The popularity of solar watches is blooming every day. With the rapid growth of technological advancements, new scientific inventions like solar watches are available. Many people wonder how do solar watches work and if it is worth buying.
Watch is undoubtedly essential wear and a part of our everyday fashion too. Along with solar watches, you can also look for top German watches under $500 that can be an excellent purchase for you. Before buying a watch, if you know the mechanism of this product, it will be easy for you to choose the best one among numerous brands.
Contents
How do Solar Watches work?
A Solar Watch is a watch that transforms light energy into electronic energy. It is a particular photovoltaic system where light energy converts into electronic energy using a solar panel.
This system is sometimes called ‘eco-drive technology. Light energy hitting the solar cell (typically positioned right beneath the surface of the watch dial) will cause ‘free electrons’ to be produced. This electrical energy is stored in a battery and then released to power the watch.
Suppose your friend is a police officer and mainly works outdoors; these solar watches for police officers can be a great purchase or a gift.
Evolution of solar watch
In 1972, the solar watch was out in the market for the first time after releasing the first quartz watch in 1969. It was a LED digital watch that contained a unique design in the form of the Riehl ‘Synchronar’. It featured two large solar panels across the case, located just above the bracelet in a small window; it accommodated the digital time.
Citizen Cryston took the shape of the first analog solar watch in the early days of 1976. This model contains visually transparent solar panels instead of the almost invisible ones we see nowadays.
Do solar watches last long?
A solar-powered watch contains rechargeable batteries, mainly of a lithium-ion cell. Solar watches usually carry a prolonged battery life that can last seven years or more. Sometimes it can endure well over 20 years without a battery change. It can recharge hundreds, possibly thousands of times before an alternative battery is required.
However, the repairing cost for solar watches is higher than everyday wristwatches. Like any other watch, the functionality of solar watches can be affected or harmed by the environment and the owner’s usage.
Will solar watches work during nighttime?
One full charge typically provides several months’ worth of power reserve even if the watch is in a dark location. Solar watches recharge best under natural daylight but can also charge under artificial lights. While sunlight yields the fastest charging speeds, manufactured sources can also use specific artificial sources to assess the solar cell.
Various solar watch models respond differently to lighting settings; it solely depends on the simulated process. The long-term lifespan of a solar watch depends on storing it in a well-lit location. It keeps the battery from dropping very low that it can damage its longevity.
Do solar watches beat automatic or quartz?
It is a difficult task to bring up a comparison between solar watches and automatic or mechanical ones (quartz watches). Solar watches have another name, ‘solar quartz’ watches because they operate the same as a conventional quartz watch except for the recharging part. Solar watches too use a vibrating quartz crystal to ensure precise timekeeping with a beat rate of one tick per second.
Is your solar watch charged or not?
Each model of a solar watch consists of a different mechanism of how they function. Most solar watches have low battery indicators, which consider as an extra feature. When the battery charge drops below a certain level, it provides a notification. It is common to find power-level visuals in solar watches. On the other hand, analog watches typically include second-hand specialized functionality. It varies from one model to another depending on its manual.
How to charge your solar watch
Here are a few steps on how you can correctly charge your solar watch:
- Expose it in the sunlight as needed
- Make sure it is not too heated
- Try to keep it at a suitable temperature
- Room light will take more time to recharge as it is weaker than sunlight
- Do not keep it exposed in the light for a long time
- When not using, keep it beside a window to recharge
Pros and Cons of solar watches
Like every other product, solar watches also have some good and bad reviews.
Some of these are:
Pros:
- Long term value
- Provides correct time
- Extended battery life
- Minimal maintenance
- Environmentally-friendly
- Fits nicely in a watch case
Cons:
- Lower mechanical beating rate
- More pricey than regular quartz watches
FAQ
1. How long do solar watches last?
The longevity of a solar watch depends on how it is used and taken care of by the user. Usually, without replacing the battery, it can last for more than ten years. Even after 20 years, solar-powered batteries can reserve 80% of their power- it is proved and tested.
2. Are solar-powered watches any good?
Yes, it is reliable, just like a good quartz watch. Day by day, the quality and performance of solar watches are improving a lot. It is also environment-friendly and pleasing to use.
3. Does a solar watch need a battery?
The necessity of changing the battery is not applicable for solar watches. It can be worn for a long time and still work fine. Being left with perspiration and dirt on the watch or band does not harm its battery or affect its functionality.
Bottom Line
Environment-friendly products are popular these days, and solar watches are my absolute favorite ones. The years of technical breakthroughs have made it possible to produce wristwatches that can charge faster and last longer.
In this article, we tried to show how do solar watches work, and hopefully, it will answer all your inquiries regarding the functionalism of a solar watch. Now you know why you should buy a solar watch.