Adventure Ready: The Best Solar Powered Watches In 2022

Whether you need to wear a watch for your job, or just like the fashion statement, watches are a great accessory. They’re both practical and stylish, and often have lots of useful features. But mechanical watches can be inaccurate and need to be winded regularly, while quartz watches can easily run out of battery. Smartwatches often use rechargeable batteries, but then you need to remember to always bring a charger.
Solar-powered watches, on the other hand, use the sun or other light sources to stay charged. If you spend a lot of time outside, a solar-powered watch is a perfect timekeeper for you as it uses solar energy to work. Best of all, most solar timepieces can provide many months of power from a single charge. Many solar watches are also built to withstand most outdoor conditions, so you can count on them in any situation or outdoor adventure.
To help you pick the right solar watch for your needs and budget, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best solar powered watches currently on the market. Some of these are affordable but reliable models best suited to beginners, while others are pricier luxury timepieces that will last you decades.
- Best Overall: Seiko Prospex Analog Stainless Steel Solar Powered Watch
- Best Dive Watch: Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Solar Powered Watch
- Rugged & Ready For Anything: Casio Master of G Stainless Steel Solar Powered Watch
- Best Luxury Solar Watch: Tissot T-Touch Expert Analog-Digital Display Watch
- Best For Outdoor Adventures: Casio Pathfinder Triple Sensor Sport Watch
- Best Stylish Watch For Hikers: Casio Pro Trek Silicone Watch
- Best Minimalist Solar Powered Watch: BERING Time Classic Collection Watch
- Best Solar Powered Dress Watch: Seiko Two-Tone Chronograph Dress Watch
- Best Rugged All Black Solar Watch: Casio G SHOCK Stainless Steel and Resin Casual Watch
- Best Everyday Solar Powered Watch: Citizen Eco-Drive Stainless Steel Watch
- Best Budget Solar Powered Watch: Casio G-Shock Shock Resistant Multifunction Watch
- Best Solar Atomic Watch: Citizen Eco-Drive Titanium Perpetual Chrono Atomic Timekeeping Watch
The Best Solar Powered Watch
1Seiko Prospex Analog Stainless Steel Solar Powered Watch
Our choice for the best of the best solar watches is this Seiko solar watch. It is designed with a blue/black dial that looks smart and stylish with three easy-to-read chronograph sub dials within the watch face that convey 24 hours, 60 minutes and sub-seconds. The stainless steel bracelet has a fold-over clasp and double push-button. The solar panel built into the face uses light energy to recharge and stay charged for long periods of time.
This watch has water resistance up to 200 meters and is constructed to be an ideal companion for all kinds of adventures. Reviewers have said that it’s practically indestructible even after eight years of heavy use. This is the best Seiko solar watch, and it is a hefty, durable stainless steel watch that will last you for years, even decades to come. Be sure to also check out our list of the best survival watches for more great items like this.
Stainless steel case
Fold-over strap clasp
Three chronograph subdials
Water resistance to 200 meters (660 feet)
- BrandSeiko
- ModelSSC017
- Weight12.8 Ounces
Stylish watch with black/blue tone accent
Lume perfectly viewable in the dark
Durable
Outer dial too easily rotated
Easily attracts fingerprint marks
Date can be a challenge to read
2Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Solar Powered Watch
The Citizen Eco Drive Promaster solar watch is a great solar dive watch but it’s designed to work for everyday life as well. The Eco-Drive technology is 100% powered by light and never needs a battery. It stores energy in a power reserve and can stay powered for up to 6 months in total darkness. Plus you can charge it with any type of light — fluorescent light, desk light, and more.
This analog watch is made out of stainless steel and scratch-resistant mineral crystal with a comfortable, polyurethane accordion strap. Water resistance up to 200m allows you to swim, dive, and take it anywhere without worry. The unidirectional rotating bezel is strong enough to not rotate on its own, which is key for a solar dive watch. Three watch hands allow you to keep track of hours, minutes, and seconds, plus a date window helps you never forget what day it is. The Citizen Eco Drive Promaster is a beautiful, all-around great solar-powered timepiece.
Eco-Drive battery
Water-resistant: 200 meters
Unidirectional rotating bezel
Stainless steel
- BrandCitizen
- ModelBN0151-09L
- Weight2 Pounds
Charges with all light
Water resistance to 200m
Accurate time
Mineral crystal scratches easily
Small date window
Each month has 31 days so requires adjustment
3Casio Master of G Stainless Steel Solar Powered Watch
This digital watch is rugged and ready for anything. An innovative company since its inception, Casio continues to make waves in revolutionizing the industry, and the Master of G is no different. Casio’s tough solar technology is embedded in this watch face, keeping it charged 24/7.
This is a durable watch, and would still be operational even in an apocalypse with a huge power reserve. It has lots of great watch features including a countdown timer, five alarms, an altimeter, barometer, thermometer, and more. The crowning glory though is the atomic timekeeping feature which means that you’ll never need to set the time again. It’s also water-resistant up to 200m, and the buttons are durable and easy to press.
Stainless steel, shock resistant
Includes digital compass, altimeter, barometer, stopwatch, and more
Atomic timekeeping
Water resistance to 200 meters
- BrandCasio
- ModelGW-9400-1CR
- Weight11.5 Ounces
Stainless steel, shock resistant
Includes digital compass, altimeter, barometer, stopwatch, and more
Atomic timekeeping
Water resistance to 200 meters6
Temperature can be affected by body temperature
Compass can be disrupted by wifi and phone signals
4Tissot T-Touch Expert Analog-Digital Display Watch
Combining both analog and digital readings, Tissot T-Touch Expert is a watch that brings the best of both worlds all into one beautiful watch. Its functions include multiple time zones, stopwatch, date, barometer, countdown timer, and more. The solar quartz movement allows the watch to function without running out of battery life. This is a high-quality timepiece.
The face of this Tissot watch is large enough to be easily read during the day, but not too big to look out of place. When the sun goes down, you can rely on the luminescent hands and numbers to help you find the time. Overall, it is easy to program, easy to look at, and easy to keep charged with solar power. If you’re looking at stylish solar-powered watches, this is a fantastic high-quality option.
Uses both analog and digital display
Scratch-resistant sapphire
Solar quartz movement
Water resistance to 100 meters (330 feet)
- BrandTissot
- ModelT0914204405100
- Weight1.85 Pounds
Stylish timepiece
Backlit for night
Multiple time zones
Dial too large
Band scratches easily
5Casio Pathfinder Triple Sensor Sport Watch
Casio’s Pathfinder is constructed with triple sensors and a host of useful features that include a digital compass, barometer, EL backlight, world time, and a convenient sunset/sunrise display that makes it ideal for planning hikes and treks into the wilderness. It has 31 timezones, and the ability to turn daylight savings time off and on. It also has a perpetual calendar up to 2099 so you never have to worry about the date. Plus it has a triple sensor with a thermometer, barometer, and altimeter.
The solar power charge is reliable and will have your back even when using battery-intensive features. The power reserve keeps your solar watch charged for seven months without ever being exposed to the sun, or 25 months on power save mode. It is a great watch for anyone who spends time outside use with many features that are helpful for hikes and walks. It also has water resistance up to 100 meters.
Includes thermoeter, barometer, altimeter
Up to 5 daily alarms
Up to 7 months of use without charging
Water resistance to 100 meters
- BrandCasio
- ModelPAG240-1CR
- Weight1.44 Pounds
Seriously rugged construction
Triple sensors
Excellent initial battery life without further charging
Perpetual calendar
Rotating dial susceptible to dirt
Compass requires exact calibration
Buttons are difficult to operate when wearing gloves
6Casio Pro Trek Silicone Watch
One of the best solar watches for hikers, trekkers, and all manner of outdoors people, the Casio Pro Trek comes with a slight learning curve, but it is more than worth it once you get the hang of everything it can do. It comes with double LED illumination to help you through the night, and a bunch of cool features including a battery-level indicator, 5 alarms, and a full auto-calendar.
In addition to all its features, it just looks good. All black features give it a sleek look, and the silicone band has a luminescent interior to show up in the dark. It is not too bulky and the face (with both analog and digital display) is easy to read. It really stands out for its nighttime illumination features which help you keep track of time 24/7. This is an awesome solar-powered watch.
Digital and analog display
Nighttime illumination
Full auto-calendar, 5 daily alarms, triple sensor
Water Resistance to 100 meters
- BrandCasio
- ModelPRG-650Y-1CR
- Weight12.2 Ounces
12/24 hour time format
Power saving capabilities
Lightweight yet durable
Not-recessed face making it susceptible to scratches over time
Pressure changes in colder climates
7BERING Time Classic Collection Watch
BERING Time Classic Collection Watch is unlike most of the other best solar watches on this list as it focuses on a slim, sleek, and sophisticated design instead of producing a watch that has all the functions under the sun. If you prefer timepieces that don’t distract you too much, then this product is perfect. Simple and stylish, this watch has a sapphire crystal covering a black sunray dial. It charges with any kind of light and stays charged for 6-12 months.
The strap can be easily adjusted and the whole watch is well-made with an attractive deep navy blue body. It isn’t a watch for deep-sea diving (though it is water-resistant to 50m), nor is it one that can withstand a lot of wear and tear, but this is a great option if you’re looking for a stylish solar-powered watch that tells the time and doesn’t break the bank in the process.
Charges with any kind of light
Sapphire crystal
Date window at 6 o’clock
Water resistance to 50 meters (164 feet)
- BrandBering
- ModelClassic
- Weight1.2 Pounds
Minimalist Danish design
Easily adjustable wristband
6-12 months of charge
Non-recessed face
No backlight, non-luminous
Date window small
8Seiko Two-Tone Chronograph Dress Watch
A great-looking watch with three sub-dial chronographs and a stainless steel band, the Seiko Two-Tone Chronograph is a great watch if you’re looking for high-powered dress watches. It has a Japanese quartz movement and a six-month power reserve. Plus it includes a 60-minute chronograph, a date window, and LumiBrite hands/markers. Did we mention it looks really good too?
It has dual time capabilities, a 12-hour alarm, and more features. The stainless steel band is made of links so it is adjustable by taking out links. It’s a large, stylish quartz watch and a great option in men’s solar watches. For similar options, check out our chronograph watches guide.
Two-tone finish with 60-minute chronograph
6-month power reserve
12-hour alarm
Water resistance to 100 meters
- BrandSeiko
- ModelSSC143
- Weight12.8 Ounces
Easy to set up
Lots of features
Stylish
Dials hard to read due to busy watch face
Adjust date for 29/30/31 months
9Casio G SHOCK Stainless Steel and Resin Casual Watch
The Casio G Shock solar watch is designed for wear in casual situations. Like other solar watches in the G series, it is shock resistant and tough enough to withstand any knocks and bumps. Its digital/analog display offers the best of both worlds and is easy to read at a glance.
Even with all its features, this quartz watch is still simple to set up and charge. Speaking of charging, this G Shock watch charges with any light source, from the sun to fluorescent lights to campfires. It has water resistance to 200 meters, 31 timezones, a countdown timer, and five alarms. Keep track of the power reserve with the battery level indicator and use power saving when you get low.
Tough, steel casing
31 timezones
Digital and analog display
Water resistance to 200 meters
- BrandCasio
- ModelGST-S100G-1BCR
- Weight9.6 Ounces
Durable construction
Lots of useful features
Shock resistant
Difficult for at-a-glance time reading
Weak lume feature
10Citizen Eco-Drive Stainless Steel Watch
We consider this the best solar-powered watch in terms of value for money. Citizen is world-famous for their Citizen Eco-Drive technology that relies wholly on the power of the sun (or another light) to keep things ticking. Simple and stylish, this is a great everyday watch. The Japanese quartz watch has an analog display with Roman numerals.
Citizen Eco-Drive Stainless Steel Watch is classy and modern and is perfect for any kind of occasion. It is lightweight and thin so you can wear it comfortably throughout the day. Unlike other quartz watches, it is silent, but the seconds still manage to keep the perfect time, even if you don’t hear them. This is a great stylish solar-powered watch with a scratch-resistant mineral crystal face.
Textured silver-tone dial
Genuine leather band with buckle closure
Roman numeral analog display
- BrandCitizen
- ModelAW1236-03A
- Weight6.4 Ounces
Excellent value for money
Sleek and stylish
Lightweight design
Can’t see hands in the dark
Stiff band
11Casio G-Shock Shock Resistant Multifunction Watch
One of the toughest solar watches out there, the Casio G-Shock Shock Resistant Multifunction Watch is packed full of great functions that can serve all manner of needs. These include a stopwatch, 42 time zones, and a fully EL backlight for use in the dark. The solar panel technology uses solar movement to keep your watch going without changing the battery.
Encased in durable resin, you needn’t worry about aesthetic damage. Its shock-resistant design means it will continue to work even after heavy abuse. For those who find themselves out and about more often than they are in their homes, this watch will be there to help you through it, and might even survive decades of abuse. If you like the color of this watch, find more options in our all-black watches guide.
Clear digital display
1/100 second stopwatch and countdown timer
41 world time zones and 4 daily alarms
Water resistant: 200 meters
- BrandCasio
- ModelGW2310FB-1CR
- Weight8 Ounces
Comfortable and durable to be worn during all kinds of activities
Multi-band ensures correct time
Great value for money
Blackout feature makes it difficult to read in daytime
Band smaller than it looks
Not enough solar panels for best charge
12Citizen Eco-Drive Titanium Perpetual Chrono Atomic Timekeeping Watch
Citizen Eco-Drive Titanium Perpetual watch can last up to one and a half years after a couple of days of full charge, even if you leave it in a drawer. Not that you would, what would be the point? But it demonstrates just how reliable this beautiful watch is. Citizen Eco-Drive solar-powered watches are high quality and long-lasting, and atomic timekeeping makes sure you are always perfectly on time, while a perpetual calendar means you never have to reset the date window.
It might seem like there is a lot going on, but once you get used to the sub-dials and time zones, you’ll find it difficult to look away. And the non-reflective sapphire glass lets you always see everything you need. This is possibly the best option if you’re looking for atomic solar watches.
Atomic timekeeping
Perpetual calendar
Power reserve indicator
Water-resistant: 200 meters
- BrandCitizen
- ModelAT4010-50E
- Weight12.2 Ounces
Simple set up even for beginner watch collectors
Bright luminous nighttime dial
Lots of watch features
Perfect fit with the half-link bracelet
Small date and inside dials
Band links may catch on arm hair
Stopwatch and alarm require watch to be removed from wrist to access crown
Why Trust Us
We have researched all about what makes great solar watches, from the durability to the power reserve to the watch material. Then we scoured the internet and learned from testers about what makes the best solar watches on the market. We chose the best options to include in this guide and give you all the information you need to know to make an informed purchase.
Who This Is For
If you're tired of dealing with watch batteries or rewinding your mechanical watches, then you may be ready for solar watches. Solar watches use a power reserve to last for months to years without needing to charge it. If you spend a lot of time outside, or just don't ever want to worry about your watch's battery, check out this list of solar watches.
How We Picked
We picked the solar watches in this guide based on quality, power reserve, and other important features. We chose some dress watches and some outdoorsy rugged watches so that there's something for everyone. Whether you're looking for your everyday watch or something to take to the depths as a dive watch, you will find lots of options and information in this guide to the best solar watches.
Features To Look For In Solar Powered Watches
When deciding on the best solar watch for you, it is important to consider what features you need in your watch. Here are a few considerations when choosing from our list of solar-powered watches.
Technology - Technology is always evolving so picking a current watch can help you from feeling left out when the newest solar technology comes out. But, many of these watches are time-tested so do your research and choose the best watch for your lifestyle. The solar watches on this list are designed to last for a long time.
Budget - The best watches are typically the most expensive. The super-expensive solar watches are really only bought by collectors and people who really know their solar watches, so if you are new to the game, there is no point in spending a ton of money. Make sure to buy within your budget, so you don’t have to explain to anyone where the rainy day fund went or what that fancy timepiece is on your wrist.
Waterproofing- If you spend time outside you'll need a waterproof watch. Purchasing a watch that is adequately waterproof will prevent any unnecessary damage that could ruin the watch forever. For those who love snorkeling, swimming, diving, or other water sports, you will need a watch that is more than just splashproof. Most of the watches on our list are water-resistant up to at least 100 meters but double-check in case you fall in love with one that isn’t.
Functions - Consider just what you need the watch for. It might feel like the more functions the better, right? But this is not always the case. Unless you frequently go on hikes or need GPS tracking to find your way, you probably don’t need the best solar GPS watch. If you just need a watch to wear to the office every day, then something that can just tell the time and date will suffice. Of course, if you need timers and stopwatches, thermometers, a chronograph function, access to different time zones, and both digital and analog readings, then, by all means, go for a watch that has all these features.
Design - Is the watch you want to buy really you? We know you want a watch that looks cool, but if the face is too large, it might get in the way and catch on things during the day. Are your wrists too thick or too thin for them to even look and feel good? Can you even tell the analog time? (Just kidding, we’re sure you can). But seriously, taking the design of the watch into consideration and how it will look on you is something to think about.
Quality - High-quality solar watches can be more expensive than those with lower quality, but the price can be worth it when they last for 10+ years. However, not everyone needs a super high-quality watch. If you know you'll be beating it up, you may want something that is cheaper and easier to replace.
Battery life - Solar watches use solar technology to charge the battery, meaning that the battery life can be better than non-solar watches. Plus the solar technology keeps you from having to replace the battery — ever. However, some watches have a battery life of up to a year or more without recharging, whereas others have a battery life of a few months.
Weight - There are some hefty watches out there. If you have a smaller wrist, or just don't want your hand to feel too weighted down, you may want to look for a lighter (and smaller) watch. Plastic is going to be lighter than something like stainless steel, however, the stainless steel watches mostly likely will be far more durable. But if you love the feeling of a heavy, durable watch, definitely look for something with high-quality durable materials.
Solar Powered Watch FAQ
Q: What is a solar-powered watch?
A: Solar watches are watches that are powered by the sun or sometimes any other source of light. Unlike mechanical watches, they work either completely without a battery or rely on the sun or another light source to power the battery for use. They are great, hassle-free alternatives to mechanical or rechargeable watches because you never need to worry about the battery dying or dealing with rewinding. They typically use a power reserve to maintain power even when the sun is not out.
Q: What are the differences between a solar watch and an atomic solar watch?
A: While both types of solar watch use solar panels for power, a regular solar watch requires manual time-setting. Conversely, an atomic solar watch sets its time by using a radio signal obtained from the atomic clock found in Fort Collins, Colorado at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. It isn’t magic, but it is still pretty cool.
With no battery and automatic time, the atomic watch is perhaps the most hassle-free watch available. Many solar power watch brands offer both atomic and non-atomic solar-powered watches.
Q: How does it charge itself?
A: Both a solar-powered digital watch and analog version rely on solar cells that are normally arranged around the watch face and absorb light throughout the day. Most solar-powered watches come already charged out of the box, but if you need to charge it yourself, that is easy enough, and there should be instructions that come with the watch.
The good news is that, unlike most things we use daily such as smartphones, tablets, or laptops, you do not need to charge your solar watch as often, and many watches can provide up to 10 months of power from a single charge.
Q: Can I charge my watch under fluorescent light?
A: You sure can! Any type of substantial light source is enough to give most solar watches a charge. It might take longer than if you were outside in the bright sun though.
Q: Does recharging time vary with the seasons?
A: Yes it does. During the bright summer months when the sun is out constantly, you can expect to see fast and efficient charging times for your watch. It is during winter and late fall that you need to be careful about how effectively your watch charges. Factors such as less light, shorter days, and winter clothes can all contribute to your watch failing to charge perfectly. During these months, it is a good idea to make changes to your behavior to ensure that you get the most out of the light and keep your watch fully charged for when you need it.
Q: Does a solar watch stop keeping time in the dark?
A: No, you don’t have to worry about that. A solar watch will continue to work even in the dark, so you never need to concern yourself with keeping a light on when you are trying to sleep. The solar cells and power reserve inside the watch hold the power that is absorbed from the sun or other light sources to keep it working 24/7, 365 days a year.
Q: What should I do for better accuracy?
A: Solar watches are more accurate than their manually wound counterparts. This is because the solar-powered features mean that you do not need to worry about rewinding which can cause the time to lag, which eliminates any fears about running late for work ever again.
Atomic watches are even more accurate, as they rely on satellite timekeeping to ensure your watch always has the correct time. New designs for some solar-powered watches boast an accuracy of one second per year loss. Your days of winding the watch to guarantee the correct time are long gone.
Q: How should I care for my watch band?
A: It depends on the type of watch band you have. Stainless steel watch bands can be cleaned by using a damp cloth to clean away any gunk that may have accumulated over the weeks or months. Under no circumstances use vinegar to clean the stainless steel strap, as this can interfere with the metal and possibly cause damage.
With fabric, such as nylon or leather, and resin watch straps, you need to keep an eye on its condition, especially on hot days or times when it may have gotten wet from sports or the weather. If you find your watch strap is damp or stinks of wrist sweat (the second-worst kind of sweat there is), then allowing it to dry and then wiping it with a cloth will help maintain it for years to come. In any case, you should make sure to check your strap and give it a quick clean every week or so to save you longer cleaning jobs later on.
Q: How can I adjust my watch strap?
A: In the case of stainless steel or other metal watch straps, they can be adjusted by removing links - which should be done by a professional and not yourself to prevent any irreparable damage to the watch strap and potentially the watch itself.
If you have a nylon, resin, or fabric watch strap, you probably won’t be able to adjust it. However, most watches are able to have the strap removed through little pins around the case. This comes in useful when you are not satisfied with the size of the watch strap, find it uncomfortable, or just want to change it.
Sources:
- Mechanism And Recharging - SEIKO
- What Is An Atomic Clock? - NASA
- How To Clean A Watch - WikiHow

















