Solar watches, in simple terms, are nothing but watches powered by solar cells, fully or partially. They are considered to be environment-friendly and are gaining popularity day-by-day. It is common to see them in many different forms and models now. New varieties are being produced since there is demand for the product.
They are incredibly catchy to the eyes of tech-savvy buyers and environmentalists as well. Since the new varieties include designs for all kind of activities that consists of both outdoor and indoor atmosphere, it is easier to find a model that suits you.
The beginning of Solar Powered watches
It is a very less known fact that solar watches were produced from the 1970s. Even then a few watchmakers sold solar timepieces as their primary product. In a solar watch, the solar panel present in it catches sunlight and uses it to power the watch. Unlike other watches, it need not be winded and does not require a battery either. In the 1980s low quality, inexpensive solar watches were a major hit with children and gained popularity across the world. Fictional characters were added to the design to boost the attractive factor and catch the fancy of children.
Usage of Solar watches
Contrary to the first question that comes up in your mind when you hear the term ‘solar watch’, they can be used at night or in the dark too (obviously). How does this happen? The solar panel attached to the solar wristwatch can convert the sunlight it receives into electrical energy. This electrical energy is stored in the rechargeable cells and is used by the watch all the time. A few varieties of solar watches even uses lithium-ion cells. The benefit of using lithium-ion cells is that it helps in keeping the watch in working condition also if it is not exposed to the sunlight for months. This makes the solar watches very reliable and of low maintenance quality. Hence, it is very convenient to use.
Are they also Stylish
Some of us believe that solar watches do not look trendy and might not suit one’s fashion. But, the recent developments have made the solar watches look equally good as the other watches and are also available in several options and styles. One can select the design that suits your purpose and style statement. Solar watches that use materials like gold, leather and diamonds are also available in the market now for luxury lovers.
Key Features in Solar watches
- Most solar watches are designed to suit the contemporary lifestyle that is followed widely and multiple functions to aid a person is included in solar watches.
- They are durable, especially the ones made of stainless steel or titanium or hardened minerals.
- Though being resistant to water is not a quality of all the solar watches, most of them are water resistant up to 200 meters.
- Additional features like a barometer, compass, altimeter, thermometer, etc. can be found in some solar watches.
- They make use of a power-saving mode, during which the second-hand stops working. This happens only if the watch is extremely low in power and it resumes usually working as soon as it gets re-exposed to light.
What is Atomic solar watch by the way?
Solar panels also power atomic solar watches, but they are different from ordinary solar watches. The time is set by the atomic solar watch using a radio signal. The nuclear clock situated at Fort Collins, the Colorado-based National Institute of Standard and Technology which gives the most accurate time is responsible for broadcasting this radio signal that atomic solar watches senses. In addition to that, an added benefit is that the watch’s time need not be adjusted at all. This is possible because the low-frequency radio signal updates the time automatically regularly.
Use on other products
The mechanism of solar watches and solar watches itself are combined with other machines to make use of the features that are unique to solar observations. This was done as an experiment in the beginning, but recently it is being implemented. You will find solar watches or timepieces attached to many modern day machines in industries and labs.
Some of the Best solar watches in the market
Here we have mentioned some of the best solar powered watches which are available online. If you want to read the best solar powered watches in 2019 you can visit our other informative blog too.
1# Seiko Prospex Analog Stainless Steel Solar Powered Watch
It is considered as the best solar watch by many reviewers and tech enthusiasts.
Features:
- Chronograph sub-dials
- Blue/Black Dial
- Stainless steel case
- Luminous hands
- Water resistant (up to 200 meters)
2# Citizen Eco-drive Promaster Solar Powered Watch
Its notable quality is that it can survive a few falls and scratches though it isn’t light. And this feature of it is what makes it stand apart.
Features:
- Water resistant up to 200 meters
- Unidirectional bezel
- Usable while diving
- Comfortable band
3# Casio Master of G Stainless Steel Solar Powered Watch
The striking feature of this watch is its durability and its atomic timekeeping feature. One of the best on the list, this one is something you shouldn’t miss.
Features:
- Digital compass
- Altimeter
- Barometer
- Water resistant up to 200 meters
- Stopwatch
4# Tissot T-touch Expert Analog-Digital Display Watch
Its appearance increases its market value and has both analog and digital readings.
Features:
- Swiss quartz movement
- Water resistant up to 200 meres
- Scratch resistant
- Multiple time zones
- Barometer
6# Seiko Prospex Divers Watch
The Seiko Prospex Divers Watch excellent design of this watch increases its efficiency and attractiveness.
Features:
- 10-month power reserve
- Water resistant up to 200 meters
- Scratch resistant crystal
- Amazing illumination
- Unidirectional rotating bezel
Conclusion
It is possible to own a solar watch and make your life easier, more convenient and maybe a little less stressful when you are running to meet life’s expectations and chase dreams. When the world is changing with innovation happening all around you, why should just watches stay the same? When you are multi-tasking to match the pace of the modern era, shouldn’t your watch do the same too? Also, when you are relaxing or having a weekend getaway, your watch shouldn’t bother you. Grab a solar watch and forget the days you had to worry about changing batteries, had problems with the features of your old watch or felt outdated in the modern world.
