Some of the most impressive advances in technology ironically utilize practices from past years, and solar watches are a fine example of the old world sundials getting a serious upgrade.
First gaining widespread popularity in Japan, solar powered watches have since spread around the world, earning their place on modern must-have timepiece lists.
Though intended and certainly well-appointed for everyday use, solar powered watches are also available for sports and outdoor enthusiasts. Because they don’t require batteries, you won’t need to worry about a sudden stopping of time; what’s more, additional radio-controlled functions mean you won’t have to worry about the task of resetting your watch according to daylight savings or time zone changes.
As for appearance and protection, solar powered watches are largely composed of durable stainless steel and are built to last, no matter the task.
Utilizing the sun’s power to grant us the convenience of telling time no matter the hour certainly isn’t a newfound inspiration, but today’s craftsmen and engineers have harnessed something more than just solar energy in stainless steel: they’ve allowed their imaginations to do the drafting.
We’ve certainly come a long way from the first days of the solar watch, and up-to-the-minute solar paneling technology ensures a lifetime guarantee that’s hard for other watch designs to exceed. Much like the men who inspired it, the solar powered watch is the kind of invention that would have made a genius like Leonardo da Vinci proud.
Best Solar Powered Watches For Men
1. Citizen Eco Drive One Solar Powered
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The Eco-Drive brand features that elegant look we’ve come to adore from Citizen and its highly durable, too. With crocodile leather straps, a sapphire glass clock face and the ability to be charged by any light source, it makes a great every-day solar powered watch for any man.
2. Casio Pag240 1cr Pathfinder Triple Sensor Solar
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For a tough take on durable sports watches for men, look no further than the Pathfinder Triple Sensor Sports solar watch. It’s highly functional and can give you readings on the temperature, air moisture, the current altitude and even provide direction with its handy compass. It makes a great addition to any backpackers arsenal and also includes five alarms for those that need utmost accuracy in their day.
3. Casio Pag240t 7cr Pathfinder Triple Sensor Stainless Steel
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For a more classic look but with similar functionality as the Sport, take a look at Casio’s PAG240T-7CR. It also features triple sensor technology to assist with barometric and altimeter checks and also boats low-temperature resistance making it ideal for colder temperatures. For the world traveler, it also features 31 different time zones and up to 48 cities and a full calendar. The titanium bracelet on this men’s solar watch is sure to impress onlookers.
4. Seiko Blue Dial Blue Nylon Strap
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For those looking for a comfortable, laid-back approach to their daily manly watch style, the men’s blue dial solar watch by Seiko carries all the features of the Seiki solar-powered collection while integrating a cool new bold look.
5. Casio Sport Combination
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The Solar Sports Combination Men’s Watch by Casio blends some of the best features from its Sports collection offering water resistance upwards of 100 meters, a useful LED light with afterglow technology to illuminate the accessory in even the darkest of conditions, and also includes six languages to display the date. On a full charge, the Solar Sport can function for ten months due to its power saving functions.
6. Casio Slim Multi Function Analog Digital
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The Slim solar multi-function men’s watch is an excellent Casio option for those that like their accessories with a splash of color. It features Japanese style quartz movements with both an analog and digital displace face and can also pick up on electrical and thermal energy in addition to its solar-based technology. The Slim Solar Multi-Function can operate upwards of ten months on its rechargeable battery.
7. Seiko Black Ion Finish Calendar Dress
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The black ion finish on the men’s calendar dress solar watch by Seiko is another sleek and versatile accessory that is built to last. The smooth finish is sure to catch the eyes of onlookers, and the durable crystal face is designed with both style and durability in mind.
8. Seiko Beige Nylon Strap Dress
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Whether you’re heading out for a nice dinner with your significant other or just running about town for daily errands, the Nylon Solar Dress watch for men by Seiko is a highly versatile and durable accessory for any occasion. It includes a crystal front face for long-lasting protection and a comfortable well fitting nylon strap.
9. Bering Time 14440 393 Collection
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The BERING Time solar collection men’s watch is another handy device for those who frequent outdoor activities. It’s suitable for long excursions as its power reserve enables the clock to run for six to twelve consecutive months even if it has not seen any sunlight in that time. It’s scratch resistant with sapphire glass and straps made of calf leather making it as sleek as it is functional.
10. Armitron Adventure Ad1001bksvgn
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The Armitron Adventure men’s solar powered watch comes in an army green making it an excellent option for outdoor enthusiasts and hunters that like to blend into their surroundings. It features a nylon strap for easy application and a 45mm diameter. Additionally, it’s water resistant up to 50 meters making it functional even for short periods of recreational swimming.
11. Tissot T Touch Expert Solar
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Last but not least, the solar-powered men’s TISSOT T-Touch manufactured in Switzerland was designed for everyday use but not for underwater exposure. It has a clean, modern look with a rubber belt-like strap and includes a timer and chronograph features.
12. Casio Classic Diver Look Analog Bi Directional Bezel
The Casio Classic Diver is a great men’s solar watch for those that enjoy exploring the depths of the ocean, or at least snorkeling in them. It’s water resistant up to 100 meters making it suitable for swimmers and includes a black silicone band with an easy to buckle closure.
13. Casio Eqwa1110dc 1a Edifice
Casio is known for their high-quality watches for men, and the solar powered EDIFICE Black Label is no exception. It is easier to set than comparable devices and can set your home city and time quickly. It comes in black stainless steel and includes layered chronograph that is easily legible and offers highly precise timing.
14. Casio Gst S110bd 1a2dr G Shock G Steel Solar Powered
The G-Shock G-Steel is a shock resistant men’s solar powered watch that you can wear without worrying about it loosening or falling off as it integrated an adjustable three-fold stainless steel band that securely holds it in place. It is not ideal for those who frequent the water as it is only water resistant up to 20 meters.
15. Casio Quartz Resin Mrws310h 1bv Solar
The Quartz Resin by Casio features aluminum and bi-directional bezel that is water resistant upwards of 100 meters. It’s solar powered technology means you’ll never have to replace the batteries and with atomic timekeeping functions you’ll also never have to reset the time to align with daylight savings or otherwise.
16. Citizen Bm8180 03e Eco Drive Stainless Steel
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The BM8180-03E is another classic Eco-Drive men’s solar watch from Citizen that is designed for more rugged personalities that like a comfortable fit on their wrist. It’s military-inspired with an army green weaved strap and patterned stitching for added texture.
17. LAD Weather Automatic Solar
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This LAD Weather men’s solar powered watch comes in multiple colors for its nylon strap so you can tailor fit your watch to your fashion preferences. It can receive radio waves from five stations in four countries and integrates automatic reception, time correction, and time settings as well as showcase how much battery life remains, so you’ll always be aware of when you’re due for a charge.
18. Q And Q Smile Series Black Dial Solar
The Q&Q SmileSolar Series men’s watch is not only beautifully crafted from recycled materials, but it further enhances its philanthropic efforts by donating a portion of all proceeds to the non-profit organization Table for Two. The charity delivers meals to school children in Africa and Asia who otherwise don’t get adequate nutrition.
19. Seiko Ssc013 White Dial
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For a luxurious approach to an everyday solar watch for men, the SSC013 by Seiko offers high functionality with a gorgeous leather strap and buckle that can be worn with any outfit. It includes alarm functions, chronograph, and solar Quartz movements as well as a patterned white dial to kick up the texture a notch.
20. Seiko Ssc233 Sport Brushed Stainless Steel
The SSC233 by Seiko is a sport-oriented solar powered watch for men that also features chronograph subdials and a unique look with bright orange clock hands over a dark dial surface. It’s great for swimming and snorkeling as it is water resistant up to 100 meters, but not ideal for diving enthusiasts.
21. Seiko Ssc293p2 Prospex Military Alarm Chronograph
Seiko does it again providing a functional, durable solar watch interface but this time, inspired by the military with a more rugged look and strong buckled clasps to hold it securely in place.
22. Spinnaker Transat Sp 5036 01
Spinnaker is known for challenging the norm, and the SP-5036-01 model is further proof of their ability to create unique, men’s timeless pieces that are as useful as they are beautiful. Designed to mimic the look of racing yachts, this bold watch has an aesthetic all its own and makes a great addition to any man’s accessory collection.
