Solar watches are one of the most recent new inventions within the horological industry. This kind of movement first came about around the same time as the Quartz Crisis. This event revolutionised the industry, making it a time of great discovery and progress. Solar watches continue to improve with time as technology continues to progress. These kinds of watches have a very interesting history, even if they have not been available for nearly as long as other popular types of movements. If you are interested in these fascinating watches, keep reading for our 10 interesting facts about solar watches.
Our Top 10 Interesting Facts About Solar Watches
1. Solar watches contain solar panels.
Solar watches work in a similar way to how standard solar panels work, so solar panels are incorporated into the design of these kinds of timepieces. The solar panels are often incorporated into the dial or bezel of a watch to ensure that it is able to capture as much light as possible. Some watch brands choose to make the solar panels a feature of the watch design so accentuate them. Other brands disguise the panels and allow them to discreetly power the watch.
2. These kinds of watches are powered by natural and artificial light.
The solar panels in solar watches can take energy from both natural and artificial light. However, some differences have been noticed between the two types of light. In some watches, natural light is able to provide the watch with more power, making this a more efficient method of powering the watch. In most cases, it will not make a big difference. The most important thing is that the watch is frequently in contact with some kind of light. The watch will turn the light energy into electrical energy that is able to power the timepiece.
3. Solar watches can store energy.
Solar watches are designed to be able to store energy so that they will continue to work in the dark. It is vital that a solar watch continues to work, even when it is not in contact with light at certain times of day. For this reason, the watches are built with a rechargeable cell. This cell can store energy for the watch to use at times that it cannot harvest light energy. The cell is rechargeable so this process can be constant to provide the watch with a long lifespan.
4. These watches are eco-friendly.
As solar watches are rechargeable, they are considered to be a good eco-friendly option. Traditional battery powered quartz watches use a battery that has a finite, and relatively short, lifespan. Therefore, the batteries need to be changed fairly regularly which involves additional cost and more waste to inflict on the environment. Many people opt for solar watches as a way in which they can limit their own environmental footprint.
5. The first solar watch was released in 1972.
The first ever solar powered watch was released in 1972. The watch was made by Roger W. Riehl. This iconic timepiece was named the Synchronar 2100. This watch came about at a pivotal and turbulent time within the watch industry, meaning that there was space for a brand new concept to be introduced. The popularity of this kind of movement has continued to grow since its introduction.
6. The name of the Synchronar 2100 is created using a series of abbreviations.
The original name for this incredibly influential timepiece was the Synchronous Chronometer Calendar 2100. Elements of each word were take (‘syn’, ‘chron’ and ‘ar’) and put together to create the futuristic name of this watch. The ‘2100’ part of the name refers to the perpetual calendar that was built into this watch. The perpetual calendar was said to be able to run until the year 2100.
7. The first solar watch was inspired by the aesthetic of Star Trek.
The Synchronar 2100 did not look like other popular watches of its time. This timepiece had a very unusual and futuristic appearance. The time was displayed on the edge of the watch using red LED lights. It was positioned in this way as the top surface of the watch that would normally feature the dial was occupied by photovoltaic cells. The watch was designed in this way to maximise light absorption. The futuristic design of the Synchronar 2100 was inspired by Riehl’s love of the aesthetic of Star Trek.
8. This original model had several impressive features.
As well as being the first solar powered watch, the Synchronar 2100 had several other very impressive features. It was the first watch with an LED light display that could be read in full light. This feature added to the incredibly futuristic feel of the watch. The timepiece was also 5000G shock resistant and water resistant up to 750 feet. These were very impressive characteristics for a watch like this at the time it was launched. Additionally, the Synchronar 2100 was said to be accurate to within one minute per year.
9. Solar technology is constantly progressing.
Technology is constantly progressing, and things move on incredibly quickly. Solar technology is no exception to this as it is being consistently worked on in order to find new, eco-friendly and renewable ways to power much larger things than watches. However, advancements in solar technology will inevitably mean a great improvement in solar watches. It is hoped that with time, improved solar technology will mean that solar power can be used to run full colour smartwatches effectively and efficiently.
10. Solar watches should be stored where there is light.
The only thing that must be remembered when using a solar watch is that it must have regular contact with light. Light is the only power source for these kinds of timepieces, and without it they will stop working. The rechargeable cells can store power, but the amount is finite. It is often recommended that solar watches are stored somewhere that they will be touched by light, rather than in a dark box or drawer. This will ensure that the watch always has power when it is selected to be worn. This is perhaps the most important of our 10 interesting facts about solar watches.
Solar Watch Recommendations
Casio Edifice Slim Touch Solar Stainless Steel Watch ECB-S100DC-2AEF
This Casio watch has an impressive number of features for a watch that is powered by a solar powered movement. The watch is equipped with an alarm, bluetooth functions, a chronograph, day and date display and a world timer. It is a common misconception that solar movements are not especially powerful, but this timepiece absolutely proves that this is not true. The watch features a blue and black dial with bold hands and indices and small digital displays and a sub dial. This timepiece equips the wearer with everything they could possibly need in their daily routines. The dial is protected by sapphire glass and framed by a black PVD plated stainless steel case. A matching black PVD bracelet will secure that watch on the wrist.
Bering Women’s Solar Watch Gold/Silver 14631-024
Bering watches are all designed with the beauty of the Arctic at their heart. The colours used in each of the brand’s timepieces are taken from Arctic landscaped. This is because the founder of the brand is so heavily influenced by his father’s travels to this far off location. The watch features a silver dial with gold baton indices and gold hour, minute and second hands. A matching polished gold plated stainless steel case frames the dial. The case houses rechargeable batteries that are powered by any kind of light. These batteries can power the watch for between 6 and 12 months on a single charge. The watch is finished with a stainless steel Milanese bracelet that gives the timepiece a chic and modern look.
Seiko Astron GPS Solar Black Leather Strap SSJ012J1
The Seiko Astron is a watch that made history as it was the world’s first GPS solar watch. The watch is powered by light and will automatically adjust to the correct time zone using the latest GPS technology. The solar movement is accurate to +/- 15 seconds per month and has a power reserve of up to 6 months. This timepiece exhibits a stylish black and rose gold colour scheme. Rose gold is a very on-trend metal at the moment and therefore adds a contemporary edge to this timepiece. The black dial features rose gold details and a date aperture. It is framed by a black ceramic bezel and a rose gold plated stainless steel case. This watch is secured on the wrist using a classic black leather bracelet that fastens securely using a three-fold clasp with push-button release. Additionally, this watch is water resistant up to 100 metres.
Citizen Women’s Eco-Drive Chronograph Bracelet FB1444-56D
Some people believe that solar powered watches must be bulky and practical due to their technical requirements. This women’s Citizen model completely proves this wrong with its ultra-feminine and eye-catching mother of pearl dial. The dial features three sub dials and a date aperture positioned at 4 o’clock. A gold bezel and a stainless steel case surround the dial. The case houses the Eco-Drive movement that powers the watch. Citizen has become world-renowned for its Eco-Drive movements as they are some of the most popular solar powered movements in the watch industry. The case of the watch measures just 32mm in diameter to ensure for a delicate and feminine fit on the wrist. This watch is secured on the wrist using a classic two tone stainless steel bracelet. The bracelet is silver in colour with a gold stripe running though the centre of each link.
What did you think of our 10 interesting facts about solar watches? Do you know any other good facts? Let us know in the comments!
