Atomic watches receive low-frequency radio signals and are calibrated to the universal time for precise timekeeping. When they are solar-powered, they become these amazing timepieces that work all day and night without the hassle of frequent charging or battery replacement.
The main advantage of solar atomic watches is that you always have access to the precise time. Since an atomic watch is fully synchronized with the time zone that you are in, it never needs manual adjustments. Whether you are a serious outgoer, traveler, or military personnel, a solar atomic watch is a must.
They come with a wide range of varieties, constructions, and features, so you might need help choosing the right one for your use. We have an in-depth “Buyer’s Guide” on how to choose the right solar atomic watch, and we recommend you go through it.
If you are in a hurry, here’s what you need to keep in mind.
- The Battery Life: Though solar batteries are efficient and take only a few minutes to charge, you still need to look at the battery performance of your watch. Most atomic solar watches have a good battery life than can last anywhere from 3 to 10 months. You also need to check for a daytime battery saver feature.
- Basic Features: Expensive solar atomic watches might have additional features like GPS tracker, weather sensors, etc. which might not be useful for everyone’s use. However, look for the basic features like alarm, timer, stopwatch, etc.
- Material: The construction must be rugged if you are supposed to wear your watch all day and night.
Be it stainless steel or resin; the watch must have a durable construction. It should be water- and scratch-resistant to withstand extreme use and abuse.
In this article, we review the best atomic solar of different price ranges, features, and build quality. Hope you find the best one to suit your needs.
Best Solar Atomic Watch List
| Best Solar Atomic Watch | Water resistant | Strap Material | Dial Size | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casio G-Shock Men's Solar Resin Sport Watch | 200 m | Resin | 46.7 mm | Check On Amazon |
| Casio Men's G-Shock Solar Atomic Watch | 200 m | Stainless steel | 56.8 mm | Check On Amazon |
| G-Shock Solar Atomic Watch | 200 m | Resin | 56 mm | Check On Amazon |
| Garmin Instinct Atomic Solar Smartwatch | 100 m | Rubber | 45 mm | Check On Amazon |
| Casio Men's Pro Trek Solar Sport Watch | 100 m | Resin | 54.6 mm | Check On Amazon |
| Casio G-Shock AWGM100-1A Solar Sport Watch | 200m | Resin | 46mm | Check On Amazon |
Best Solar Atomic Watch Reviews
1. Casio G-Shock Men’s Solar Resin Sport Watch
We start the list with the best budget option on the list which is none other than Casio G-shock. There’s nothing to say about the brand as it’s tested over time. There are more inclusions from Casio, but this might be the best choice if your budget is restricted.
The watch features a classic design with a dial size of 46.7 mm which is much smaller than others. Still, the best thing about this watch is that it’s 200 m water resistant making it a great choice for all kinds of water activities like swimming, surfing and even jet skiing. The solar atomic watch has an EL backlit, which means you can watch its face with or without light. Being shock resistant, the watch can protect itself from any sort of impact and direct fall.
Other features of this watch are a timer, alarm, battery level indicator, auto calendar, backlit with selectable duration, etc. It has got a resin strap which is very soft and comfortable. Since it’s Casio, you get 2 years of international warranty.
Best Features:
- 7 mm case size
- Resin strap material
- 200 m water resistant
- Shock resistant
- Timer, alarm and battery level indicator
- 2 years warranty
Pros:
- Very sensitive and accurate
- Solar-powered watch with power-saving modes
- Amazing water resistance rating
- Excellent build quality
- Universal
Cons:
- Smaller size dial
2. Casio Men’s G-Shock Solar Atomic Watch
If you are into big dial heavyweight sports watches, this model from Casio G-shock is sure to catch your attention. Showing off a 56.8 mm dial with a metal bezel and stainless steel band, the solar-powered radio-controlled watch will add great value to your watch collection.
This is 20 bar water resistant, which is Casio’s standard for all of its G-shock models. But apart from that, you also get world time, which comes with different timing for 31 different zones and coordinated universal time, ensuring precise accuracy. Even though it fails to offer most of the exciting features like the previous model, it still is the best budget deal under $100.
It’s inexpensive, but the rugged design speaks of its quality. Weighing 144 gms, the stainless steel watch will be heavier on your wrist, but that’s what some men like. Basic features are provided, like 5 alarms, a stopwatch, timer, battery saving mode, auto EL backlit, and auto calendar.
It’s shockproof, impact-proof, and waterproof. The solar-battery back is also great. It can last for upto 9 months with a full recharge on normal use. Since it’s Casio you get 2 years of warranty.
Best Features:
- Resin dial measuring 56.8 mm
- Stainless steel strap with 3 fold clasp
- 200 m water resistant
- Comes with World Times for 31 zones
- Shockproof
- Solar powered: 9 months battery backup on full recharge
- Timer, alarm, and battery level indicator
Pros:
- Rugged design
- Big bulky sporty look
- World timing
- Affordable
Cons:
- Heavyweight
3. G-Shock Solar Atomic Watch
Casio rules the market of atomic watches. They have a variety of collections to choose from. However, our 2nd inclusion on the list might be your best bet if you are interested in adding more features to your timepiece.
At a fairly high price, the atomic watch will offer you a great selection of features which includes a tide graph to show the tide levels at a specific time of the day, a moon phase graph, and most importantly world time which displays the times of 31 different zones including 48 cities plus their coordinated universal time.
Not impressed yet? Well, you will have a battery life that lasts for 9 months with normal use. Like the previous one, this one is also water resistant for up to 200m and can resist extreme shocks and impacts. You get all the basic features like a countdown timer, stopwatch, alarm, battery level indicator, auto-calendar, fully-illuminated EL screen, and more.
It features a 56 mm dial which is on the larger side and mostly suitable for men. The bezel and the case material both are made of resin. The quality is top-notch, as you expect from Casio. But most importantly, the radio-controlled watch is very accurate.
Best Features:
- 56 mm case dial
- Resin strap
- Comes with tide graph and moon graph
- World time of 31 different zones
- Water resistant for up to 200 m
- Shock and impact resistant
- Solar powered: 9 months battery backup on full recharge
- Timer, alarm and battery level indicator
- 2 years warranty
Pros:
- Wide array of features
- Highly resistant to water
- Rugged construction
- Shows world time
Cons:
- Somewhat difficult to read
4. Garmin Instinct Atomic Solar Smartwatch
Garmin is one of the few leading brands that manufactures smart atomic watches. You name a function, and the watch has it. From sports features to tracking, navigation, and activity apps, the watch is loaded with features and shows off a design that every sports enthusiast will love.
Garmin Instinct is an altimeter, barometer, and compass watch with a great navigation system and a 3-axis digital compass. The watch is equipped with multiple satellite navigation systems which are GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo. If you are a serious backcountry traveler, this watch is for you.
There’s a heart rate monitor along with alerts that notify you as your heart beats faster or slower than normal. There’s also a feature called Pulse OX sensor to keep a check on your blood oxygen levels. It can track your stress levels and even your body’s energy levels. The battery can last upto 50 days with continuous use, which is a little disappointing. But the multiple sports modes, along with other features, make up for that.
The Garmin Instinct is one of the most feature-rich atomic watches making it highly versatile. It’s a unisex watch with a 45 mm dial suitable for most wrist sizes. The two dividing factors that position it after Casio G-shock are warranty and water resistance. Casio offers 2 years of warranty whereas Garmin comes with only a 1-year warranty; also, it’s up to 100m water resistant. However, it’s shock and temperature-proof.
Best Features:
- Digital atomic solar watch
- 45 mm dial size
- Rubber strap
- Up to 100 m water resistant
- Shock and temperature proof
- Satellite Navigation: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo
- Multiple sports features
- Heart rate monitor, stress and energy level monitor
- S military 810 standards
Pros:
- Feature-rich
- Satellite navigation system
- Smartphone connectivity
- Multiple color options
Cons:
- Battery life is disappointing for continuous use
5. Casio Men’s Pro Trek Solar Sport Watch
Casio makes the world’s best solar watches ideal for trekking, hiking, and sports where you would want all sorts of features and sensors. This is exactly what you get from Casio Men’s Pro Trek.
Casio Pro Trek is a great deal if you want something rugged and adventurous. The watch features triple sensor technology, an advancement to deliver higher reading accuracy. Despite its smaller price tag, the watch packs dozens of features like a digital compass, altimeter, barometer, timer, alarm, world time, stopwatch, and much more.
To make sure the watch runs under all conditions, Casio ensures 100 m water resistance and thermal protection
( -10 C). The battery life is great; the solar-powered timepiece provides stable operation even in power-saving modes. That’s not all; there are sunrise and sunset timing, battery level indicator, and power-saving modes.
The rugged design along with all the necessary features, makes it a perfect outdoor gear. There are glove-friendly large-size buttons at the sides for easy operation. Similar to other models, this one also features a 54.6 mm case dial which is fairly big and should fit most users. The only thing that it lacks is a navigation system and connectivity to smartphones.
Best Features:
- Resin dial measuring 54.6 mm
- Resin strap
- Triple sensor: altimeter, barometer, and digital compass
- 100 m water resistant
- Low temperature resistant (-10 c)
- Include timer, alarm, world time, stopwatch
- Solar-powered: 9 months battery backup on full recharge
Pros:
- Great for outdoor usage
- Feature-rich
- Rugged construction
- Great value for the price
Cons:
- Bigger size dial is not ideal for everyday use.
6. Casio G-Shock AWGM100-1A Solar Sport Watch
The last one on the list is the most expensive one, but it also comes with all the bells and whistles that you would want to have if you are a serious outgoer. That being said, the Casio G-Shock AWGM100-1A model not only has a tide graph and moon data but also features a digital compass, barometer, and altimeter.
This is a durable and reliable wristwatch suitable for any adventure. This watch features Multi-Band Atomic Timekeeping and Tough Solar Power for accurate timekeeping without needing frequent battery replacements. It’s built to be Shock Resistant and boasts 200M Water Resistance, making it perfect for all kinds of outdoor activities.
The watch also has a Full Auto EL Backlight and Neo-brite Luminous Hands and Markers for easy readability in low-light conditions. It features Multi-Band Atomic Timekeeping, which ensures accurate timekeeping across 31 time zones. The watch is powered by Tough Solar Power technology, providing up to 6 months of battery life on a full charge.
Other features include a 1/100 second stopwatch, countdown timer, and full auto-calendar. With an accuracy of +/-15 seconds per month and 20-bar water resistance, this watch is a must-have for any adventurer seeking a durable and dependable timepiece.
Best Features:
- Shock Resistant construction
- 200M Water Resistance
- Full Auto EL Backlight and Neo-brite Luminous Hands and Markers for easy reading in low-light conditions
- 31 time zones and 5 daily alarms
- 1/100 second stopwatch, countdown timer, and full auto-calendar for additional functionality
- Button operation tone on/off, battery power indicator, and power-saving function to conserve battery life
Pros:
- Durable and reliable construction for outdoor use
- Water-resistant design for use during water activities
- Versatile design for frequent travelers
- Power-saving function for extended battery life
Cons:
- The digital display may be hard to read in bright sunlight
Best Atomic Solar Watch Buying Guide
Atomic watches aren’t cheap. There’s a suitable atomic watch for each of us, some like digital display while some prefer analogue. You also need to consider the battery performance, construction and additional features. Here’s what you need to know while purchasing an atomic solar watch.
1. Battery Life
The most important thing of all, is the battery life and its charging time. As we all know, atomic solar watches are charred either by solar energy or by artificial light upon their exposure. Therefore, keeping the watch working along with all its features.
Nothing is more frustrating than your watch taking the entire time for a recharge. If kept under the sun a potential solar watch can take a few minutes to a few hours to get fully charged whereas artificial light can take hours for a full recharge.
You need to check the user guide to know about the exact timing of a recharge. Thankfully, most atomic solar watches have a better battery life than can last anywhere from 2 to 10 months. Each time you go out in the sun or your watch gets exposed to any source of light, it charges the battery, extending its life and working time.
2. Additional Features
Additional features that come with atomic watches and whether to consider them or not depend on your purpose of use. If you are a sports person and your watch must go through extreme wear and tear, you need to look for water and impact-resistant watches. Most of our watches, especially the Casio series, are upto 200 m water resistant.
Other basic features that most watches have include stopwatches, countdown timers, alarms, etc. If your watch is for everyday use, make sure it displays the date and year and is backlit for nighttime viewing.
3. Material
Like most watches, atomic watches are made from stainless steel, plastic, resin, and titanium. The dial case might be made of steel, but the straps may feature a raisin or leather belt. Or the entire body can be made of stainless steel, titanium, or plastic.
There’s nothing that’s good or bad. It all depends on your comfort, But it’s better to stay away from cheap plastic materials. Leather belts look great if you wish to wear them as a dress watch. But do not compromise on the quality if you are a heavy user.
Another thing that you need to make sure of is that the screen is made of durable mineral glass, as plastic is prone to scratches.
4. Daytime Light Saving
This is one of the important factors, and thankfully most solar-powered atomic watches come with this feature. Daytime light saving automatically saves power and reserves battery life. Solar-powered watches can extend their battery life with daytime light-saving features that can last for years without a recharge. It is important to conserve your battery life especially when you’re out on an adventure.
5. Analog or Digital
When you are buying a solar atomic watch, you get two options, digital and analog. However, some of them are hybrid atomic watches, a combination of both analogue and digital. In most cases, digital atomic watches are preferable because of the features they come with. The features are worth investing in, especially if you are a serious outgoer. With a digital watch, you might expect additional advanced features like GPS, health monitoring, wireless connection, weather report, environmental sensors, timer, alarm, stopwatch, and many more.
In the case of analog watches, you only get to see the time, date, month, and year. Though the functions are limited, analogue atomic watches make great dress watches. So we recommend you buy a hybrid watch which has the hands of an analogue watch with a digital display.
6. Size
The size and design are probably the second things you need to consider. It decides comfort, weight, and convenience. The standard watch size can be anywhere between 42 to 56mm. This varies widely, but you need to decide according to your convenience. Bigger dials are easy to read and operate. But most of them are heavyweight.
But do you have a wrist big enough for it? Make sure your watch fits you well, as you are going to wear it for a good time.
7. Purpose
The purpose is another thing to take into account while purchasing a solar atomic watch as there are different watches suitable for different situations. For example, digital solar atomic watches featuring a digital compass, barometer, and altimeter are more suitable for people like military personnel, law enforcement officials, etc. If you are a frequent traveler, you would appreciate a watch that has a GPS tracker, environmental sensors, and a rubber or silicone strap that can be worn for 24/7 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ans: An atomic watch is a radio-controlled wristwatch that tells time by monitoring the resonance frequency of atoms. It can measure the most accurate time on earth, and it needs no time/date adjustment. It continues to receive a radio calibration signal every night that helps it to maintain perfect synchronization with the time zone that you’re in.
Ans: Atomic watches are the most accurate timekeeping devices ever created. With an error of just 1 sec in 100 million years, these devices tell you the most accurate time on earth.
Ans: Casio, Seiko, Citizen, and Timex are the most reputable brands that make atomic wristwatches.
Ans: In general, a solar-powered watch should last atleast 7 years. However, there have been cases that show with good care you can make them last over 15 years without a battery replacement. Sadly, the battery of a solar-powered watch is not meant to last forever.
Ans: Solar-powered atomic watches begin to charge themselves as soon as they are exposed to natural or artificial light sources. The extra energy thus is stored in the battery which allows them to work when there’s no source of light. So, yes, solar-powered atomic watches work all day and work night.
Ans: Batteries of a solar-powered watch are so efficient that they can fully charge themselves within 5 minutes upon its exposure to any light source. A fully charged solar watch can last for months ( usually 3 to 9 months) on a full recharge.
Conclusion
If you insist on accurate timing, an atomic watch is for you. If you want to get rid of replacing your batteries or charging them every while, a solar-powered one is your best bet. Together, the solar atomic watches make the best kinds of watches that you can buy.
Spend some more for better quality, materials, and a brand that offers reliable customer service. It will be beneficial in the long run. Make sure your watch includes basic features like a stopwatch, countdown timer, and alarm, if possible.
But, be mindful while spending extra pennies for the feature. Do you need a GPS? Do you need weather updates? Is health monitoring really important for you?
So, what solar atomic watch are you buying? Are you still confused? Here are our top three recommendations:
- If you are looking for a budget sport atomic watch, then Casio G-Shock GWM5610-1 is your best bet. It comes with all the basic functions like a timer, alarm, and stopwatch, features a resin band, a medium size dial, and is 200 m water resistant. It’s also backed up by 2 years of international warranty by Casio.
- If you are looking for a rugged steel finish, then go with Casio Men’s G-Shock MTGM900DA-8CR. Along with basic features, it also comes with a world time of 31 different zones. It’s also up to 200 m water resistant and has a 2-year international warranty from Casio.
