Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more

A G-SHOCK water-resistance marking tells you the pressure rating Casio assigns to the watch, not a depth you can safely reach simply by reading the number. Check the exact marking and model manual before choosing an activity: Casio’s guidance distinguishes hand washing, swimming, surfing and skin diving from scuba diving, which requires a watch specifically designed and tested for diving.

What does WR20BAR mean?

“WR20BAR” means the watch is rated for water resistance at 20 bar of pressure. Casio describes 20 bar as commonly associated with 200-meter water resistance: the bar figure is a pressure rating, while 200 meters is an approximate water-depth equivalent. It does not mean that a wearer can take any watch with this marking to a depth of 200 meters.

For standard G-SHOCK 20-bar models, Casio lists active water use such as swimming, surfing and jet skiing. The marking alone does not establish suitability for every water activity, so consult the manual for the particular model.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Are G-SHOCK watches waterproof?

Casio says “water resistant” is the more accurate term. Water resistance is a rated condition, not a guarantee that a watch is impervious to water in every circumstance or will remain sealed indefinitely. The permitted use depends on the watch’s marking, its instructions and the condition of its seals.

#1 Best Overall
Sale
Casio G-Shock GD100-1B | Men's Tough Digital Watch | 200M Water Resistant | High-Brightness LED | Dual Time & 7-Year Battery
  • Rugged & Sporty Design – Matte black finish with bold digital display, built for tactical, military, and extreme sports enthusiasts.
  • High-Brightness LED Backlight – Features Super Illuminator LED with a light guide plate, ensuring exceptional visibility in low-light conditions.
  • 200M Water Resistance – Engineered for swimming, snorkeling, and outdoor adventures, this shock-resistant watch is ready for action.
  • Extended 7-Year Battery Life – Powered by a CR2025 battery, offering years of reliable performance without frequent replacements.
  • Shock-Resistant Structure – Built to withstand extreme conditions, making it ideal for sports, military, and rugged outdoor use.

What can you do with each water-resistance marking?

Casio’s module 5719 manual gives the following guidance for watches covered by that manual. Other models may have different instructions; check the manual for your watch rather than assuming this table applies universally.

Marking Activities listed in Casio module 5719 Important limit
No BAR marking Hand washing and rain Water-related work, swimming, windsurfing and skin diving are not listed as suitable.
5BAR Swimming and water-related work, as well as hand washing and rain Windsurfing and skin diving are not listed as suitable.
10BAR or 20BAR Swimming, windsurfing and skin diving The manual says not to use these watches for scuba diving requiring air tanks.

Casio also says standard G-SHOCK 20-bar models support water activities including swimming, surfing and jet skiing. Those general product-page examples do not override a specific model’s manual or turn an ordinary 200-meter rating into a scuba-diving designation.

Rank #2
Sale
Casio Men's G-Shock DW9052-1V Shock Resistant Black Resin Sport Watch
  • Shock-Resistant Durability: Built to withstand the toughest conditions, this G-Shock watch features a rugged resin case and bezel, perfect for outdoor adventures and extreme sports.
  • 200M Water Resistance: Designed for water enthusiasts, it’s suitable for scuba diving, swimming, and snorkeling, providing reliable protection up to 200 meters.
  • Electro-Luminescent Backlight: The blue-green EL backlight with afterglow ensures clear visibility of the time, day, and date, even in complete darkness.
  • Precision Stopwatch & Countdown Timer: Measure elapsed and split times with the 1/100-second stopwatch, or set up a countdown timer with up to a 24-hour range, ideal for timing workouts or daily tasks.
  • Multi-Alarm with Flash Alert: Stay on schedule with a customizable alarm, hourly chime, and flash alert that combines light and sound for added convenience.

Can you swim with a G-SHOCK watch?

Often, yes—but use the actual watch marking and instructions to decide. In the module 5719 guidance, 5BAR, 10BAR and 20BAR watches are listed for swimming; an unmarked watch is not. The same manual lists windsurfing and skin diving for 10BAR and 20BAR, but not for 5BAR.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Before swimming, make sure the watch is in good condition and avoid pressing buttons or operating the crown in or under water. After exposure to salt water, chlorine, dirt or other residue, rinse the watch with fresh water and dry it with a soft cloth.

Is 20-bar water resistance the same as 200-meter water resistance?

They are commonly associated, but the terms express different things: 20 bar is pressure, while 200 meters is an approximate depth equivalent. Neither phrase by itself tells you that a watch is suitable for scuba diving or that 200 meters is a safe usable depth for its wearer. Use the model manual and look for an explicit diving designation when assessing a watch for scuba.

Does a 200m G-SHOCK rating mean the watch is suitable for scuba diving?

No—not by itself. Casio says standard G-SHOCK 200m water resistance suits many water activities, but a professional scuba-diving watch must be specifically designed and tested for diving. Casio identifies FROGMAN as having ISO-standard 200m diving water resistance. For any dive use, confirm the exact model’s documentation and limits; do not infer dive suitability from a standard 20BAR or 200m marking.

Rank #4

How to use a G-SHOCK safely around water

  • Check the watch itself. Read the marking on the watch and consult its exact manual before swimming or taking it into other water activities.
  • Keep controls untouched when wet. Casio warns against operating buttons or the crown while the watch is wet or submerged, as this can compromise water resistance.
  • Avoid heat, humidity and cleaning products. The module 5719 manual warns against baths, heated swimming pools, saunas and other high-temperature or high-humidity settings. It also cautions against soaps and detergents. These conditions can reduce water resistance or cause the glass to fog.
  • Rinse off residue. After seawater exposure—and after contact with chlorine, dirt or other residue—rinse with fresh water, then dry with a soft cloth.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

How often does a G-SHOCK’s water resistance need maintenance?

Water resistance depends on seals that can age or deteriorate, so the rating should not be treated as a lifetime promise. Casio’s module 3521 guidance for the diver’s watch it covers recommends replacing gaskets once every two years and inspecting water resistance whenever the battery is replaced. That interval is specific to the covered watch; follow your own model’s manual and Casio’s service advice rather than applying it to every G-SHOCK.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Best Value

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.