Get a solar watch and say bye to regular battery replacements
If you want to avoid the hassle of replacing the batteries regularly, then solar watches are the right investment. On a single day sun exposure, the battery can last for up to 12 months.
They are highly precise, reliable, affordable, durable, low maintenance, accessible, and eco-friendly. From sporty to sophisticated, these watches are available in wide range of designs to choose from.
In addition to the design, you should consider certain factors to choose the best solar watch. We have mentioned them below for your reference.
Case Size –
Wearing a solar wristwatch for a long time should make you feel comfortable. For this, you have to check its case size and form factor. Mostly, the case size of solar-powered watches will range from 40 mm to 46 mm, in which you have to choose the correct size as per your wrist and hand size that looks and fits the best. A smaller 40 mm case size is used in compact dress watches, whereas 46 mm is ideal for larger hands.
Water Resistance –
Even if you are not using the solar watch during adventure sports, it is always a great idea to go with a watch that offers water resistance. Not all watches offer the same level of water resistance, as basic or entry-level models offer resistance against water for up to 50 meters, while higher-end models can even withstand up to 200 meters of water resistance.
Strap Material –
It is essential to check the strap material of the solar watch to get a clear idea of its comfortable fitting, durability, and longevity. There are several materials used in the construction of watch strap/band including stainless steel metal straps, fabric straps (leather, nylon, or resin), and rubber straps. Steel straps are durable for longevity, leather straps are aesthetic for a premium look, and rubber straps are perfect for outdoor usage.
For more information on these solar watches, we recommend you read our detailed Buying Guide. Also, we compiled some Best Solar Watches with a brief review of each product along with its specifications, pros, and cons. Read on to know how to choose the best option as per your style and requirements.
7 Best Solar Watches in 2023 Chart
| Best Solar Watches | Case Size | Water Resistance | Warranty | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casio Men's G Solar Watch | 59 mm | 200 meters | 2 years | Check On Amazon |
| Garmin Instinct Solar Watch | 45 mm | 100 meters | 1 year | Check On Amazon |
| Seiko Men's SNE102 Solar Watch | 39 mm | 100 meters | 3 years | Check On Amazon |
| Timex Men's Expedition Solar Watch | 40 mm | 50 meters | 1 year | Check On Amazon |
| BERING Solar Watch | 40 mm | 50 meters | 3 years | Check On Amazon |
| Casio Men's Pro Trek Solar Watch | 54.6 mm | 100 meters | 2 years | Check On Amazon |
| Seiko Men's SSC143 Solar Watch | 42.5 mm | 100 meters | --- | Check On Amazon |
Best Solar Watches in 2023: Reviews
1. Casio Men’s G Solar Watch
Casio is a highly popular and a fairly old brand of watches that is generally known for making digital watches that offer a wide range of handy features and options, including its solar watch stated here.
The Casio G Shock GST-S110-1ACR solar watch is present in the 1st position in this list since it is the only hybrid option stated here. In other words, you get an analogue dial as well as a digital screen on the back. Although, because of this, it is quite large in size at a case size of 59 mm, which might be a bit large for some users.
One of the best things about this Casio solar watch is that it features a 200-meter water resistance which is much higher than others. Being a hybrid solar watch, you also get features like backlighting, stopwatch, timer, alarm, calendar, and more with this watch which are always handy. As Casio makes highly durable watches, it offers a 2-year long warranty which is to be expected from such a reputable brand.
Best Features:
- Rated case size of 59 mm
- Offers water resistance of up to 200 meters
- Comes with a rubber strap
- Made out of steel with mineral glass
- Hybrid type solar watch
- Comes with a 2-year long warranty
Pros:
- Hybrid design for additional features
- Excellent water resistance rating
- Great build quality with steel constructions
- Decent amount of functions with digital display
Cons:
- A bit large in size for smaller wrists
2. Garmin Instinct Solar Watch
You can find a wide range of smart and digital watches from Garmin, which generally offer a wide range of features, including its solar watch model stated here in this article.
Garmin’s Instinct Solar Technical solar watch is present in the 2nd position in this listicle as it is one of the most feature-rich solar watches out there. To ensure that you can see everything clearly on its digital display, Garmin has included a display size of 45 mm, which should be quite good for most users.
As per the name, this watch is quite rugged and made for tactical usage, because of which its 100-meter water resistance is to be expected. Coming to the features of this watch, you can find things like GPS tracking, smartphone app support, fitness models, healthy monitoring, barometer, altimeter, compass, and many others, which makes it highly versatile for most users. Although, despite its sturdy construction, you only get a 1-year long warranty with it.
Best Features:
- Rated case size of 45 mm
- Offers water resistance of up to 100 meters
- Comes with a rubber strap
- Made out of polymer with mineral glass
- Digital type solar watch
- Comes with a 1-year warranty
Pros:
- Wide range of handy features
- Decently large display
- Connects with smartphone for extra functionality
- Highly rugged construction
Cons:
- Warranty period could have been longer
3. Seiko Men’s SNE102 Solar Watch
Seiko is quite a reputable and heritage brand of Japanese watches which offers all kinds of premium watches, including a few dress watches that happen to be solar-like this one present here.
This Seiko Men’s SNE102 solar watch is present in the 3rd position in this list article because it can be a great option for those who are looking for a dress watch that is solar powered for ease of use. Being a dress watch, its given case diameter of 39 mm is to be expected. As for its watch face, it happens to be an analogue solar watch with a minimal design.
While it is just an analogue watch, you still get a few functions like date and day dials other than the primary time hands. Even though dress watches are not made for rugged usage, this Seiko solar watch still offers a water resistance rating of up to 100 meters which is quite great. A great benefit of going with a Seiko solar watch is that you also get a 3-year warranty with it.
Best Features:
- Rated case size of 39 mm
- Offers water resistance of up to 100 meters
- Comes with a leather strap
- Made out of steel with mineral glass
- Analogue type solar watch
- Comes with a 3-year warranty
Pros:
- Minimal and compact dress watch
- Shows date and day other than time
- Quite a long warranty period
- Excellent construction with decent water resistance
Cons:
- Case size can be small for some
4. Timex Men’s Expedition Solar Watch
Timex is a comparatively smaller and much more affordable brand of watches, due to which its solar watches like the one mentioned here can be viable for those who are on a budget.
The Timex Men’s Expedition Scout solar watch is the cheapest option stated here in this listicle, making it the perfect option for those who are on a tight budget. At the given price tag, its given case size of 40 mm is to be expected. Thankfully, checking the time is still quite easy, thanks to its straightforward analogue watch design.
Other than the time hands, you can also find a handy date dial in this watch which is quite decent for the given price. Although being a budget watch, you only get a water resistance rating of 50 meters which is a bit low compared to others. And for its price, the given warranty is also only rated for up to 1 year.
Best Features:
- Rated case size of 40 mm
- Offers water resistance of up to 50 meters
- Comes with a leather strap
- Made out of brass with mineral glass
- Analogue type solar watch
- Comes with a 1-year warranty
Pros:
- Budget-friendly solar watch
- Handy date dial along with time hands
- Comfortable leather strap
- Decently large for the given price
Cons:
- Not the most rugged watch
5. BERING Solar Watch
In comparison to most other watch brands out there, Bering is fairly new and offers a highly rugged dress watch that offers premium construction materials that are not found even in more expensive watches.
Bering’s solar watch is one of the most rugged watches out there when it comes to solar-powered dress watches. This is due to the reason that the Bering is the only solar watch stated here that comes with full steel construction along with a sapphire crystal window for excellent scratch resistance. And because it is a dress watch, you get a case size of 40 mm with it.
Unfortunately, the water-resistance of the Bering solar watch is quite limited to just 50 meters. Most buyers will love the minimal design of this analogue watch, which also offers an additional date dial on the side. Despite being a fairly new brand, Bering features a 3-year long warranty with this solar watch, making it the perfect option for long term usage.
Best Features:
- Rated case size of 40 mm
- Offers water resistance of up to 50 meters
- Comes with a steel strap
- Made out of steel with sapphire crystal
- Analogue type solar watch
- Comes with a 3-year long warranty
Pros:
- Superb build quality with steel and sapphire crystal
- Minimal analogue watch design
- Quite a long warranty period
- Date dial along with time dials
Cons:
- Limited water resistance rating
6. Casio Men’s Pro Trek Solar Watch
Casio also makes fully digital solar watches that are ideal for trekking and more heavy-duty usage where you would want to have all kinds of sensors which is exactly what this solar watch offers, as given down below.
This Casio Men’s Pro Trek PRG-270-1 solar watch is the perfect option if you want something for heavy-duty usage and adventure. Similar to the previous Casio solar watch present above, this one also includes a fairly large case size of 54.6 mm, which is important to have for proper visibility from its digital display.
To ensure that this watch stays functional at all times, Casio also includes a decent 100-meter water resistance rating along with a highly rugged construction. Because this solar watch is made for rugged and outdoors usage, you get features like compass, thermometer, altimeter, barometer, alarm, timer, stopwatch, and much more. Just like the previously mentioned Casio watch, this one also includes a 2-year long warranty for peace of mind.
Best Features:
- Rated case size of 54.6 mm
- Offers water resistance of up to 100 meters
- Comes with a rubber strap
- Made out of polymer with mineral glass
- Digital type solar watch
- Comes with a 2-year warranty
Pros:
- Excellent for outdoors usage
- Wide range of features
- Highly rugged construction
- Backlit display for easy visibility
Cons:
- Not the most compact solar watch
7. Seiko Men’s SSC143 Solar Watch
Seiko also offers more premium dress watches that are made out of high-quality materials and are also powered by solar energy for ease of use in the long run.
This is the upgraded Seiko Solar Alarm Chronograph, a timepiece that combines elegance with cutting-edge features. Crafted with a sleek black ion-finished two-tone stainless steel case and bracelet, this watch exudes sophistication. The black dial showcases three chronograph subdials , luminous hands and markers, and a date calendar, ensuring both style and functionality.
Powered by any light source, the high-performance solar cell ensures no battery changes are required. With an energy-efficient movement and long power reserve, this timepiece is reliable and sustainable. The 12-hour alarm can be easily set, while the chronograph measures up to 60 minutes in 1/5 second increments. Water-resistant up to 100 meters, this watch is perfect for active individuals. Embrace Seiko’s timeless legacy of innovation with this exceptional timepiece.
Best Features:
- Powered by any light source, no battery changes required.
- Sleek black ion-finished two-tone stainless steel case and bracelet.
- Three chronograph subdials, luminous hands and markers, date calendar.
- Withstands water pressure up to 100 meters.
Pros:
- Sustainable and reliable solar-powered operation.
- Stylish and elegant design.
- Versatile functionality with chronograph and date features.
- Suitable for active lifestyles with water resistance.
Cons:
- May require sufficient exposure to light for optimal power generation.
Buying Guide for the Best Solar Watches
Whether an analog or digital watch, you will never lose your time tracking at any time with this solar-powered wristwatch. Till now, we have mentioned the best solar watches for you to pick from. Still having any confusion in the selection of the right product, then we suggest you read this guide thoroughly. Knowing all about these watches will always make the selection process a bit easier and make a worthwhile buying decision.
Let’s get into the details of factors to look for while shopping for the solar watch.
1. Case Size:
The most crucial thing to consider while buying any kind of watch is to check its case size. It determines the overall form factors (or general form characteristics), which let you ensure that the given watch looks and fits perfectly on your wrist.
The most common case sizes usually range between 40 mm and 46 mm. Among them, the larger 46 mm case size is ideal for larger hands, while the smaller 40 mm case size is designed to use in compact dress watches.
2. Charging Time
As we already mentioned, the internal battery of the solar watch gets charged either with solar light or artificial light upon its regular exposure. Thus, keeps the watch functional and powers all of its features and functions.
Solar charging can take from a few minutes to a few hours when kept under the sun. Whilst artificial light might take an even longer time to charge and also it won’t provide the same energy as direct solar light charging on a clear day.
Check the user manual to get an idea of the charging time a particular watch will take. Thankfully, the charge in most solar watches will last from 8 months to 12 months, which is more than enough. Yet remember that the battery gets further charged whenever you wear this watch outdoors which extends its battery and working life.
3. Power Reserve
The power reserve of a solar watch will determine how long it can function without proper charging (especially while storing or used in dark places). They usually range from a few months to a year based on the brand or model, as different watches come with different power reserves. It is quite essential feature to consider for those who wear the watches most often before buying the solar watches to know when they run out of energy. So, check out the specification to know the power reserve your watch offers.
4. Design and Style
There are different styles of solar wristwatches available in the market. They are designed specifically for men or women or unisex to provide a luxurious look after wearing them. They can be either classic style or sporty. The watch straps are made of certain materials like rubber, stainless steel, leather, or nylon, while some models are incorporated with gold or diamonds.
Select the type of watch based on how you use them as per your occasion. For instance, use an elegant dress watch that matches up with your formal attire when you want to work great on formal occasions. While you have to wear a casual sports watch on casual occasions.
5. Watch Type
Before buying a solar watch, you should also check the type of timepiece that you are going for. This primarily includes both analog and digital clocks that are powered via solar energy. In most cases, a digital watch is going to offer you a wide range of functions and features which can be handy for many users. On the other hand, analog solar watches tend to be slimmer and classy which makes them ideal dress watches. In some cases, you can also find hybrid watches that offer both hands and a digital display.
6. Water Resistance
Like any electronic gadget, you have to protect the solar watch from any kind of water damage and to keep it stay functional. You can wear a water-resistant watch at any time (or weather) like swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, or in rain. So, it is a must to check the water-resistance rating before making its purchase.
Even an entry-level solar watch needs a water resistance rating of up to 50 meters. While higher-end solar watches that are made for heavy-duty usage can even withstand up to 200 meters of water resistance with ease.
7. Application
There are different styles of solar watches available to wear in different applications/situations. They can be either digital or analog or both, and you have to choose the best option as per your requirement. For instance, people in law enforcement, the military, or those who travel or have several outdoor activities, then go with a solar timepiece featuring a compass, altimeter, and GPS along with a rubber strap and a blend of both digital and analog display.
8. Weight
The weight of the solar watch plays a key role in determining its comfortable and convenient wearing for a long time. For this, you have to check various models and choose the lighter weight option to wear for a longer time, as these innovative timepieces are not heavier and bulkier. You can select the model from the above reviews as per your requirement.
9. Extra Features
Here are some of the extra features that you have to check while shopping for the solar-powered timepiece. Though there are several functions available for these watches like stainless-steel or titanium case (OR) hardened mineral crystals or sapphire crystals (OR) dials.
Other features come with multi-time zone displays to know the time depending on the selected time zone. Also, you can find some watches used for any water sporting activities, and you can choose the model offering water resistance of up to 200 meters.
For pointer functionality or fitness fanatic, you have to choose a wristwatch with an alarm that measures the task, the number of steps, and heart rate along with time. Some models offer features like a barometer, compass, and altimeter.
10. Operation
The solar watch you choose has to work at any time, and it won’t stop functioning irrespective of the sunlight, especially should operate even on cloudy or rainy days. In general, these solar-powered watches store their power in the battery, which can reserve the power to work at night time and even for months. Most watches use lithium-ion cell that helps to power them for months without exposure to lights, which is also low-maintenance and reliable.
11. Technology
Technology is developing day by day to make our lifestyle easier. Similarly, you have to choose the solar watch that ensures an advanced (up-to-date) version in terms of technology used in its making. Thus, it will save a lot of time and effort in encountering any problems raised in its usage that might affect the working of the watch.
12. Watch Functions
As mentioned earlier, there is a difference between the number and types of functions offered by digital and analogue solar watches. Thus, it is always a great idea to check the functions offered by your solar watch before making its purchase. Starting with analogue solar watches, these generally only show you the time. In some cases, you might also find the date and day being displayed on the side.
On the other hand, a digital solar watch may even offer many functions found in smartwatches. For example, other than the time, date, and day, you can also find GPS tracking, smartphone app, healthy monitoring, backlit displays, various environmental sensors, timers, fitness modes, and stopwatches. Alternatively, these digital solar timepieces are much more functional and versatile.
13. Strap Material
It is essential to check the strap material before buying a solar wristwatch, as it ensures the comfortability and convenience to wear them. Also, it gives a clear idea of its proper fitting and durability. You will find options like metal straps, leather straps, fabric straps (resin or nylon), rubber straps, etc. while buying a solar watch.
Out of all these options, metal straps (stainless steel) are considered the most durable ones, while natural leather straps can be quite premium for a dress watch. Talking about rubber straps, they can be found in some solar watches made for adventure and outdoor usage, as they can easily take a beating. Some materials might be allergic to some people, if you are one of those, then it is a must to check the strap material before buying.
14. Price
There is a wide range of solar wristwatches available with different price ranges based on their types, features, brand, or warranty. Mostly these watches are affordable, while some models are expensive due to their extra features like GPS, altimeter, or are made of leather material.
Price is a key factor to narrow down the several options for most people. The general price range of these solar watches will be from $20 – $500. We suggest you choose the best model that balances your requirements and budget range.
15. Construction and Warranty
Other than the material of the solar watch’s strap, you should also check its overall construction to get an idea of its longevity. Almost all the solar watches are thankfully made out of steel which is highly strong and can easily last for a long time.
Coming to the window glass of the solar watch, this is where things get a little different. As most solar watches use mineral glass, they can get scratched easily. However, a few solar watches may use sapphire crystal which is much stronger and quite hard to scratch.
Talking about the warranty, you will find most solar watches include a 2-year or a 3-year long warranty, which should be ample for most buyers.
How Do the Solar Watches Work?
The photovoltaic solar cells in the solar watches will collect light energy and convert it into the power required to function the watch. Usually, this watch is powered by either natural sunlight or artificial light partially or entirely.
A solar panel under the dial of the watch will absorb the light to turn it into electrical energy to power up the watch. Apart from working now, the rechargeable cell stores the converted energy to make this timepiece work even in the dark or nighttime. You can find some solar-powered watches that use lithium-ion cells to power the watch for months with no light exposure for a long time.
These solar watches come with the benefit of being charged continuously. Simply saying the power resource can be used everywhere irrespective of the availability of light source. So, the watch won’t run out even when you enter into underground civilization. Yet we suggest you grab the model that is suitable for your requirement.
Benefits of Solar-Powered Watches
As a user, you should know about the benefits of using the solar watch. This is the best option for those who use the watch continuously without replacing or changing batteries every time. Here are some reasons that let you why we need to use a solar watch.
Reliable – Even though there are some faults in solar technology used to power larger complexes and homes. Yet you won’t experience any charging issues with this solar watch. Most of the watches in the above list can easily work for at least 30 days without any light source upon a single full-day charge.
Zero Waste – There is no battery replacement or throwing away of the watch, which, in turn, reduces the unnecessary waste is not worthy but also eco-friendly that protects the nature from pollution and plastic waste.
Accessible – All these solar-powered gadgets or devices are not affordable, which means people with lighter purses aren’t the preferred option. But not with solar watches, because they come within several prices that let you find a better option that is suitable for your style/budget range.
Low Maintenance – Since you need not change the battery or buy a new watch every time after a few years, this solar watch won’t require much maintenance. All it requires is some light to charge the battery without any special or specific maintenance either.
Light Source – The photovoltaic cells in the solar-powered watches can use either light source – natural light or artificial light. Thus, this versatile watch can easily attract anyone, especially those outdoorsmen or businesswomen.
Long Power Reserve – The longer the power reserve, the better will be its working efficiency without charging. In general, a solar watch can easily store up to 6 months, which is quite longer than the power reserve compared to a mechanical or automatic watch storing capacity of less or more than 40 hours.
Eco-Friendly – It won’t let you use/change the disposable batteries, which means they not only save your money but also the environment with its eco-friendly nature.
Also, there are some drawbacks/cons to be experienced while using these solar watches. These are pricier, bulkier, or heavier, or a few might require constant charging.
Tips to Properly Use the Solar Watch
You can enhance the durability and longevity of your solar watch by following these maintenance tips. Take a look at them.
- Wipe the watch using a gentle cloth to keep it clean and dust-free.
- Even though it needs some sun exposure for charging and functioning, too much exposure might fade the watch’s color.
- Don’t let the leather strap watch get wet, why because water worsens the leather and damages the strap.
- Never put a magnet and watch near to each other, as it might affect its timekeeping undesirably.
- A watch (including a solar watch) should have to be serviced regularly every 2 – 3 years.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes, a solar watch can work even in the dark. So, without any worry, you can wear the watch at night while going outside or sleep peacefully by turning off the lights. The rechargeable cells in the watch will reserve the power grabbed from the light source and use them to keep your watch working at any time.
Similar to a traditional quartz watch, a solar-powered quartz watch with a small solar panel inside the watch to grab the light, and generate power for the proper working of the watch. Yet the main difference is that they won’t require a traditional battery to operate the watch and don’t need to replace the battery.
In general, solar watches can be charged by both natural sunlight and artificial light. So, you can charge under any light, like a regular lamp
You should know how long your solar watch lasts upon a full charge before making its purchase. There are different power reserves available for different watches. Some watches last for weeks, whereas others last for up to a year upon one-time full charge. Usually, the power reserve charges the watch and stores the remaining power to work even in complete darkness. Also, you can’t turn off the watch while storing. So, check the specifications and reviews on the product before making its purchase.
There are several brands/manufacturers such as Citizen, Seiko, Casio, Cartier, Timex, and G-Shock that are considered the best in the industry.
The protective function of most solar watches helps to deter overcharging from excess light exposure. Check whether your brand and model of the solar watch consists of this feature or not.
Both automatic and solar watches are beneficial to use, as they won’t need manual winding and track time accurately. Solar watches are the best than automatic watches in terms of power reserves. A full charge of a solar watch will make it last for months to years, whereas automatic watches reserve a charge for a few days only.
Also, you have to wear the automatic watch daily for its proper working, whilst not with the solar watch. Instead, you can place the watch on a windowsill for sunlight and thereby keep it working.
No, not at all. Rechargeable batteries last quite longer than typical disposable batteries in terms of their charging capacity, which might degrade with some time difference. Hence, you have to replace the solar cells every 15 – 20 years based on your brand/manufacturer.
Based on the advanced technology used in the rechargeable battery of the solar watch. For instance, charging of 3 – 5 minutes is enough to run the watch per day. In case, if you charge it for hours, then you can enjoy it for a few months to a year.
There is a slight or no difference between these two types of solar watches. They both use solar panels to power the watch without any manual time-setting. The time in the atomic solar watch gets set with a radio signal and it is hassle-free and low maintenance without any battery or automatic time-set compared to the solar watch.
Based on your particular watch band/strap material, the steps to take care of them will vary a bit. Usually, stainless steel and fabric (leather, nylon, or resin) are common materials used as straps for these solar watches.
Stainless Steel – Clean the accumulated gunk over the watch with a damp cloth to take care of this stainless steel watch band. Using vinegar is not recommended in any circumstance for its cleaning might damage the metal and the watch strap.
Fabric – A bit more care has to be taken for this watch band, particularly on hot summers when you might get wet from weather or sports. If the strap is damp or wet from wrist sweat, then you have to dry it and wipe it with a cloth to make it last longer for years.
Hence it is a must to check the strap of your watch and know how to clean them quickly on weakly basis to make it run for a longer time.
Conclusion
As per the name, a solar watch uses solar energy as its power source for showing you the time and offering you all kinds of other features and functions. Because of this, these watches last for a pretty long time without needing to change its batteries even once.
Hence, a few of the best solar watches have been stated above alongside their significant specifications and features. And while there is also a detailed buying guide regarding solar watches present above, some of you might be still confused. In that case, you can simply go with one of our preferred picks for the best solar watches:
- In comparison to most other solar watches out there, the Garmin Instinct Solar Watch offers a wide range of features. With this 45 mm solar watch, you get things like GPS tracking, health monitoring, smartphone app support, compass, barometer, altimeter, fitness modes, and much more. Because it is shockproof and water-resistant at up to 100 meters, it is also a great adventure watch.
- If you want a highly durable solar watch without spending a premium, then the Bering solar watch can be a great option. This 40 mm solar watch is made out of stainless steel along with a stainless steel strap. But the best thing about this watch is that you get sapphire crystal instead of glass which goes great along with its 50-meter water resistance. As for the functions offered by this watch, you get a time and date dial with this analogue watch.
- Those of you who are on a tight budget but still want an affordable solar watch can go with the Timex Men’s Expedition Solar Watch For the given price, you get a decent 40 mm case size which is made out of brass. As for the strap, it uses a stitched brown leather which is fairly comfortable. Because this is an analogue solar watch. It only offers a time dial and a date dial which is to be expected.
