Solar watches look similar to other styles of wristwatch, however, they have a special panel incorporated into the design that can absorb light energy from the sun and change it into electrical energy. This charging system is one of the main advantages of solar watches.
During periods of darkness, the watch relies on a rechargeable internal power cell. The power cell functions in the same way that a regular quartz watch does, but doesn’t rely on batteries.
Take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions below about solar watches. Be sure to check out our complete list of the best solar watches too!
Are Solar Watches Better Than Automatic?
Automatic watches are driven by springs and gears, allowing them to keep ticking without the need for winding. Automatics are usually heavier and more expensive than solar watches, with more complex internal workings that can lead them to lose accuracy over time.
A solar watch doesn’t require a winding mechanism. They are generally thinner than automatics as well, since they don’t have as many parts inside.
Automatic watches lose their charge if not worn over a period of time. A solar watch can be left in a drawer for a week or more and will still accurately keep time.
Solar watches are better than automatic watches on many fronts. Yet, automatic watches are amazing creations thanks to their small-scale engineering and design. This makes them a favorite of watch collectors.
Are Solar Watches Better Than Battery?
In a world that is considering its energy choices more and more, renewable energy sources like solar are gaining an advantage over traditional sources of power. Solar watches also tend to be more reliable than battery-powered ones.
This makes them ideal for use as watches for divers, as well as people who don’t have the time to take their watch to a professional once a year to have the battery changed.
Are Solar Watches Quartz?
Solar watches may also be quartz watches. Some brands have ‘solar quartz’ in their name, because this refers to the movement.
Quartz watches use a tiny quartz crystal to keep track of time as it pulses once every second. Solar watches rely on their power cells and not an internal battery to generate this movement.
Are Solar Watches Accurate?
When it comes to accuracy, solar watches are ahead of the game. They can provide highly accurate timekeeping for months and years on end, much in the same way smartwatches do. The accuracy of a solar watch depends on its ability to access power, and as it recharges on a daily basis, it doesn’t stop working when you need it the most.
This level of consistency gives a solar watch a clear advantage over a manual or automatic watch. Manual and automatics may stop after a few months, leaving you late for a meeting or missing a train.
Are Solar Watches Mechanical?
Solar watches aim to do away with the intricate mechanisms needed to keep time accurately. Mechanical interiors can break easily if the watch is bashed around or opened up for repair. Solar watches aim to be as non-mechanical as possible.
Rather than having multiple gears, springs, and cogs inside like an automatic or manual watch, solar watches absorb energy from photons (light particles) and convert that into electricity.
However, some manufacturers are now combining solar with mechanical style watches, aiming for a highly accurate and aesthetically pleasing timepiece that can run indefinitely on solar power.
Solar Watches vs. Kinetic Watches
Both solar and kinetic watches have their pros and cons. They use different internal mechanisms for powering the timepiece. These offer specific advantages and disadvantages.
Solar power has the ability to charge a watch thousands of times to full power and won’t let you down when you need to know the correct time. A kinetic watch is a slightly different beast. It uses mechanics such as weighted rotors, which swing back and forth as the wearer walks around, These transfer energy to a small internal capacitor.
If you wear your watch daily, a kinetic is a good choice, but if you tend to leave your watch on the dresser or in a drawer for days at a time, then solar is likely to be the best option for you.
Can Solar Watches Be Repaired?
Solar watches are designed not to be tampered with. One of the big advantages of solar watches is that their simple solar panel should work for many years to come effectively. However, if you notice your solar watch is not performing adequately, then it can be repaired.
It may be that a connection has come loose, the power cell itself may be at fault, or dirt and dust may be preventing the solar watch from charging. Solar watch repairs should be undertaken by a professional to prevent further damage. Solar batteries only need changing once every seven to ten years, on average.
Can Solar Watches Last Forever?
Solar watches have excellent longevity, from around 7 years up to 15 or 20 years if cared for properly and maintained. Automatic and manual watches can last many decades too, but need to have their batteries changed around once every year.
Some brands of watch have solar technology that can last anywhere from 5 to 12 years. Casio solar watches, like the Casio Pathfinder, last around 7 years ( the time it takes for the battery to stop working as effectively), while the Casio G-Shock can last for at least a decade. How long do Seiko solar watches last in comparison? These are at the top end of estimates, around a decade.
Which Companies Make Solar Watches?
Solar watch manufacturing caught on in a big way more than 50 years ago, so it’s no surprise that top name brands like Casio, Citizen, and Seiko have a good selection of solar watches, including the Casio G-Shock. Garmin and Tissot also have a range of solar models that complement their existing offerings. Brands such as Skagen, Accurist, and Bering also bring a few decent models to the mix.
Other companies, such as Guess and Lacoste, have just one or two solar watches in their range. When it comes to smartwatches with solar power, then Garmin leads the way with a selection of awesomely powerful solar watches.
Are the Advantages of Solar Watches Worth It?
Solar watches are an amazing invention and have many positives. They are often cheaper than other kinds as well, because they don’t have intricate mechanisms or batteries that have to be changed out.
They are friendly to the planet as lithium-ion is not needed, and they are also reliable, accurate timekeepers. Maintenance is not an issue, and they can keep going for many years without being charged. It’s due to these many benefits that we believe solar watches really are worth it if you want a low-maintenance, effective timepiece.
Can You Get a Solar Watch With a Compass?
A perfect combination if you get lost for days on end, many watches that are solar-powered also include a small compass. The Casio G-Shock Mudman and the Rangeman, as well as the Citizen Alchitron Titanium, are some of the best dual-feature watches out there.
Can You Get Solar Watches With Sapphire Crystal?
Yes, some of the top brands create their solar watches using high-end sapphire crystal glass. Seiko uses this material on the majority of its watches, including solar ones, and Citizen and Bering also have this feature on their solar watches for added durability.
Last Updated on March 19, 2022
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