.

For the military, get a G-Shock that you're not afraid to break. Which is why I love Casio's military watches so much - they're affordable.

• Yes, G-Shocks can take a beating.
• Most likely, you'll never manage to break yours.

But it's a mental thing.

If you have a $1,000 watch on your wrist, it's hard not to worry about beating it up.

There's a world of difference compared to an $80 Casio G-Shock. Or even a $200 G-Shock.

This is the main reason that Rangeman GW9400 is the most expensive watch that I recommend. At ~$200 - give or take - it gives you amazing functionality without breaking the bank.

Side note: Of course, this only applies if you care about your watch and money. I've never understood people who wear Rolexes on missions, but I assume it's because they're not afraid of busting up their $4,000 watch. OR don't mind spending that amount of money on buying a new one. 

P.S. We did some research and found out that you can get the best G-Shock prices on Amazon, including deals and discounts. 

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Watches in the Military Dress Code

Long story short -

There are no strict regulations on wearing watches in the military. All you need to do is keep it simple and conservative.

In other words, any dark, solid-color G-Shock watch is acceptable for use in all branches of the military. Which is why you'll see all kinds of G-Shocks being used by the military - from the cheap $45 beater models to the more advanced military-grade G-Shocks with a Compass, Twin Sensor, or Triple Sensor features.

(Side note: some units will have their own dress codes, but you probably know if you're in one of them already.)

Here's what the official documentation states:

U.S. Army: 

• “Soldiers may wear a wristwatch … with Army uniforms unless prohibited by the commander for safety or health reasons.”
• “Any jewelry or monitors worn by Soldiers while in uniform or in civilian clothes on duty must be conservative.” - from Army Uniform Regulations)

U.S. Navy: 

• “Wristwatch / Bracelets. While in uniform, only one of each may be worn.”  - from U.S. Navy’s Uniform Regulations

U.S. Air Force:

• “Conservative examples (not all-inclusive) are solid color black, brown, silver or gold. Prohibited examples are diamond-covered, neon, bright colors, and bands that exceed 1-inch width.” - from Airforce Uniform Regulations

U.S. Marine Corps:

• “Inconspicuous watches are authorized for wear in uniform.” - from U.S. Marines Corps Uniform Regulations

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Best G-Shock Watch For Military?

G-Shock GW-9400 Rangeman is the overall best G-Shock watch for military because of its extra-rugged build quality, advanced triple-sensor features, and a reasonable price. If you want an analog display instead of digital, the GWG-1000 Mudmaster is your best bet as it comes with all the same features as the G-Shock GW-9400 Rangeman, albeit for a higher price.

What G-Shock Watches Does The Military Actually Use?

Both basic (G-Shock DW-5600, G-Shock DW-6900) and and advanced (G-Shock GW-9400 Rangeman, G-Shock GG-1000 Mudmaster) G-Shock models are used by the military. There is no “official” military G-Shock model, so its up to individual preference and budget of the soldiers - as long as it looks OK, they can buy whichever they like the most.

Both cheap and expensive G-Shocks are good for military use, as they are shockproof and waterproof to 200m which makes them suitable for all sorts of military activities, including diving, swimming, and even in the crawling through the mud. With that being said, the triple-sensor models do come with survival features and can work as a backup compass , etc. which the basic models cannot do.

What G-Shock Do Navy Seals Wear?

As of 2021, there is no one official G-Shock watch model that Navy Seals wear the most. Like all military, SEALs do wear G-Shocks, but the exact model is up to the SEAL’s individual preference.

The older G-Shock DW-6600 is the model that is most commonly associated with Navy SEALs. On the official Navy SEALs website, you can see multiple images featuring Navy SEALs wearing the Casio G-Shock DW-6600 watch during their training. But that model is long out of production, and you’ll have a hard time finding one these days.

Why Do Marines Wear Their Watch Backwards?

Marines wear their watches backwards because the crystal face of the watch can reflect sunlight, which could reveal their position to an enemy sniper or a lookout. That’s the reason why marines and soldiers - most notably spec ops - wear their watches inverted.

The Final Word

Casio G-shock is the perfect beater watch.

For less than $100 you can get yourself a military-grade tactical watch.

It’s indestructible. Reliable. Rugged.

Even $40 on a DW-5600 would be money well-spent.

And you don't even need to be in the military.

G-Shock is a perfect watch to take hiking, hunting or fishing. Not to mention sports.

There’s a 99.9% chance your G-Shock will never break. It's built to last for decades.

Do you have experience with using G-Shock watches for the military? Please share them below in the comments!