If you spend a lot of time outside, a solar-powered watch is a perfect timekeeper. Mechanical watches can be inaccurate and need to be wound regularly, while quartz watches can easily run out of battery. Smartwatches often use rechargeable batteries, but then you need to remember to bring a charger. Solar-powered watches, on the other hand, use the sun or other light sources to stay charged.
Best of all, most solar timepieces can provide many months of power from a single charge. Many are built to withstand most outdoor conditions, so you can count on them in any situation.
To help you pick the right solar watch, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best on the market. Some of these are affordable but reliable models, while others are luxury timepieces that will last for decades.
The best solar powered watch
Best overall: Seiko Prospex Analog Stainless Steel Solar Powered Watch
- Stainless steel case
- Fold-over strap clasp
- Three chronograph subdials
- Water resistance to 200m (660ft)
Pros
- Stylish watch with black/blue tone accent
- Lume perfectly viewable in the dark
- Durable
Cons
- Outer dial too easily rotated
- Easily attracts fingerprint marks
- Date can be a challenge to read
Our choice for the best of the best solar watches is this Seiko. It is designed with a blue/black dial that looks smart and stylish, with three easy-to-read chronograph sub-dials within the face that convey 24 hours, 60 minutes, and sub-seconds. The stainless steel bracelet has a fold-over clasp and double push-button. The solar panel built into the face uses light energy to recharge and stay charged for long periods of time.
This watch has water resistance up to 200m. Reviewers have said that it’s practically indestructible, even after years of heavy use.
See Seiko Prospex Analog Stainless Steel Solar Powered Watch on Amazon
Best dive watch: Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Solar Powered Watch
- Eco-Drive battery
- Water-resistant: 200m
- Unidirectional rotating bezel
- Stainless steel
Pros
- Charges via all kinds of light
- Water resistance to 200m
- Accurate time
Cons
- Mineral crystal scratches easily
- Small date window
- Each month has 31 days so requires adjustment
The Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster is a great solar dive watch designed to work for everyday life too. The Eco-Drive technology is 100% powered by light and never needs a battery. It stores energy in a power reserve and can stay powered for up to six months in total darkness. Plus you can charge it with any type of light — fluorescent light, desk light, etc.
Made of stainless steel and scratch-resistant mineral crystal with a comfortable, polyurethane accordion strap, it has a water resistance up to 200m. The unidirectional rotating bezel is strong enough to not rotate on its own, which is key for a solar dive watch. Three watch hands allow you to keep track of hours, minutes, and seconds. The Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster is a beautiful, all-around great solar-powered timepiece.
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See Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Solar Powered Watch on Citizen
Rugged & ready for anything: Casio Master of G Stainless Steel Solar Powered Watch
- Stainless steel, shock resistant
- Includes digital compass, altimeter, barometer, stopwatch, and more
- Atomic timekeeping
- Water resistance to 200m
Pros
- Charges with all light
- Water resistance to 200m
- Accurate time
Cons
- Temperature can be affected by body temperature
- Compass can be disrupted by wifi and phone signals
Rugged and ready for anything, with lots of great features including a countdown timer, five alarms, an altimeter, barometer, thermometer, and more. The crowning glory is the atomic timekeeping feature which means that you’ll never need to set the time again. It’s also water-resistant up to 200m and the buttons are durable and easy to press.
See Casio Master of G Stainless Steel Solar Powered Watch on Amazon
Best luxury solar watch: Tissot T-Touch Expert Analog-Digital Display Watch
- Uses both analog and digital display
- Scratch-resistant sapphire
- Solar quartz movement
- Water resistance to 100m (330ft)
Pros
- Stylish timepiece
- Backlit for night
- Multiple time zones
Cons
- Dial too large
- Band scratches easily
Combining both analog and digital readings, Tissot T-Touch Expert is a watch that brings the best of both worlds all into one beautiful watch. Its functions include multiple time zones, stopwatch, date, barometer, countdown timer, and more. The solar quartz movement allows it to function without running out of battery life.
The face is large enough to easily read during the day, but not too big to look out of place. When the sun goes down, you can rely on the luminescent hands and numbers to help you find the time. Overall, it is easy to program, easy to look at, and easy to keep charged with solar power. If you’re looking at stylish solar-powered watches, this is a fantastic high-quality option.
See Tissot T-Touch Expert Analog-Digital Display Watch on Amazon
Best stylish watch for hikers: Casio Pro Trek Silicone Watch
- Digital and analog display
- Nighttime illumination
- Full auto-calendar, five daily alarms, triple sensor
- Water Resistance to 100m
Pros
- 12/24 hour time format
- Power saving capabilities
- Lightweight yet durable
Cons
- Not-recessed face making it susceptible to scratches over time
- Pressure changes in colder climates
One of the best solar watches for hikers, trekkers, and all manner of outdoors people. The Casio Pro Trek comes with a slight learning curve, but it is worth it once you get the hang of everything it can do. It comes with double LED illumination to help you through the night and a bunch of cool features including a battery-level indicator, five alarms, and a full auto-calendar.
In addition to all its features, it looks great. All-black features give it a sleek look and the silicone band has a luminescent interior to show up in the dark. It is not too bulky and the face (with both analog and digital display) is easy to read.
See Casio Pro Trek Silicone Watch on Amazon
Best minimalist solar powered watch: BERING Time Classic Collection Watch
- Charges with any kind of light
- Sapphire crystal
- Date window at six o’clock
- Water resistance to 50m (164ft)
Pros
- Minimalist Danish design
- Easily adjustable wristband
- 6-12 months of charge
Cons
- Non-recessed face
- No backlight, non-luminous
- Date window small
Unlike most of the watches on this list, the BERING Time Classic Collection Watch focuses on a slim, sleek, and sophisticated design instead of functions. If you prefer timepieces that don’t distract you too much, then this product is perfect. Simple and stylish, this watch has a sapphire crystal covering a black sunray dial. It charges with any kind of light and stays charged for 6-12 months.
The strap can be easily adjusted and the whole watch is well-made with an attractive dark navy blue body. It isn’t a watch for deep-sea diving (though it is water-resistant to 50m), nor is it one that can withstand a lot of wear and tear, but this is a great option if you’re looking for a stylish solar-powered watch that tells the time and doesn’t break the bank.
See BERING Time Classic Collection Watch on Amazon
Best solar powered dress watch: Seiko Two-Tone Chronograph Dress Watch
- Two-tone finish with a 60-minute chronograph
- Six-month power reserve
- 12-hour alarm
- Water resistance to 100m
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Lots of features
- Stylish
Cons
- Dials hard to read due to busy watch face
- Adjust date for 29/30/31 months
An attractive-looking watch with three sub-dial chronographs and a stainless steel band, the Seiko Two-Tone Chronograph is a great watch if you’re looking for high-powered dress watches. It has a Japanese quartz movement and a six-month power reserve. Plus it includes a 60-minute chronograph, a date window, and LumiBrite hands/markers. Did we mention it looks really good too?
It has dual time capabilities, a 12-hour alarm, and more features. The stainless steel band is made of links so it is adjustable by taking out links.
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Best rugged all-black solar watch: Casio G SHOCK Stainless Steel and Resin Casual Watch
- Tough, steel casing
- 31 timezones
- Digital and analog display
- Water resistance to 200m
Pros
- Durable construction
- Lots of useful features
- Shock resistant
Cons
- Difficult for at-a-glance time reading
- Weak lume feature
The Casio G Shock solar watch is designed for wear in casual situations. Like other solar watches in the G series, it is shock resistant and tough enough to withstand knocks and bumps. The digital/analog display offers the best of both worlds and is easy to read at a glance.
Even with all its features, it is still simple to set up and charge. It charges with any light source, from the sun to fluorescent lights, to campfires. It has water resistance to 200m, 31 time zones, a countdown timer, and five alarms. Keep track of the power reserve with the battery level indicator and use power saving when you get low.
See Casio G SHOCK Stainless Steel and Resin Casual Watch on Amazon
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Best everyday solar powered watch: Citizen Eco-Drive Stainless Steel Watch
- Textured silver-tone dial
- Genuine leather band with buckle closure
- Roman numeral analog display
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Sleek and stylish
- Lightweight design
Cons
- Can’t see hands in the dark
- Stiff band
We consider this the best solar-powered watch in terms of value for money. Citizen is world-famous for their Citizen Eco-Drive technology that relies wholly on the power of the sun (or another light) to keep things ticking. Simple and stylish, this is a great everyday watch. The Japanese quartz watch has an analog display with Roman numerals.
It is lightweight and thin so you can wear it comfortably throughout the day. Unlike other quartz watches, it is silent.
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See Citizen Eco-Drive Stainless Steel Watch on Citizen
Best budget solar powered watch: Casio G-Shock Shock Resistant Multifunction Watch
- Clear digital display
- 1/100 second stopwatch and countdown timer
- 41 world time zones and four daily alarms
- Water resistant: 200m
Pros
- Comfortable and durable to be worn during all kinds of activities
- Multi-band ensures correct time
- Great value for money
Cons
- Blackout feature makes it difficult to read in daytime
- Band smaller than it looks
- Not enough solar panels for best charge
One of the toughest solar watches out there, the Casio G-Shock Shock Resistant Multifunction Watch is packed full of great functions. These include a stopwatch, 42 time zones, and a fully EL backlight for use in the dark. The solar panel technology uses solar movement to keep your watch going without changing the battery.
Encased in durable resin, you needn’t worry about aesthetic damage. Its shock-resistant design means it will continue to work even after heavy abuse.
See Casio G-Shock Shock Resistant Multifunction Watch on Amazon
Best solar atomic watch: Citizen Eco-Drive Titanium Perpetual Chrono Atomic Timekeeping Watch
- Atomic timekeeping
- Perpetual calendar
- Power reserve indicator
- Water-resistant: 200m
Pros
- Simple setup even for beginner watch collectors
- Bright luminous nighttime dial
- Lots of watch features
- Perfect fit with the half-link bracelet
Cons
- Small date and inside dials
- Band links may catch on arm hair
- Stopwatch and alarm require watch to be removed from wrist to access crown
The Citizen Eco-Drive Titanium Perpetual watch can last for up to one and a half years without light after a couple of days of full charge. This demonstrates just how reliable this beautiful watch is. It is high quality, long-lasting, with atomic timekeeping, and a perpetual calendar that means you never have to reset the date window.
See Citizen Eco-Drive Titanium Perpetual Chrono Atomic Timekeeping Watch on Citizen
Why trust us
We have researched what makes great solar watches, from the durability to the power reserve to the watch material. Then we scoured the internet and learned from testers about what makes the best solar watches on the market.
Who this is for
If you’re tired of dealing with watch batteries or rewinding your mechanical watches, then you may be ready for a solar watch. Solar watches use a power reserve to last for months or years without needing to charge. If you spend a lot of time outside, or just don’t ever want to worry about your watch’s battery, check out our list.
How we picked
We picked the solar watches in this guide based on quality, power reserve, and other important features. We chose some dress watches and some outdoorsy rugged watches so that there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for your everyday watch or something to take to the depths as a dive watch, you will find lots of options and information in this guide.
Features to look for in solar powered watches
When deciding on the best solar watch for you, it is important to consider what features you need. Here are a few considerations.
Technology
Technology is ever-evolving, so picking a current watch can stop you from feeling left out when the newest solar technology comes out. But, many of these watches are time-tested so do your research and choose the best watch for your lifestyle. The solar watches on this list are designed to last for a long time.
Budget
The best watches are typically the most expensive. However, make sure to buy within your budget, there are plenty of great options at lower price points.
Waterproofing
If you spend time outside you’ll need a waterproof watch. Purchasing a watch that is adequately waterproof will prevent any unnecessary damage. For those who love snorkeling, swimming, diving, or other water sports, you will need a watch that is more than just splashproof. Most of the watches on our list are water-resistant up to at least 100m but double-check in case you fall in love with one that isn’t.
Functions
Consider just what you need the watch for. It might feel like the more functions the better, right? But this is not always the case. Unless you frequently go on hikes or need GPS tracking to find your way, you probably don’t need the best solar GPS watch. If you just need a watch to wear to the office every day, then something that can just tell the time and date will suffice. Of course, if you need timers and stopwatches, thermometers, a chronograph function, access to different time zones, and both digital and analog readings, then, by all means, go for a watch that has all these features.
Design
Is the watch you want to buy really you? We know you want a watch that looks cool, but if the face is too large, it might get in the way and catch on things during the day. Are your wrists too thick or too thin for them a design to look and feel good? Taking the design of the watch into consideration and how it will look on you is something to think about.
Quality
High-quality solar watches can be more expensive but may be worth it when they last for 10+ years. However, not everyone needs a super high-quality watch. If you know you’ll be beating it up, you may want something that is cheaper and easier to replace.
Battery life
Solar watches use solar technology to charge the battery, meaning excellent battery life. Plus, the solar technology keeps you from ever having to replace the battery. Some watches have a battery life of up to a year or more without recharging, whereas others have a battery life of a few months.
Weight
There are some hefty watches out there. If you have a smaller wrist, or just don’t want your wrist to feel too heavy, you may want to look for a lighter (and smaller) watch. Plastic is going to be lighter than something like stainless steel, however, stainless steel watches will be more durable. If you love the feeling of a heavy, durable watch, definitely look for something with high-quality durable materials.
Solar-powered watch FAQ
Q: What is a solar-powered watch?
Solar watches are powered by the sun or sometimes other light sources. Unlike mechanical watches, they work either completely without a battery or rely on the sun or another light source to power the battery for use. They are great, hassle-free alternatives to mechanical or rechargeable watches because you never need to worry about the battery dying or dealing with rewinding. They typically use a power reserve to maintain power even when the sun is not out.
Q: What are the differences between a solar watch and an atomic solar watch?
While both types of solar watch use solar panels for power, a regular solar watch requires manual time-setting. Conversely, an atomic solar watch sets its time by using a radio signal obtained from the atomic clock found in Fort Collins, Colorado at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. It isn’t magic, but it is still pretty cool.
With no battery and automatic time, the atomic watch is perhaps the most hassle-free watch available. Many solar power watch brands offer both atomic and non-atomic solar-powered watches.
Q: How does it charge itself?
Both a solar-powered digital watch and analog version rely on solar cells that are normally arranged around the watch face and absorb light throughout the day. Most solar-powered watches come already charged out of the box, but if you need to charge it yourself, that is easy enough, and there should be instructions that come with the watch.
The good news is that, unlike most things we use daily such as smartphones, tablets, or laptops, you do not need to charge your solar watch as often, and many watches can provide up to 10 months of power from a single charge.
Q: Can I charge my watch under fluorescent light?
You sure can! Any type of substantial light source is enough to give most solar watches a charge. It might take longer than if you were outside in the bright sun, though.
Q: Does recharging time vary with the seasons?
Yes, it does. During the bright summer months when the sun is out constantly, you can expect to see fast and efficient charging times for your watch. It is during winter and late fall that you need to be careful about how effectively your watch charges. Factors such as less light, shorter days, and winter clothes can all contribute to your watch failing to charge perfectly. During these months, it is a good idea to make changes to your behavior to ensure that you get the most out of the light and keep your watch fully charged for when you need it.
Q: Does a solar watch stop keeping time in the dark?
No, you don’t have to worry about that. A solar watch will continue to work even in the dark, so you never need to concern yourself with keeping a light on when you are trying to sleep. The solar cells and power reserve inside the watch hold the power that is absorbed from the sun or other light sources to keep it working 24/7, 365 days a year.
Q: What should I do for better accuracy?
Solar watches are more accurate than their manually wound counterparts. This is because the solar-powered features mean that you do not need to worry about rewinding which can cause the time to lag.
Atomic watches are even more accurate, as they rely on satellite timekeeping to ensure the correct time. New designs for some solar-powered watches boast an accuracy of one second per year loss. Your days of winding the watch to guarantee the correct time are long gone.
Q: How should I care for my watch band?
It depends on the type of watch band you have. Stainless steel watch bands can be cleaned by using a damp cloth to wipe away any gunk that may have accumulated. Under no circumstances use vinegar to clean the stainless steel strap, as this can interfere with the metal and possibly cause damage.
With fabric, such as nylon or leather, and resin watch straps, you need to keep an eye on its condition, especially on hot days or times when it may have gotten wet from sports or the weather. If you find your watch strap is damp or stinks of wrist sweat, then allowing it to dry and then wiping it with a cloth will help maintain it. In any case, you should make sure to check your strap and give it a quick clean every week or so to save you longer cleaning jobs later on.
Q: How can I adjust my watch strap?
In the case of stainless steel or other metal watch straps, they can be adjusted by removing links – which should be done by a professional and not yourself to prevent any irreparable damage.
If you have a nylon, resin, or fabric watch strap, you probably won’t be able to adjust it. However, most watches are able to have the strap removed through little pins around the case. This comes in useful when you are not satisfied with the size of the watch strap, find it uncomfortable, or just want a change.
Sources:
- Mechanism And Recharging – SEIKO
- What Is An Atomic Clock? – NASA
- How To Clean A Watch – WikiHow
