Everything you need to know about a solar watch

A solar watch combines the long life of a mechanical or automatic movement with the accuracy of quartz. This type of watch is becoming increasingly popular; Sustainable solar energy is hot! But how do solar watches work? What are the benefits of solar? And are they really that durable? In this blog we answer all your questions.

How does a solar watch work?

Just like quartz watches, solar watches work on (lithium) batteries. The battery of a solar watch, in contrast to the battery of an 'ordinary' quartz watch, is charged by means of (sun) light.

There are small solar cells in or around the dial of the watch. Light energy is converted into electronic energy via an especially designed photovoltaic system, comparable to the operation of solar panels that are installed on many roofs. This energy is stored in the rechargeable battery that powers the watch.

A solar watch works in the same way as a traditional quartz watch; with a vibrating quartz crystal in the electronic circuit, which ensures accurate timekeeping.

Most solar watches also work on artificial light

The name suggests that a solar watch only works on sunlight. But while these watches charge best in natural light, most can also be charged with artificial light. It's worth checking your watch's user manual for more information on how your particular watch reacts to different lighting conditions, as this varies from brand to brand. In general, the brighter and closer the light source is to the watch, the better.

The benefits of a solar powered watch

Solar powered watches are not only precise and reliable, other advantages are: high quality, durability and functionality. Enough reasons to add a solar watch to your collection.

Reliable: the precision of quartz with the convenience of an automatic

Because the battery of a solar-powered watch is constantly being charged, it tells the time reliably and very precisely.

Functional and accurate

Because the energy source is in principle inexhaustible, it is possible to add extensive functions - which consume a lot of energy - to the watch. That is why many solar watches contain radio control, GPS or Bluetooth that make the watch even more accurate.

High Quality

To protect the solar cell, watches powered by solar energy are usually made of sturdy materials and are therefore of high quality.

Water resistance

Because the watch hardly ever needs to be opened to change the battery, the rubber gaskets that protect the interior against water ingress do not wear out as quickly as on regular quartz watches. This guarantees the water resistance of a solar watch.

Sustainability

Solar watches are more sustainable than quartz watches with a disposable battery. On average, the battery of a solar watch lasts 7-12 years. These batteries can also be charged hundreds, even thousands of times before a replacement battery is needed. In addition, you do not use mains power as you do when charging your mobile phone, but light energy.

How sustainable are solar watches?

Although the rechargeable battery of a solar watch lasts a very long time, it still remains a battery. The production of batteries and the extraction of the materials used to make batteries are quite harmful to the environment. And when the battery is finally replaced and disposed of, the chemicals can leach out and contaminate soil and water.

Still, rechargeable batteries are a more sustainable choice because they require less material to produce. When you maintain your watch properly and replace the strap instead of buying a new watch, you are even more sustainable. This way, materials do not have to be extracted and produced again to make your watch.

Or when you buy a new solar watch, choose a watch made from recycled or sustainable materials such as bioplastic or recycled steel. You will find these watches mainly in the collections of Skagen and Casio.

Disadvantages of a solar watch

So far we have only talked about all the advantages of a solar watch. However, there are also a few disadvantages: With some solar watches, the solar cells are visible in the dial. This is something one finds ugly, the other likes to show what kind of watch he or she is wearing. 
Solar watches with a battery that lasts less long have to be charged more often by exposure to light. But if you make sure you wear the watch regularly, every solar watch has enough power to get through the day.

As far as I'm concerned, minor inconveniences compared to the benefits and no reasons not to opt for a solar watch.

What is the lifespan of a solar watch?

With a fully charged battery, a solar watch will function without light for one to twelve months, depending on the brand and model. Some brands guarantee a service life of up to 10 years in power save mode. Even in the dark! With most solar watches, a battery indicator indicates when the watch needs light to charge again.

How long should a solar watch charge?

Although solar watches can be stored in the dark, for battery endurance it is best to store them in a well-lit place. This prevents the battery from draining completely, which can damage its lifespan.

How long the watch continues to work depends on how advanced the watch is. A watch that only shows the time needs less energy than a watch that contains all kinds of other functions. Has the watch stopped completely? A few minutes of exposure to light is often enough to get the watch going. More time is needed to fully charge the battery.

Table average charging time solar battery*

*Please refer to your watch's user manual for charging instructions

The best solar watches in a row

The best brands with solar watches in their collection are Citizen and Seiko. These two Japanese watch brands were and are pioneers in the development of solar energy technology for watches.

Seiko Solar watches

The first solar wristwatch was made by Seiko in 1977 and the brand has been perfecting the technology ever since. Seiko Solar watches are still among the most popular in the world.

Citizen Eco Drive watches

Citizen is also a pioneer in the field of solar watches. The Citizen Eco-Drive system is used in 80% of all Citizen watches. The Citizen L Solar ladies watches are produced entirely from sustainable materials.

G-Shock Tough Solar

G-Shock watches are almost indestructible, so the brand's solar technology must also be strong and last a long time. The G-Shock Tough Solar models offer both strength and durability.

What does a solar watch cost?

How much a solar watch costs depends on the brand, the materials used and of course the functions, but count on an average of 120 to 300 pounds.

Solar watches are available at Watch.co.uk in all price ranges. A simple plastic digital solar watch from Casio starts from circa £ 50. On the other side of the spectrum you will find solar watches from G-Shock MR-G or the Seiko Astron with extensive functions such as GPS, radio control and Bluetooth ranging in price from £ 1500 to more than £ 5000.

Whatever budget you have, a reliable, accurate and durable solar watch is always a good investment!