Time, in general, is one aspect of life, amongst many, that we cannot control. At best, we can manage it, use it the way we want, and read it from whatever device we think is good for us.
Having the option of reading time from your desired gadget, this is where you get to decide on your chosen gadget. You can either choose a simple, unobtrusive time machine, or you can throw in a few extra dollars for an exciting experience with your time device.
And let’s be sincere here. If you are fascinated by the extraordinary, you’ll agree that wearing a watch that is powered by the smallest of sun or light rays is in itself remarkable. With its numerous advantages, there’s just so much you can enjoy in a solar watch. So, here’s our honest review of 15 of the best solar-powered watches out there.
For decades, Casio has gradually become a household name when it comes to utilitarian gadgets. And their line of watches has done nothing less than providing users with maximum functionality. The Casio Men’s Solar Sport Combination watch is a solar watch you should go for if durability is a thing for you. It features a rechargeable solar battery that can last up to 10 months when fully charged – even when kept away from light. Its battery indicator and power-saving function also help to boost its battery efficiency to ensure that you always have a working timepiece on your wrist.
In terms of display, this Solar Sports Combination watch features Neo-Brite glowing hands and pointers. They help you stay on top of your time when you are in the dark. This watch is also water-resistant for depths of up to 100m, displays world time for different cities in both analog and digital interface, and has a multilingual display for the day of the week.
Also, since this watch is a sports watch, it boasts of a digital stopwatch that counts the time down to 1/100 seconds. Its dual countdown timers and daily alarms will also help you stay on top of your time management. And the black resin band of this watch also makes it your go-to timepiece if you intend to manage your time for extended periods.
Just like Casio, Seiko is another brand that ranks on top of the watch game. They are known for including watch features that go beyond the ordinary.in terms of durability, aesthetic, and function. In fact, this brand of solar watches does not slack in any way.
The Seiko Men’s SNE331 Sports Solar watch is your best bet when you need a timepiece that can withstand the toughest, military-style outdoor conditions. It features a 43mm stainless steel case that can withstand the toughest scratches and distortions. It also features a beige colored nylon band that further enhances its military look. Besides, nylon gets dried easily to ensure that the band is not disfigured or degraded by rugged outdoor activities.
As a distinction from the ordinary, this watch is powered by any form of light and can last up to 10 months on each charge. Its Japanese quartz movement ticks every 2 seconds on low battery levels. It is also water-resistant and integrates lumebrite that allows you to read the time at night. This watch is definitely your best bet if you are on a budget, and still appreciate a watch that can withstand tough outdoor activities.
From 1930 to date, Citizen has continued to make a name for itself with its durable electronics. Of these electronics is their solar watches that are known to withstand the toughest conditions.
If you lead a very active lifestyle and are fascinated by thin, lightweight solid accessories, then this watch is for you. The Citizen Eco-Drive Chandler Field Watch features a lightweight steel case that has a simple and smooth finish. You won’t even remember you have a watch on your wrist all day. Also, its resistance to water pressures of up to 100m makes it the perfect watch for hyperactivity. This is because even when you forget to take it off – since you don’t remember it in the first place – you won’t have to worry about the shower ruining its operation.
After the compact design of this watch, the next thing you’ll notice is the photo-voltaic cell under its three-hand lume dial. This means that charging will be instantaneous when you come in contact with any form of light. Its markers and olive drab strap also satisfy the EDC military aesthetics. With an accuracy of ±15seconds every month, a quick glance at this multilingual-dated watch will keep you updated with accurate time. You only need to reset about twice a year as you enjoy its 5-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Timex, a Connecticut-based watch company, has been around since 1854. It has also provided a reasonable timekeeping alternative to costly European watches. The company manufactures relatively cheap watches with basic functions that will be appreciated by an average watch user. The Timex Men’s Expedition Gallatin Solar-Powered Watch is one such watch.
For what it’s worth, this solar watch features a 45mm black resin case and a 22mm wide nylon band. The band is adjustable and can fit wrist circumferences of 8 inches and above. The strap material is also durable and can withstand adjustments with different wrist sizes.
This watch features an analog time display, with a date window on its 3’o clock marker. It is can also withstand water pressures of up to 50m to enable you enjoy your time at the pool. And on a full charge, its photovoltaic cells store up power reserves for up to two months. It can also be charged by light bulbs and sunlight alike. So if you’ve got someone with a small wrist who needs a simple time-telling machine, this watch will be ideal for them.
For adventurers who love to go out of the norm in their watch choices, this solar smartwatch is for you. Garmin has ensured that you enjoy the full features found in a multimedia device with the bills on the sun. For the records, the Garmin Fenix 6X Pro Solar watch boasts of extraordinary features beyond the average watch-users specs.
First, this $850 watch features a 1.4inch non-touch, scratch-resistant LCD display protected by Gorilla Glass 3 DX. Its display enhances solar powering, is clearly visible in daylight, and has a backlight for night use. Five physical buttons control the numerous functions of this watch. If you are lost in the forest, you can keep track of your time, location, and activities with the map, GPS, and activity tracker features of this watch.
In terms of multimedia functions, this 32GB capacity smartwatch is compatible with music apps like Spotify, Amazon Music, and Deezer. It can also be connected to a smartphone or earbud via wifi or Bluetooth for mind-blowing music experience. And when you are done with your walk, you can use apps like Uber to get a ride home, or the Garmin Pay for cashless transactions. While this watch may not pass as a medical device, you can also use it to track your body vitals. It measures your pulse ox, basal temperature, heart, and respiratory rates. And its reminder tones keep you up-to-date with measured features. If you’re looking for the perfect watch for your extremely adventurous lifestyle, look no further.
It is impossible to talk of watches, and not mention Casio. Over the years, the Casio brand has repeatedly overwhelmed its customers with a wide variety of watch functionalities. As a matter of fact, Casio solar-powered watches are known for their durability and excellent functions. And to enjoy amazing features at a relatively low price – as with the Casio Men’s Slim Solar watch – is something you’ll possibly not find with other brands.
If all you need is a low-costing solar watch with a combination of analog and digital displays, then opt for this watch. You get to enjoy Casio’s unique watch features such as a self-charging power system, water-resistance of up to 100m, and 10 months battery capacity on each charge. Its black and orange design also makes it fit for any outdoor attire.
Along with the lightweight, compact nature of this watch, you also get to be able to use its auto calendar, five different alarms, and a 1/100 seconds stopwatch and timer. Hence, with this watch, your sporting activities will never remain the same, and your pockets won’t even notice.
Seiko’s ranking among the best watch-producing brands does not go for nothing. Even among solar-powered timepieces, they’re still a brand to reckon with. From their high-end watches to their basic and affordable models, this brand is all out to see their consumers satisfied with accurate timekeeping.
The Seiko Men’s SNE039 Solar watch is the juncture where Seiko combines simple elegance with a well-built solar-driven quartz movement. The final result is a stainless steel watch that speaks luxury and class. Its case is 37mm wide, has a Hardlex dial window, and a dazzling black design that makes it even more attractive. Its stainless steel strap also makes it ideal for your formal wear as it can easily take cover under your cuffs.
Since this watch is particularly meant to complement your classy outfit, it can only withstand water pressures of 30m. It also comes with lumebrite dials that allow you to keep track of time even in the dark. And its 10 months of power reserves on every charge will help you focus on your business, and still not lose track of nature’s precious gift – time.
Here’s to Casio being the most reliable watch brand in existence. Having been around for ages, this brand has been creating durable watches of different capacities and power. The G-Shock Unisex Tough Solar watch is not an exception to this durability.
First, the atomic timekeeping of this watch is the real deal. It automatically adjusts itself to the time in different cities based on the nearest radio waves frequency. It features a resin composite band and a black IP stainless steel case that is just durable enough for any kind of lifestyle. It also features a digital and analog time display which can be used by both male and female. And its strap is also rightly sized to look good on both wrists.
Other features of this shock-resistant watch are its 200m water resistance and battery enhancers like its power-saver and battery level indicator. It also features an auto-calendar, a stopwatch, and a countdown timer. So, if you are up for a long-lasting watch with impressive features, this G-Shock model will do you just right.
I always flinch whenever I see a list of top-ranking watch brands, and Citizen doesn’t fall among the first ten. For what it’s worth, this brand is a pioneer when it comes to innovative technology and watchmaking.
As its name indicates, the Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Diver Watch is exactly what divers need to keep track of time when they’re underwater. It is water-resistant, for depths of up to 200m, and features a down-screwing crown which prevents collisions during diving. The case of this watch comes with a guard which ensures that even the toughest of collisions do not unscrew the crown. And its unidirectional bezel makes sure no extra time is accidentally added underwater. You also have to give it up for the polyurethane strap, and stainless steel case that can withstand the toughest conditions underwater.
Furthermore, with a time accuracy margin of only ±15 seconds every month, this watch boasts of a 6 months power reserve on every charge. Time is also very easy to tell from this watch, as its lume-filled second, minute, and hour hands help you keep track of time even at night. No need to read further if you’re seeking the perfect watch for your diving experience. Here’s your ideal model.
Bering is another reliable brand when it comes to watchmaking. They may not be as popular and reputable as Casio and Rolex, but their watches are definitely going to grab your attention.
If you’re looking for a watch you’d use for ages without the slightest of damages, I’ll suggest the Bering Time Men’s Slim Watch to you. It is a slim solar-powered watch that features a 33mm case, and silver IP-plated Milanese stainless steel strap. The case of this watch features a black dial, with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal protecting it. Sapphire is the third hardest material in the world, and so you’re sure of long usage without wear.
Although this men’s watch cannot be used for swimming and diving, it can withstand rainfall and water splashes to depths of up to 30m. And apart from sunlight, any other bright light can get its battery charged up for up to one year of use. This watch is definitely the best way to preserve $160 against depreciation for decades.
Much has already been said about the Casio brand and its G-Shock series. This series has been setting the pace for timekeeping toughness since the brand’s inception in 1983. These watches are well able to resist vibration, mechanical stress, and shock, to ensure its durability for prolonged periods.
Of the G-shock series, the Men’s G-Shock GW6900-1 Tough Sport Watch is a timepiece to talk about. This watch gives you all the solar shock resistance you’ll ever need in a watch. Its black resin case and strap make it very durable, and able to withstand forces from different outdoor activities. This watch is also resistant to pressure forces in water depths of up to 200m. You won’t have to bother about damage from any kind of force.
In addition to the outstanding shock resistant feature of this watch, it also features atomic timekeeping, alongside world time for 48 cities. It boasts of an LED backlight behind a mineral dial panel that facilitates time reading at night. And its built-in calendar and moon and tide information make it more desirable than a basic G-Shock solar-powered watch.
Watches manufactured by Seiko are not only durable and functional, but they are also aesthetically desirable. And in terms of aesthetics, the Seiko Women’s SUT068 Classic Watch falls amongst Seiko’s most attractive watch models.
For a watch to look good on women, it should have relatively small design dimensions – as women are commonly associated with small wrists. The Seiko Women’s SUT068 Classic Watch features a feminine stainless steel bracelet and a diamond-embellished bezel. Its solar analog display embedded in a 27mm stainless steel case and a Hardlex dial window is the true definition of feminine class. And its dual-toned design also adds to its elegance, making it a piece of ideal jewelry for formal and evening outfits.
In addition to the classic feminine features of this watch, it is also water-resistant and comes with illuminated dials for night use. So, when next you can’t find a suitable accessory to match with your evening dress, the Seiko Women’s Classic Watch will do just fine.
With Citizen’s extraordinary solar-powered watch functions, it becomes very easy for one to bypass other less popular solar watch brands. And a single encounter with any of this brand’s Chrono series will completely take your focus off other series.
To begin with, the Citizen Eco-Drive Perpetual Chrono Watch comes with a remarkably accurate atomic timekeeping. By receiving radio signals from the atomic clock in any city, this watch automatically resets time with an error margin of only 1 second for every 100,000 years. It also features a chronograph of 1 second for up to 60 minutes and a user-set time with increments of 15 minutes. Also for the dates, they are automatically adjusted for different months and even leap years.
This solar goodness is also made with Duratect-treated titanium that is lighter and more resistant to scratch than stainless steel. The watch is also water-resistant for up to 200m and comes with a solid 5-year warranty. There’s absolutely no reason to look elsewhere when all you want is a durable timepiece that will spare you unnecessary time reading errors.
Fanmis may not share the same reputation as Casio or Seiko, but it is also a name to reckon with in the watch industry.
If all you want is to simply keep track of time without reaching for your smartphone, I’ll suggest that you settle for the Fanmis Men’s Casual Watch. In addition to not causing any significant adjustment in your budget, this watch offers you the most basic solar watch functions from a durable polycarbonate case. And at the cost of a couple of burgers, you can get yourself this water-resistant watch that can be used under different environmental and weather conditions.
For its basic solar watch features, this watch has a light-powered panel behind its dial, and an LED backlight to aid time reading at night. You also have a calendar, stopwatch, and alarm features to enjoy along with a 1-year warranty on this watch. So, here’s to being able to accurately tell the time for nearly zero costs.
Lad Weather is a brand known for its specialization in outdoor watches. Their watches are also known for integrating military-grade features, and durability under different weather and environmental conditions. The Lad Weather Solar-Powered Watch is in no way an exception from this brand’s reputation.
This watch features an aesthetically attractive design that includes a white-themed display background and beige nylon straps. The strap is 22mm wide, and almost 230mm long to accommodate different wrist sizes. It is also durable and can withstand different kinds of weather conditions. This watch also features a reliable solar control system embedded in a stainless steel case. And for water depths of up to 100m, it can remain operational, and will not lose its functionality.
As an additional feature, the Lad Weather Solar-Powered Watch is controlled by 4 radio stations in the UK, US, and Japan, and will automatically reset its time within these radio wavelengths. So if you need a basic solar watch that can survive the weather conditions of different countries without your having to constantly reset the time, this watch is your best bet.
Solar-powered watches are not commodities to be bought regularly. Whenever you have to get any timepiece, it is to your interest that proper research should be done. And besides a market survey – which is usually stressful and time-consuming – product reviews are your best bet to receive accurate information. And this is what we have done in this post.
After reading this review, you should be equipped with the knowledge you need to purchase the right solar watch. And if your choice of solar-powered watch has been spurred by this review, you can share it with us in a comment.