Best Solar Watches Of 2022
Always on the go, and need a good-looking and functional watch that can keep up with you? Solar watches may be for you. Like the name, these watches require solar energy to power the watch, which means you will rarely have to worry about changing the battery or finding a place to charge it up. Plus, they come in a variety of styles and designs, so you’re sure to find one that suits your taste. Check out our list of 10 best solar-powered watches and see for yourself!
- Casio Tactical Rangeman G-Shock Solar GW9400-1B
- Vaer D4 Arctic Solar Diver
- Citizen Eco-Drive Titanium BL5558-58L
1. Casio Tactical Rangeman G-Shock Solar GW9400-1B
Price: $314.99
The best solar watch should be durable enough to handle the toughest situations. That is why the Casio Tactical Rangeman tops this list.
A tough resin case protects this watch’s face. Also, it features the classic G-Shock design, wrapping around your wrist with a black resin band.
The Casio Tactical has a shock-resistant sensor that measures barometric pressure, altitude, temperature, and direction readings. More importantly, this solar-powered watch is water-resistant, ensuring no liquids or mud will enter the watch.
This watch also has an Auto Calendar with a 12/24 Hour Formats Button and an on/off operation tone. Moreover, it has a battery life of 7 months without solar power.
The Casio Tactical incorporates atomic timekeeping and receives time calibration radio signals to ensure accurate time. It is one of the solar watches you need for the great outdoors.
Specifications
- Battery Life: Seven months on a full charge
- Movement: Solar-powered quartz, digital
- Water-resistance: 200m/660 feet
2. Vaer D4 Arctic Solar Diver
Price: $399.00
Vaer is a well-known choice for solar watches, but it has always been an ocean-based brand. That is why the D4 Solar Dive Watch boasts superior water resistance.
It can withstand water pressure of up to 20 ATMs, allowing it to keep ticking even at 660 feet underwater. Of course, the D4 works well as one of the best solar dive watches.
The Arctic has a power cell that can keep it ticking for six months without sunlight. Even better, it only needs six hours of exposure to charge its power reserve fully.
If you are stuck at the office, the rechargeable battery can gather light energy from nearby fluorescent lamps. The luminous hands also let you use the timepiece in low light.
Specifications
- Battery Life: Six months on a full charge
- Movement: Epson VS-22
- Water-resistance: 200m/660 feet
3. Citizen Eco-Drive Titanium BL5558-58L
Price: $300.00
Many solar watches have a stainless steel case protecting them. However, the Citizen Eco-Drive goes a step further with titanium.
As a result, this timepiece is 40% lighter and five times more scratch-resistant than most competitors. In other words, you can rest assured the Citizen Eco-Drive can withstand challenging environments.
The titanium case has an anti-reflective mineral crystal on top. Moreover, it incorporates a chronograph and solar function on the sub-dials and the dial.
As a result, you do not have to worry about replacing the battery. The Citizen Eco-Drive solar watch also has additional functions such as:
- Perpetual calendar
- Date display
- Alarm
- Tachymeter
- Dual time zone
The design of the Citizen Eco-Drive looks sleek with its dark blue dial while offering numerous features. As a result, it combines form and function into a sun-powered timepiece.
Specifications
- Battery Life: Six months on a full charge
- Movement: Sun-powered quartz
- Water-resistance: 100m
Choosing the best solar-powered watch
You can find numerous alternatives to the three watches above. However, you should check the following criteria for your solar watch:
- Case size determines how it would look on your wrist, so it is the first quality you should check. If you need a compact dress watch, look for a 40 mm case size. Meanwhile, you might need a 46 mm case size if you have large hands.
- Charging time can last a few minutes or hours, depending on your watch. Some can fully recharge with a low or artificial light source.
- Power reserve tells you how long your timepiece will work without proper lighting. You will need this power save function if you often stay indoors.
- Design and style vary if you want an electronic display or clock hands. Quartz watches usually have a digital display and additional features. On the other hand, mechanical watches have hands, making them the typical choice for urban settings.
- Watch type has two types: analog and digital. As mentioned, analog watches are ideal dress watches, and digital ones provide more features.
- Water resistance tells you how much water damage it can withstand. Some like Vaer watches are water resistant enough for scuba diving and snorkeling.
- Weight determines how comfortable you will be while wearing your watch. For example, a stainless steel watch may feel heavier than a titanium one.
- Extra features include a barometric altimeter, alarm, countdown timer, and other tools.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats a great timepiece, especially if it is sun-powered. An Apple Watch may have more features but requires electrical energy daily. As the name suggests, solar watches work through solar power
A solar watch is a significant investment, so choose one of the best solar watches. Hopefully, the recommendations above helped your selection.
If not, you may use the previous criteria for your checklist while shopping. Your watch should have the features you want while being comfortable enough for normal use.
Frequently asked questions
Can you charge a sun-powered timepiece with a lamp?
Some solar timepieces can recharge via exposure to artificial light. However, choosing one with a four-month power reserve or more makes sense.
What are the cons of a sun-powered watch?
The most significant issue you may have with these timepieces is the price. However, a high-quality stainless steel option can be worth every penny.
Do solar-powered watches work at night?
Quality timepieces with solar watch technology can recharge with low and artificial light. Also, some have a six-month power reserve that keeps them running in darkness.
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