Using watches running on batteries is gradually getting outdated as more and more people realize the trouble which comes along with changing such batteries whenever they run out. Frequent trips to jewelers and repair shops have now been reduced, thanks to the inception of solar-powered watches. They are turning out to be essential accessories, whether one is accustomed to formal wear or casual wear.
If you are thinking of getting a solar powered watch anytime soon, here’s our selection of the 10 best solar powered watches you should consider.
Top 10 Best Solar Powered Watches
1. Casio Men’s G-Shock Solar Digital Watch
This is a rare military-inspired watch from a brand that ventured into the industry at a time when the development of watches was at its infancy stage. The company incorporates a multi-dimension aluminum bezel case, which gives the watch its shock-resistant capabilities. The watch actually runs on a battery but in a bid to enhance its life and usability, Casio ensured that the battery is rechargeable, using solar power. The atomic time-keeping technology also abates the need to readjust time on a regular basis, making it the best formal and casual accessory.
The Best Features
- 660 feet water resistance depth
- A full auto-LED backlight LCD
- A battery-level indicator
- Mute function
- 12/24 hour formats
Pros
- An elegant design
- Atomic timekeeping
- It comes with an elaborate instruction manual
Cons
- Sometimes the reverse colors are challenging to read under bright light
2. Seiko Stainless Steel Solar Watch
Defined by fixed silver and a gold-tone bezel, this is one of the most attractive solar-powered watches to use alongside formal wear. Despite the fact that the dial type is analogue in nature, it has luminescent hands as well as markers, working alongside the stainless steel case to offer a sturdy look. It has a water resistance depth of up to 100M, together with quartz movement, making it ideal for use in any environment. The outer rim is calibrated with tachymeter markings, which adds to the visual appeal and the ease of use.
The Best Features
- Hardlex crystal body cover
- Stainless steel case-back
- Gold-tone hands
- Stick dial markers
- 3 different sub-dials
Pros
- It is solar-powered in nature
- 6-month power reserve
- A glossy and gunmetal appearance
- Easy and intuitive to set up
Cons
- Sometimes the glass is highly reflective, which makes it difficult to read
3. Casio G-Shock Slim Solar Watch
Casio is renowned for its high-end watches but this particular model features a slimmer case, a stainless steel bezel and a black strap, all of which make it attractive, especially for casual wear. The layer guard structures from previous models have been maintained in this watch, with the addition of a hefty urethane band, which offers the precise durability of a metal band. Time is displayed in both digital and analog formats but it is the blue colors around the bezel case which actually provide the most appealing accent. It is another solar-powered watch like the ones reviewed above, with a water resistance depth of 200M. Besides the battery-level indicator, the display reads blank whenever the watch is in the dark, ushering in the power-saving mode.
The Best Features
- Shock resistant
- Dual LED light
- A full auto calendar
- 5 daily alarms
- A hand shift feature
- A 49.3mm resin case
Pros
- It is ideal for different environments, thanks to the water and shock-resistance capabilities
- It is less chunky compared to the earlier G-shock versions
- It has a configurable secondary display
- It is a durable watch
Cons
- Sometimes the alarm can be inaudible, especially in noisy environments
4. Casio Solar Sport Combination Watch
It is a rugged and eco-friendly solar-powered self-charging watch from Casio, combining LED light functionalities with dual timekeeping and five alarms to offer ultimate functionality. Considering the fact that it is a sports edition, it has a stopwatch and two countdown timers. It has been carefully crafted using the modern green timekeeping technology, which is ideal for the sensitive users who wish to conserve the environment at the same time. Apart from the tough solar power which characterizes this watch, it has a water resistance depth of 100M, making it suitable for extreme sporting activities such as swimming, where diving is a necessity. The days of the week are displayed using a multi-lingual structure, a reason why it is fit for users from different parts of the world.
The Best Features
- Resin case material
- Japanese Quartz movement
- Luminous hands
- 1 CR2016 lithium battery
Pros
- It is ideal for sports enthusiasts
- It is very easy to clean, with the help of simple wiping
- It is easy to toggle between the stopwatch, alarms and the date
- It comes with 11 sizing holes on its wristband, which makes it an ideal fit for everyone
Cons
- The alarm duration is only 10 seconds
5. Seiko Stainless Steel Solar Watch
Durability in watches is mainly viewed in terms of scratch resistance and the watch achieves this precise feature, thanks to the hardlex crystal material. It is esthetically attractive, underpinned by the popular Japanese Quartz movement and a reasonable water resistance depth of up to 30M. However, this means that it can only stand water splashes and slight immersions, which many not be suitable for swimming enthusiasts. The display is analogue in nature, while the bracelet is made of stainless steel. Owing to the luminous hands and a ten-month power reserve, it is an attractive package for its affordable price.
The Best Features
- A stainless steel bezel material
- A hardlex dial window material
- Day and date calendar type
- A push-button clasp
Pros
- It has a large band which fits any wrist
- It is a mixed-metal watch, which offers an element of versatility
- The date and day calendar type is very easy to read
- It is relatively simple to set the time and date
Cons
- Its water resistance depth is rather limited, which makes it less-suitable for swimming enthusiasts and sports personalities
6. Armitron Adventure Solar Bracelet Watch
The ease of reading the date and time on a watch is one of the measures of quality and high levels of functionality. Armitron Adventure takes care of this requirement, owing to the luminous Arabic numerals which are displayed using a green color. The bracelet is more of an adjustable link, which teams up with a red second hand to offer the most appealing appearance. The water resistance feature extends up to 50M but once again, this is not ideal for swimming enthusiasts who prefer snorkeling or even deep diving. It features the Japanese Quartz movement, despite the fact that it is analogue in nature. Whenever the battery is fully charged, it can run for a period of four months, after which it is recharged with the help of a solar panel.
The Best Features
- A reasonable case diameter of 46mm
- A fold cover clasp
- Double-push button which enhances safety
- Well-lit Arabic numerals, which are easy to read
Pros
- It comes with one lithium metal battery
- It is light in weight, with only 4.80 ounces
- It is versatile enough to be combined with a business attire
- The band is adjustable and therefore properly fitting
Cons
- The numerals highlighting the dates are rather small and therefore unsuitable for people with a poor eyesight
7. Citizen Eco-Drive Solar Watch
The fixed stainless steel bezel is almost turning out to be an industry standard, which has been included in this watch too. The brand takes an entirely different direction when it comes to the band, choosing to adopt a canvas band with a tang clasp. The canvas strap is green in color, which not only gives the illusion of an eco-friendly watch but also reinforces the fact that it is built with an eco-friendly drive. The dial type is analogue in nature, teaming up with luminous hands to enhance the attractiveness of the watch. Thanks to the mineral crystal material, this watch is scratch resistant and therefore very durable.
The Best Features
- A water resistance depth of up to 100M
- A sturdy window that is made of mineral crystal
- An analogue display devoted to the adult age group
- Eco-Drive movement
Pros
- It has luminous hands, which enhance visibility
- It is light in weight, hence it does not feel bulky on the wrist
- Near-perfect timekeeping, with a deviation of less than 10 seconds
Cons
- The band is too short and too tight for some wearers
8. Seiko Sport Solar Powered Watch
There are multiple features which make this watch unique, ranging from the Japanese Quartz movement to the mineral crystal material which is scratch resistant and the water resistance feature of up to 100M. Remember, this depth is ideal for snorkeling and swimming but it is not advisable for people who prefer scuba diving. The display is analogue in nature, featuring attractive simplicity even from a distance. The dial feature is gleaming, perfect for casual wear but it can be worn alongside business codes as well. The strap is made of nylon, a material that is not only durable but also attractive to look at.
The Best Features
- A hardlex window material
- A buckle clasp
- A stainless steel bezel material
- A simple day and date calendar format
Pros
- The material is an actual combination of brushed steel and shiny stainless steel at the top and sides respectfully, giving the watch an attractive look
- The face is very clear, hence easy to read
- The nylon strap makes it suitable for casual wear
Cons
- The face is midnight blue in nature, which is too dark especially during the night
9. Pulsar Solar Dress Analog Display Watch
The watch comes with the Japanese Quartz movement, water resistance features and analogue display functionality, a perfect casualwear accessory. The case diameter is only 44mm in size, meaning that it will not feel hefty on the wrist. The luminous markers and hands not only make it easy to read the time and date but also contribute towards its esthetic appeal. Once it is fully charged, the battery can reserve power for a period of four months, after which it is recharged with the help of a solar panel. The face is made of crystal mineral, a material which is scratch resistant and besides, the water resistance depth runs up to 100M, which is ideal for recreational swimmers as well.
The Best Features
- An attractive silver band color
- 9 ounces only, which is light enough
- Attractive blue dial display
- 44mm case diameter
Pros
- It comes with a band adjustment feature for a comfortable fit
- It has a very attractive appearance
Cons
- The minute markings on the bezel means it would rotate but in actual sense, it does not
10. Gosasa Solar Waterproof Military Watch
Despite the sporty look, this watch comes with a unique band which is durable and very comfortable on the wrist. Thanks to the water resistance capabilities running up to 50M, the watch can be used in the rain or in the process of hand washing. Featuring dual time display, a stopwatch and an alarm clock, this accessory is versatile in nature and therefore suited for sporting activities. The case is made of hardlex, which not only ensures that the watch is hardy but also offers the scratch resistant capabilities.
The Best Features
- Dual time display
- 45mm case diameter
- A soft and flexible strap
- Luminous display for easy reading
Pros
- A simple design that makes it easy to read the time
- Quartz movement, which is precise enough to maintain time accuracy
- Comes with a microfiber cloth for cleaning the display and the strap
Cons
- It is built for outdoor sports and therefore not a perfect fit for official wear
In summary, watches have evolved from mere chronological devices to essential wardrobe accessories. The solar-powered watches have changed the dimensions of use because these new watches can be used for several years, a reason why they are gaining traction fast. All the watches reviewed here are water resistant but they differ in the number of features that they have, a reason why this review covers their merits and downsides as well, to serve as a definitive buying guide.