‘Watches of Espionage’ YouTube channel features the history of G-Shock watches in the military

Many G-Shock fans are aware of the excellent Watches of Espionage Instagram account (instagram.com/watchesofespionage) and website (watchesofespionage.com), which are curated by a former CIA case officer and dedicated to covering wristwatch usage in the military and governmental agencies. Not everyone may know about its recent YouTube channel (youtube.com/@WatchesofEspionage) which was launched a month ago and is growing at a rapid pace. According to the channel, its purpose is to “discuss the intersection of watches and the military, intelligence, and national security.”

The latest video is titled “How G-Shock Became The Watch Of The Military, Navy SEALs, & Special Forces” and details the creation of G-Shock as well as the use of mechanical watches in the military in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The video then focuses on the shift to digital watches in the 1980s and the preference for G-Shock within certain units. We previously covered how Navy SEALs were issued the G-Shock DW6600, and the video states that up until 2018, the G-Shock DW9052-1V was issued to new divers at the Naval Diving and Salvage Center and to new SEAL candidates at BUD/S training. We don’t know if that is still the case today, but at least some SEALs are using the DW9052-1V in 2024, as seen in recent photos from Submersible Wrist (instagram.com). There is also photographic evidence that some Navy divers use the G-Shock DW6900 in the 2020s.

The video is eight minutes and thirty-five seconds and is highly recommended for all watch enthusiasts and military history buffs.

“How G-Shock Became The Watch Of The Military, Navy SEALs, & Special Forces” by Watches of Espionage (youtube.com)