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This Year’s Best Solar Watches – Our Favorite Models For 2024
Solar watches are state-of-the-art timepieces that use solar energy to maintain precise time without constantly replacing batteries. These watches incorporate solar cells into their design, enabling them to convert both natural and artificial light into electricity. In addition to guaranteeing sustainability, this novel approach provides a trustworthy and eco-friendly substitute for conventional quartz or mechanical watches. Modern consumers who value sustainability and design in their accessories have made solar timepieces their favorite choice due to their practicality, longevity, and eco-conscious appeal.
Number 1. Timex Expedition Scout Solar Watch
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When shopping for a solar watch, it’s important to find one that serves your needs and is dependable. Basically, all you need is a field watch. A field watch is a simple, uncomplicated wristwatch that can keep up with your activity and show the time precisely. In this regard, the Timex Expedition Scout Solar Watch stands out from other watch collections. The watch’s intentionally understated bead-blasted case achieves a matte effect, while the dark gray metal finish on the brass case material further emphasizes this.
The outside of the dial, and next to that track are smaller numbers for military time. Additionally, we thought the size here was spot on. With a diameter of 40mm, this watch is not too big to be a nuisance when worn, but its 49mm lug-to-lug measurement and 13mm case thickness give it enough bulk to feel sturdy and reliable on the wrist.
Due to Timex’s lack of transparency, the M01K solar quartz movement remains shrouded in mystery. Nonetheless, after collecting five hours of sunshine, it can achieve its total power reserve, which is about two months, as stated in the product manual. The power reserve is the smallest of all the watches here, but if you wear it every day, you won’t have any problems keeping it charged.
Number 2. Casio G-Shock GW6900-1
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Since its introduction in 1983, G-Shock has been the unsung champion of practicality, dependability, and the essence of a straightforward shock-resistant watch. In 1998, the introduction of the G-Shock Tough Solar movement elevated the line to a new level of excellence. Years later, G-Shocks became known as the go-to solar watch brand for men and women seeking a rugged timepiece that could withstand a lot.
The GW6900-1 digital watch is a mainstay of the G-Shock Tough Solar Watches collection, and for an excellent reason: it’s a timeless classic with an approachable style that everyone can appreciate.
A 50-mm resin casing with four pushers controls various functions, including global time (31 time zones), auto-calendar (until 2099), and a 1/100 stopwatch. The case is tough but restrained.
In the GW6900-1, you’ll find the G-Shock Module No. 3179, Tough Solar Quartz Movement, at work. The watch’s power reserve is nine months when fully charged by the sun. Plus, it’s radio-controlled, so you know it uses atomic timekeeping, the gold standard of precision in measuring time. To maintain atomic time synchronization, the GW6900-1 will ping the tower if you happen to be on a continent that has one of the atomic time radio facilities.
Number 3. Citizen Eco-Drive Avion
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If you want a more laid-back solar watch with a modern spin on the aircraft dial design, the Citizen Avion is a great option. We recommend this for those with larger wrists because the overall wearing experience is more roomy. However, this is more of a pilot’s accessory than a timepiece, with obvious design cues from vintage aviation watches. This is particularly true given that the dial lacks any lume, relying solely on the hands to illuminate the timepiece. The circular arrangement of minutes, ordinary hours, and military hours resembles a cockpit instrument.
The Citizen Avion features the Eco-Drive J810 solar quartz movement. Compared to other mechanical movements, the J810’s accuracy rating of -15 seconds every month is quite impressive. Now, according to Citizen, the J810 requires 30 hours of direct sunlight to fuel itself for 8 months. Even though it’s not the ideal solar charging time compared to the other watches on this list, the Citizen Avion should be able to keep its battery charged if you wear it often or leave it near a window.
Number 4. Redwood Tactical V2 Stealth
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Despite being a relatively young brand, Redwood Watches has quickly won me over. They create accessible, incredibly appealing timepieces from their base in Canada. Even though they’re a tiny company, they’re not afraid to try new things, like solar motions. That is one of the Tactical V2 Stealth’s selling points.
This timepiece, like the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, draws design cues from vintage military timepieces made for the United States Navy. Redwood manufactures the Tactical V2 Stealth, which is affordable, reliable, and lightweight. For those who prefer it that way, the blacked-out style is also an asset. For those who prefer a more understated stainless steel appearance, Redwood now provides an option without the PVD case coating.
Number 5. Orient NEO 70s Solar Chronograph
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The Orient NEO 70s collection isn’t exactly hip in America, and that’s too bad. This collection subtly distorts and revives vintage timepieces from the 1970s, giving them a modern update. Among these timepieces is The Orient NEO 70 WV0051TX, sometimes known as the Christmas Chrono. However, you may find solar chronographs in a myriad of intriguing and entertaining color combinations.
A lack of embellishment and an emphasis on simplicity characterize the design of chronographs, which often include nearly straight lugs. If the case isn’t very distinctive, the dial more than makes up for it. On my Christmas Chrono, the dial showcases a pinstripe pattern with a subtle alternating stagger that encircles the Orient emblem. Dials with a variety of materials, colors, patterns, etc. will be available on other models. Fans of the Orient NEO 70s will enjoy perusing the assortment in search of a favorite item. With the addition of a leather strap, they may effortlessly transition from casual to formal watch status.
One intriguing feature of these solar watches is that Orient labels the movement as the KBS00. Fans of the Orient brand, however, are aware that the company exclusively makes automatic watches. Because of this, we can officially call it a white-label trend. My study and comparison of specs indicate that the Seiko V175 is the preferred solar chronograph movement, boasting a six-month power reserve that charges in five hours of sunshine. It is referred to as the KBS00. The subdials of the watch hide the solar panels, so you may charge it to its full capacity in no time.
To sum up, solar watches are an eco-conscious and technologically advanced way to tell time that relies on the sun’s energy. These watches are redefining the way we see and use common accessories with their sustainable functioning and stylish designs. In addition to improving convenience, switching to solar-powered watches helps lessen our impact on the environment. Solar watches are a wonderful option for individuals who want to combine sustainability with style, especially with the increasing demand for eco-friendly items.