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If you think solar watches are less stylish and more about function than style, you probably haven’t looked at the growing number of great solar-powered watches on the market right now. Some of the best solar watches for men don’t even look like they could be powered by the sun or do anything else unusual.
But solar watches do have some clear benefits, the least of which might be that they are cheaper than mechanical automatics. Even the cheapest solar watches tend to be a bit more expensive than similar watches that don’t have solar panels. Here are some of the best solar watches we’ve found on the market.
Best Solar Watches Comparison Table
| Watch Model | Display Type | Band Material | Dimensions | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster | Analog | Stainless Steel | 43 mm | 0.35 lb | $304.50 |
| Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar | Digital | Silicone | 44.4 x 44 mm | 0.09 lb | $699.99 |
| Citizen Avion Eco-Drive Watch | Analog | Leather | 45 mm | 0.25 lb | $206.25 |
| Seiko SUP896 Solar-Power | Analog | Stainless Steel | 37 mm | 0.28 lb | $195.00 |
| Casio G-Shock GW6900-1 | Digital | Resin | 53.2 x 50 mm | 0.18 lb | $99.00 |
| Casio G-Shock GWM5610-1 | Digital | Resin | 43.2 x 46.7 mm | 0.15 lb | $149.00 |
| Tissot T-Touch Connect Solar | Digital and Analog | Leather | 47 mm | 0.17 lb | $1,150.00 |
Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Promaster Sea Dive
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Movement | Eco-Drive technology |
| Water Resistance | Up to 200m |
| Functions | Chronograph, Date, Dive mode, Power reserve indicator |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Strap Material | Rubber |
| Dial | Analog |
| Luminescence | Luminous hands and markers |
The Eco-Drive technology from Citizen is pretty much the best solar-powered movement you can get. The technology that makes the batteries last for a long time has been in a lot of Citizen watches for years. This shows how well-made and reliable these watches are.
We love this Promaster Sea Dive because it has the best mix of useful features, classic style, and a fair price in a single watch. Citizen, keep doing what you’re doing. This is one of the best Solar Watches that you can buy right now.
The Good
- Eco-Drive technology gets rid of the need to change batteries.
- It can handle water up to 200m deep and can be used for diving.
- Chronograph and dive mode functions are helpful for outdoor activities
- The power reserve indicator makes sure that the watch is always powered up.
The Bad
- Metal may not be as durable as other materials for straps.
- In low light, it may not be as easy to read an analog dial.
Garmin Forerunner 955 Solar
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Movement | Solar-powered |
| Water Resistance | Up to 100m |
| Functions | GPS tracking, Heart rate monitoring, Music streaming, Smart notifications |
| Case Material | Fiber-reinforced polymer |
| Strap Material | Silicone |
| Display | Color touchscreen |
| Battery Life | Up to 14 days (smartwatch mode) |
The Forerunner 955 is a very popular solar watch among people who train for marathons and triathlons. The fitness tracker has a beautiful full-color screen and accurate GPS mapping and navigation, so you’ll never get lost during a workout. You also get more detailed readings on things like your VO2 max, how well you sleep, and how ready you are to train.
The best thing about this watch is that it has a huge battery life. It can be worn constantly for up to 20 days in smartwatch mode if it gets 3 hours of sunlight every day. In GPS mode, it can be worn for up to 49 hours if it gets the right amount of sunlight. This is one of the best Solar Watches that you can buy right now.
The Good
- Solar-powered, so it doesn’t need to be charged as often
- Fitness fans can benefit from GPS tracking and heart rate monitoring
- Streaming music and smart alerts make everyday life easier.
- Durable case material and comfortable silicone strap
The Bad
- Water resistance up to 100m may not be good enough for serious diving
- The touch screen may not last as long as traditional watch dials.
Citizen Avion Eco-Drive Watch
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Movement | Eco-Drive technology |
| Water Resistance | Up to 100m |
| Functions | Date, 12/24-hour time display, Chronograph |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Strap Material | Leather |
| Dial | Analog |
| Luminescence | Luminous hands and markers |
The Citizen Avion looks great and is powered by the well-known Eco-Drive movement, which gets its power from the sun. It is a mix of pilot watches and chronograph watches. It’s 45mm wide, which is big for a pilot watch, but it’s not unusual at all.
The brown leather strap makes it look even better. This watch is a great choice because it has a power reserve of six months, a water resistance rating of 100 meters, hands and indices that glow in the dark, and a small date window between 4 and 5 o’clock.
The Good
- Eco-Drive technology gets rid of the need to change batteries.
- It can withstand water up to 100m deep and can be worn every day or occasionally when swimming.
- A leather strap gives these sunglasses a classic look.
- The chronograph feature makes the watch more useful for everyday use.
The Bad
- When compared to metal or rubber straps, leather straps may need more care.
- When it comes to timing, an analog dial may not be as accurate as a digital display.
Seiko SUP896 Solar-Power Watch
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Movement | Solar-powered |
| Water Resistance | Up to 30m |
| Functions | Date, 12/24-hour time display |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Strap Material | Stainless steel |
| Dial | Analog |
| Luminescence | Luminous hands and markers |
For an even more classic look, go for the Seiko SUP896. It has a 28mm rectangular case, mellow golden tones, and a crocodile-textured leather strap, all of which make it a great dress watch. Overall, it is one of the best Solar Watches that you can buy.
Even though it takes some design cues from the famous Cartier Tank, it stands out on its own. It’s simple and has a 12-month power reserve, which is a must for a watch that you’ll probably only wear on special occasions.
The Good
- Solar-powered, so there’s no need to change the batteries.
- It can withstand water up to 30m deep and can be worn every day and in small amounts of water.
- Case and strap are made of stainless steel for durability and a sleek look.
- The design is simple and clean, and the dial is easy to read.
The Bad
- There may not be enough water resistance for swimming or diving.
- Compared to other sports or smartwatches, it doesn’t have as many features.
Casio G-Shock GW6900-1
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Movement | Quartz |
| Water Resistance | Up to 200m |
| Functions | Shock resistant, Multi-band 6 atomic timekeeping, World time, Stopwatch, Countdown timer |
| Case Material | Resin |
| Strap Material | Resin |
| Display | Digital |
| Battery Life | Up to 2 years (approx.) |
Since they were first made in 1983, G-Shocks have often been the unsung heroes of reliability, functionality, and the true spirit of a no-nonsense shock-resistant watch. In 1998, the G-Shock Tough Solar movement was added to the product line, as if that wasn’t enough. Since then, G-Shocks have shown themselves to be the best and most popular solar watches for people who want something with a bit more of a sporty look that can handle almost anything.
The GW6900-1 digital watch has been a mainstay in the G-Shock Tough Solar Watches line for a long time. It has one of the brand’s most classic and easy-to-read designs. The watch has a tough but simple resin case that is 50mm in diameter and has 4 push buttons that control a wide range of functions, such as world time, auto calendar, 1/100 stopwatch.
The Good
- Solar-powered, so there’s no need to change the batteries.
- Up to 200m water resistant, so it can be used for diving and other water sports. Shock-resistant design makes it last longer in rough environments.
- Multi-band 6 atomic timekeeping makes sure the time is correct. It has a wide range of functions, including world time, stopwatch, countdown timer, and alarms.
- Resin makes the case and strap last for a long time.
The Bad
- Compared to other solar-powered watches, the battery life may not be as long.
- Some people may not find digital displays as pretty to look at.
- Case and strap made of resin may not be as high-end or luxurious as those made of metal or leather.
Casio G-Shock GWM5610-1
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Movement | Solar-powered |
| Water Resistance | Up to 200m |
| Functions | Shock resistant, Multi-band 6 atomic timekeeping, World time, Stopwatch, Countdown timer, 5 alarms |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Strap Material | Resin |
| Display | Digital |
| Battery Life | Up to 10 months (without exposure to light) |
The G-Shock GMW5610-1 digital watch has many of the same features as the GW6900-1. It is a more subtle option for people who want a G-Shock but don’t want a sport watch design. The square case and vented resin band give the watch a look that is actually more retro than anything else.
So, the GMW5610-1 is a great choice for anyone who wants a solar watch with the look and feel of a classic retro icon for everyday wear. The G-Shock Module No. 3495 has a power reserve of about 10 months, and the case size is 43mm x 46.7mm, which is a very nice size.
The Good
- Solar-powered, so there’s no need to change the batteries.
- Up to 200m water resistant, so it can be used for diving and other water sports. Shock-resistant design makes it last longer in rough environments.
- Multi-band 6 atomic timekeeping makes sure the time is correct. It has a wide range of functions, including world time, stopwatch, countdown timer, and alarms.
The Bad
- Compared to other solar-powered watches, the battery life may not be as long.
- Some people may not find digital displays as pretty to look at.
Tissot T-Touch Connect Solar
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Movement | Solar-powered |
| Water Resistance | Up to 100m |
| Functions | Touchscreen, Smart notifications, Activity tracking, GPS, Altimeter, Compass, Barometer, Thermometer |
| Case Material | Titanium |
| Strap Material | Rubber |
| Display | Touchscreen |
| Battery Life | Up to 6 months (smartwatch mode) |
The T-Touch Connect Solar is a watch made by Tissot that uses both solar power and a smartwatch. It’s a great piece, and it’s a great size, too, at 47mm with a titanium case that doesn’t bother people with allergies. It connects to your phone through Tissot’s own app and syncs messages, calls, and alerts. It can also keep track of your health.
The T-Touch really lives up to its name. It has a tactile crystal that lets the wearer choose functions by touching the large, interactive screen. Yes, the watch’s size might limit it to people with bigger wrists, but the smartwatch features might make it more appealing to people who aren’t watch enthusiasts and care more about the tech than the size of the case.
The Good
- Solar-powered, so it doesn’t need to be charged as often
- Waterproof up to 100m, good for swimming and other water sports
- Touchscreen displays make it easy to find your way around and interact
- Outdoor enthusiasts can use a wide range of features, such as smart notifications, activity tracking, GPS, and environmental sensors.
- Titanium is used for the case so it will last and feel light.
The Bad
- Compared to other solar-powered watches, the battery life may not be as long.
- Rubber straps might not last as long as leather or metal straps.
FAQs
The only difference between a solar watch and a Quartz watch is that a solar watch is charged by light. But there is no doubt that solar watches are the most accurate timepieces. When the dial is in natural or artificial light, they start to charge, and the extra energy is stored in lithium-ion batteries.
The best thing about this watch is that it has a huge battery life. It can be worn constantly for up to 20 days in smartwatch mode if it gets 3 hours of sunlight every day. In GPS mode, it can be worn for up to 49 hours if it gets the right amount of sunlight.
The Fenix 7X Solar Edition is hard to beat if you want a GPS smartwatch for sports and health. It was chosen as the “best overall” watch because it has most of the same features as the other Garmin watches and supports more activities.
There are, however, some problems with solar watches. They might cost more than regular watches and might not be as easy to find. Solar-powered watches also need to be out in the sun to work, so they might not be good for all situations.