SOLAR WATCHES manage a special space in the watch world. In many ways they are the proverbial middle child between a mechanical watch and a quartz watch. These solar-powered cards tend to be slightly more expensive than a quartz watch, but also less expensive than a well-made mechanical watch. Although solar-powered timepieces have been around for decades, they have only recently become popular with watch collectors.
So who is solar watch for? In many ways, the best solar watches are suitable for all types of use. They may appeal to people looking for an everyday watch that will never break – quality solar-powered watches can last for years, if not decades – and they may appeal to people who spend a lot of time outdoors and need a reliable watch that can take a beating . bruising. What you get with a solar powered watch is consistency, and in a world where products aren’t “made like they used to be”, the only thing you can guarantee with a quality solar powered watch is the ability to read the time until the cows come home.
Ahead, we’ve rounded up the 11 best solar watches we know of right now. Some of our picks are more style forward, while others are built for recreation and training. Many of these watches are old-fashioned analog watches, while others are smartwatches that – if necessary – can get a little power from a charger in case your watch has been left in the dark for too long. Ready to get to the good stuff?
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Best tested
resident
Men’s Eco-Drive Promaster Sea diving watch
| Housing size | 44mm |
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| Water resistance | 200m |
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The best for marathon training
Garmin
Forerunner® 955 solar power
| Housing size | 46.5mm |
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| Water resistance | 50m |
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Best solar watch for new buyers
Timex
Expedition North Field Post Solar 41mm
| Housing size | 41mm |
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| Water resistance | 100 meter |
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Best rugged solar powered smartwatch
Garmin
Garmin Instinct 2 Solar, Tactical Edition
| Housing size | 45mm |
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| Water resistance | 100 meter |
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Best eco-friendly solar powered watch
Nixon
Light wave
| Housing size | 37mm |
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| Water resistance | 100 meter |
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Strongest solar watch
Seiko
Prospex “Arnie” watch
| Housing size | 47.8mm |
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| Water resistance | 200m |
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Longest reserve battery life
G-shock
GMB2100D-1A watch
| Housing size | 44.4mm |
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| Water resistance | 200m |
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Most stylish solar watch
MVMT
Blacktop II Solar, Terra sand
| Housing size | 47mm |
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| Water resistance | 50m |
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Best solar powered diving watch
far
D4 Atlantic – USA Solar 38mm
| Housing size | 38mm |
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| Water resistance | 200m |
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Best solar chronograph watch
Seiko
Prospex Speedtimer solar powered chronograph watch
| Housing size | 39mm |
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| Water resistance | 100 meter |
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Best solar hybrid smartwatch
Tissot
Unisex T-Touch Connect Solar
| Housing size | 47.50mm |
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| Water resistance | 100 meter |
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Are solar powered watches any good?
While some may be hesitant to pay a little more for a solar-powered watch as opposed to a battery-powered one, the reality is that solar-powered watches are probably the most reliable timepieces you can buy. That’s why many of the best rugged watches and diving watches are equipped with solar movements. With a solar-powered watch, you don’t have to worry about running out of battery as long as you keep it in sunlight, and you don’t have to worry about internal gears getting caught or pushed out of place.
Can a solar watch stop working?
Of course, the only downside to a solar-powered watch when it comes to battery power is that it doesn’t get enough direct sunlight to hit the watch. It is quite possible for a solar powered watch to stop working, but this is only if you keep it in places where it cannot be exposed to light. If you store your solar watch in a drawer or briefcase for a long time, or if you wear your solar watch under the sleeve of a shirt or jacket, the watch may slow down and eventually stop running.
However, most quality solar powered watches are built with backup batteries and special features to keep working in the dark for much longer than one would expect. As long as you wear your watch regularly, or leave it where sunlight can reach it, you greatly reduce the risk of your solar powered watch going out.
In the past year we have consulted with Men’s health‘s editors and writers on the best solar watches for men. Experts, including our gear and commerce editor, John Thompson, have tried out several solar-powered watches and evaluated their cost, durability, ease of use and design. We also looked at top rated solar watches that have high customer ratings on ecommerce websites we trust.
John Thompson
Equipment and trade editor
John Thompson is the Gear and Commerce Editor at Men’s Health, where he covers fashion, grooming, gear and technology.