Custom G Shock Dial: Complete Installation Guide (2026)

A custom G Shock dial is one of the most impactful modifications you can make to transform your watch’s appearance. This complete guide walks you through everything from choosing the right dial to professional installation techniques.

Quick Reference

Specification	Details
Difficulty	★★★☆☆ Intermediate
Time Required	1-2 hours
Cost	$30-$100
Tools Needed	Case opener, tweezers, dial setter
Best Models	GA2100, DW5600, GM2100

🖼️ IMAGE NEEDED: Hero Image

[PLEASE UPLOAD: Custom dial modification before/after comparison photo]

Recommended: Side-by-side comparison of GA2100 with stock dial vs custom dial

Size: 1200x630px

Table of Contents

• Types of Custom Dials
• How to Choose the Right Dial
• Tools You’ll Need
• Step-by-Step Installation
• Troubleshooting
• Custom Dial Gallery

Types of Custom Dials

1. Dial Stickers/Overlays (Easiest)

Dial stickers are thin, adhesive designs that apply directly over your existing dial. This is the most beginner-friendly option.

🖼️ IMAGE NEEDED: Dial sticker examples

[Upload: Close-up photo of dial stickers on sheet and applied to watch]

• Price: $10-$30
• Installation: 10-20 minutes
• Pros: Easy, reversible, many designs available
• Cons: May not look as premium, can peel over time
• Best for: Beginners, quick style changes

2. Replacement Dials (Most Popular)

Complete dial replacements swap out the factory dial entirely. This gives the most professional result.

🖼️ IMAGE NEEDED: Replacement dial examples

[Upload: Photos showing different replacement dial designs for GA2100]

• Price: $25-$60
• Installation: 30-60 minutes
• Pros: Professional look, permanent, high quality
• Cons: Requires case opening, more difficult
• Best for: Intermediate modders, permanent customization

3. Hand-Painted Custom Dials (Premium)

For a truly unique look, hand-painted dials offer one-of-a-kind designs created by artists.

🖼️ IMAGE NEEDED: Hand-painted dial examples

[Upload: Photos of artistic custom dial designs]

• Price: $50-$150+
• Installation: Professional service or DIY
• Pros: Completely unique, highest quality
• Cons: Expensive, long wait times for custom work
• Best for: Serious collectors, show pieces

How to Choose the Right Dial

By Model Compatibility

Model	Dial Type	Popular Styles
GA-2100	Standard Casioak	Analog-digital, minimalist, racing
GM-2100	Metal Casioak	Luxury, metallic finishes
DW-5600	Classic square	Digital overlays, tactical
GWG-2000	Mudmaster	Military, adventure themes

🖼️ IMAGE NEEDED: Model compatibility chart

[Upload: Infographic showing which dials fit which models]

By Style Preference

• Minimalist – Clean, simple designs with subtle details
• Racing/Chronograph – Motorsport-inspired with bold colors
• Military/Tactical – Camo, subdued colors, tactical markings
• Luxury – Metallic finishes, gold/silver accents
• Pop Culture – Anime, gaming, movie themes

Tools You’ll Need

🖼️ IMAGE NEEDED: Tools laid out on work surface

[Upload: Flat lay photo of all dial installation tools labeled]

Essential Tools

• Case Back Opener ($10-$25) – To access the movement
• Fine Tweezers ($5-$15) – For handling dial and hands
• Dial Setter ($8-$20) – For securing dial in place
• Hand Puller ($10-$25) – To remove hands safely
• Microfiber Cloth ($3) – For cleaning and protection

Optional Tools

• Watchmaker’s Loupe ($15-$40) – For detailed work
• Rodico ($8) – Cleaning putty for removing dust
• Movement Holder ($10-$20) – Keeps movement stable

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

🎬 VIDEO NEEDED: Complete dial installation tutorial

[Upload: 5-10 minute video showing the entire dial replacement process]

Recommended content: Opening case, removing hands, swapping dial, reassembly

Part 1: Preparation (10 minutes)

1. Clear your workspace – Use a clean, well-lit area with a soft surface
2. Organize your tools – Have everything within reach
3. Take reference photos – Document hand positions before starting
4. Remove the watch from your wrist and set it face-down on your cloth

🖼️ IMAGE NEEDED: Preparation setup

[Upload: Photo of organized workspace with tools and watch ready]

Part 2: Opening the Case (5-10 minutes)

1. Locate the case back seam – Find the small notch or gap
2. Insert case opener – Gently work the tool into the seam
3. Apply even pressure – Slowly pry open the case back
4. Set aside the case back – Place it safely on your cloth

🖼️ IMAGE NEEDED: Case opening process

[Upload: 2-3 photos showing the case opening steps]

⚠️ Caution: Opening the case will affect water resistance. After modification, consider having your watch pressure-tested.

Part 3: Removing the Hands (15-20 minutes)

This is the most delicate part of the process. Work slowly and carefully.

1. Identify hand positions – Note the time shown and hand alignment
2. Use hand puller – Position it under the hands, near the center
3. Apply gentle upward pressure – Hands should lift straight up
4. Remove hands one by one – Start with the top hand, work down
5. Store hands safely – Use a parts tray to keep them organized

🖼️ IMAGE NEEDED: Hand removal process

[Upload: Close-up photos showing hand removal technique]

💡 Pro Tip: Take photos at each step. If anything goes wrong, you’ll have a reference for reassembly.

Part 4: Swapping the Dial (10-15 minutes)

1. Locate dial feet – Small posts on the back of the dial
2. Note the position – The feet must align with holes in the movement
3. Gently lift the old dial – It should release from the feet
4. Clean the movement surface – Use Rodico to remove any dust
5. Position the new dial – Align the feet with the holes
6. Press gently to seat – The dial should sit flat and secure

🖼️ IMAGE NEEDED: Dial swap comparison

[Upload: Side-by-side photo of old dial removed and new dial ready to install]

Part 5: Reinstalling Hands (15-20 minutes)

1. Set the time to 12:00 – This ensures proper hand alignment
2. Install hour hand first – Press gently until it sits on the hour pipe
3. Install minute hand – Press onto the minute pipe
4. Check alignment – Both hands should point to 12:00
5. Test the hands – Turn the crown to ensure they move freely

🖼️ IMAGE NEEDED: Hand installation

[Upload: Photo showing hands being installed on new dial]

Part 6: Closing the Case (5 minutes)

1. Check for dust – Use Rodico or blower to clean the dial
2. Check the gasket – Ensure the rubber seal is in place
3. Align the case back – Match any notches or markings
4. Press firmly to close – You should hear a satisfying click
5. Test water resistance – Consider professional pressure testing

🖼️ IMAGE NEEDED: Completed modification

[Upload: Final photo of watch with new dial installed]

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Problem: Dial doesn’t fit

Solution: Check that you have the correct dial for your specific model. GA2100 dials won’t fit DW5600, and vice versa. Verify the dial feet position matches your movement.

Problem: Hands hitting each other

Solution: The hands may not be seated at the correct height. Remove and reinstall, pressing them down more firmly. They should be parallel and not touching.

Problem: Dust under the dial

Solution: Use Rodico cleaning putty to gently lift dust from the dial surface. Work in a dust-free environment and consider using an air blower.

Problem: Watch not working after reassembly

Solution: Check that all hands are properly seated and not blocking each other. Verify the battery connection wasn’t disturbed. If problems persist, consult a watchmaker.

Custom Dial Gallery

🖼️ IMAGE GALLERY NEEDED: Custom dial examples

[Upload: 6-10 photos showing different custom dial styles and builds]

Recommended styles: Minimalist, Racing, Tactical, Luxury, Artistic

Here are some popular custom dial styles for inspiration:

• Racing Red – Bold red accents with racing-inspired design
• Arctic White – Clean white dial with dark hands for contrast
• Tactical Black – Matte black with military markings
• Sunburst Blue – Gradient blue with metallic finish
• Carbon Fiber – Carbon fiber texture pattern

Recommended Dial Suppliers

• GshockMod Store – Curated selection for popular models
• AliExpress – Wide variety, budget options
• Instagram Customizers – Unique hand-painted designs
• Watch Forums – Community recommendations and reviews

Next Steps

Ready to customize your G Shock dial? Here’s what to do next:

1. Choose your dial – Browse styles and find one that matches your vision
2. Gather your tools – Make sure you have everything needed
3. Set aside time – Don’t rush the process
4. Document your work – Take photos to share with the community

Continue your modification journey:

• Complete Modification Guide
• Strap Replacement Tutorial
• GA2100-1A1 Guide

🎨 Show off your work! Once you’ve completed your dial modification, share it with the community. Tag us @GshockMod on Instagram!