Just about every big brand name on the planet makes a solar watch, but three manufacturers who have really embraced solar technology are Seiko, Citizen and Casio. Each is a watch giant in their own right, and they have created selections of solar watches designed with the latest technology to cater to all customers regardless of budget.
In this article, we’re comparing Seiko vs Citizen vs Casio to understand the differences and similarities between these three brand’s solar watches. This comparison gives you a view into the variety of solar watches available and how to choose the right one for you.
Seiko Vs Citizen Vs Casio Solar Technology
Casio boasts patented solar technology on a small scale, known as Tough Solar. With the range of functions Casio watches are expected to perform, they need a high level of power. This tech allows watches to be charged by the sun as well as artificial fluorescent light. The Tough Solar innovation allows GPS to be used as well as alarms and backlights. It can hold a full charge for around two years.
Citizen, too, has its own specially designed solar tech called Eco-Drive. Taking inspiration from the green revolution of renewable energy, Citizen Eco-Drive watches can keep on ticking for years thanks to the high-tech light-powered quartz crystal, which needs only a dim source of light to charge up and function. It has even received an Eco Mark from the Environment Association in Japan.
Seiko is implementing Solar Seiko into many of their watch lines, including top-of-the-line collections. The company has been making solar watches since 1977, so they know a thing or two about renewable energy sources, and have often combined different watch movements, like quartz and solar, to get the best results.
How Do Watch Styles Differ Across Brands?
Seiko is known for creating solar watches that aren’t lacking on the design front. Many lines, such as the Seiko Prospex Speedtimer and the Coutura, have multiple dials on the face. These offer stopwatch functions as well as international time. Black, gold, and silver are the main colors used in their solar watch ranges, so the watches are versatile to wear.
Citizen has gone the extra mile in developing a wide selection of solar watches for both men and women. Many of the Eco-Drive watches from the Promaster and Proximity range have both leather and metal straps. Their faces can be pared-back and simple or complex and aesthetically pleasing. The brand’s strong solar technology can also power functions like Bluetooth.
Casio boasts a number of designs that have a retro feel to them, complete with resin bands. Some ranges, like the Edifice Chronograph, appeal to those looking for a busier watch face. The Casio G-Shock with Tough Solar collection of watches is what really sets Casio apart from the competitors. These watches have durable and robust designs that are shock-resistant, mud resistant, and water-resistant. They support radio control, GPS navigation, and Bluetooth.
What Is the Lifespan of Solar Watches?
Comparing Seiko vs Casio vs Citizen reveals that the technology in all these brands is similar. Each of these brands guarantees that their watches will keep going for at least a decade.
There are some caveats, though. If these watches are not kept in the light, their batteries will drain and eventually stop working. Citizen Eco-Drives can last for around a month in the dark. Casio models can keep going for around 2 years on a single charge with minimal light input. Seiko watches last anywhere from six to twelve months without being charged.
All of this, of course, depends on the model you choose. Some have special power-saving features which can greatly improve longevity.
Are Solar Watches Easy to Maintain?
An advantage of solar watches is that they have minimal parts inside compared to a kinetic or manual watch, which requires miniature springs and cogs to keep things going. These parts can break down quite easily after repeated shocks and bumps. A solar watch is likely to endure much better simply because it contains less complexity.
All three of the brands under discussion today state that they can last a minimum of ten years without the need for repair. Solar watches are designed to be a sealed unit, as it isn’t necessary to open and close them to replace their batteries. Whichever solar watch you choose, it should last many years without requiring maintenance.
Seiko Vs Citizen Vs Casio Cost
Whichever brand comes out on top for you in a Seiko vs Citizen vs Casio comparison, you should be able to find one to suit your budget. Each of these brands offers a handful of great solar watches under $100. If you are looking for a longer-lasting piece with more features, there are plenty of models in the $600-$800 range with lots of tech inside.
Classic styles with a simplistic and minimalistic design and without a lot of bells and whistles tend to cost the least. If you’re looking for something with multiple dials, world time zones, temperature sensing, altimeters, barometers, and Bluetooth and GPS, you’re likely to pay at least $300.
Whichever solar watch you choose, rest assured that all three of these brands are ahead of their game when it comes to solar technology. Your chosen watch should last you at least 10 years with practically zero maintenance. We suggest you choose the best solar watch for your needs and lifestyle. If you love the design, you can’t go wrong whether you spend $100 or $1000.
Last Updated on March 17, 2022
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