Solar watches are still in fashion and compete in a completely different market from smartwatches. Why? For the simple reason that they not only work completely automatically but also do not affect the environment by using energy derived from the Sun.
Also, sundials have “elegant” as a second definition, so being fashionable will not be complicated. Logically, solar-charged watches come in different colors and styles for all tastes. There are many on the market, so you can easily find interesting models.
Next, we are going to detail several aspects of sundials, in addition to presenting you with a compilation of some of the best models that can be purchased. You will also find maintenance tips, features, prices, and our opinion about them. For doubts, questions, or suggestions, do not hesitate to write to us through the comments panel at the end of the article.
9 Best Solar Watches You Need to Buy [year]
1. Garmin Enduro Solar Watch
We start with this compilation with one of the smartwatches with solar charging with the best autonomy on the market today. And the fact is that the Garmin Enduro, beyond being a very complete smartwatch for both adventurers and athletes as well as for ordinary and casual users, is a multipurpose wearable that also has tactical functions, among others.
The autonomy of this watch can vary greatly, depending on its use. With the solar charging function activated, in smartwatch mode, it can stay on and run for up to 65 days; in power-saving smartwatch mode (very limited features), for up to 1 year; in GPS mode, for up to 80 hours; and in expedition GPS activity mode, for up to 95 days, which is ideal, especially for hikers and adventurers.
Moving on to talk about other characteristics and technical specifications of the Garmin Enduro, we find that it is wearable with a circular format that has a 1.4-inch color screen with Power Glass for resistance and a resolution of 280 x 280 pixels.
This smartwatch, in addition to having integrated GPS, comes with Bluetooth low consumption, ANT + connectivity, and NFC for making contactless payments with Garmin Pay, GLONASS, and Galileo. It also has 10 ATMs (100 meters) water resistance, music playback control, and sports and activity tracking such as golf, swimming, running, cycling, and more. Of course, it comes with a heart rate monitor, sleep quality tracking function, accelerometer, barometric altimeter, gyroscope, compass, and blood oxygen level measurement function.
2. Garmin Instinct Solar Watch
The Garmin Instinct Solar stands out for its great autonomy that can be extended up to 54 days in smartwatch mode, so the smartwatch can use advanced functions without greatly reducing its benefits.
In its energy-saving mode, it can even reach 56 days, a figure that can be exceeded for a longer time thanks to the solar charging function, which, in its GPS expedition mode, is capable of reaching up to 68 days of autonomy.
Depending on the use that is given to the smartwatch, the autonomy can be extended much more. That is why we place the Garmin Instinct Solar first, as it is one of the best solar-charged smartwatches in this collection.
On the other hand, the advanced activity tracking functions in this model are not conspicuous by their absence, such as heart rate monitoring, calorie counter, stress and sleep monitor, and expedition functions, among others that allow tracking various sports. and activities such as swimming, cycling, and running. Its water resistance is 10 ATMs (100 meters).
Garmin Instinct Solar Key Features:
- Advanced health, activity, and sports monitoring features
- Heart rate, sleep, and stress sensor
- Sensors such as altimeters, barometer, compasses, gyroscopes, and accelerometers
- VO2 monitor
- GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo
- Music Control
- 10 ATM water resistance (100 meters)
- Autonomy of up to 68 days or more (depending on use)
3. Garmin Fenix 6X Pro Solar and 6S Pro Solar Watch
Both models start from the same series but have different sizes of watch faces: 51 mm for the Fenix 6X Pro Solar and 42 mm for the Fenix 6S Pro Solar. The size of these is not the only thing that varies between them; autonomy does too.
In question, the first can extend its use time on a single charge for up to 21 days in smartwatch mode, a figure that can be extended for 3 more days thanks to the solar charging function, while the second is capable of reaching 9 days in this mode, extendable up to 10.5 days of use with solar charging.
In GPS expedition mode, the Fenix 6X Pro Solar is capable of standing for up to 56 days, while its small version can stand for up to 26 days. Both can extend their autonomy even more if their advanced GPS and tracking functions are not used, it is worth noting.
Fenix 6X Pro Solar and 6S Pro Solar Features:
- Huge 32GB storage space for music and more
- Advanced health, activity, and sports monitoring features
- 10 ATM water resistance (100 meters)
- Heart rate, sleep, and stress sensor
- Sensors such as altimeters, barometers, compasses, gyroscopes, and accelerometers
- VO2 monitor
- GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo
- Music Control
4. Matrix PowerWatch 2
Charging a smartwatch every day or every few days can be tedious. For those who want to get rid of this act, there is the Matrix PowerWatch 2, a watch with activity tracking functions that never needs to be charged, thanks to the solar charging function that presents together a thermoelectric charge that uses body heat to charge your battery at all times.
It comes with a heart rate sensor and must-have sport and activity tracking functions for athletes. Besides, it has 20 ATMs (200 meters) water resistance, GPS, and a 1.2-inch screen that has the Always-on Display function, also known as the Always-on screen.
PowerWatch 2 Key Features:
- It never needs to be charged thanks to its solar charge and thermoelectric charge (body heat)
- 200-meter water resistance
- Heart rate monitor and sports and activity tracking
- GPS
5. Casio G-SHOCK GWR-B1000-1A1ER Solar Watch
This smartwatch is another that has great autonomy thanks to its solar panels, which catch the sun’s rays to store them in the form of backup energy for the battery. These allow you to offer up to 5 months of autonomy on a single full charge, and up to 18 months (1 year and a half) with the maximum power saving function, which stops the hands for increased autonomy.
Casio G-SHOCK GWR-B100A-1A1ER Main Features:
- 20 ATM water resistance (200 meters)
- Low consumption Bluetooth
- Resistant to impacts, centrifugal force, and vibrations
- Dual time and up to 27 time zones
- Stopwatch, timer, calendar, and alarm
6. Casio G-SHOCK AWG-M100A-1AER Solar Watch
Its solar charge and average autonomy of 6 months is the reason why the Casio G-SHOCK AWG-M100A-1AER is on this list. This smartwatch is a little more modest than the previously described Casio, but that does not mean that it does not have similar functions and resistance to shocks and water of 20 ATM (200 meters). It also makes use of multiple time zones, calendars, timers, alarms, and more.
Casio G-SHOCK AWG-M100A-1AER Features:
- Autonomy of up to 6 months
- Shock resistant
- Dual time and multiple time zones
- Stopwatch, timer, calendar, and alarm
- 200-meter water resistance
7. Seiko SSC719P1 Solar Watch
This watch stands out among the ones we list in this compilation for being one of the most luxurious and attractive at the design level. Its elegance makes it stand out in high-profile events, without letting the user go unnoticed. The good thing is that it is not the only appearance, but it has basic functions that cannot be lacking in everyday life, and only some of these include a stopwatch, calendar, and alarms.
The Seiko SSC719P1 is constructed of high-quality, high-strength, corrosion-resistant polished stainless steel. In turn, it boasts a water resistance of 10 ATMs (100 meters). However, the most interesting thing is its autonomy, which can be up to 6 months with a single charge.
Seiko SSC719P1 Features:
- Luxurious design with elegant hands and details
- Autonomy of up to 6 months with average use
- Stopwatch, calendar, and alarms
- Constructed of high strength and quality stainless steel
- High durability Hardlex glass
- Water resistance of 100 meters
8. Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Solar Watch
The Citizen Eco-Drive ProMaster has a diamond carbon coating, which makes it resistant to a depth of up to 200 meters in water, and boasts a range of up to 330 days (11 months), which is provided by panels solar panels inserted into the smartwatch.
It comes with an alarm, date, and stopwatch function, and has a 52.5 mm diameter watch face and a body that weighs about 1777 grams in total, with a strap included.
Citizen Eco-Drive ProMaster features:
- Solar charging with the autonomy of up to 11 months
- Water resistance up to 200 meters
- Immersion depth measurement function up to 70 meters
- Basic clock functions
- Strong body made of anti-corrosion materials
- Humidity sensor
9. Citizen Eco-Drive GPS Solar Watch
The Citizen Eco-Drive GPS Solar differs from most smartwatches of its kind thanks to the fact that it uses not only sunlight to charge but any type of light, even artificial light. This means that it never needs to be loaded manually.
It also boasts a striking and elegant aesthetic, which stands out for its body made of stainless steel. Besides, based on its main functions, it has a GPS satellite timing system with a global reception area and basic functions of time and date, alarms, calendar, stopwatch, timer, and 27 time zones. It also has a water resistance of 100 meters.
Citizen Eco-Drive GPS Solar Features:
- 27 time zones
- It never needs to be loaded
- Can be charged by sunlight and any type of light
- Water resistance of 100 meters
- GPS satellite timing system with global reception area
- Stopwatch, timer, calendar, and date and time functions
Tips for Maintenance and Recharging of a Sundial
What kind of maintenance does a sundial require? If there are still doubts, the good news is that they don’t need much. Of course, there are some points to consider in this regard, such as: changing the rubber seal of water-resistant watches every two or three years so that its resistance remains effective.
Also, it is necessary to prevent damage caused by extreme temperature changes. If that is not taken into account, the performance of the watch will suffer. Concerning the strap, it all comes down to the type of material it was made from because each one needs a different cleaning method. The most common types of straps are:
- Leather – Wipe off sweat and moisture with a towel as soon as possible.
- Metal – To avoid rust and corrosion, clean with a towel using neutral detergent and water.
- Polyurethane – It can be cleaned with ordinary water without any problem.
How to recharge the solar battery quickly?
The first thing to note is that solar-charged watch owners who repeatedly go outside and have direct contact with sunlight, probably don’t need to wear anything else. In case you do not know the exact life of the battery, several models provide an indicator and the rest would be to charge it quickly.
It is also good to be in an optimal place where sunlight is available, such as near a window. On the other hand, in warmer climates, it can take up to 30 hours for the solar-charged watch to fully charge. In case the temperature is cold, it can take twice as long.
What to do if you live in a place where there is hardly any sun?
If you live in a place where sunlight is not so present, such as in Nordic countries where the days are very short in hell, it is best to buy a solar watch that is capable of charging its battery with artificial light. This type of light is generated utilizing electricity (halogen lamps, fluorescent lights, light bulbs, LEDs, etc.)
When an optimal light source is available, the watch should be 20 inches away for recharging. It should also be mentioned that it is not as efficient a method compared to natural sunlight since, if you want to fully charge the watch with artificial light, it can take up to 150 hours, that is, several whole days.
How do sundials work?
In the same way as other devices, some smartwatches work by being “powered” by solar energy thanks to a solar cell also known as a photovoltaic cell. These cells do their job by converting sunlight or solar radiation into energy and then converting it into electricity, which is used to supply watch batteries.
The solar panel is normally located on the back of the glass and the sphere can be located on the top of the solar panel, in some cases, it is also directly on the solar panel. Likewise, photovoltaic cells have progressively evolved by improving their capacity and resistance since they first came out in the 1970s.
There is not much difference compared to a traditional watch, the interesting thing is in the ability to save energy. Like any other conventional watch, it shows the time and, depending on the type of make/model, it has other peculiarities such as for example, alarms, stopwatches, timers, or even smarter functions, etc. Finally, sundials can be analog and digital, even hybrids.
Solar-charged Watches Buying Guide [Year]
Strap Type
When deciding to choose a good sundial or any other type, the first thing to consider is that it is an object that will be on the wrist most of the time. A watch with a stainless steel strap could be a great alternative to dressing both formally and casually. Likewise, the option of going traditional and using a leather strap is still good, although more resistant straps made of textile materials or silicone are very fashionable lately.
Durability
The next most important thing is to ask yourself “For what purpose is my sundial?” If you intend to wear a watch wearing formal clothes, it means that it will have a minimum use in energy and duration. If it is intended to be used for athletic activities or hiking, it is appropriate to find one that will withstand the periodic load that the user gives it. For both cases, there will always be exceptions.
On the other hand, for those looking to dive into the water, the G-Shock Frogman watch is appropriate to withstand the pressure of up to 650 meters deep. There are also devices for taking long walks because they have altimeters, as is the case with the Tissot T-touch.
Alternative Charging method
Of course, the attraction of a solar-charged watch is that it works with the sun’s energy. However, some models also have their traditional charging mode, an option to consider if you live in areas where there is not much sunlight. Having a hybrid watch will ensure greater security, which is why it is good to consider.
Without further ado, below we leave you with a list of the best sundials that can be found currently for sale. Obviously, we have tried to cover different price ranges to meet the needs and budgets of all users. We’ve even added a solar-charged hybrid smartwatch that more than one person is sure to like.
Conclusion
In case you want to buy one of the best sundials on the market, then it would be good to consider the options presented in this article. However, as we had already indicated at the beginning of the article, at this time you can find more and more models of sundials.
The Casio G-Shock is becoming more and more intelligent, such as the Casio G-Shock MRG-G2000R-1A or the Casio G-Shock Rangeman GPR-B1000, two impressive watches that provide Bluetooth connectivity, GPS, and many other functions. interesting Of course, their prices are not that low, so we have also tried to present good and cheap sundials, as well as some slightly more expensive models.
We hope this article has helped you find a sundial adjusted to your needs. If you have suggestions, or doubts, or if you simply want to share your experience with a sundial, you can do so through the comment form below.
