If you want to avoid the hassle of replacing the batteries on a watch regularly, then solar watches are the right investment. Solar watches harness the power of the sun to keep ticking, offering impressive battery life and durability. On a single day of sun exposure, the battery can last for up to 12 months. We have tested the best solar watches in the market and put them together in this blog post to help you find the perfect match for your individual needs and lifestyle.
Top 3 Factors To Consider:
- Power Reserve: This indicates how long the watch can run on a single charge or under solar exposure. Longer power reserves mean less frequent charging.
- Light Charging Efficiency: This measures how effectively the watch uses sunlight to recharge its battery. Higher efficiency ensures better performance even in low-light conditions.
- Water Resistance: This feature determines how well the watch can withstand exposure to water. A higher water resistance rating is essential for those who need a watch for swimming or diving.
Overview Of The Best Solar Watches
| Best Solar Watches | Power Reserve | Charging Speed | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin Instinct 2S Solar Watch | 51 days of battery life | 3 hours of direct sunlight | Check On Amazon Check On Walmart |
| Garmin fēnix 7X Pro Sapphire Solar Watch | 37 days of battery life | 3 hours of direct sunlight | Check On Amazon |
| Garmin Instinct 2X Solar Watch | Infinite battery life | 3 hours of direct sunlight | Check On Amazon Check On Walmart |
| Timex Men's Expedition Scout Solar Watch | four-month power reserve | 5 Hours of direct sunlight | Check On Amazon |
| Timex Men's Expedition Gallatin Solar Watch | two-month power reserve | 3 hours of direct sunlight | Check On Walmart |
| SKMEI Fashion Solar Power Watch | - | - | Check On Walmart |
List Of The Top Solar Watches Of 2024
1. Garmin Instinct 2S Solar Watch
The Instinct 2S Solar Watch from Garmin comes with a 1.12-inch screen and offers a solid battery life of up to 51 days with solar charging. It’s perfect for those who spend a lot of time outdoors and need a watch that can handle extended use. It provides real-time health monitoring, including heart rate and sleep tracking, which is handy for keeping tabs on your well-being. The built-in sports apps are great for tracking various workouts, and the Tracback routing helps you find your way back if you get lost.
Coming with multi-GNSS support this watch can track your location using GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo which makes it a reliable companion for hiking and other outdoor activities. It’s water-resistant up to 100 meters and is built to withstand harsh conditions, including extreme temperatures and shocks. The rugged design, combined with a fiber-reinforced polymer case and scratch-resistant glass, makes it a solid choice for adventurers.
Specifications:
- Screen Size:12 Inches
- Battery Life: 48 Hours
- Power Reserve: Up to 51 days
- Charging Speed: 3 hours per day outside in 50,000 lux conditions
- Water Resistance: 100 meters
- Material: Fiber-reinforced polymer case, scratch-resistant glass
- Special Feature: Recovery Time, MTB Dynamics, Wrist-Based Heart Rate, Stress Tracking, Sleep Score, Body Battery™, Pulse Ox, Fitness Age, Multi-GNSS Support, ABC Sensors,3-axis compass
Pros:
- Has a scratch-resistant glass
- long battery life with solar charging
- Comprehensive workout features
- Has built-in sports apps
- Provides connectivity with smartphones
Cons:
- The temperature reading is not accurate
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2. Garmin fēnix 7X Pro Sapphire Solar Watch
The built-in flashlight on the Garmin fēnix 7X Pro Sapphire Solar Watch offers variable intensities and strobe modes for nighttime visibility and emergencies. This is something we found especially useful for night hiking or running. Additionally, the new hill score and endurance score features provide deeper insights into your performance and progress, which is valuable for serious athletes. This smartwatch has a larger 1.4-inch display, which makes it easier to read compared to smaller models.
Its solar charging capability extends battery life significantly, with up to 37 days in smartwatch mode and an impressive 122 hours in GPS mode. The fēnix 7X Pro can withstand tough conditions with its titanium bezel and scratch-resistant sapphire lens. It is water-resistant and has advanced navigation sensors, including multi-band GPS and SatIQ technology for accurate positioning. On the downside, the price is on the higher side, and it may be overkill for casual users who don’t need all the advanced features. It’s also relatively heavy, which might not be comfortable for everyone.
Specifications:
- Screen Size:4 Inches
- Special Feature: Touchscreen, Bluetooth
- Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB
- Battery Life: 37 Hours
- Power Reserve: 37 days
- Charging Speed: 3 hours per day outside in 50,000 lux conditions, 122 hours in GPS mode with solar charging
- Water Resistance: 100 meters
- Material: Titanium bezel
- Additional Features: LED flashlight, hill score, endurance score, advanced navigation sensors
Pros:
- Built-in LED flashlight with multiple modes
- Has durable titanium bezel
- Accurate GPS and multi-band technology
- Scratch-resistant sapphire lens
- Extensive preloaded maps
Cons:
- High price point
3. Garmin Instinct 2X Solar Watch
With a polymer case that meets U.S. military standards for thermal, shock, and water resistance the Garmin Instinct 2X Solar Watch’s build is rugged and long-lasting. It includes a built-in LED flashlight, which is useful for low-light conditions, and a 1.27-inch display that offers a decent screen size for reading notifications and tracking metrics. The solar charging feature is impressive which extends the battery life indefinitely with regular exposure to sunlight.
The Instinct 2X Solar also provides comprehensive health monitoring, including heart rate and sleep tracking. The multi-band GPS technology enhances location accuracy and is great for navigation in remote areas. On the downside, the watch lacks advanced sports metrics and features found in higher-end models, which could be a drawback for serious athletes.
Specifications:
- Screen Size:27 Inches
- Memory Storage Capacity: 64 MB
- Battery Capacity: 4 Milliamp Hours
- Battery Cell Composition: Lithium Polymer
- Power Reserve: Infinite battery life with solar charging
- Charging Speed: 3 hours of direct sunlight (50,000 lux)
- Water Resistance: 100 meters
- Material: Fiber-reinforced polymer case
- Additional Features: 24/7 health tracking, torchlight feature with SOS strobe mode, 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter
Pros:
- Infinite battery life with solar exposure
- Built-in LED flashlight with SOS strobe mode
- Military standard thermal, shock, and water resistance
- Accurate multi-band GPS
Cons:
- No advanced altitude tracking
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4. Timex Men’s Expedition Scout Solar Watch
The Expedition Scout Solar Watch from Timex features a 40mm gunmetal gray brass case with a mineral crystal, and the gray dial with full Arabic numerals is easy to read. The adjustable brown stitched leather strap can fit wrists up to 8 inches, making it versatile for different wrist sizes. The watch’s solar-powered mechanism charges with any light source and has a four-month power reserve.
The luminous hands and date window at 3 o’clock are practical and the water resistance of up to 50 meters is decent, allowing for some recreational swimming but not suitable for diving. One downside is the longer charging time of about 5 hours, which might not be as convenient as quicker-charging options. Overall, Timex Men’s Expedition Scout Solar Watch is good for everyday use but not for more rugged outdoor activities.
Specifications:
- Strap Material: Leather
- Strap Width: 20mm
- Case Diameter: 40mm
- Case Material: Brass
- Crystal Type: Mineral
- Dial Color: Gray
- Numerals: Full Arabic
- Date Window: 3 o’clock
- Water Resistance: 50m
- Power Reserve: Four months
- Charging Speed: 5 hours
- Functionality: Basic solar-powered, date display
- Adjustable Strap: Up to 8 inches
Pros:
- Durable brass case
- Adjustable leather strap fits various wrist sizes
- A timeless aesthetic that suits many styles
Cons:
- Longer charging time compared to other models
5. Timex Men’s Expedition Gallatin Solar Watch
Compared to the Scout model, the Timex Men’s Expedition Gallatin Solar Watch has a larger case and a more robust design. The partial Arabic numerals and date window at 3 o’clock are functional, though the acrylic lens is less durable than mineral crystal. The 50 meters of water resistance is similar to the Scout, making it suitable for swimming but not for underwater activities. The nylon strap is adjustable and can fit up to an 8-inch wrist, which is a nice feature for various users.
This 45mm watch features a green/black nylon strap and a black resin case, which gives it a durable, no-fuss look. The solar-powered feature with a two-month power reserve is low but still works for basic use. The watch charges in about 3 hours, which is relatively quick and convenient for those who are often on the go.
Specifications:
- Strap Material: Nylon
- Strap Width: 22mm
- Case Diameter: 45mm
- Case Material: Resin
- Crystal Type: Acrylic
- Date Window: 3 o’clock
- Water Resistance: 50m
- Power Reserve: Two months
- Charging Speed: 3 hours
- Adjustable Strap: up to 8 inches
Pros:
- The nylon strap is durable and breathable
- Easy-to-read dial with date window
- Good value for money with solar functionality
- A larger case diameter provides better visibility
Cons:
- Shorter power reserve compared to some models
6. SKMEI Fashion Solar Power Watch
The SKMEI Fashion Solar Power Watch combines analog and digital displays, which is great if you like having both formats available on your watch. The stainless steel construction gives it a sturdy feel, and its 50 meters of water resistance means it can handle some splashes, though it’s not meant for underwater activities like diving.
The watch includes a range of functions like an alarm clock, a month and date display, a chronograph, and an hourly chime. In terms of functionality, this SKMEI watch offers a lot for its price, with various features that could be useful in daily life. It’s an excellent option if you want a watch that provides both analog and digital timekeeping along with extra functions.
Specifications:
- Case Material: Stainless Steel
- Water Resistance: 50m
- Additional Features: Alarm Clock, Month and Date, Chronograph, Hourly Chime
Pros:
- Combines analog and digital displays
- Includes multiple functions like alarm and chronograph
- Sturdy stainless steel construction
- Compact and sporty design
Cons:
- Water resistance is not suitable for diving
Buying Guide: Best Solar Watches
When choosing the best solar watch, it’s crucial to understand several key factors that affect performance and durability. Here’s a detailed buying guide to help you make an informed decision:
1. Power Reserve
The power reserve indicates how long the watch will run before needing additional sunlight exposure or charging.
- Standard Range: Typically between 1 to 6 months, depending on the model and usage.
- Extended Battery Life: Some high-end models offer virtually infinite power reserves with sufficient daily sunlight exposure.
Consider A watch with a longer power reserve that reduces the frequency of recharging or exposure to sunlight, making it more convenient for extended use.
2. Light Charging Efficiency
This measures how effectively the watch converts light into energy to recharge its battery.
- Lux Rating: Higher lux ratings indicate better charging efficiency. Common ratings range from 50,000 lux to 100,000 lux.
- Charging Speed: Evaluate how quickly the watch charges in direct sunlight, often noted as hours per day needed (e.g., 3 hours per day in 50,000 lux).
Consider a watch with higher charging efficiency and shorter required sunlight exposure is more practical for regular use and quicker recharges.
3. Water Resistance
Water resistance indicates how well the watch can withstand exposure to water.
- Ratings: Measured in meters, with common ratings like 30m (splash resistant), 100m (suitable for swimming), and 200m (suitable for diving).
- Usage: Choose based on your activities; for daily wear, 100m is typically sufficient, while diving may require 200m or more.
Ensure the water resistance rating matches your intended activities to prevent water damage during use.
4. Material
The materials used in the watch affect its durability, weight, and comfort.
- Case Material: Common options include stainless steel, titanium, and polymer. Stainless steel offers durability and a premium feel, while polymer is lighter and more impact-resistant.
- Lens Material: Sapphire crystal is highly scratch-resistant, while mineral glass is more affordable but less durable.
Choose materials that offer a balance between durability, weight, and comfort based on your personal preferences and intended use.
5. Additional Features
Extra features enhance the watch’s functionality and user experience.
- GPS: Integrated GPS for navigation and tracking.
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Useful for fitness tracking.
- Altimeter/Barometer: Measures altitude and weather conditions.
- Built-In Flashlight: Helpful for nighttime visibility.
Evaluate additional features based on your specific needs, such as fitness tracking or outdoor navigation, to enhance the watch’s functionality.
6. Additional Features In Solar Watches
Solar-specific features that maximize the benefits of solar charging.
- Solar Lens Efficiency: Some watches feature enhanced solar lenses that improve light conversion efficiency.
- Power Manager: Allows users to monitor and manage power usage to extend battery life.
- Automatic Light Adjustment: Adjusts brightness and power consumption based on lighting conditions.
Choosing solar-specific features like enhanced lens efficiency and power management can significantly improve the watch’s performance and usability.
7. Display Type And Visibility
The display type affects readability and usability in different lighting conditions.
- Type: Options include analog, digital, or hybrid displays. Digital displays are typically easier to read in low light conditions, while analog might offer better aesthetics.
- Backlight: Some watches feature backlighting or illumination for improved visibility in the dark.
- Contrast And Clarity: Look for high contrast between the digits and the background for better readability.
Choose a high-contrast digital display with an adjustable backlight is ideal for varying lighting conditions and ease of reading.
8. Durability And Build Quality
Durability impacts how well the watch withstands everyday wear and harsh conditions.
- Shock Resistance: Indicates the watch’s ability to endure impacts and vibrations. Look for models with shock resistance ratings or military standards.
- Scratch Resistance: Check if the watch has scratch-resistant features like a sapphire crystal or reinforced glass.
- Build Quality: Examine the craftsmanship and materials used in the watch’s construction for overall longevity.
Choose a watch with shock-resistant and scratch-resistant materials that is suitable for rugged use and outdoor adventures.
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FAQs:
A solar watch is a timepiece that uses solar energy to power its movements. It contains a solar panel under the dial that converts light into electrical energy, which charges the watch’s battery. This allows the watch to run without regular battery replacements, making it more eco-friendly and convenient.
Solar watches have a photovoltaic cell, often located under the dial, that captures light (both natural and artificial). This light is converted into electrical energy, which is then stored in a rechargeable battery. The stored energy powers the watch and keeps it running. Most solar watches can run for months on a single charge, depending on usage and exposure to light.
* Eco-Friendly: Reduces the need for battery replacements, which can be harmful to the environment.
* Low Maintenance: No need to replace batteries regularly.
* Convenience: Often has a longer battery life and can be charged by any light source.
* Cost-Effective: Reduces the long-term cost of battery replacements.
The battery life of a solar watch can vary depending on the model and usage. Generally, solar watches have a power reserve ranging from several months to a few years on a single charge. Some high-end models offer virtually unlimited battery life with regular exposure to sunlight.
* Light Intensity: Brighter light sources, like direct sunlight, are more effective at charging the watch.
* Exposure Time: Longer exposure to light improves the charging efficiency.
* Solar Panel Quality: The efficiency of the photovoltaic cell in converting light to energy can vary between models.
Many solar watches are designed to be water-resistant, with ratings that indicate their ability to withstand exposure to water. Water resistance is usually specified in meters (e.g., 30m, 100m, 200m) and can range from splash resistance to suitable for diving. Always check the water resistance rating of the specific model to ensure it meets your needs.
Solar watches can be made from a variety of materials, including:
* Stainless Steel: Offers durability and a classic look.
* Titanium: Lightweight and highly resistant to scratches.
* Polymer: Provides a more affordable and lightweight option.
* Sapphire Crystal: Highly resistant to scratches and impacts.
While solar watches are designed to be charged by any light source, they perform best with regular exposure to bright light. In low light conditions, such as indoors or during cloudy days, the watch may charge more slowly. However, most solar watches have a power reserve that can last through periods of low light.
* Regular Light Exposure: Ensure the watch gets regular exposure to light to maintain its charge.
* Clean the Solar Panel: Gently clean the solar panel with a soft cloth to ensure efficient light absorption.
* Avoid Extreme Conditions: Protect the watch from extreme temperatures and harsh conditions to prolong its lifespan.
* Power Reserve: Look for models with a long power reserve for fewer charging cycles.
* Charging Efficiency: Consider watches with high charging efficiency for quicker recharges.
* Water Resistance: Ensure the watch is water-resistant to suit your lifestyle and activities.
* Durability: Check for robust materials and features like scratch resistance and shock resistance.
* Additional Features: Depending on your needs, look for features such as GPS, heart rate monitoring, or a built-in flashlight.
Conclusion
We hope this blog has helped you pave the path to finding the best solar watch for your needs. With detailed reviews and insights into key factors like power reserve, light charging efficiency, and durability, we believe you’re now better equipped to make an informed decision.
