In the petty war between quartz watch enthusiasts and staunch defenders of “real” mechanical watches, it’s a third contender that may steal the limelight. “Solar” watches indeed seem to be enjoying growing popularity. Could this make them a valid… and sustainable alternative?
What is a solar quartz movement?
If Seiko revolutionized contemporary watchmaking with its quartz Astron watch in 1969, it is another Japanese brand that is behind the mass production of solar quartz: Citizen. The Japanese company indeed launched its Eco-Drive technology in 1976, integrating solar cells capable of converting any light source (not just solar light) into electrical energy.
More concretely, photovoltaic cells are usually hidden behind the dial to capture this light source. The energy is then converted into electricity and stored in a rechargeable battery, in order to power a quartz crystal that oscillates at a very stable frequency. It is precisely the stability and regularity of these pulses that guarantee extreme precision to these watches. And since here, the energy is captured thanks to the light, the autonomy of the so-called “solar” watches is endless or almost so.
Today, despite the cutting-edge technology they seem to carry, these models do not necessarily display a sporty or “geek” look. More and more brands are even offering particularly elegant and affordable solar quartz watches.
💡Also read : Here are the different types of watch movements that you absolutely must know
Awake Origins Wild Brown
Since its creation in 2018, the young French brand Awake has established itself as the leading figure in “eco-responsible watchmaking”. From the start, it has sought to promote sustainable collections and raise public awareness of these ecological issues. Thus, even buying a watch can be part of a committed approach!
With the Origins collection, Awake has developed a watch whose 36mm case is made of infinitely recyclable steel, while the strap is made from plastic waste collected from the oceans. On the technical side as well, the focus has been on sustainability with the movement, using a Seiko solar quartz.
If the brand has made a true upgrade with its most recent watches (equipped with an automatic Miyota movement), the latest specimens from its Origins collection have not lost any of their appeal. Especially as they are very affordable today: less than 150€.
Citizen Super Titanium
Pioneering solar quartz in the mid-1970s, the Citizen brand still relies on its Eco-Drive technology today, incorporating it into both its diving watches and its sporty chic chronographs.
What is less well known is that Citizen also developed the first titanium watch in the world in 1979, the X-8 Chronometer. Forty-five years later, it therefore brings together these two innovations in a single model, the Super Titanium.
Next to the mechanical versions and 3 needles, it’s this Chronograph model that we prefer, available in three very successful textured dials: dark blue, turquoise and white for a timeless panda look. These variants are equipped with the Eco-Drive B620 caliber and available starting from 449€.
Ice Watch Solar Power
Less avant-garde than Citizen on the topic, Ice Watch launched its first solar energy watch in 2020. In search of a second wind after gaining a lot of attention in the early 2010s, the Belgian brand managed a nice move with this colorful and inexpensive watch.
Equipped with a 36 or 40 mm diameter polyamide case and a silicone strap, the Ice Solar Power is a real lightweight. Faithful to the style that made the brand strong, this watch stands out for its Miyota 2085 movement, which recharges with light. Its last asset is obviously its price: accessible from 99€, it still positions itself as Swatch’s biggest enemy!
Kelton Green Sun
Kelton was already one of our favorite brands to find a stylish, affordable watch, sometimes for less than €100. An icon of the 1960s-70s, it has made a nice comeback in the limelight in recent years, remaining true to its DNA and without neglecting the quality of its products (as evidenced by its highly successful collaboration with Chapal).
We find the typically Kelton style with this sleek 37 mm diameter aluminium case and this equally minimalist dial with a railroad minute track, 3 hands and sparse indices (only the 6 and the 9, in addition to the date and the mention of Kelton).
The main innovation is located “behind” the dial since solar sensors allow to power the Epson AS 32 movement. 15 minutes of exposure per day are enough to operate the watch daily. And if the battery is empty, just expose it to light for 5 hours to regain 4 months of power reserve! All this for a price of 195€.
Seiko Prospex Speedtimer
First quartz watch in history at the end of the 1960s, Seiko’s Astron now comes in a “solar quartz” version in order to perpetuate its legacy. But more generally, this technology remains very present in the collections of the Japanese brand and it is within the Prospex family that the most coveted models are found.
Starting with this Prospex Speedtimer SFJ001P1, powered by the 8A50 solar chronograph caliber. Offering a power reserve of 6 months in darkness, this allows the watch to measure time to 1/100th of a second. With its three pushers and its crown on the case (42 mm in diameter), its panda dial, and its steel bracelet, this Seiko certainly does not lack character. Its price, meanwhile, is set at 890€.
Among other references on the market, Casio and G-Shock solar watches have also been a safe bet for several years, stylish and (especially) very robust. In a different category, brands like Fossil, Nixon or even Pierre Lannier also offer affordable models.
Finally, while Garmin remains essential for the ultimate geeks, Tissot is also a major player in the solar watch market, especially thanks to its smartwatch T-Touch Connect Solar.
[bzkshopping keyword=”solar watch” count=”8″]