Now that the sun is (hopefully!) here to stay, why not make the most of it with a solar-powered watch? Sustainably-powered watches are rapidly growing in popularity as people are reaching for more environmentally friendly alternatives for their wristwear. Just like standard battery-powred quartz watches, solar-powered quartz watches are convenient and low maintenance. However, due to their rechargeable nature, they are arguably better in that the battery will last longer. But, one of the best things about watches that run on solar power is that many charge themselves from both natural and artificial light. So, whilst our ensuing Best Summertime Solar-powered Watches list recommends models for the sunnier seasons, these watches won’t become obsolete when the rainier months hit.
Our Best Summertime Solar-powered Watches
Citizen Women’s Moonphase Eco-Drive (36.5mm) Mother-of-Pearl Dial / Gold Stainless Steel Bracelet FD0002-57D
Opening up our best summertime solar-powered watches list is, of course, a Citizen Eco-drive. One of the pioneering solar technologies of the industry, Citizen’s Eco-drive has made a name for itself over the years. It takes power from both natural and artificial lighting, giving it even more versatility. Moreover, thanks to its Eco-drive technology, the watch is able to last up to six months on a single full charge.
Perfect for the summer, the warm sheen of its all-over gold-tone stainless steel bracelet and case catches the sunlight beautifully. Framed within the 36.5mm case is a white mother-of-pearl dial with a subtle iridescent shimmer to it. Upon it are three subdials, which display the weekday, month and moon phases. To optimise the limited dial space, a date ring encircles the design and is indicated through the watch’s fourth hand. In addition to the luxurious gold-tone hour, minute, second and date hands, the dial also has diamond-set indices.
Garmin Fenix 7S Pro Sapphire Solar Carbon Gray DLC Titanium Black Band 010-02776-11
One of Garmin’s most recent releases, the fēnix 7S Pro is next up on our list. Although it’s one of the smallest in the fēnix range, it’s still mighty. Shielded by its 42mm carbon grey fibre-reinforced polymer case is its solar-powered battery. It boasts an impressive 14 days of power in smartwatch mode, or alternatively, 46 hours in GPS. Indeed, for a watch of its stature and performance, this is an incredibly generous power reserve.
Equipped with abundant functionality, there is ample to love about the fēnix 7S Pro beyond its mechanics. In addition to its multitude of sports profiles, there are extensive performance-enhancing applications. These include new hill and endurance scores, PacePro technology, an HRV status as well as personalised morning and training reports. Moreover, its multi-band GPS ability and SatIQ™ technology allow for ultra-precise tracking when training out in the open. To this end, it also has a handy TopoActive map repository and Up Ahead navigation prompts to keep you on track.
Finishing touches like the titanium bezel, PowerSapphire™ glass touchscreen and black silicone strap also ensure that the watch is resilient against everyday training pressures yet comfortable to wear.
Casio G-Shock Bluetooth Full Metal 2100 Series Bronze Toned Watch GM-B2100GD-5AER
This Casio G-Shock Mixed Metals piece is another one of our best summertime solar-powered watches. Featuring a stylish bronze-tone stainless steel build, it’s another model that is bound to catch the sunlight beautifully. Its 44.4 mm case frames a matte black analogue dial with additional digital displays for optimal functionality. Some of its many features include alarms, a countdown timer, a stopwatch, and a weekday and date display. You can also track more than one time zone with the world-time function, perfect for a summer adventure away from home. Additionally, ingenious practical features like the hand shift function, display illumination and battery level indicator keep your watch performing to the best of its ability.
It’s also equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, which powers further useful functions like a phone finder.
Seiko Prospex ‘Panda’ One Hundredth Of A Second Speedtimer Solar Chronograph SFJ001P1
Another new 2023 model is this solar-powered Seiko Prospex Speedtimer. Aside from its mighty 8A50 solar-powered movement, one of the central appeals of this watch is its quirky dial design. Seiko is known to always be ahead of the rest, and aesthetically, it really pushed the boat out with this model. Instead of a main dial, the watch’s functions are split between four black subdials instead. Although perhaps controversial, this layout greatly improves the clarity of the dial by breaking down each of its functions.
But this watch is more than just its charming panda dial. Measuring time to one-hundredth of a second, the model’s high-precision chronograph is another staple appeal. Moreover, each chronograph subdial has luminescent elements to ensure it’s readable even in the dark. A 42mm stainless steel case protects these functions and fuses effortlessly into the stainless steel bracelet. Unique but high-performing, this Seiko is a great summertime solar watch.
Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Promaster Green Silicone Strap WR200 BN0228-06W
Last but by no means least, we could not resist adding another Citizen Eco-drive model. At the centre of its funky green colour scheme is a camo-print dial with luminescent lime green indices and hands. For added functionality, a neat date display replaces the 3 o’clock hour marker. Playing into the vibrant green theme, both the internal bezel and black external bezel also feature green indices.
Offering optimal protection, a super titanium case houses the dial and movement. It measures a hearty 47mm in diameter, so the watch is truly unmissable on the wrist. Adding to the watch’s durability, a sturdy mineral crystal encases the dial and helps to lock in 200 metres of water resistance. Finishing the design is a comfortable green polyurethane strap.
And that concludes the list of our best summertime solar-powered watches! What do you think of our contenders, are there any that you would add? Let us know in the comments.
