solar watch

The Best Solar Watch in Canada

Have you ever tried to check the time and realized your watch had stopped? If you’re used to wearing watches, you have probably gone through this feeling before — and when it happens, you don’t have any options other than to replace the battery with a new one.

Although this is a simple fix, it would be ideal if this problem never existed, right? And that’s the idea of solar-powered watches. As the name suggests, this type of watch depends on solar light (whether natural or artificial) and prevents you from having battery issues.

There’s also the environmental factor. Solar watches can help you reduce your carbon footprint, as traditional watch batteries are made of toxic materials such as lithium, nickel, cadmium, mercury, and others, which can have a large environmental impact.

Our top picks

What to look for in a solar watch

  • Digital or analogic: It’s possible to find many different solar watches on the market that fit multiple tastes and needs. Digital watches have more additional features e.g. weight and heart rate trackers, whereas analogic solar watches are usually more limited but have everything one expects from a watch, such as time, date, and alarm clock.
  • Water resistance: To practice water sports, you will need to buy a waterproof or water-resistant watch. The difference between them is that the waterproof material is technically impermeable to water, whereas water-resistant materials can resist the penetration of water to a certain degree. It’s possible to find water-resistant watches up to 200 m underwater, for example. So, you just need to check which type of watch will be useful for your planned water sports.
  • Weight and size: Watches shouldn’t bother you at work or when you are exercising. You won’t regret choosing the right solar watch that fits you not only aesthetically, but also has the proper weight and size for your wrists.
  • Style and colour: When it comes to style and colour, things get really subjective, but we suggest you review your routine, including work, free time, exercising, and your lifestyle in general. When and for what will you wear your solar watch? Do you need a dress watch, a more formal version, or can it be a casual watch? Depending on the brand you’re looking for, it’s possible to find several colours and styles to fit each occasion.
  • Numbers and font size: Some people prefer big watches, others, small ones. Besides taste, the practicality should be taken into account for the right choice, especially if you wear prescription glasses or if you find it hard to see small numbers.

Our methodology

To pick the best solar watches for each need, we’ve spent more than 19 hours reviewing, comparing, and researching the best options available for Canadians. We’ve gone through multiple watch brands, explored other buying guides, and picked products that had at least four stars on Amazon.

We based our selection and reviews on a few main factors: we considered different solar watch types, features, bands, resistance levels, design, and price points, to list not only the best solar-powered watches but also the best solar watches for each need. After all, there isn’t such a thing as the best solar watch, only the best solar watch for you. 

Best analogic solar watch for men

Casio Men’s Slim Solar Multi-Function

That’s functional! This solar watch is versatile and the perfect choice for those who prefer analogic options and love workouts, since is water-resistant (100 meters) and has a countdown timer with five alarms.

Black with orange details, this a traditional-style product for a classic person, but its orange details make the watch unique and stylish. Although this Casio solar watch is large, it’s lightweight and very comfortable to wear. Because this watch has a thin style, it doesn’t become cumbersome. Many reviewers point out that it’s so light they even forget that the watch is there. Great, huh? 

From the office to the gym, from dinner time to the pool, this watch handles all these occasions perfectly.

Pros
  • Affordable.
  • Lightweight.
  • Water-resistant.
Cons
  • Fragile, according to some customers.
  • Not comfortable.

Citizen Men’s AW1361-10H Sport Analog

You read it right. There’s a “sport” written on the title of this chic solar watch for men.

Vintage, with a leather band, contrast stitching and buckle closure, this Citizen watch is water-resistant to 100 meters (333 feet) and ideal for swimming and snorkelling. 

If you’re looking for a watch that you can wear both at work and during workouts, that is possibly your match. This watch is light, versatile, and classy. However, this is also a large (massive!) watch, so this may not be the best choice if you have a small wrist or if you prefer a more delicate style. Delicate, not fragile: the dial of the watch is made from scratch-resistant mineral crystal.  

Since this is a classic and neutral model, this would be a great gift for anyone who wants a light-powered watch but still likes a more conventional style. And the price point (around $140) is an additional plus.

Pros
  • Affordable.
  • Lightweight.
  • Good quality.
  • Water-resistant (100 meters).
Cons
  • Priced.
  • Thick strap.

Seiko Men’s SUP880 Analog

Powered by all types of light, besides being very classy and thin, the Seiko solar watch is easy to read, having very clear Roman numerals and tiny gold dots which mark the hours.

If you are looking for a dress watch that could also wear more casually, that’s a great deal since the watch seems and feels casual and high quality, and even though it’s not an affordable product (more than $190), it’s not this expensive if we’re going to take into account how elegant it looks like.

Besides its chic design, this Seiko solar watch is thin and comfortable. Although this is officially described as a watch for men, many women bought this model and loved how it fit their wrists. 

Robust, rectangular and unisex, this watch is the perfect combination between classic and modern. 

Pros
  • Versatile.
  • Elegant.
  • High quality.
Cons
  • Too small, according to some customers.
  • Fragile band.

Timex Expedition Scout 36mm Watch

It’s possible to pay less than 60 dollars for a classic and water-resistant (50 meters) solar watch. If you are looking for an affordable product that also promises great quality, maybe that’s your match. On Amazon, it’s possible to find six different models with multiple dial and strap colours.

Charged by any light with a two-month power storage, the Timex Expedition Scout is practical for those who need an everyday watch without losing on the style side of things. The size is excellent as well; not too small or large. It can fit perfectly almost anyone’s wrist, making it a great gift option. 

However, it’s worth it reminding you that this clock doesn’t have many features besides time and data, so this may not be ideal if you’re looking for a smarter watch or if you like high-impact or water sports.

Pros
  • Affordable.
  • Good quality.
  • Water-resistant (50 meters).
  • Lightweight.
Cons
  • Fragile, according to some customers.

Best solar watch for women

Seiko Women’s Solar Dress Watch

Classy and unique. This is the right description for this solar-powered watch. But don’t think this is a delicate watch for formal occasions only. This Seiko watch is water-resistant and could work anywhere, including at the gym (although we don’t consider it super resistant for sports.)

This watch has a supple black leather strap for comfort and versatility. Ideal for women with tiny wrists, this watch has a small band and a delicate design. 

On the solar-powered watch side of things, this item has an energy-efficient system that ensures large power storage.

Chic and elegant, the Seiko solar watch is more fragile so it’s worth it avoiding high-impact activities and or exposure to water.

Pros
  • Versatile.
  • High quality.
  • Small strap. 
Cons
  • Small strap.
  • Fragile.
  • Water-resistant just up to 30 meters.

Seiko Women’s Goldtone

As you can see, the classic rectangular aesthetic brings sophistication and elegance. Powered by light, and although not affordable, this watch is resistant and high-quality enough to be used for many years without any concerns or bad surprises.

Because of its small and chic style, you could wear it with a dress or even more formal clothes. At the same, it is large enough for you to read the numbers with comfort.

Although this is a unique and versatile product, this doesn’t have anything in addition to the conventional features (counting the hours), except for being water-resistant. This is a good choice for special occasions.

If you want a watch with an improved battery without losing the traditional watch style, this could be the one for you.

Pros
  • High quality.
  • Water-resistant (99 feet).
  • Functional.
Cons
  • Pricey (more than $200).

Citizen Watches EW1544-53A Eco-Drive

The EW1544-53A Eco-Drive is a good match for those who need a water-resistant watch not just to wash their hands, but also for exercises. This product also looks delicate and casual enough for work or a nice dinner out. And the best thing about it: it will stay charged for days and days, perhaps years.

With its glow system, it’s easy to check the times even at night, which is great when you like to read a good book before sleeping or to check the time during a night walk. If you wear glasses, the clear face dial with nice, large numbers also could make your life easier.

Since this a beautiful yet functional watch, this could be a good gift option for your mom, sister, girlfriend, or wife. 

Regarding the additional functions, it has featured a Japanese quartz movement with an analogue display, a date display at the 3 o’clock position,  and the Eco-Drive, which ensures that you’ll never need to change the battery. Yes, in case you didn’t realize before, this one is still a solar watch!

Pros
  • Lightweight.
  • Water resistant (100 meters).
  • Date information.
Cons
  • It comes without a manual.
  • Too small, according to some customers.

Best digital solar watch

G-Shock Rangeman GW-9400

You have probably already heard about G-Shock models. The G-Shock technology is a line of watches manufactured by the Japanese electronics company Casio, designed to resist mechanical stress, shock, and vibration. Such technology has been praised by consumers. This specific watch has an average of almost five stars on Amazon Canada and almost 300 positive reviews.

With a complete set of features, this solar watch could be the perfect deal for exercise lovers, as it is water-resistant (200m) and has a digital compass, altimeter, barometer, thermometer, sunrise and sunset dates, timestamp, Mb6 atomic timekeeping, auto LED, 5 Daily Alarms (4 one-time and 1 snooze alarm), 1/10-second stopwatch, countdown timer, day/date/month calendar, and buckle closure. 

The cylindrical buttons provide outstanding operation and improved resistance to impact. The frequently used sensor button has a metal cover that protects it against lateral impact and keeps foreign matter out. Each sensor mode has an audible tone, which means you can determine which mode you are entering without even looking at the watch. 

Pros
  • Many features (compass, altimeter, barometer).
  • High quality.
  • Durability.
  • Water-resistant (200 meters).
Cons
  • Pricey – more than $250.
  • Doesn’t work with all outfits.

Casio Men’s Pro Trek PRG-270-1

Not fragile at all. That’s it. If you need a high-quality watch to practice exercises, the Casio Protrek PRG270 will probably support most of your needs, whether under or above water. If you’re a swimmer, you shouldn’t have issues, as this watch is resistant to up to 100 meters below water.

The Casio Pro Trek PRG-270-1 has lapse rates, adiabatic cooling, pressure effects on weather. In addition, it’s simple to calibrate the altitude, since you just need to press the set button and increment the readout to your current known altitude. If you love outside sports, like hiking, when you drive through a mountain range and the altitude changes by thousands of feet, you can get a good idea of your elevation. If radical sports are your goal, this watch would be a good deal.

It also has weather warnings, sunrise & sunset times based on your longitude and latitude – a great feature if you love to go camping with your family, besides many other appliances, as full auto LED, backlight, calendar, barometer, and digital compass.

Pros
  • Shock resistant.
  • Great for sports.
  • Water-resistant (100 meters).
  • Many features.
Cons
  • The sensors are inaccurate.

The best solar-powered smartwatch

Garmin Fenix 6X Pro Solar

Large and with more than 20 different options of colours and brands, this is a beautiful smartwatch powered by light. The display that’s 36% bigger than previous Fenix models, offers multisport GPS, music, and more to your workouts, as estimated wrist heart rate. But that is not all. It is useful even when you sleep, having a pulse ox to support advanced sleep monitoring.

Styled for all-day wearability, these versatile watches come with preloaded topo maps and ski maps for more than 2,000 worldwide ski resorts. So if you like radical sports, that is definitely your match. The Garmin Fenix 6X Pro Solar offers a bunch of training and navigation features, as well as additional entertainment apps.

Other highlights include enhanced wrist heart rate, smart notifications (when paired with a compatible smartphone), pulse ox sensing, and much more functionalities. 

When it comes to light-powered watches, it doesn’t get much smarter than this — although we would only suggest buying such a costly watch if you really plan to get the most out of both the smartwatch and solar watch features.

Pros
  • GPS.
  • Heart rate
  • Ski Maps.
  • Bluetooth.
  • Versatile.
  • Different colours and brands.
Cons
  • More expensive than most solar watches – more than $1,000.

The best military solar watch inspiration

Citizen Men’s ‘Military’ Quartz

This Citizen Eco-Drive solar-powered watch has military style and a great face diameter of 43 mm. This is a good fit for most men, whether you’re going to the gym or to the office. The good thing about this product is that it is quite neutral. Although this isn’t a dress watch, it is classy and elegant enough to work as one. If you don’t want to have more than one watch, this one could definitely work as your go-to option on most occasions.

On-screen you can find three indicator dials noting the day-of-the-week, the date, and the hour in military time. Overall, it has good-sized numbers and is also a great watch to use at night, since it is easy to see in the dark after your eyes get used to the darkness. For that reason, this is for sure a great solar-powered watch to wear for hiking or camping when you don’t have extra lighting. 

Pros
  • Water-resistant (100 meters).
  • Good sized numbers.
  • Good for hiking and camping.
Cons
  • The band is short, according to some consumers.

The best solar watch for kids

TOOCAT Solar Energy Watch for Kids

If you have a kid or know one, you’ve probably realized they need very, very resistant watches…

Built with high-quality material, the TOOCAT solar watch promises to focus exactly on that: a solar watch that will survive kids and their active routines.

Environmentally friendly, as it’s charged by solar light, this watch is also durable and comfortable to wear, being suitable for kids every day, for both indoor and outdoor activities – even inside the water (up to 50 meters waterproof). 

So, if he or she forgets to take off their watch before shower or before going to the pool, all fine! The watch should still work.

Pros
  • Affordable (less than $20)
  • Resistant.
  • Water-resistant (50 meters)
Cons
  • Fragile, according to some customers.

Common questions about light-powered watches

How do solar watches work?

Solar watches are powered by a series of built-in solar cells, located above the watch’s face. These watches are still powered by electricity, however; the solar cells simply convert the solar energy into electricity and keep the watch working. Since they don’t require lithium battery replacements, they can be considerably more eco-friendly than conventional watches.

What are the benefits of the solar watch?

“Why do I need a solar watch?” You may be asking yourself. If you like to wear watches you would also approve a solar-powered one – or maybe even prefer, since you don’t need to replace batteries to keep it working.

Besides working as well as regular watches, solar-powered watches can save you time and money as you won’t have to change batteries. Buying a solar watch will also help the environment, as they’re powered by renewable energy (solar) and don’t need lithium batteries. Why be stylish only if you could be both stylish and eco-friendly.

What are the cons of the solar watch?

Prices! As the technology is newer and more complex than the conventional watch, the options currently available on the market are slightly pricier if you compare them to regular versions.

There’s also the lighting issue. All light-powered watches are solar-powered, but not all solar-powered watches are light-powered. I know, a bit confusing. This basically means some solar-powered watches won’t be able to generate energy using regular artificial light, only sunlight, which could be a problem if you don’t have that much sunlight where you live.

Where can I buy a solar-powered watch?

You can find solar watches anywhere in Canada these days, especially the major retailers and marketplaces, such as Casio, Seiko, Amazon, Garmin, Citizen, and Costco.

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Updated date

November 28th, 2024

About the author

Bruna Drummond

Bruna Drummond is a writer and a PR expert. She is a mom and loves to write about anything related to housekeeping (cooking, cleaning, and decoration), but also technology, fitness, and animal stuff. When she's not working, she spends her time exploring the city, watching documentaries, or reading books based on true stories.
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