Solar powered watches are the latest worldwide rage in the realm of timepieces. After garnering a rabid fanbase in Japan, these nifty timepieces look all set to become the permanent wristwear of watersports and outdoor enthusiasts alike. One of the reasons that could be attributed to Solar watches’ widespread adoption could be that they can take charge from any light source and last up to months without intermittent battery nags. Some of the world’s leading watchmakers such as Seiko, Casio, Citizen, and Tissot, etc. are renowned for creating the best solar watches in the game.
What’s more, these solar powered timepieces boast radio-controlled functions wherein they automatically reset time based on daylight savings or time zone fluctuations.
We have reviewed the 12 best solar watches on the market that are eco-friendly and run the gamut from entry-level offerings for outdoorsmen and sporty folks to bespoke luxurious timepieces for dedicated collectors. Let’s get started.
12 of the Best Solar Watches in 2021
1) Seiko Prospex SNE498 Solar Watch
Seiko is a renowned brand in the solar watches industry and its swanky Prospex SNE498 diver watch is testimony to its brand appeal. With a full charge, this durable timepiece can last for up to 10 months. It sports an aesthetic design replete with rotating bezel and comes with an easy-to-read dial with hands and hour indicators that are visible even in low-light conditions. All in all, easy time tracking is what makes this watch such a steal at this price point.
Moreover, the carefully crafted gold accents on the Seiko Prospex add a definitive charm without sacrificing usability. Easy on the wrists, the solar powered Seiko prospex comes with a comfy silicone strap that makes it a suitable diver’s watch for avid watersports enthusiasts.
2) Casio G-Shock G-Steel GST-B100 Solar Watch
This G-Steel variant from Casio comes with solar-powered movement and Donning a rich set of complications replete with features such as Bluetooth sync with smartphone, Casio’s G-Steel variant is every bit majestic both on the looks and usability front.
Adorned by a lightweight silicone band, the G-Shock GST-B100 timepiece comes with a multifunctional rotating disc sub-dial, battery level reader, and super illuminator LED lighting. Since the body is composed of solid stainless steel, Casio’s G Shock pulls off an exquisite and classy analogue appearance.
Interestingly, this slick Casio timepiece is also water resistant up to 200m and hence a must have for water sports, swimmers, and professional marine activity oriented personnel.
3) Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Diver Watch
Sporting a robust 43-millimeter stainless steel casing, the Eco-Drive Promaster comes with Citizen’s trademark light-powered Eco-Drive movement. A well-designed timepiece with classic analogue watch look, Promaster is very affordable and comes with a sweet 5-year warranty against drops, scraps, and all types of rough and tumble
Since it relies completely on solar tech to power its display, Promaster eliminates the dependence upon expensive batteries and comes with a water resistant body with a limit of up to 200 metres. All in all, the Promaster is one of the best solar watches for budget timekeepers on the market under $500.
4) Seiko Solar Chronograph Watch
The Seiko Solar Chronograph boasts a melange of modern features but adorns that quintessential vintage timepiece look. It comes with a lush dark leather strap and 42mm stainless steel case that looks every bit majestic. This beautiful Seiko watch offers scratch-free and water resistant props for depths up to 100 meters.
Furthermore, the Seiko Solar Chronograph can be worn for casual occasions and comes with minute markers around the outer rim lending it a distinguishable appeal. However, if you prefer sapphire on your watch face, you would be disappointed since r the Solar Chronograph’s face is covered by Hardlex crystal. Although not as tough as sapphire, the Hardlex is also highly scratch resistant.
5) Casio Pathfinder Triple Sensor Solar Watch
If you are looking for a sturdy timepiece that can withstand the wear and tear associated with sports, then the Pathfinder Triple Sensor Sports solar watch is a very durable and affordable solution. High on performance, this utility oriented timepiece gives accurate readings on temperature, air moisture, current altitude, and comes with a built-in compass.
True to its name, the Pathfinder is ideal for long treks and hiking in the wilderness as it can last up to 6 solid months after a full charge. All together, it is one of the best solar watches for backpackers that also comes with five alarms and offers utmost accuracy in timekeeping.
6) Tissot T-Touch Solar Watch
Flanked by a lightweight titanium case, mesh bracelet and dapper carbon fiber dial with studded digital display, monochrome face and slick silver band, the Tissot T-Touch is an eyecatcher by all means. This digital timepiece boasts tactical utilities such as an inbuilt altimeter, compass, barometer and many more. Not to mention, its praiseworthy water resistance ability makes it a surefire pick for outdoor and water sports enthusiasts.
On the usability front, the T-Touch offers an immersive one tap functionality where all of its handy features can be accessed via a tap on sapphire crystal dial top.
7) Casio Pro Trek PRG-650 Solar Watch
Suitable for outdoor excursions, the solar-powered Pro Trek PRG-650 watch by Casio features inbuilt triple sensor tech that can measure altitude, atmospheric pressure changes, temperature fluctuations, and more. It sports a comfy silicone band and offers a barrage of rich features such as double illumination in low light conditions, battery level indicator as well as an analog display for old-school timekeepers.
However, its real USP lies in the discrete digital display that delivers data from a plethora of features such as calendar, stopwatch, timer, among others. All together, it is one of the best solar watches for outdoor activity enthusiasts.
8) Bering Time 14440 393 Collection
A great option for outdoor activities, the BERING Time solar watch boasts a scratch resistant sapphire glass and an impressive power reserve that is very durable and helps the timepiece last anywhere between six consecutive months up to a year sans sunlight exposure! This nifty smartwatch comes with a minimalist design devoid of bells and whistles typically found in G-shock or Tissot watches.
However, the most endearing aspect for us is Bering Time’s blue mesh band and blue dial that is duly matched by sparingly placed yellow accents and white numbers. Despite a minimalistic approach, Bering Time definitely adds a cognizant charm to your demeanour.
9) One Eleven SW1 Solar Watch
The super affordable One Eleven SW1 is considered one of the best solar watches in the world currently thanks to its high-quality Japanese movement powered by sunlight as well as artificial fluorescent lighting.
Encased in a stunning matte grey dial, and stylish 42-millimeter gunmetal plated stainless steel case, One Eleven is available in a variety of finishes that run the gamut from a velcro strap to a leather band with contrasting red stitching that makes it suitable for casual occasions.
Since this crafty timepiece can continually charge in both natural and artificial lightings, it eliminates the need for battery replacement. Moreover, this stunning timepiece is apt for snorkelling and swimming because of being water resistant up to 100 meters.
10) Citizen Eco-Drive AW1236-03A Watch
For those who are constrained by a tight budget, the Citizen Eco Drive AW1236-03A is a stylish dress watch worth every single penny. This super affordable offering from Citizen is powered by Citizen’s signature Eco-Drive movement and sports a lush silver-tone dial with contrasting gold hands in a 40mm stainless steel casing complemented by a smooth leather strap.
The most endearing aspect is that this solar powered timepiece from Citizen comes with a 5-year warranty and is water resistant up to 30m with protection against water splashes and brief immersion in water. However, it is not recommended to be worn while swimming.
11) Casio Master of G Rangeman
Casio’s G Rangeman keeps both durability and feasabillity in mind. It comes with a swanky tell-tale resin band and Casio’s trademark triple sensor technology for displaying temperature, altimeter, altitude, and compass.
If you are an outdoor enthusiast or avid trekker, you would be in awe of features such as the countdown timer, digital time readout, and stopwatch on the Rangeman. The watch boasts a sturdy appearance and looks ready for the rough and tumble.
Furthermore, Rangeman can automatically switch to the correct time in changing time zones as it comes with the same radio-controlled tech as other G-shocks on our list of the best solar powered watches.
12) Citizen Eco-Drive Proximity Pryzm Watch
Rounding off our list of the best solar watches is another offering from Citizen. Quite a looker by all means, the Citizen Proximity Pryzm is a light-powered hybrid smartwatch that comes with a stunning blue dial in a stainless steel casing, beveled sapphire crystal and bracelet. By virtue of being a hybrid smartwatch, this Citizen solar powered watch is a connectivity hub as it can connect to your smartphone, sync time seamlessly and send notifications.
To top it all, the Proximity Pryzm features a scratch resistant sapphire glass that is water resistant up to 100 metres which makes it a solid bargain at current affordable pricing.
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