Solar watches are probably the most reliable watches when it comes to accurate timekeeping. The fact that it gets charged whenever it is exposed to light means that the watch never stops running.
I currently have a Seiko Solar watch SNE03, a modern and dressy solar quartz watch, I must admit that I am impressed by its reliability and control of accurate timekeeping.
Simply without having the need to worry about battery changes, with this energy efficient timepiece which is powered by all light and generates a long power reserve for reliability and consistency is more than what a lazy person like myself can ask for.
If you know watch, the term ‘flawless’ rarely comes close to watches. However, when it comes to solar watches, it just work flawlessly for me. To put things into perspective, I haven’t bump into any problems nor is maintenance required for the couple of the solar watches which I own for almost a decade. Just like a fine wine, it ages well.
You may find our exclusive editorial’s recommendation for the best value solar watches list here.
Are Solar Powered Watches Worth it?
Solar powered watches are worth getting simply because of the following reasons:
- No need to change watch batteries
- Accurate time-keeping
- High reliability
- Almost no need for maintenance
- Not expensive
- Environmental friendly
If you are not a diligent person, someone who doesn’t like to manually wind your manual watch every time you wear it or having to replace your watch batteries every few months, then solar powered watches are what you are looking for.
The Watch that Never Needs a Battery
On the first point of not having to replace battery, this refers mostly on quartz watches that are battery operated and replacement of batteries often come every few months.
However, having solar watches does not mean that you won’t have to replace batteries forever, it’s just that the batteries in solar watches can last you for decades and you won’t have to change it.
Bearing in mind that older batteries usually comes with shorter power reserve. To give you a rough gauge of how long a new solar power battery can last – A new solar power battery on a Citizen Eco-Drive can last up to 6 months without being charged or exposed to light.
Solar powered watches are powered by light, which is designed to convert both natural and artificial light into energy to power the watch.
A common misconception of solar powered watches is that it will only run when there is light – This is not true because solar powered watches have lithium-ion cells which stores energy converted from light within the watch. This allows the watch to run even in complete darkness.
The Watch that Tells True Time
With proper care, solar powered watches will probably not stop running unless it is kept in complete darkness for months – This will result in the battery not being able to charge up.
So, most of the time a solar watch is running and with constant operation, this ensures that time-keeping is kept consistent and accurate.
The Watch that Never Fails
A solar powered watch is more reliable than you think. And reliability of a solar powered watch is probably the biggest selling factor.
Solar technology has improved so much over the years, these solar powered watches do not just take sunlight for their power. Artificial light is also well converted into energy to power the watch. This just means that the watch is going to be a lot more reliable because it is able to charge up whether in sunlight or artificial light.
If you are worried that the battery in your solar powered watch may fail, most of the contemporary solar powered watches have secondary batteries installed for such failures. However, it is important to know that a battery in solar powered watch can easily last more than a decade and it is proven that the battery can retain up to 80% of its power reserve capability even after 20 years.
The Watch that is Kind to the Planet
A solar powered watch almost never need a battery change. Batteries cannot be recycled and are polluting the environment by discarding them through landfills.
Since 1976, a renowned Japanese watchmaker company, Citizen has kept an estimated of over 80 million batteries out of landfill sites through their introduction of solar powered watches.
How do Solar Watches Work?
The solar panel of a solar powered watch is mostly on the face of the watch. The solar panel absorbs sunlight and artificial light and converts the light into electrical energy and store it into a rechargeable cell to power the watch.
How Long do Solar Watches Last?
Solar watches will typically lasts forever as long as it is exposed to light regularly. In darkness, solar watches will continue to work, this is possible because of its power-reserve capability which allows the solar watch to be in constant operation for months and even years without light exposure.
How Long does it take to Charge a Solar Watch?
A few factors are involved when it comes to the duration required to fully charge a solar watch.
- Type of light – Sunlight or artificial light, the former provides faster charge to a solar powered watch.
- Light intensity – A bright and sunny climate against a dull and cloudy climate, the former provides a faster charge to a solar powered watch.
- Solar power watch absorption capability – Depending on your watch model and technology used for the solar pane used on the watch
Typically, on a Citizen eco-drive solar powered watch, it takes around 2 hours to fully charge under a bright and sunny day.
Do Solar Watches need Batteries?
Solar watches need batteries. Light is absorb through the solar panel of the solar watch and converted into electrical energy to be stored in the battery.
The batteries in solar watches do not need to be replaced as it can typically last for more than 10 years. It is proven and tested that a solar powered watch battery can retain up to 80% of its power reserve capacity even after 20 years.
What are the Best Solar Watches?
Without a doubt, solar watches are my favorite timepieces because I never had to worry about having to change battery or the accuracy of the time. Below are some of my recommended solar watches which I think is a must-have because of how reliable and durable these solar watches are built.
These precious solar timepieces also come with atomic timekeeping, meaning that you will never ever have to set or adjust your watch because it will automatically adjust it for you every time.
1) Citizen Eco-Drive Solar-powered Titanium Watch (BM7170-53L)
The Citizen Eco-Drive makes an instant impression to anyone who sees it. A well-built titanium case and bracelet ensures that the watch is not only light weight but also super strong. Titanium is known to be 5 times harder and 40% lighter than stainless steel.
Suitable for casual sea activities too as the watch is corrosion resistant. You can rely on this watch for keeping time at its best and also looking at its very best. The dark blue dial with honey-combed designs on it makes it look fun and dressy at the same time.
Fold-Over clasp closure with push-button release makes it simple for wearing and removing it off your wrist. You may find the latest price of the watch here.
2) Seiko Chronograph Solar Watch (SSC141)
Probably the best bang for your buck in the solar watch category. You will not be disappointed with this stainless steel watch with blue dial that runs with luminous hands and index hour and minute markers.
The Tachymeter around the outer rim along with the chronograph dials truly makes this chronograph solar powered watch an exceptional one in its class.
Overall, a very clean and classy watch which you can wear in both casual and dressy occasions.
3) Seiko Dressy Brown Leather Solar Watch (SNE102)
Lo and behold the round dress watch which features two-tone case and a dark blue dial with baton hour markers. This 39 mm stainless steel case with Hardlex dial window makes the watch look so stylish and elegant at the same time.
We simply love the croco-embossed leather band with a buckle closure because of how comfortable it feels on your wrist and also how well it integrates with the gold tone on the case of the watch.
With luminous hands and baton hour markers, you can be sure that readability of time in the dark is well-served. We also love the day and date complication that comes with this solar powered watch.
To know if the watch requires charging, simply look at the second hand as an indicator; if it moves in 2 second increments, that means the watch requires some light to be charged up.
4) Casio Frogman Solar Atomic G-Shock Watch (GWF1000)
It is capable of receiving time updates from six locations worldwide. The Casio Frogman is known to be
With so many features installed on this watch, it is better that you read the full description here instead.
The Casio Frogman was built from a dream of creating a watch that never breaks, designed by a Casio engineer. This watch is able to resist centrifugal and impact forces and as well as high water pressures.
Our favourite has to be the full auto EL backlight with afterglow for night viewing and a multi-Band 6 atomic timekeeping. Simply, if you want to get a watch that never breaks and lasts almost forever, just get this Casio Frogman and you are set to go.
5) Casio G-Shock Solar Watch (AWGM100B-1ACR)
A thousand dollar looking watch which only cost $100.
This is probably Casio’s best-selling solar watch because of how well it is made and being able to keep at such a low price point. I wonder if Casio is really making any money from the sale of this model.
Features atomic timekeeping with full auto EL backlight afterglow for night viewing, 28 time zones and 48 cities, 1/100-second stopwatch, countdown timer and the list goes on and on… You may find the full list of features of this watch here.
In summary, this is a go-to watch which you can wear it every day. The same can be said for this watch, if you want to get a watch that never breaks and lasts almost forever, just get this Casio G-Shock Solar Watch and you are set to go.
