With G-Shock watches, you can have your compass – one of the most essential wilderness survival tools – on your wrist wherever you go.
Packed tight in a shock-proof and waterproof case, together with thermometer & an array of other handy digital features.
And while the compass is an essential survival tool, It's also great for:
- hiking
- orienteering
- sailing
- kayaking
- and plain old travel
This article has everything you need to know G-Shock's compass feature - its accuracy, reliability, calibration, & how to properly use it.
Plus, we included 13 G-Shock models that come with compass and thermometer features.
Quick links:
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- Twin Sensor vs. Triple Sensor
- How to use and calibrate the G-Shock compass
- Is the compass accurate?
- Is the compass reliable?
- Why you should go for solar, if possible
Ready? Let's get started…
Top Pick
Casio's survival watch, the GW-9400 Rangeman will give you the best bang for the buck if you're looking for an advanced Triple Sensor G-Shock.
Compare Casio G-Shock Watches With Compass & Thermometer
| Image | Product | Rating | Price | Sensor | Tough Solar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. G-Shock G9300-1 | 4.6 | $$ | Twin Sensor | Yes |
 | 2. G-Shock G9300GB-1 | 4 | $$ | Twin Sensor | Yes |
 | 3. G-Shock GG-1000-1A3CR | 4.3 | $$ | Twin Sensor | No |
 | 4. G-Shock GG-1000-1A5CR | 4.5 | $$ | Twin Sensor | No |
 | 5. G-Shock GG-1000-1ADR | 4.1 | $$ | Twin Sensor | No |
 | 6. G-Shock GW-9400 | 4.4 | $$ | Triple Sensor | Yes |
 | 7. G-Shock GW-9400-1CR | 4.7 | $$ | Triple Sensor | Yes |
 | 8. G-Shock GW-9400BJ-1JF | 4.2 | $$$ | Triple Sensor | Yes |
 | 9. G-Shock GA-1000-1A | 4.1 | $$ | Twin Sensor | No |
 | 10. G-Shock GA1000-4A | 4.5 | $$ | Twin Sensor | No |
 | 11. G-Shock GN1000B-1A | 4.2 | $$$ | Twin Sensor | No |
 | 12. G-Shock GWF1000-1CR | 4.6 | $$$ | Triple Sensor | Yes |
 | 13. G-Shock GPR-B1000-1JR | 4.8 | $$$ | Triple Sensor | Yes |
IN THIS ARTICLE
G-Shock's Digital Compass - All You Need To Know
Twin Sensor vs. Triple Sensor G-Shocks
You'll find a digital compass on G-Shocks that come with Twin Sensor or Triple Sensor technology. They're all part of Casio's premium Master of G series.
Here's a short rundown of the difference between Twin and Triple Sensor technology:
- Twin Sensor = Compass, thermometer
- Triple Sensor = Compass, thermometer, altimeter / barometer
Side note: The altimeter and barometer sensors are used to measure altitude and atmospheric pressure.
Besides the difference in features, Casio's watches with Triple Sensor Version 3 also have improved battery efficiency and use less power. They're also known as ABC watches and are the most advanced models of the G-Shock lineup.
While most the Twin Sensor G-Shocks are cheaper, Triple Sensor models are also priced reasonably these days - like G-Shock GW-9400 Rangeman pictured above.
How To Use The Compass
Using G-Shock's compass is simple and intuitive.
You start it by pressing the button on the side of your G-Shock. After pressing the button, the compass will activate and show you the North for roughly 20 seconds.
- On analog models, the second's hand will show you the direction of the north.
- On digital models, the watch will have a special compass "section" on the screen that will show you where the north is digitally.
And that's pretty much all there is to it - see the video below ↓↓↓ for a live demonstration.
Analog Pick
Meet the king of analog G-Shocks - the GG-1000 Mudmaster. Features include an extra-rugged professoinal construction & twin sensor (compass, thermometer).
Compass Bearing Function
On some G-Shocks – Mudmaster GG-1000 and Mudmaster GWG-1000 in particular – you can record the direction where you want to move with an extra press of the button. The G-Shock will then show you whether you're heading in the right direction, or if you need to change your course on its bearing meter.
In other words, on some G-Shocks the compass can point in other directions than just north.
This way, you won't have to remember the exact degree of the direction that you're heading in. It also makes walking backward in the opposite direction easier.
Compass Calibration
Calibrating the G-Shock's compass is easy and takes around 30 seconds. Here's how you do it:
- Turn on the compass mode by holding the "compass" button
- When in the compass mode, you press and hold the "adjust" button for the watch to enter calibration mode.
- You then press the "compass" button for and the watch will do its first calibration and write OK on the screen. If the watch writes error, you need to repeat the calibration.
- You then need to turn the watch around 180 degrees for the second calibration. If it writes OK, then the calibration is complete.
From the calibration mode, you can also enter the magnetic declination into the watch.
Magnetic declination is the difference between the magnetic north and the true north and is usually featured on precise topographical maps.
It's good to know the magnetic declination of your area, as you only have to check it once and it will make your compass more precise.
The compass will work "good enough" without the magnetic declination, but it won't be 100% precise.
Click play below for a live demo of Mudman's compass:
Accuracy
I have used my G-Shock GG-1000 Mudmaster extensively in camping and hiking and have found the compass to be accurate when it's set up properly.
For the compass to be accurate, there are some points that you need to keep in mind, most of which are compass common sense:
- Be sure to set your local magnetic declination, and be sure to keep it updated for long treks as the declination changes.
- G-Shock's compass is very susceptible to magnetic disturbances and doesn't work well in a car or near metal. In other words, stay away from large metal objects.
- Be aware of local magnetic disturbances. They are usually marked on nautical charts and topographic maps.
- Be sure to hold the compass as level as possible while taking a reading. This will improve accuracy.
- You need to calibrate the compass often. Any time you're heading out on a trip, calibrate it. It takes about 15 seconds. When you calibrate, use a straight edge and make sure that the two calibration points are exactly 180 degrees different.
Budget Pick
The big Mudman features a Twin Sensor (Compass, Thermometer), sealed case & buttons for mud resistance, tough solar power, shock resistance, and 200m water resistance.
If Possible - Choose A Solar G-Shock
If you're planning to use the compass a lot, it's better to go for a tough solar G-Shock model. G-Shocks without the solar battery have an estimated battery life of roughly 2 years, and using the compass a lot can reduce that to one year.
Tough Solar G-Shocks come with a solar battery that is charged by a tiny solar panel on the face of the watch. Even if your watch doesn't see direct sunlight, it will stay fully charged and you won't have to worry about running your battery down.
The 13 Best Casio G-Shock Watches With Digital Compass & Thermometer
1. G-Shock G9300-1 Mudman Black (Twin Sensor)
G-Shock G-9300 is the latest version of the Twin Sensor Mudman, equipped with compass and thermometer. Mudman is the most affordable compass G-Shock on the market and will give you the best bang for the buck out of all the G-Shock watches listed here.
Other features of the watch include hands-free backlight, solar power, world time (48 cities), 5 alarms, and extra-tough mud resistant construction which also gives the watch its name.
Read More:
PROS: Solar, compass, thermometer, tide & moon graph, most affordable G-Shock with a compass
CONS: Only Japanese models comes with Multi-Band 6 radio time-syncing
2. G-Shock G9300GB-1 Mudman Black & Gold (Twin Sensor)
G-Shock G-9300GB-1 is the same Mudman watch as above in with a negative screen. The negative screen with golden numbers looks sleek, but keep in mind that it will be less visible in daylight than the normal LED screen. The features of the watch are the same, and it's also among the cheapest compass G-Shocks you can buy.
Besides compass and thermometer, features of the watch include hands-free backlight, solar power, world time (48 cities), 5 alarms, and extra-tough mud resistant construction which is where the Mudman gets its name from.
PROS: Solar, compass, thermometer, tide & moon graph, most affordable G-Shock with a compass
CONS: Only Japanese models comes with Multi-Band 6 radio time-syncing
3. G-Shock GG-1000-1A3CR Mudmaster Green (Twin Sensor)
G-Shock GG-1000 Mudmaster also comes with the Twin Sensor (compass/thermometer) and is the most affordable analog "Master of G" watch. It's one of the better-looking G-Shocks out there and comes with the compass bearing function which lets you record the direction where you're headed.
This model comes without solar power, which is a serious downside considering the price of the watch. For the same price as GG-1000, you can get the G-Shock GW-9400 Rangeman that comes with solar battery and triple sensor. Still, the Mudman remains one of the most popular Master of G watches.
Finally, the Mudmaster is one of the few analog Casio G-Shock watches that come with a ticking seconds hand.
PROS: Twin Sensor, mud-resistant construction, analog time
CONS: Non-solar, 2-year battery life
Read More:
4. G-Shock GG-1000-1A5CR Mudmaster Beige
G-Shock GG-1000-1A5CR is the same Mudmaster as above on a beige "desert" resin strap and with negative display windows. There are no differences when it comes to the features of the two watches.
PROS: Twin Sensor, mud-resistant construction, analog time
CONS: Non-solar, 2-year battery life
5. G-Shock GG-1000-1ADR Mudmaster Black
G-Shock GG-1000-1ADR is another colorway of the Mudmaster and comes with a black case and on a black strap.
PROS: Twin Sensor, mud-resistant construction, analog time
CONS: Non-solar, 2-year battery life
6. G-Shock GW-9400 Rangeman Green
G-Shock GW-9400 Rangeman is what Casio calls the "survival" watch. Out of all the high-end G-Shock watches, this model is the most popular one. Probably because it retails a little above $200 and gives you the best bang for your buck when it comes to features.
This is a watch that has it all – tough solar, multi-band 6 radio time-sync, Triple Sensor, sunrise/sunset data, 40 memory slots for compass/altimeter/thermometer readings. No other G-Shock model comes close to Rangeman's features at this price point.
GW-9400 Rangeman is one of the most reliable G-Shocks ever made and popular among the military, police, and outdoorsmen.If we had to recommend one G-Shock out of all the possible models, the GW-9400 Rangeman would be it.
PROS: Best features for the money
CONS: No tide or moon data
7. G-Shock GW-9400-1CR Rangeman Black
G-Shock GW-9400-1CR is the black and red version of the G-Shock GW9400 Rangeman. It's perfect if you're looking for something more neutral and less "military", and comes with all the same function and bang for the buck as its green brother above.
PROS: Best features for the money
CONS: No tide or moon data
8. G-Shock GW-9400BJ-1JF Rangeman Carbon Fiber
G-Shock GW-9400BJ-1JF is the Japanese domestic model of the Rangeman. The features remain the same, but the watch comes in a full-black case with red-orange accents and dark negative displays. This is a unique design that looks even more tactical than the full-green model above.
This model also comes on an extra-tough carbon fiber reinforced resin strap. Those are practically impossible to break.
PROS: Carbon Fiber Reinforced Strap, Best features for the money
CONS: No tide or moon data
9. G-Shock GA-1000-1A G-Aviation Gravitymaster
G-Shock GA-1000 is part of the G-Shock Aviation Series. It is Casio's attempt at creating a perfect watch for the modern aviator, both in terms of function and appearance. The compass feature on the watch comes with a bearing indicator, which lets you record a particular direction.
Other features include temperature measurement, large numerals, and thick hands for easy reading. A coating on the tip of the second hand and minute markers reacts with the black light illumination of the watch for easy reading in the dark.
The biggest downside of this model is the lack of solar battery, which makes it hard to compete with the Rangeman above.
PROS: Twin Sensor, many colors available
CONS: Non-solar, 2-year battery life
10. G-Shock GA1000-4A G-Aviation Gravitymaster
G-Shock GA1000-4A is the same G-Aviation model but in orange-black colors. The features of the two watches are the same: Pressing the 9 o'clock button in any mode immediately goes to the Digital Compass Mode, and a button at 8 o'clock returns to the mode you were in before the Digital Compass Mode.
Continual direction readings can be taken for 20 seconds, during which the second-hand points to north, a literal direction indicator is displayed in the upper display, and a direction angle value is displayed in the lower display.
PROS: Twin Sensor, many colors available
CONS: Non-solar, 2-year battery life
11. G-Shock GN1000B-1A Gulfmaster
The G-Shock GN-1000 Gulfmaster is the "sea" watch from the Master of G line. The digital compass on Gulfmaster lets you take continuous readings for 60 seconds in comparison to 20 seconds on the other G-Shocks.
The watch also comes with a tide graph and a moonphase indicator that let you check tide and moon data whenever you want. There is a hand shift feature temporarily moves hands out of the way with the press of a button for easy reading of digital displays.
As with other analog G-Shocks above, no solar battery is the biggest weakness of the Gulfmaster in comparison to other compass G-Shocks. Furthermore, the watch comes with a Twin Sensor, not a Triple one.
PROS: Twin Sensor, tide and moon graph
CONS: Non-solar, 2-year battery life
12. G-Shock GWF1000-1CR Frogman
G-Shock GWF1000-1CR Frogman was the first high-end G-Shock to ever be released and has remained one of the most expensive models to this day. GWF-D1000 is Casio's take at the perfect diving watch – as such, it comes with more features than any other G-Shock out there.
Triple sensor, Tough solar, multi-band 6 time, sapphire crystal, depth gauge, diving features, hands-free backlight, carbon fiber insert band… the list goes on.
They upgraded the compass on this model to work underwater. Normally, you would have to hold the watch horizontal to the ground to get an accurate reading – something that is not possible underwater. But on this model, the compass is accurate no matter how tilted the watch is.
Read the full review: G-Shock Frogman Review (The Diving G-Shock)
PROS: Upgraded compass, Dive functions, Depth meter, Stainless steel case, Made in Japan, Top Features
CONS: Expensive
13. G-Shock GPR-B1000-1JR Rangeman GPS
G-SHOCK GPR-B1000-1JR is the absolute top of the line G-Shock Smartwatch. As you can probably see from the image, the watch comes with a GPS and is able to measure your elevation, location, point memory, distance, etc.
While these GPS watches have been around for a while, they've all been fragile with the big screens. Which is exactly why GPR-B1000-1JR was such a big deal when it was first released, as it combines the smart features with G-Shock's shockproof construction. It goes without saying that GPR-B1000-1JR comes with a digital compass.
The watch uses a ceramic case back to support wireless charging and high-sensitivity GPS reception. The case back uses a 2.0 mm thick ceramic material, making the watch shock-resistant and waterproof down to 200 meters.
PROS: The most technologically advanced G-Shock watch in existence
CONS: Expensive
Read More:The 28 Overall Best Casio G-Shock Watches, Top 17 Cheap G-Shock Watches
G-Shock Compass Band Attachment - An Alternative To Digital Compass
Before digital compasses were a thing, you could get a physical compass to attach to your watch strap. These small strap compasses are still widely available, get the job done, and are particularly popular among the military.
Because the thing about all these premium compass watches is -they're big.The compass attachment would work with some of the smaller G-Shock models (like G-Shock squares and other "original"series) as well and is a good option for kids who might have trouble wearing these bigger G-Shock watches on their wrist. Unless an oversized XL G-Shock watch is what you're looking for in the first place.
G-Shock Compass Watch Alternatives
It's also worth noting that G-Shock is not the only compass watch brand out there. The closest G-Shock alternatives with an inbuilt compass would be Casio Pro Trek, Suunto, and Garmin. With other brands (e.g. Timex, Luminox) you'd have to use compass band attachment.
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