After garnering widespread popularity in Japan, solar powered watches are slowly becoming a worldwide rage. Originally intended for everyday use, these nifty timepieces can also be worn by sports and outdoors enthusiasts. The reason why solar powered and atomic watches are gaining traction is because they can take charge from any source of light and last for many, many months in a renewable manner. Hence, you don’t have to fret about battery drainage.
What’s more, these watches have radio-controlled functions meaning they can automatically reset time according to daylight savings or time zone changes. Down below we have reviewed 12 of the best eco-friendly solar powered watches on the market that run the gamut from entry-level offerings to luxurious GPS enabled timepieces for dedicated collectors. Let’s get started.
12 of the Best Solar Powered Watches 2023
1) Casio G-Shock G-Steel GST-B100 Solar Watch
This G-Steel variant from Casio comes with solar-powered movement and a rich set of complications including Bluetooth syncing with smartphone.
Majestic to the brim and flanked by a lightweight silicone band, the GST-B100 timepiece boasts a multifunctional rotating disc sub-dual, super illuminator LED lighting and battery level indicator. The body is made of stainless steel that gives off that rich and classy analogue look.
Furthermore, this slick Casio timepiece can easily convert weak illumination from fluorescent lighting into electric power. It is also water resistant up to 200m, hence best fit for those into professional marine activity, swimming and other water sports.
2) Seiko Prospex SNE498 Solar Watch
Seiko has been in the solar watches game for a while now and the Prospex SNE498 diver watch does full justice to its brand. For starters, it can last for up to 10 months after a full-charge, sports a utilitarian design and an easy-to-read dial boasting hands and hour indicators with superior low-light visibility.
The rotating bezel on the Prospex SNE498 is marked with minute hands and allows for easy time tracking.
Furthermore, you would be in awe of the gold accents that lend a definitive charm to this timepiece without sacrificing usability. Easy on the wrists, it is available with a comfy silicone strap. All together, this Seiko solar powered timepiece will make for a good diver’s watch for water sports enthusiasts.
3) Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Diver Watch
The super affordable Citizen Promaster diver watch sports a utilitarian design, sturdy 43-millimeter stainless steel casing, and the famed watchmaker’s trademark light-powered Eco-Drive movement.
If you want a timepiece with classic look, Promaster is well worth the money and comes with a sweet 5-year warranty.
Since its solar tech is fuelled by light, Promaster eliminates dependence upon batteries. What’s more, it sports a comfy polyurethane strap that can survive drops, scraps, and all types of rough and tumble.
Not to mention, this slick timepiece is also water resistant up to 200 metres. All together, it is one of the best solar powered watches on the market under $500.
4) Tissot T-Touch Solar Watch
Quite a looker thanks to its lightweight titanium case, bracelet and carbon fiber dial with studded negative digital display, Tissot T-Touch provides too many goodies on the utility front.
For starters, it boasts tactical utilities such as built-in compass, barometer and altimeter, amongst others. Outdoor and water sports aficionados would certainly prefer this watch thanks to its incredible water resistance.
What’s more, all these handy features can be accessed via a tap on its sapphire crystal. Despite being loaded with so many features, this T-Touch timepiece sports a sleek and modern design with a slick silver band and monochrome face.
5) Casio Pag240 1cr Pathfinder Triple Sensor
If you want a tough timepiece to withstand the wear and tear associated with sports, look no further than the Pathfinder Triple Sensor Sports solar watch which is very durable.
This nifty solar powered timepiece is high on performance and gives readings on temperature, current altitude, air moisture, and even comprises an inbuilt compass.
Symbolic of its name, the Pathfinder is ideal for treks and hiking into the wilderness.
Hence, it is one of the best solar powered watches for backpackers and includes five alarms for those that need utmost accuracy in their day. So much so, it can last up to 6 solid months after a full charge.
6) Seiko Solar Chronograph Watch
The Seiko Solar Chronograph sports a ton of modern features and yet preserves its vintage look with a silver bracelet and 42mm stainless steel case.
Despite its classic timepiece aesthetics, this beautiful Seiko watch retains an impressive level of scratch and water resistance for depths up to 100 meters.
What’s more, it comes with minute markers around the outer rim and is quite apt for casual occasions. However, the face is covered by Hardlex crystal, which despite not being as tough as sapphire, remains highly scratch resistant.
7) Bering Time 14440 393 Collection
Suitable for outdoor excursions, the BERING Time solar collection watch has a durable power reserve which can last anywhere between six consecutive months to a year without any sunlight exposure!
This majestic solar watch also boasts a scratch resistant sapphire glass and comes with a minimalist design bereft of bells and whistles one would come across in most G-shock or Tissot watches.
The most alluring part of its appeal is blue mesh band with a blue dial that is complimented sparingly placed yellow accent and white numbers. All in all, it definitely lends a discreet charm to your demeanour.
8) Casio Pro Trek PRG-650 Solar Watch
A great option for outdoor activities, the solar-powered Pro Trek PRG-650 watch features an inbuilt triple sensor for gauging atmospheric pressure, temperature, and altitude.
But the real novelty lies in its discreet digital display that delivers all the data from an array of features including timer, calendar, stopwatch, amongst others.
This nifty smartwatch also sports a comfy silicone band. There are barrage of other rich features to be had such as splendid double illumination for low light conditions, auto calendar, battery level indicator and an analog display for old-school timekeepers.
9) One Eleven SW1 Solar Watch
One of the best solar powered watches on the market, the super affordable One Eleven SW1 boasts a chic 42-millimeter case and a high-quality Japanese movement powered by light.
It can continually charge in both natural and artificial light and eliminates the need for battery replacement. Best fit for casual occasions, this incredible timepiece is available in a plethora of finishes including a comfy velcro strap or leather band that comes with contrasting red stitching.
The SW1 solar watch surely packs in the looks with a stunning matte grey dial, and gunmetal plated stainless steel case. What’s more, this elegant timepiece is water resistant up to 100 meters, hence quite apt for snorkelling and swimming.
10) Citizen Eco-Drive AW1236-03A Watch
If you are on a really tight budget and still want a stylish dress watch, this Citizen offering is worth its weight in gold.
This super affordable timepiece is powered by Citizen’s trademark Eco-Drive movement and sports a 40mm stainless steel case, elegant silver-tone dial with contrasting gold hands, as well as a smooth black leather strap.
Like most Citizen offerings, the AW1236-03A comes with a 5-year warranty. What’s more, this solar powered watch is water resistant up to 30 metres and can easily withstand splashes or brief immersions in water. However, it is not suitable for swimming.
11) Citizen Eco-Drive Proximity Pryzm Watch
A light-powered hybrid smartwatch, the Citizen Proximity Pryzm comes with a beautiful blue dial, stainless steel case, bracelet and a majestic beveled sapphire crystal.
Being a hybrid smartwatch, this timepiece offers too many features on the connectivity front as it can connect to your smartphone, sync time and send notifications on the go.
Furthermore, you would be in awe of its scratch resistant sapphire glass and the fact that it is water resistant up to 100 metres makes it a steal at current pricing.
12) Casio G-Shock Rangeman
The G Rangeman from Casio was crafted keeping both durability and affordability in mind. This watch comes with a tell-tale resin band and harnesses Casio’s triple sensor technology for displaying altitude, compass, temperature, altimeter, and more.
Outdoor enthusiasts and trekkers would like the digital time readout, countdown timer and stopwatch on the Rangeman which looks every bit ready for the rough and tumble.
Interestingly, Rangeman boasts same radio-controlled tech as other G-shocks on our lineup hence it can automatically set itself to the correct time even whilst changing time zones.
And…that’s a wrap! Did you like our review of the best solar powered watches in 2023? Let us know in the comments.
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