Many people today still have a desire, and sometimes a need, to wear wristwatches. The watches can be worn so you can know the time when you are out hiking in the middle of the woods and you don’t want to dig out your phone. They can be used for the job to help keep track of time. Others wear watches that can help them to keep track of their fitness. Of course, they are also often worn as a fashion accessory.
Today, there are many different types of watches on the market that have a host of different styles and even different functions. There are traditional watches, which are wound, and there are watches that run on batteries. However, there are also solar watches, which utilize the power of the sun. Solar watches provide a range of benefits, which are discussed below.
The solar watches that are available today, whether they are a Casio solar watch, a Seiko solar watch or another quality brand, have variety. Just like the other watches on the market, you can find solar watches that will meet your aesthetic and your lifestyle needs. It seems as though there is a solar watch available for just about everyone whether you are looking for something casual or something on the fancy side.
Of course, you might soon find that you have more choices than you ever realized, and that can make figuring out which of the watches to choose something of a challenge for you. With all of those options, how are you supposed to narrow your choices? We’re here to help make things a bit easier for you.
Below, you will find nine of the very best solar watches available right now, and you should have a nice selection of different types of solar watches from which to choose. However, it will help you to focus on which ones will likely be the best choice for you. We’ll also cover tips for choosing the right one and how to take care of the solar watch.
Best Solar Watches - Our Top Picks
Citizen Watch, Men’s BM8180-03E
This watch can be a fantastic option for those who like to get out and enjoy nature, and who want a watch that not only looks rugged but is rugged. This Citizen Watch has a host of features that you need and the looks that you want. It is obvious that the watch has taken some inspiration from the aesthetics of the military given the Army green canvas strap.
This watch features Eco-Drive E100 movement, and it features three hands, along with the day and the date. There are hour markers and minute markers on the watch, so it is always easy to know the exact time, even at a glance.
The watch case is made from stainless steel, and the dial is black with white Arabic numerals. The numbers and the hands, including the red second’s hand, stand out nicely against the black backdrop. The hands themselves are luminous, so when it is dark out or you are in low light, they will glow enough that you can see them.
One of the other nice benefits of these solar powered watches is the fact that you can use this one in the water. In fact, the watch is water resistant up to 333 feet. This means that you don’t have to take it off if you are going to take a shower or go swimming. You could even use it while you are snorkeling. However, it is important to know that this is not a dive watch, so do not take it diving and assume that it will work properly when you are done.
The watch is very simple to use. It is a set it and forget it type of watch, and it can get power through natural sunlight, as well as through indoor light. The strap is comfortable, as well, and it is light enough that it won’t be distracting to wear.
This Citizen solar watch is a stellar choice for those who like to get out into nature and who want a rugged looking timepiece that is built to last. This is a durable watch, and with care, it should last for many years to come. It has the looks and style that many will appreciate.
Casio Men’s Pathfinder Triple Sensor Multifunction Sport Watch
Casio is a top name in a number of different types of products on the market today, and they do make some truly impressive watches. This particular watch happens to be a standout option that has a lot of features that help to make it a solid choice for anyone who is looking for a solar powered sport watch. The Casio solar timepiece can provide the wearer with a wide range of features and benefits to enjoy. Let’s take a few moments to explore some of the features of the watch, so you can see why it made the list.
First, let’s consider the looks of the watch. This is a black/grey watch with a digital display that is easy to read. The buttons and features that are located around the watch are easy to access and read, as well. Casio is known for making watches that look great and that are still capable of putting a lot of functionality into a relatively small space. That’s what you will find with his watch.
This Casio solar watch has an altimeter, which is based on atmospheric pressure. It also has a barometer that will measure the atmospheric pressure every two hours. The thermometer can display the temperature. The Bearing Memory in the watch will memorize directions and will provide users with a digital compass. The watch also provides a sunrise and sunset time display. This feature can be useful when planning just about any type of outdoor activity, such as a hike.
This watch has a host of other features, too. Some of these include the Dual-layer LCD, Register Ring, Full Auto EL Light (senses illumination levels and can switch automatically by tilting the wrist), five alarms, world time display in 48 cities, and the stopwatch function.
Even though this watch has a large number of functions, you will find that it is still easy to use once you read the manual. It looks great, it’s rugged, and you can even use it when you are swimming and snorkeling.
With the Casio Tough Solar watches, the internal battery can be recharged through the solar panel on the face of the watch using natural light or indoor light. The charging times for the watch will vary based on the type of life. These watches can stay functional for about six months at a time, even without any additional exposure to light, but it is a good idea to make sure that they do have enough light to provide you with all of the functionality you need at all times.
Casio Men’s Pro Trek PRW2500R Tough Solar Digital Sport Watch
Casio is on the list again because they make some impressive watches, and you can be sure they will be showing up again on the list. This is one of the best atomic watch options on the market today, but it comes with a host of other features and benefits that help to make it a real standout. The watch is black and grey with white and orange accents and a digital face.
Even though the watch is full of different types of functions, it is surprisingly sleek and streamlined. The digital display is easy to read, and it is always easy to access the various functions on the PRW2500R.
There are many features in this highly functional watch. It provides a barometer, as well as an altimeter and a compass. With the barometer, it becomes easier for you to predict weather patterns, which is helpful for any outdoor activity. The compass will measure and display the directions as one of 16 points, and the altimeter, which can work all the way up to 32,000 feet, can tell you the altitude. These buttons are highlighted in orange text, so they are easy to see.
The watch can also offer a range of other options, including tide and moon graph data, which could be helpful for those who enjoy going fishing and who like to kayak on the sea. Because this watch is water resistant to 200 meters, it can be a great choice to have along whether you are swimming, snorkeling, boating, or fishing.
The watch has a countdown timer, it can display the time in 48 cities, it has a full calendar that has been preprogrammed to 2099, and there is a power saving function on the watch. You can choose from 12 and 24-time formats with the watch, as well.
As you can see, this could be a solid choice for anyone who needs to have a great sport watch that is truly built to last. As with the Pathfinder on the list, this watch will be able to last for several months without exposure to light, but for the best results, you will want to ensure that it has been recharged. Again, it can recharge with any type of light.
Seiko Men’s Black Ion Finish Solar Calendar Dress Watch
Thus far, we’ve been looking at some great solar watches that work well for outdoor use and sports, and now we find this sleek option from Seiko. This is a beautiful modern watch that is sure to become the dress watch of choice for many out there. This has a 41mm stainless steel case with a Hardlex dial window.
It features a beautiful black finish and an analog display with Japanese quartz movement. This crystal helps to ensure a long lifetime. While there are no numerals on the watch, the design still makes it very easy to tell the time. However, you will want to keep in mind that the hands of this watch are not luminous. There is also a smaller window that will highlight the date.
Why would you choose this watch? The aesthetics alone help to make this a truly beautiful choice that you will love. The black band, face, and hands have a classy look that you and anyone who sees it will love. No matter where you are going, if you need to have a dress watch as a fashionable accessory, this will be one of the top choices on your list. It looks great whether you are at work or headed out for a night on the town. However, just because this is a beautiful watch does not mean that it can’t be used in other places, as well, as it is also durable.
Since it is water resistant to 100 meters, it means that you could take it with you when you are swimming or when you are snorkeling. It could also be a nice watch to have along with you when you are boating with friends. However, you need to remember that this is not a dive watch. If you want to keep it in good shape, you will not be diving with it.
As with all watches, solar powered or otherwise, it is important that you care for it properly and that you keep it safe when you are not using it. This will ensure that it can last for years without any issues at all.
Seiko Men’s Excelsior Black Ion Finish Solar Chronograph Watch
Here is another fantastic solar watch from Seiko. This is a two-tone watch that has a trio of subdials on the face. It features the date window at the 3 o’clock position, and it has luminous hands and markers, so it is easy to view the watch even in the dark. The watch has an analog display that is easy to read, and overall, the watch looks gorgeous, and that is one of the reasons that it is so popular.
Those who are seeking a watch that will look great no matter where they choose to wear it will find that this works nicely. It will look fantastic when you are at work or when you are out with friends or family thanks to the attractive face, as well as the link bracelet that is sculpted from stainless steel. This Seiko solar watch also has alarm settings and a stopwatch that will count to 60 seconds. Once it gets to 60 seconds, it will stop.
Another one of the nice features of this watch is the fact that it happens to be water resistant for 100 meters. This makes it a good choice for those who might be swimming or snorkeling, or who leave it on when they are taking a shower. As with other watches that are water resistant and not waterproof, this is not a watch that you would want to take scuba diving with you.
This is a durable watch that should provide you with many years of service. Of course, you do need to be sure that you are taking proper care of the watch, and that you don’t forget you are wearing it when you are doing any type of rough activity that could damage it. A little care will go a long way.
Everything from the quality of the quartz movement to the black face and dials to the band is stunning. This could be a good solution for those who want a quality solar watch in their life. You could buy one of the Seiko solar watches for yourself, or you could choose one of these as a gift for someone special.
Casio Men’s Pro Trek Solar Powered Silicone Watch
We said that Casio would be on the list some more, and here’s proof. This watch has a lot going for it in terms of style and function. It has a soft black silicone band along with an oversized bezel. The watch has a very modern look to it, and you will find that it can work nicely for many different uses. Whether you are wearing the watch to work or you are wearing the watch when you are out hiking, it will be useful since it is packed full of so many features.
The watch is analog, but it also has a window that provides the month and day thanks to the full auto calendar. Those who own the watch will be able to choose to use either the 12 or 24-hour format. They will also have access to many other features with this Casio solar watch including a digital compass, an altimeter, barometer, thermometer, world time for a number of locations, a countdown timer, five daily alarms, and an hourly time signal.
Another nice feature of the watch is the fact that it has a batter level indicator, as well as a power saving mode. This allows you not only to see how much juice is left in the battery but also lets you conserve it if needed. Of course, because this is a solar watch, getting it all recharged is easy. It is just a matter of exposing it to light.
As with so many watches out there today, this one is water resistant to 100 meters. Just like the other watches on the list, this is not a dive watch. However, it can work well for those who are out fishing, snorkeling, or swimming. You will not have any issues with it.
There are plenty of things to love when it comes to this watch, and the aesthetics might just be what push you over the edge into buying it. It looks modern and it feels great when you are wearing it. It should certainly be on your list of considerations as you are looking for one of the best solar watches available.
Casio G-Shock GX-56BB Blackout Series
When you are choosing a solar watch, you naturally want to have one that is going to be as durable as possible no matter what you might be doing and no matter where you might be going. The G-Shock solar watches are a perfect fit for that because they are meant to last. This watch has a high-quality resin band and case, and it features a high-quality mineral glass on the face.
The watch has some excellent features, including a 12 or 24-hour format, as well as an electro-luminescent backlight in blue-green that makes it easy to read the digital information on the face no matter how dark it might be. It can provide time around the world in 31 different time zones.
It is mud resistant, so you can take this watch out with you when you are hiking and trekking through just about any terrain. It is also shock-resistant. You might want to use the watch when you are biking, boating, running, and doing just about anything else in the great outdoors. Of course, it looks good enough that you could wear it any time that you choose. As with the other watches that are in the Blackout Series, this is a deep black that makes for a nice, subdued style. It also won’t reflect the light when the sun hits it, which could make it a stealthy watch for hunting, for example.
Of course, one of the biggest benefits to the G-Shock watches and the reason that so many people like them is their durability. These watches were engineered to be able to withstand just about anything that life can throw at them. When work on designs for the G-Shock brand began more than three and a half decades ago, most people did not even think about the “toughness” or durability of their watch.
The engineer, Kikuo Ibe, knew differently and worked hard to ensure that the watches that were being created in the line were as durable as possible. This meant that they could be used in more situations, and that holds true today. These are truly some of the toughest and most durable watches available. Fortunately, this Casio G-Shock watch is also stylish.
Seiko Men’s Silvertone Black Dial Solar Calendar Watch
If you are looking for great style, look no further than this watch from Seiko. There are plenty of things to get excited about when you look at this solar watch from the aesthetics to the functions. However, the main benefit of this watch will be the beauty that it offers. This is a good watch for everyday use whether you are at work or out to lunch on the weekend with the family.
This watch has a sunray dial with the Seiko logo right beneath the 12 o’clock mark. It also has an easy to read date window at the 3 o’clock position, which shows the day along with the date. The markings on the watch, along with the sword-shaped hands contrast the black nicely, making it very easy to see the time.
The watch can be charged with either sunlight or strong artificial light, as can the other watches on the list. The watch is simple to use and keep charged, and it shouldn’t take long at all to learn how to set the time and the date.
While this watch is water resistant like the other watches on the list, it is only resistant for 30 meters. Still, it will work well for those who might forget to take it off in the shower, those who go fishing or boating while they are wearing the watch.
Thanks to the overall look of this watch, it becomes a nice piece to wear just about anywhere. Even if you have a dress watch or a sport watch, you might still want to pick up one of these for an everyday watch. This is thanks to the silvertone and black stylings, as well as the relatively small stainless steel case. It fits on the wrist nicely, looks, great, and it is not so large that it will detract from the rest of an outfit. They could also make for a nice gift, as they are one of the Seiko solar watches that is very affordable.
Casio Men’s GW9400 Rangeman G-Shock Solar Atomic Watch
There are many things that you will enjoy about this watch. One of the main reasons that people choose these watches is because of the durability they can offer. As with the other G-Shock solar watch on this list, they are built not only to last but to withstand just about anything that they go through. This makes them the ideal watch for people who like to get out and experience life in the great outdoors. It is a watch that can keep up with everything they do. Because it is a solar watch, it means that they won’t have to worry about having the battery run down on them when they are out in the middle of nowhere.
You will also find plenty of great features and functions that are a part of this watch that helps to set it apart. The watch features a digital compass, altimeter, thermometer, barometer, sunrise and sunset times, a time stamp, atomic timekeeping for improved accuracy, a countdown timer, auto LED, a calendar that has the day, date, and month, and more.
This watch is also water resistant to 200 meters. Unlike some of the other watches on this list, this watch could be used by recreational scuba divers. Because of the reliability and the durability that the G-shock watches are able to provide, they have become quite popular with the military, as well as law enforcement over the years. They are also used by surfers, anglers, and others who get outdoors and live life to the fullest.
Of course, you will also find that the watch looks good as well. The black resin band and the black fast, with the red accents, are a stylish combo that you are sure to love. The digital watch has a lot of character, and it could be a good choice for you or someone you know. It truly is one of the best solar watch options you will find today.
Important Note About Solar Watches
Since these watches do not have a traditional battery, it is important to remember that they need to be exposed to sunlight, so that the solar panel can get the power it needs. If the watch has not been exposed to the sun, some of the functions of the solar watches will decrease to help conserve the energy that was stored in the solar battery. Allowing the watch to “charge up” in the sun gets things back to normal.
For most people, this will not be much of an issue. As long as you are wearing the watch and there is light around you that the solar panel can absorb, it will continue to charge and you will have all of the functionality that you need. This leads nicely into one of the biggest benefits of having solar watches.
Benefits of Using a Solar Watch
While you have plenty of options from which you can choose when it comes to your watches, more and more people are choosing solar. The following are some of the benefits to solar, which can help to persuade you to choose solar the next time you need to buy a watch.
Recharge Easily and Don’t Worry About the Battery
The first reason that so many people like the idea of having a solar watch is because they don’t like replacing the battery of their old watch. Whether they have a jeweler take care of the replacement or they do it themselves, it takes time, and it takes money. When you have a solar powered watch, everything is much easier. You do not need to have battery replacements all of the time. Just make sure that the watch has plenty of exposure to light, as mentioned above. In many cases, it can be sunlight or indoor light that can be used to charge up the watch. It is as easy as that.
Improved Technology
One of the reasons that some people are wary of solar watches is because they haven’t realized that the technology behind these watches has improved substantially over the past decades. These watches aren’t like the old solar calculators that had to be in direct light all of the time to work. These are high-quality machines that have solar batteries that are capable of harnessing and storing power for months. You can rely on these watches to keep good time. Of course, that’s just the start.
Loaded With Features
The watches, as you have seen from the list above, are chockfull of amazing features and technology. They have calendars, they can provide sunset and sunrise times, provide you with a compass, a barometer, and more. Of course, the exact features that are available with each of the watches differ.
Stylish
Another one of the benefits of using solar watches today is the fact that they are more stylish than they have ever been. The technology that is used with the watches is powerful, and it is as small or smaller than the tech in traditional watches. This means that there are plenty of styles and options available from which someone can choose. You can find the watch that looks right for you and that has the features you need without having to compromise.
These are just some of the best benefits of choosing a solar powered watch today. Now, it’s time to consider some of the factors you will have to consider when you are making your choice.
Tips for Choosing a Solar Watch
Even though we’ve helped to narrow your selection, that doesn’t mean that all the work is done. You are still going to need to learn how you can choose the watch that will be the best solution for you or the person you are buying it for. This means that you have to consider a few things before you make that purchase.
You will find that the benefits of the features discussed can play a role in helping you to figure out what watch is right for you. One of the first and most important things that you will want to consider, though, is the quality and durability of the watch. These tend to be investments, and you want to be sure that you are choosing a watch that will last. Fortunately, the G-Shock solar watches, and the other Casio solar watch and Seiko solar watch options are known to be very reliable and durable.
You also have to think about where and how you will be wearing the watch. Are you going to need a solar watch that you can wear out on the town for an evening out with someone special? Do you need a solar-powered watch that you can use when you are out fishing, hiking, or diving? Is a sleek look right for you? Consider how you will be using the watch and you will find that this will help you to narrow your choices considerably.
Once you have an idea of what you want from the watch, you can then look at the design, along with the technology that it offers. This will help to ensure that you have just what you need for whatever adventures you get up to.
The size of the watch can also be a factor. Those who have smaller wrists might not want to have a watch that has a large case, for example. This will typically depend on personal preference, but it is certainly something that will be worth considering when making your choice.
Along the same line, consider the materials that will be used. What type of material do you prefer and want to have contact with your skin while wearing the watch? Keep in mind that the material can also affect the durability and longevity of the watch, particularly when it comes to the band.
How to Take Better Care of Your Watch
We mentioned that you want to have a watch that is durable and that can last a long time. A big part of that is in how well you take care of the watch. If you are not taking proper care of it, then it won’t last as long, simple as that. However, with a little bit of case, you will find that you can keep your watch in shape for many years.
First, make sure that you keep the watch clean. Wipe it down after you have finished wearing it. Wipe the band, as well as the case. You can use a soft cloth to help remove dust and dirt from it. In addition, you can wash it in water every month or so, as long as the watch is waterproof or water resistant like the ones on the list above.
With a solar-powered watch, you also need to make sure it gets light. Even though there are models that can go for months without light and still hold a charge, you will get better performance when you make sure that you charge the watch properly according to the manufacturer instructions.
Try your best to make sure that you don’t bump and slam the watch into things. Even when you have a watch like the G-Shock solar watches, you still want to take proper care of them and resist banging them or having them fall. You don’t have to keep testing out their ability to withstand shocks! When you are not wearing the watch, consider keeping it in the storage box in which it came. This helps to ensure another level of safety that it wouldn’t have just sitting on a dresser.
Time to Choose Your Solar Watch
At this point, you have seen all of the biggest benefits of solar watches, you have a better idea of how to care for them and choose them, and you have a list of the best solar watches. It should be easier for you to make your choice, so you can get the watch that will fit your lifestyle perfectly.