What are solar watches?
Watches powered by solar rays are referred to as solar watches. There are multiple different types of solar-powered watches available today. Some of the most common ones feature light receptors on the dial. As you read further, you will learn more about the basic features and functionality of these timepieces.
Features of a solar watch
To help you understand the characteristics of watches powered by solar energy we have provided you with an elaborated explanation of its features mentioned below:
- Solar panel
- Power reserve indicator
- Rechargeable battery
- Timekeeping accuracy
- Durability
- Eco-friendly
Solar panel
Every solar watch comes with a solar panel. The panel is an integral component of the watch that is responsible for capturing the sunlight. This light is then converted into electrical energy which enables the power delivery to the watch. The solar panel in a watch is usually located on the face/dial of the watch and in some cases on the bezel.
Power reserve indicator
Most solar-powered watches feature a power reserve indicator, which helps indicate the amount of charge left in the battery. This feature is beneficial for those who wear their watch regularly and to ensure full charge in their batteries.
Rechargeable battery
The electrical energy generated by the watch is stored in what’s known as a rechargeable battery. This battery is what powers the functionality of the watch.
Most solar watch batteries last for several months or even years on a single charge. The lifespan of these batteries will depend on the watch’s features and frequency of usage.
Timekeeping accuracy
One of the things that solar watches are known for is their high accuracy. When it comes to timekeeping, these timepieces are known to showcase incredible accuracy, which adds to their popularity and demand.
Many solar-powered watches use a radio-controlled time synchronization feature, which enables the watch to always maintain accuracy to the second.
Durability
Another important feature that defines a good solar watch is its durability. Solar-powered watches are designed to be water and dust resistant, and to also protect it from other environmental hazards. This is what makes them ideal for outdoor activities such as camping, hiking and even swimming.
Eco-friendly
Lastly, another important feature of solar watches is that they are very eco-friendly. A Sun powered watch is able to achieve the title of being eco-friendly watches since they do not require a disposable battery.
Disposable batteries contribute to environmental pollution. Therefore, by using solar power, these watches help reduce the carbon emissions and also promote sustainability.
Top Sun Powered watches you can buy
Now that you have learned about these watches, here’s a list of some of the watch brands that offer solar-powered watches in their collection.
- Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra
- Seiko Astron
- Tissot T-Touch Expert Solar
- Citizen Promaster Diver Eco-Drive
Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra
Omega is a famous Swiss watchmaker that offers the Seamaster Aqua Terra with a solar-powered movement. Some of the basic details of an eco-friendly watch are that it includes a date display, a chronometer function, and a water resistance rating of up to 150 meters.
Seiko Astron
Seiko is a well-known Japanese watchmaker that offers the Astron solar watch. This is a high-end solar-powered timepiece that utilizes GPS technology to automatically adjust time and time zones. The Seiko Astron eco-friendly watch features a perpetual calendar with a world-time function.
Tissot T-Touch Expert Solar
Tissot is one of the only Swiss watchmakers that offers the T-Touch Expert Solar function. This is a sophisticated solar-powered watch equipped with a touch-sensitive sapphire crystal screen.
The timepiece also includes a wide range of features, including a compass, altimeter, chronograph, and an alarm function.
Citizen Promaster Diver Eco-Drive
Citizen is one of the few watch brands that believe in watches drawing power from solar energy. One of their many watches to do so is the Promaster Diver Eco-Drive. It clearly says in its name that it is an eco-friendly watch and it is powered by the Eco-Drive E168 movement. It offers a power reserve of up to 6 months.
Timex Expedition Scout Solar
Timex Expedition Scout Solar is a field watch that gets its power from solar energy. It is one of the most minimalistic-looking solar-powered watches that you can buy today. With a simple and elegant 40mm dial, this watch can charge fully in 5 hours when left in direct sunlight. This will allow the watch to run for about 2 months.
Eco-Friendly Watches: Timepieces of the Future
Solar is one of the technologies that will continue to grow in popularity, especially as more people become conscious about the environment. Watch enthusiasts are looking for sustainable alternatives to traditional watches like quartz or mechanical.
While Sun powered watches offer multiple benefits, such as being eco-friendly, needing low maintenance, and being cost-effective in the long run, they also have some limitations. For instance, solar-powered watches may not work efficiently in areas with low light, this could immediately limit their usefulness, which is a huge drawback.
Besides that, solar watches need a technology that cannot be implemented on high-end luxury watches. It is due to the fact that those watches are always made from either full steel or gold, neither of which will complement the solar setup. On top of that, implementing such technology will also mean that these top luxury watch brands will have to take a huge risk. The fans of these brands vouch for their intricate movement as well as bold designs. Hence, it is highly unlikely that we will see any sun powered watches from top brands in the near future.
Having said that, technology continues to evolve and new innovations are being introduced every year. Therefore, it is exciting to see what the future holds for the world of watches.
Moreover, if you are not inclined towards the idea of buying eco-friendly watches, you can certainly pick up a luxury timepiece from us here in the UAE. Browse through our watch collection to invest in your dream watch.
