G Shock Smart Watch: Models, Features & Connectivity Guide

G-SHOCK makes smartwatches—real ones built for athletes who need rugged durability over app ecosystems. The G-SQUAD and G-SHOCK Move lines pack optical heart rate sensors, GPS, and Bluetooth connectivity into the brand’s legendary shock-resistant cases. If you want a watch that survives CrossFit sessions and trail runs without babying it, here’s everything you need to know.

Models with step tracking: G-SQUAD series · Fitness features: 3-axis accelerometer, heart rate monitor · Connectivity: Bluetooth to phone · App integration: G-SHOCK MOVE · Key series: G-SQUAD, G-SHOCK Move

Does G-SHOCK have a smart watch?

G-SHOCK does indeed make smartwatches, though they take a different tack than Apple Watch or Garmin. Rather than chasing app ecosystems, Casio built the G-SHOCK Move line to merge its legendary shock resistance with fitness tracking for athletes who want durability above all else.

G-SQUAD series

• The G-SQUAD line (marketed internationally) covers Casio’s sports watches with fitness features
• DW-H5600 uses an optical sensor with LED light on the case back to measure changes in blood flow for heart rate tracking (Casio Official G-Shock DW-H5600 – product page)
• DW-H5600 includes an accelerometer to count steps and pairs with smartphone GPS for distance accuracy (Casio Official G-Shock International – product page)
• The watch supports four activity modes: running, walking, gym workouts, and interval training (Casio Official G-Shock International – product page)

G-SHOCK Move line

• G-SHOCK Move is the dedicated fitness smartwatch sub-brand
• GBDH2000 models include six sensors: optical heart rate sensor, acceleration sensor for step counting, gyro sensor for detecting swimming strokes and turns, GPS, altitude/barometric pressure sensor, and temperature sensor (Casio Official G-Shock Move – product page)
• G-SHOCK Move supports eight different activity modes compared to DW-H5600’s four (Casio Official G-Shock Move – product page)
• Polar provides the training analysis, sleep tracking, and breathing exercise algorithms (Casio Official G-Shock DW-H5600 – product page)

Can G-Shock smart watches answer calls?

The GBD-200 model supports phone calls via the Casio watch through Bluetooth connectivity. This puts G-SHOCK in rare company among rugged watchmakers—most fitness trackers focus purely on data, not voice.

Phone calls on GBD-200

• The GBD-200 connects to your phone via Bluetooth for call notifications and voice features
• Call answering requires the paired smartphone nearby and within Bluetooth range
• Not all G-SHOCK Move models support call features—capabilities vary by series

Bluetooth features

• DW-H5600 features Bluetooth smartphone connectivity for training analysis and management (Casio Official G-Shock International DW-H5600 – product page)
• G-SHOCK Move collection features Bluetooth connectivity as a core function across all models (Exquisite Timepieces – G-SHOCK Move review)
• Notifications sync from phone to watch, including incoming call alerts

What apps are compatible with G-Shock smart watches?

G-SHOCK smartwatches don’t run third-party apps in the traditional sense. Instead, Casio built a closed ecosystem centered on the G-SHOCK MOVE app, which handles everything from workout logging to data analysis.

G-SHOCK MOVE app

• The G-SHOCK MOVE application (from CASIO) is the companion app for G-SHOCK Move watches (Casio Official G-Shock Move – product page)
• DW-H5600 includes training analysis powered by Polar through the app (Casio Official G-Shock DW-H5600 – product page)
• Sleep tracker powered by Polar helps users review recovery data (Casio Official G-Shock DW-H5600 – product page)
• Breathing exercises powered by Polar are available in the app interface (Casio Official G-Shock DW-H5600 – product page)
• GBA900 series includes step counter, distance correction with smartphone GPS, and life log data managed through the app (Casio Official G-Shock Move – product page)

Android compatibility

• G-SHOCK Move watches with Bluetooth connect to Android smartphones
• The G-SHOCK MOVE app is available on both iOS and Android platforms
• Polar’s algorithm integration works across both mobile ecosystems

Can I connect my G-SHOCK to my phone?

Connecting your G-SHOCK to your phone is straightforward through the G-SHOCK MOVE app. Here’s how pairing works for the most popular models.

Pairing GBD-200

• Open G-SHOCK MOVE app on your smartphone
• Enable Bluetooth on your phone
• Put watch into pairing mode (usually holding the adjust button)
• Select your watch model from the app’s device list
• Confirm the pairing code matches on both devices

Bluetooth connection guide

• All G-SHOCK Move models use Bluetooth to sync with smartphones (Exquisite Timepieces – G-SHOCK Move review)
• The connection allows automatic time sync, call and message notifications, and workout data uploads
• Disconnecting is as simple as turning off Bluetooth on your phone or unpairing from the app
• Reconnection usually happens automatically once both devices are in range

Do G-Shock smart watches have a touchscreen?

Most G-SHOCK smartwatches use button-based controls rather than touchscreens, maintaining the brand’s rugged DNA. The GSW-H1000 model is the notable exception.

GSW-H1000 model

• The GSW-H1000 is Casio’s flagship G-SHOCK smartwatch with a full touchscreen display
• It runs a more advanced operating system than the button-controlled models
• GSW-H1000 includes full app support and expanded connectivity options

Touch features

• Button-controlled models (DW-H5600, GBD-H2000, GBA900) use physical buttons for all navigation
• Dw-H5600 has an extended backlight of five seconds when pressed, compared to the usual one and a half seconds (YouTube In-Depth Review of DW-H5600)
• Buttons are oversized and grippy—designed to work with gloves or during physical activity
• The lack of touchscreen contributes to the watches’ exceptional battery life

Four models, one pattern: every G-SHOCK Move watch prioritizes sensor depth over feature breadth. The GBD-H2000 leads the pack with six sensors and built-in GPS, while the DW-H5600 offers the most accessible entry point with its octagonal design.

How to connect G-SHOCK watches with Bluetooth

Connecting your G-SHOCK smartwatch to your phone takes about two minutes once you know the steps.

1. Download the G-SHOCK MOVE app from the App Store or Google Play Store
2. Create an account or sign in if you already have one
3. Enable Bluetooth on your smartphone
4. Put your watch in pairing mode by holding the adjust button until the display flashes
5. Tap “Add Device” in the app and select your G-SHOCK model from the list
6. Confirm the pairing request on both devices when prompted
7. Wait for the sync to complete—this may take 30-60 seconds for initial data transfer
8. Configure notification preferences in the app settings

What this means: Most users complete the initial sync without issues, and reconnection happens automatically when devices are in range again.

The GBD-H2000 is a hybrid smartwatch combining traditional G-Shock design with smartwatch activity tracker functionality. It uses a proprietary Casio operating system with exercise performance algorithms from Polar.

— Ariel Adams, aBlogtoWatch YouTube Review

G-SHOCK Move collection features smart access tech, triple G resistance, and blend of fashion and function. The watches are viable for almost any active lifestyle.

— Exquisite Timepieces – G-SHOCK Move review

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G-Shock smartwatches in the G-SQUAD lineup like the DW-H5600-1JR integrate heart rate sensors and app connectivity, as the DW-H5600-1JR review details thoroughly.

Frequently asked questions