Solar energy is making its way into some unexpected industries. Solar-powered watches have been around for a while, but they’re becoming even more popular with a new focus on renewable energy.
If you’re looking for a watch that won’t need battery replacements and is environmentally conscious, solar-powered watches are a great option. No matter what your style requirements are — whether you’re planning on exploring the great outdoors or presenting in a boardroom — you can find one that suits your needs.
So what are the top ten
1. Tissot T-Touch Expert
Our first option is marketed as a casual watch, but you can easily dress it up or down depending on the situation.
The Tissot T-Touch Expert has seven different functions, including a compass for outdoor navigation, an odometer, an alarm, and lap timing.
As a bonus, Tissot’s T-Touch line was one of the very first to feature touchscreen technology — way back in 1999. It’s a good idea to be on the lookout for the other ways this company could end up being ahead of the curve in the future. It’s water-resistant, so you can take it swimming. Keep in mind, though, that it’s not completely waterproof.
2. Casio Pathfinder Triple Sensor
Let’s say you want to be outdoors most of the time and need something more durable. In that case, the Casio Pathfinder Triple Sensor is an excellent choice.
The watch’s primary function is as a sports watch, so the band is made of resin for a more rugged feel with buckle closure. Some of its standout features include world-time support for 48 different cities, a power-saving function, and an incredible low-temperature resistance — as low as fourteen degrees Fahrenheit. The watch can run for up to six months without being exposed to light, but chances are the typical user of this watch spends a lot of time under the sun.
3. Casio G-Shock Frogman
For those who do most of their exploring beneath the surface of the water, Casio has another solar-powered option — the G-Shock Frogman.
While most high-caliber watches are water-resistant enough for swimming, they wouldn’t hold up under the depths typical of scuba diving. The Casio G-Shock Frogman offers a solution to this problem. The watches are water-resistant up to 200 meters, perfect for divers.
4. Armitron Adventure
If you’re just looking to do some recreational swimming and aren’t trying to explore the depths of the ocean, the Armitron Adventure is water-resistant up to fifty meters. Its defining feature, though, is the army-green nylon strap.
This makes the watch perfect for hunters or others who might want to blend into the natural surroundings. Sometimes, you just need a watch that looks great and functions perfectly. This watch doesn’t have as many bells and whistles as some of the other options on our list, but the simplicity is just as valuable.
5. Casio G-Shock Gravity Master
There’s a good reason Casio appears so many times on almost every “best of” list — it’s because they’re one of the biggest players when it comes to well-made solar-powered watches. Their G-Shock line has another one of our favorite watches, the Gravity Master.
Unlike the Frogman, which is built for divers, the Gravity Master is perfect for people involved in sports like hiking or rock climbing. The watch’s face and the band are both incredibly durable, which helps it stand up to stress tests.
6. Bering Time Solar Collection
Most of the watches on our list so far have been for people in extreme sports. What if you just want something that looks great?
If that’s the case, this minimalist watch is for you. It’s made with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal that gives it a beautiful blue color. It will also run for six months without solar charging. Since it’s so minimal, it’s also one of the most affordable options on our list.
7. Seiko Solar Chronograph
If you want a look that’s more traditional instead of minimalist, Seiko’s Solar Chronograph has everything you need.
When paired with the crystal watch face, you get a watch that looks like the classic piece your grandfather might have had but without a battery that constantly needs to be replaced. Unlike solar watches that are created for lots of physical activity, the Solar Chronograph has a strap made with authentic dark leather.
8. Pulsar Silvertone Solar
Looking for a solar-powered watch that’s both classic and formal? Pulsar created a watch with those needs in mind.
There aren’t too many extra features included with this watch — you can expect a date counter and water resistance, but that’s about it. However, the real draw is the stainless steel band and casing. This gives the watch an expensive look without actually breaking the bank.
9. Casio Slim Multifunction Analog-Digital
The last Casio on our list is the Slim Multifunction Analog-Digital. The watch is black with pops of orange, perfect if you want an eye-catching design. Its defining feature, though, is the ability to pick up on electrical and thermal energy in addition to solar. The battery will last for ten months without charge, but you’ll likely never need to put that to the test. If you like to be able to switch back and forth between analog and digital watch faces, this gives you the option to do so.
10. Citizen Eco-Drive One Solar Powered
Finally, for one of the most elegant options available, the Citizen Eco-Drive One Solar Powered rounds out our list of the best solar-powered watches.
This design is elevated by the straps made of crocodile leather and the sapphire glass face. Unlike the Bering Time watch, this isn’t blue — instead, the color scheme is a sophisticated black and beige. It can be charged by any light source, not just the sun.
Take on the World with These Solar Powered Watches
So, which one of these solar-powered watches was your favorite? Whichever you choose, you’ll be ready for any situation you may find yourself in.
Plus, by choosing a watch that uses a sustainable energy source, you’ll be helping the environment while looking stylish.
Want to learn more about solar power and its uses? Check out all of our posts on solar energy.
