I'm glad you made this video to bring attention to solar watches. My first solar watch is a Citizen Eco-drive that I bought 10+ years ago and still going strong. I've never had to bring it in to service and it still runs. I've been a fan of Eco-drive and solar watches ever since. There is a lot of value to never having to worry about a battery change.
Love this topic! I cannot speak highly enough about my Citizen CA7045-14E. I needed a watch to wear at my work in a kitchen. Chronograph to time cook cycles, date for product labeling, 100m WR. Switched to a canvas strap and it wears/functions wonderfully.
@@AdAce21 I agree. I pull off this size, but just barely. Also, I wouldn't call it heavy, but it certainly has more heft than I expected and cutting down the size would accommodate that well. For under $200 though, I'm hardly complaining 🙂
I would add the Citizen Nighthawk to the list. It truly is an excellent watch with way better quality than you would expect for the price. And Eco-Drive technology is just a class of its own. Always reliable, always does the job.
@@Dan-G-CLE Love my Blue Angels Skyhawk AT. It's on my wrist right now. Despite the busy dial it still has great legibility. And it reliably syncs every night despite the distance between South Florida and Colorado.
Great list. At age 70 & returning to watch wearing (collecting?), I have been tempted by "smart" watches. However, these low-maintenance, accurate solar watches will start my new buying spree. Thanks for your video & clear explanations!
I don't consider smart watches to be watches, they're just wrist worn computers that happen to have a clock on them. In my opinion, to classify as a watch, telling the time must be the only function or at the very least the priority purpose and let's be honest, smart watches all look awful. They look like something from a car dashboard whereas real watches are little kinetic sculptures.
I enjoy my automatic watches but I do seem to wear my quartz solar watches more. My ugly but functional Casio Wavecepter Tough Solar actually gets the most wrist time. The World Time and timer functions get a lot of use. My other favorite is my 20 year old Citizen Nighthawk Eco Drive. It did die at about 15 years. The back says "Do not remove. Not consumer serviceable.". But I replaced the capacitor (battery) myself. It's really no different than replacing any other watch battery except the capacitor cost about 10 times that of a battery. I also replaced the scratched mineral crystal with a double domed sapphire crystal. That cost as much as a G Shock watch. But it's beautiful.
I have the orient mako panda chronograph and absolutely love it. Wears really nicely on my small wrist and works well on loads of strap options. Would highly recommend to anyone that's looking for a good affordable chronograph.
A couple of years ago Jody, I bought the standard black Casioak. Then because of you, yep, I then bought the yellow solar powered version. As I wanted this for work in a quite dirty environment, the yellow wasn’t gonna cut it. So I swapped the solar version from the yellow case into the standard black version case & 🤩🥰👍🏼👌🏼
100% with you Jody. Im done with autos When you get to a good few in the collection you realise they are silly. I have a seiko solar and the T touch They are always ready to go. But I still always pick the aerospace. Watch collecting is weird
I bought an amazing auto to give automatics a try. However, I came to the same conclusion as you. I just don't wear it because it's not as accurate as a quartz and I have to worry about knocking it and messing up the movement. I'll buy "luxury" watches, just not an automatic.
LOVE SOLARS!!! Jody: On the G5600 don't forget the automatic backlight function. Your video showed A.EL towards the bottom right on the watch screen. You press the light button and hold it down until you see that designation, and then in the dark you tilt your wrist towards you and the backlight comes on automatically without pushing the button. VERY SECRET AGENT. And the battery won't die down from overuse of this function due to the solar recharge aspect.
I have the Arnie tropical lagoon special edition and it's the perfect watch for me as a relatively large man, that's into fitness and in the Navy. Bonus that it's connected to Arnie who's a bad ass lol!! Buy it! You won't regret it!
I'd give some love to the Casio GWM5610 as well. All the toughness of the standard square G, but solar, atomic clock, world timer, the works. Literally everything you need in a watch. Mine rapidly became my outdoor and travel watch.
Really love my Casio Lineage lcw-m300, which among other features shows how much charge is in the battery, so you know when it needs a little time in the sun to get back up to a good level...
I’ve had a Casio tough solar Ana- digi, time synch, 5 alarms, stop watch, dual time for probably 20 yrs now. Still my favorite grab and go and gets the most wrist time! Thanks for the topic!
I bought the Casio Men's AQS800W Slim Solar Multi-Function Ana-Digi Sport Watch from Amazon for $40. I love it. It's weightless, accurate and comfortable. I bought it so I could swim with it and not have a care in the world while on vacation. Absolutely exceeded my expectations.
I love a good solar watch. I have a bunch and I have plans to buy many more. Your introduction is bang on with my own personal experience. My day-to-day life is too tough for most mechanical watches. The vibration of my motorcycle alone is reason enough not to wear on mechanical watch daily.
I have Rolex, Omega, Citizen, Seiko and Orient but every citizen Eco Drive I have runs perfectly and has never needed service. Did I mention the 3 Caliber 2100’s were bought in 1998 and 2006? One is 26 years old, the other 2 are 19 years old - incredible! I have several of the divers on my list so I can have some new ones in my collection!
Momentum has a couple of really great options. They recently released the Sea Quartz 30 in solar and they have released a modern version of the classic UDT diver in solar.
Solar makes a whole lot of sense for divers and chronographs! I don't have either because they seem like a hassle, and solar solves the problems of both.
I’m currently on a mission to sell pretty much all of my mechanicals. If I had one watch to wear it would be a solar quartz. It’s the most fuss free form of time keeping on the planet. I have an SNE469 and it’s my favorite by a mile, after a long journey of collecting. So long, watch box!
In the US, where the atomic clock radio signal is available, I think the Casio GWM5610, with its automatic atomic clock synchronicity, is the hands down choice over the Casio G5600UE. Because of its insance accuracy, the GWM5610 is the reference watch that I use to set all of my other timepieces, and it's always ready to wear.
Great video. I have had my Radiocontrolled Eco Drive longer than i remember. In spite of a small colletion of around 20 watches, my old Citizen still outperforms all others including in design and durabilty. Love it
I've built a sizable solar collection and keep them charged. I did have my first solar watch to conk out. It is a 3 to 4 year old Seiko PADI three hand with orange minute hand on a nice blue dial. It did not show the typical two second jumps. It would just die and I noticed it failing around the 15 second mark. Strange thing is a little rap to it's side or unscrewing the crown and re-seating would start the second hand back up lasting maybe a day. I managed to replace the battery and it has gone back to it's old nice Seiko self. It has been running without error for about a month after the battery replacement. I only mention this in case someone runs into this issue. Changing the rechargeable battery fixed my Seiko solar. Gday.
Solar watches are smartest, most practical watches you could own! I can vouch for the solar square G-Shock and Oceanus. The seconds hand on the latter hits each mark accurately, and it's just a super attractive all-rounder!
It’s like this man reads my mind. I have been scouring the internet for Quartz Solar Watches. Mainly because I saw a Baltany Quartz Solar Watch review on another channel recently. I firmly believe there will be an Erebus Quartz Chronograph in the future so…Thanks for the great list!
yes, they do but the one I had could have had drilled-through lug holes. I thought (I've given mine away to a friend) that the lug-pits were too shallow, and the lugs/springbars are IMHO the most venerable part of a watch, especially those used in salt water / sports activities like surfing and diving. (Diving especially when taking tanks on and off - tank straps tend to scrape along forearms etc.)
Can you do a review of coal powered watches? I have a Wexford Warbler steam watch. It's accurate to within 6 hours per day. You have to shovel coal into the fire box every 15 seconds or so using the tiny shovel that is provided and ensure the water tank above the watch is always above the minimum level. The only downside to this watch is that you have to drag around 2 tonnes of coal and a 70 gallon tank of water so bear that in mind before purchasing one. Oh and always ensure the steam pressure valve is serviced every week otherwise the watch could explode.
I have numerous Citizen Eco-drive dive watches and a titanium chronograph. I got my first years ago with the original Orca and it’s still running strong. I absolutely recommend Citizen watches. Better quality and price point than the other Japanese brands.
It’s sunny in the Uk so my solar watches are out soaking up the sun. I have a solar Casio ProTrek that I was wearing when my son was born 17 1/2 years ago and it’s still going strong. Although it never stays at full charge for more than a few minutes, half full lasts ages
I'm not the biggest fan of solar due to the compromises it requires from the dial, but I'm glad that you're a fan of quartz and solar. Hoping that Erebus releases some future options with mecha-quartz movements as well as autos :)
I wanted a solar in my collection and found VAER, specifically the DS4 meridian black. I bought the 38mm and wasn’t sure if I would enjoy a “small” dive watch. On the right strap for me and now it’s a keeper - for now anyway 😂
Not gonna lie, before I clicked on the video I thought the list'll be full of Citizen and G-shock. Pleasantly surprised to learn about some models I didn't know about. Thanks Jody!
Wouldn't believe I'd ever buy a Fossil but I ended up with two solar powered Defender's of different sizes and finishes recently and the smaller one has had more wrist time than any other in my collection. They're a good looking field watch with decent specs for the money; 316L stainless steel case and bracelet or leather/nylon strap, 100m water resistance, decent lume and Seiko solar powered movement. Ok, the bracelet's a bit jingle jangley but swap it out for a nice silicon and you've got a great tool watch for very little money. Oh yeh, I paid £18 each, brand new with warranty! 😉
I have 3 Citizen Eco Drives, have lasted for several years and completely maintenance free. The very oldest one is over 20 years old, we just replaced the battery capacitor.
You left off the Tactical Frog solar panda. Seiko movement. Very accurate. Better clasp than the Orient #7. Orient clasp very bad. TF screw down crown and pushers. Much better option even from the original Speed Time. TF faceted bezel. Very nice.
The T-Touch might seem a little clunky but it is an awesome watch to own. The functions on this thing are so cool you will love it. The bright titanium on the bracelet is the one to go for. Nothing like it at any price.
I have three solar watches in my small collection. A Seiko SSG017 and two Citizens. A Calendrier BU2020-02A and my most recent addition and favorite every day watch, a Nighthawk BJ7000-52E. Love them all. Just put them on and go. No fussing around winding and setting time and date.
You are right about the T-Touch. Let me know if you'd like to borrow my T-Touch for a review. I haven't had the chance to review it on my channel yet but I'd love to collab with you. I have the Racing T-Touch which has all the same features and its on a poly strap but Stainless instead of titanium. Cheers!
Definitely a preferred movement over any other type. Accurate and long lasting batt as long as 25yrs. It is like a nuclear plant without the radiation risk. Casio AQ-S810W AnaDigi is still the best value at USD45.
Great topic and great shirt! Recently my daily G Shock from 2007 resin band finally wore out. Since it was an integrated band with special shape I couldn't just swap bands and decided to go solar exactly like the beginning of the video. Ended up with the GW-B5600 solar square. Multiband 6, Bluetooth, Solar square on the fantastic combi resin/metal bracelet and can be had in posi or neg display versions. No fuss no muss always accurate solar daily. Around $150 U.S.
Hi Jody I have a G5600ue and it was just to say the update ‘ue’ model has the EL backlight replaced by an led just like on the gwm5610u. Great work and love the list, so many great watches on there. I’m really saving to get an ‘Arnie’ soon hopefully 🤞👍🤞
I am wearing a Casio Oceanus right now, is by far the best solar watch ever made. After buying it I am considering selling all the other ones, except for the citizen smile solar ones, which are so cheap and fun.
the Yellow Casioak GA-B2100 brought me back to solar watches with little maintenance needed, took out my ol' Citizen and 6900 gshock out of storage. I really need to get a Square one of these days MB6 and tough solar are just too good features I cannot miss out on
I went sorta backwards (re: automatic to solar). I picked up a Citizen Nighthawk years ago (still have it, still running!), added a second just because and finally splurged (for me) on my beloved Oceanus T200. I find they're just perfect (especially the T200) for my Type A nature. As I got older and mellowed out (some) I started adding some automatics -- nothing too crazy price-wise: Orient Ray II, Hamilton Khaki, an Islander pilot's watch and most recently, the Henry Archer Akva.
We thank you for great options and saying the obvious! Being at that point and even willing to pay extra for Solar Quartz and possibly selling off all my other watches 😬 I was recently looking at Junghans ☀️
My go to no nonsense always ready daily - Citizen Promaster Marine Eco-Drive Solar Watch BJ7111-86L- JDM model on chrono 24 - its also titanium, diver and GMT. Love this watch
Thanks for nice video. This has reminded me, that Casio needs to make GLX-100 (surfers G-Shock with mip display) in solar... and without "smart stuff" (just leave bluetooth sync and setting of timers/settings/alarms)
S100 is my favourite, full of features and yet the dial is simple. The titanium bracelet is really beautiful. Casio M100 TS is also made of titanium altho the bracelet is obvously not in the same leaque as S100. It is a bargain at around 140USD, which is the price I recently paid for a brand new one on ebay, incl shipment
The G-5600ue actually got updated to have an LED light and to display the time while you're using the stopwatch function. Compared to the non-solar version it has a clearer screen, but displays ghosting at angles. It's also thinner.
I can recommend Centric Instruments watches with no reservations. I have had mine for 2+ years and it is accurate, durable, and very legible. It is a field watch style. Great value for money.
Thanks Jody, interesting list as usual! Casio makes Solar budget under 60$ who are really good ones AQ-S810W. And chinese brand start to make Real nice interesting one like tactical frog 62 mas solar chrono hommage equiped With Seiko vs75 which IS really stunning one. Solar Time keepers are really interesting ones! 😊
My daily wear work beater is a JDM Citizen Promaster Land. Perpetual Calendar, day/date, radio control, coated titanium. Took it off the bracelet and put on a rubber strap. It's holding up great and always right.
I'm a massive fan of Citizen's E650-E660 movements. Eco Drive, chronograph, atomic timekeeping, day date, perpetual calendar, multiple time zones, alarm...a true analog dial smart watch.
First of all, love the t-shirt. I have a 37mm Citizen solar field watch that I love. Can pick it up anytime and its right on. I went snorkeling in Belize and had no issues. I also have a Casio Pro-Trek PRG 600 YB. It has analog and digital and does the barometric pressure, altitude, temp, second time zone as well as the compass direction. I would wear it everyday if it wasn't 46-49mm across, so it only gets out camping and fishing. It only cost $200 and it looks really good.
I love my G Shock GW6900. It’s my go to when going to the lake or the ocean. I know it will be getting plenty of sun, and it’s practically indestructible. The Orient Mako Solar looks great. Thanks Jody.
Casio's 3rd brand, Ediface, has some good mid-priced solar options. I've been wearing an EQS900DB-1AV for a couple of years and it is great. In fact, my wife has to double check to see if it's my Tag or the Ediface from the looks.
Worth mentioning also that the Sumo is a traveler's GMT. Quartz and traveller's GMT are a great combo because it gets rid of any potential downsides (i.e takes a long time to set) of automatic ones
For me if you’re going to get a diver chronograph, get a diver’s chronograph like the Seiko SSC663P1. As for the Tissot forget that and go for a Garmin Instinct Solar - there’s a few flavours and if you’re going for an ABC watch get something with all the functionality that doesn’t look like your usual smartwatch (same could be said for the Casio Protek range.
This was a great video about a great segment of watches that so many tend to overlook or forget about. I have 3 Citizen Pro-Master Ecodrive that are outstanding. One I bought (SST Racing Chrono) on our first holiday after our daughter was born some 16yrs ago, proceeded to beat the ever living .... ( even once accidentally slamming it in the bonnet of the car) out of it for yrs after and it is still unserviced and going strong. I cannot say enough positive things about CItizen Pro-Master Eco-Drive.
The T-Touch Solar in titanium is one of the first watches I acquired on my journey and it was a go-to piece for my travels due to the ease of changing time zones. I have a solar case and they all come out and sit in the bedroom window at least once while I'm home to keep topped up! My collection includes many of the choices you presented in this video, from the Seiko Sumo GMT to the Arnie to many Casios. As far as I'm concerned solar rules! Cheers mate!
I'm glad you made this video to bring attention to solar watches. My first solar watch is a Citizen Eco-drive that I bought 10+ years ago and still going strong. I've never had to bring it in to service and it still runs. I've been a fan of Eco-drive and solar watches ever since. There is a lot of value to never having to worry about a battery change.
True. I just got into eco drive watches and have to agree they are so much better
Love this topic! I cannot speak highly enough about my Citizen CA7045-14E. I needed a watch to wear at my work in a kitchen. Chronograph to time cook cycles, date for product labeling, 100m WR. Switched to a canvas strap and it wears/functions wonderfully.
It’s a great-looking watch! I just wish they made a smaller version (39mm)
@@AdAce21 I agree. I pull off this size, but just barely. Also, I wouldn't call it heavy, but it certainly has more heft than I expected and cutting down the size would accommodate that well. For under $200 though, I'm hardly complaining 🙂
I would add the Citizen Nighthawk to the list. It truly is an excellent watch with way better quality than you would expect for the price. And Eco-Drive technology is just a class of its own. Always reliable, always does the job.
Couldn't agree more. I've had my Skyhawk AT Blue Angels for probably about 15 years and it sees regular use because it is always charged and reliable.
Right now I wish YT would let me reply with a photo of my Nighthawk to support and close your argument
@@Dan-G-CLE Love my Blue Angels Skyhawk AT. It's on my wrist right now. Despite the busy dial it still has great legibility. And it reliably syncs every night despite the distance between South Florida and Colorado.
Also the Promaster Aqualand eco- drive, My favorite.
As an ape-descended life form who still thinks digital watches are a pretty neat idea, the Casio GWM5610 is hands-down my favorite watch.
Ah, a fellow man of culture. I also noticed the t-shirt.
Jody my collection is 90 % solar! My thoughts were about the same as your opening. Absolutely love your output. Keep up the awesome work and thank you
Great list. At age 70 & returning to watch wearing (collecting?), I have been tempted by "smart" watches. However, these low-maintenance, accurate solar watches will start my new buying spree. Thanks for your video & clear explanations!
I don't consider smart watches to be watches, they're just wrist worn computers that happen to have a clock on them. In my opinion, to classify as a watch, telling the time must be the only function or at the very least the priority purpose and let's be honest, smart watches all look awful. They look like something from a car dashboard whereas real watches are little kinetic sculptures.
I enjoy my automatic watches but I do seem to wear my quartz solar watches more. My ugly but functional Casio Wavecepter Tough Solar actually gets the most wrist time. The World Time and timer functions get a lot of use. My other favorite is my 20 year old Citizen Nighthawk Eco Drive. It did die at about 15 years. The back says "Do not remove. Not consumer serviceable.". But I replaced the capacitor (battery) myself. It's really no different than replacing any other watch battery except the capacitor cost about 10 times that of a battery. I also replaced the scratched mineral crystal with a double domed sapphire crystal. That cost as much as a G Shock watch. But it's beautiful.
SNE 589 ,looks like a vintage rolex sub.
I have the orient mako panda chronograph and absolutely love it. Wears really nicely on my small wrist and works well on loads of strap options. Would highly recommend to anyone that's looking for a good affordable chronograph.
Buy that Tropical Arnie, Jody.
A couple of years ago Jody, I bought the standard black Casioak. Then because of you, yep, I then bought the yellow solar powered version. As I wanted this for work in a quite dirty environment, the yellow wasn’t gonna cut it. So I swapped the solar version from the yellow case into the standard black version case & 🤩🥰👍🏼👌🏼
Purchased the Timex Expedition North solar with sapphire and 100m, 36mm for $55, nice little watch that.
I second what you say, Timex Expedition great value watches for the money, it’s my holiday watch of choice. 👌
100% with you Jody.
Im done with autos
When you get to a good few in the collection you realise they are silly.
I have a seiko solar and the T touch
They are always ready to go.
But I still always pick the aerospace.
Watch collecting is weird
I fully understand you.
I bought an amazing auto to give automatics a try. However, I came to the same conclusion as you. I just don't wear it because it's not as accurate as a quartz and I have to worry about knocking it and messing up the movement. I'll buy "luxury" watches, just not an automatic.
LOVE SOLARS!!! Jody: On the G5600 don't forget the automatic backlight function. Your video showed A.EL towards the bottom right on the watch screen. You press the light button and hold it down until you see that designation, and then in the dark you tilt your wrist towards you and the backlight comes on automatically without pushing the button. VERY SECRET AGENT. And the battery won't die down from overuse of this function due to the solar recharge aspect.
I have the Arnie tropical lagoon special edition and it's the perfect watch for me as a relatively large man, that's into fitness and in the Navy. Bonus that it's connected to Arnie who's a bad ass lol!! Buy it! You won't regret it!
Honorable mention of vaer. Dive and field watches with solar options for days.
I'd give some love to the Casio GWM5610 as well. All the toughness of the standard square G, but solar, atomic clock, world timer, the works. Literally everything you need in a watch. Mine rapidly became my outdoor and travel watch.
Really love my Casio Lineage lcw-m300, which among other features shows how much charge is in the battery, so you know when it needs a little time in the sun to get back up to a good level...
I’ve had a Casio tough solar Ana- digi, time synch, 5 alarms, stop watch, dual time for probably 20 yrs now. Still my favorite grab and go and gets the most wrist time! Thanks for the topic!
The Seiko Arnie is brilliant. Wears great on a small wrist.
The best feature rarely gets mentioned...the perpetual calendar!
@@jabezhaneexactly!
My Seiko Safarnie is my one apocalypse watch. Solar, chrono, real diver, built like a tank.
I bought the Casio Men's AQS800W Slim Solar Multi-Function Ana-Digi Sport Watch from Amazon for $40. I love it. It's weightless, accurate and comfortable. I bought it so I could swim with it and not have a care in the world while on vacation. Absolutely exceeded my expectations.
I love a good solar watch. I have a bunch and I have plans to buy many more. Your introduction is bang on with my own personal experience. My day-to-day life is too tough for most mechanical watches. The vibration of my motorcycle alone is reason enough not to wear on mechanical watch daily.
I have Rolex, Omega, Citizen, Seiko and Orient but every citizen Eco Drive I have runs perfectly and has never needed service. Did I mention the 3 Caliber 2100’s were bought in 1998 and 2006? One is 26 years old, the other 2 are 19 years old - incredible! I have several of the divers on my list so I can have some new ones in my collection!
Casio Oceanus OCW-T200S is my favorite watch I've ever owned. Get yourself one. You won't regret it.
Momentum has a couple of really great options. They recently released the Sea Quartz 30 in solar and they have released a modern version of the classic UDT diver in solar.
Solar makes a whole lot of sense for divers and chronographs! I don't have either because they seem like a hassle, and solar solves the problems of both.
I’m currently on a mission to sell pretty much all of my mechanicals. If I had one watch to wear it would be a solar quartz. It’s the most fuss free form of time keeping on the planet. I have an SNE469 and it’s my favorite by a mile, after a long journey of collecting. So long, watch box!
The introduction of the video is spot-on. That what literally exactly my thought which I had before buying my first solar-powered watch last year.
In the US, where the atomic clock radio signal is available, I think the Casio GWM5610, with its automatic atomic clock synchronicity, is the hands down choice over the Casio G5600UE. Because of its insance accuracy, the GWM5610 is the reference watch that I use to set all of my other timepieces, and it's always ready to wear.
Great video.
I have had my Radiocontrolled Eco Drive longer than i remember. In spite of a small colletion of around 20 watches, my old Citizen still outperforms all others including in design and durabilty. Love it
I've built a sizable solar collection and keep them charged. I did have my first solar watch to conk out. It is a 3 to 4 year old Seiko PADI three hand with orange minute hand on a nice blue dial. It did not show the typical two second jumps. It would just die and I noticed it failing around the 15 second mark. Strange thing is a little rap to it's side or unscrewing the crown and re-seating would start the second hand back up lasting maybe a day. I managed to replace the battery and it has gone back to it's old nice Seiko self. It has been running without error for about a month after the battery replacement. I only mention this in case someone runs into this issue. Changing the rechargeable battery fixed my Seiko solar. Gday.
Solar watches are smartest, most practical watches you could own! I can vouch for the solar square G-Shock and Oceanus. The seconds hand on the latter hits each mark accurately, and it's just a super attractive all-rounder!
Love that shirt!!!!!! My favorite books of all time, super influential on me as a person.
It’s like this man reads my mind. I have been scouring the internet for Quartz Solar Watches. Mainly because I saw a Baltany Quartz Solar Watch review on another channel recently. I firmly believe there will be an Erebus Quartz Chronograph in the future so…Thanks for the great list!
We need a part 2 of this video series.
Vaer makes excellent watches as well, and have a great solar catelogue.
yes, they do but the one I had could have had drilled-through lug holes. I thought (I've given mine away to a friend) that the lug-pits were too shallow, and the lugs/springbars are IMHO the most venerable part of a watch, especially those used in salt water / sports activities like surfing and diving. (Diving especially when taking tanks on and off - tank straps tend to scrape along forearms etc.)
Can you do a review of coal powered watches? I have a Wexford Warbler steam watch. It's accurate to within 6 hours per day. You have to shovel coal into the fire box every 15 seconds or so using the tiny shovel that is provided and ensure the water tank above the watch is always above the minimum level. The only downside to this watch is that you have to drag around 2 tonnes of coal and a 70 gallon tank of water so bear that in mind before purchasing one. Oh and always ensure the steam pressure valve is serviced every week otherwise the watch could explode.
Seiko SSG019 is a great solar powered grab and go watch with radio sync and a very unique dial design.
I have numerous Citizen Eco-drive dive watches and a titanium chronograph. I got my first years ago with the original Orca and it’s still running strong. I absolutely recommend Citizen watches. Better quality and price point than the other Japanese brands.
Best tee-shirt EVER!
I have a square G-Shock solar bluetooth and the solar Sumo GMT - just brilliant practical, good looking watches. Thanks for this video!
It’s sunny in the Uk so my solar watches are out soaking up the sun. I have a solar Casio ProTrek that I was wearing when my son was born 17 1/2 years ago and it’s still going strong. Although it never stays at full charge for more than a few minutes, half full lasts ages
I'm not the biggest fan of solar due to the compromises it requires from the dial, but I'm glad that you're a fan of quartz and solar. Hoping that Erebus releases some future options with mecha-quartz movements as well as autos :)
I wanted a solar in my collection and found VAER, specifically the DS4 meridian black. I bought the 38mm and wasn’t sure if I would enjoy a “small” dive watch. On the right strap for me and now it’s a keeper - for now anyway 😂
I own a Citizen BN0166-01L Eco-Drive….the one that has the gorgeous blue-green face.
Absolutely love it!!!
Not gonna lie, before I clicked on the video I thought the list'll be full of Citizen and G-shock. Pleasantly surprised to learn about some models I didn't know about. Thanks Jody!
Wouldn't believe I'd ever buy a Fossil but I ended up with two solar powered Defender's of different sizes and finishes recently and the smaller one has had more wrist time than any other in my collection. They're a good looking field watch with decent specs for the money; 316L stainless steel case and bracelet or leather/nylon strap, 100m water resistance, decent lume and Seiko solar powered movement. Ok, the bracelet's a bit jingle jangley but swap it out for a nice silicon and you've got a great tool watch for very little money. Oh yeh, I paid £18 each, brand new with warranty! 😉
Rocking my fantastic Citizen AQ4091-56L, bought following Jody’s recommendation. Couldn’t be happier with this incredible timepiece.
I have 3 Citizen Eco Drives, have lasted for several years and completely maintenance free. The very oldest one is over 20 years old, we just replaced the battery capacitor.
Love my 5610, always exactly the right time. I know the signal does not work in Oz, but neither does it rain all summer there like the UK 😂
You left off the Tactical Frog solar panda. Seiko movement. Very accurate. Better clasp than the Orient #7. Orient clasp very bad. TF screw down crown and pushers. Much better option even from the original Speed Time. TF faceted bezel. Very nice.
The T-Touch might seem a little clunky but it is an awesome watch to own. The functions on this thing are so cool you will love it. The bright titanium on the bracelet is the one to go for. Nothing like it at any price.
I have three solar watches in my small collection. A Seiko SSG017 and two Citizens. A Calendrier BU2020-02A and my most recent addition and favorite every day watch, a Nighthawk BJ7000-52E. Love them all. Just put them on and go. No fussing around winding and setting time and date.
I have a Casio Gshock GW6900-1 and its my grab and go quartz solar
You are right about the T-Touch. Let me know if you'd like to borrow my T-Touch for a review. I haven't had the chance to review it on my channel yet but I'd love to collab with you. I have the Racing T-Touch which has all the same features and its on a poly strap but Stainless instead of titanium. Cheers!
Citizen make very nice chronographs for a lot less than Seiko. To me Citizen is the king of solar watches
NEVER heard of that Tissot… looks tempting.
Definitely a preferred movement over any other type. Accurate and long lasting batt as long as 25yrs. It is like a nuclear plant without the radiation risk. Casio AQ-S810W AnaDigi is still the best value at USD45.
Casio Pro Trek Titanium Solars for me with everything on them. Love em. Essex people might be thinking, where are the Sekonda's?........erm No.
Great topic and great shirt!
Recently my daily G Shock from 2007 resin band finally wore out. Since it was an integrated band with special shape I couldn't just swap bands and decided to go solar exactly like the beginning of the video.
Ended up with the GW-B5600 solar square. Multiband 6, Bluetooth, Solar square on the fantastic combi resin/metal bracelet and can be had in posi or neg display versions. No fuss no muss always accurate solar daily. Around $150 U.S.
Hi Jody I have a G5600ue and it was just to say the update ‘ue’ model has the EL backlight replaced by an led just like on the gwm5610u. Great work and love the list, so many great watches on there. I’m really saving to get an ‘Arnie’ soon hopefully 🤞👍🤞
I am wearing a Casio Oceanus right now, is by far the best solar watch ever made. After buying it I am considering selling all the other ones, except for the citizen smile solar ones, which are so cheap and fun.
You'll enjoy today's video mate.... Cheers!
Oh I love my Seiko Arnie... in the red and blue. The only Seiko I've own that I've liked.
I bought a Chronomaster because of you. And I used buyee because of you. And I am so happy that I did.
Richard Hammond was seen to wear that Tissot T-Touch solar on Top Gear quite a bit. You will notice it with its bright orange strap.
That t touch with Temp/altitude/baro seems esp. great for ppl living in the mountains or ppl that like to go sailing
the Yellow Casioak GA-B2100 brought me back to solar watches with little maintenance needed, took out my ol' Citizen and 6900 gshock out of storage.
I really need to get a Square one of these days MB6 and tough solar are just too good features I cannot miss out on
I went sorta backwards (re: automatic to solar). I picked up a Citizen Nighthawk years ago (still have it, still running!), added a second just because and finally splurged (for me) on my beloved Oceanus T200. I find they're just perfect (especially the T200) for my Type A nature. As I got older and mellowed out (some) I started adding some automatics -- nothing too crazy price-wise: Orient Ray II, Hamilton Khaki, an Islander pilot's watch and most recently, the Henry Archer Akva.
We thank you for great options and saying the obvious! Being at that point and even willing to pay extra for Solar Quartz and possibly selling off all my other watches 😬 I was recently looking at Junghans ☀️
I love my Citizen Promaster ecodrove worldtime GMT which you reviewed a long while back. It is my travel watch.
Again. Casio lineage LIW-M700D-1AJF. Jodyyyy people need to know about thisss
Perfect timing! I've spent a good chunk of the last two weeks trying to pick a solar. Thank you!
My go to no nonsense always ready daily - Citizen Promaster Marine Eco-Drive Solar Watch BJ7111-86L- JDM model on chrono 24 - its also titanium, diver and GMT. Love this watch
Citizen has so many solar options. I love my Citizen Orca when I don’t feel like setting my automatic divers.
Got 2 Eco-Drive watches that cover all my needs: a Ray Mears and a BN -0220. Both apocalypse watches.
Thanks for nice video. This has reminded me, that Casio needs to make GLX-100 (surfers G-Shock with mip display) in solar... and without "smart stuff" (just leave bluetooth sync and setting of timers/settings/alarms)
The Tissot one sounds really nice.
That orient panda would be my top pick if it was smaller. My first watch was a solar one made by g-shock, I’ve had it for probably around 20 years.
S100 is my favourite, full of features and yet the dial is simple. The titanium bracelet is really beautiful. Casio M100 TS is also made of titanium altho the bracelet is obvously not in the same leaque as S100. It is a bargain at around 140USD, which is the price I recently paid for a brand new one on ebay, incl shipment
The G-5600ue actually got updated to have an LED light and to display the time while you're using the stopwatch function. Compared to the non-solar version it has a clearer screen, but displays ghosting at angles. It's also thinner.
Don't forget Momentum watches. Many solar choices under $300 usd including the Steelix that my buddy just bought (and loves it)!
Jody, I've been drinking the wife's Gin and I'm feeling humble, just wanted to say I think you're great!
I can recommend Centric Instruments watches with no reservations. I have had mine for 2+ years and it is accurate, durable, and very legible. It is a field watch style. Great value for money.
Thanks Jody, interesting list as usual! Casio makes Solar budget under 60$ who are really good ones AQ-S810W. And chinese brand start to make Real nice interesting one like tactical frog 62 mas solar chrono hommage equiped With Seiko vs75 which IS really stunning one. Solar Time keepers are really interesting ones! 😊
"Even the one's with the digital watches!" Excellent shirt!
Can‘t agree more to this video!
Got three solar quartz and absolutely love them - 2 Casio Edifice EQB 500 and a EQS 500.
My daily wear work beater is a JDM Citizen Promaster Land. Perpetual Calendar, day/date, radio control, coated titanium. Took it off the bracelet and put on a rubber strap. It's holding up great and always right.
I'm a massive fan of Citizen's E650-E660 movements. Eco Drive, chronograph, atomic timekeeping, day date, perpetual calendar, multiple time zones, alarm...a true analog dial smart watch.
The Casio Lineage line has some great looking solar watches too. The LCW M100TSE is pretty popular, but I favor the look of the M170D myself.
First of all, love the t-shirt. I have a 37mm Citizen solar field watch that I love. Can pick it up anytime and its right on. I went snorkeling in Belize and had no issues. I also have a Casio Pro-Trek PRG 600 YB. It has analog and digital and does the barometric pressure, altitude, temp, second time zone as well as the compass direction. I would wear it everyday if it wasn't 46-49mm across, so it only gets out camping and fishing. It only cost $200 and it looks really good.
I love my G Shock GW6900. It’s my go to when going to the lake or the ocean. I know it will be getting plenty of sun, and it’s practically indestructible. The Orient Mako Solar looks great. Thanks Jody.
Buy the Arnie! - Great list, was looking for it for a while.. thanks and great video as usual..
Casio's 3rd brand, Ediface, has some good mid-priced solar options. I've been wearing an EQS900DB-1AV for a couple of years and it is great. In fact, my wife has to double check to see if it's my Tag or the Ediface from the looks.
Worth mentioning also that the Sumo is a traveler's GMT. Quartz and traveller's GMT are a great combo because it gets rid of any potential downsides (i.e takes a long time to set) of automatic ones
For me if you’re going to get a diver chronograph, get a diver’s chronograph like the Seiko SSC663P1. As for the Tissot forget that and go for a Garmin Instinct Solar - there’s a few flavours and if you’re going for an ABC watch get something with all the functionality that doesn’t look like your usual smartwatch (same could be said for the Casio Protek range.
This was a great video about a great segment of watches that so many tend to overlook or forget about. I have 3 Citizen Pro-Master Ecodrive that are outstanding. One I bought (SST Racing Chrono) on our first holiday after our daughter was born some 16yrs ago, proceeded to beat the ever living .... ( even once accidentally slamming it in the bonnet of the car) out of it for yrs after and it is still unserviced and going strong. I cannot say enough positive things about CItizen Pro-Master Eco-Drive.
Love your top tens, you always bring up watches other RUclipsrs don’t. Thanks!
Thanks for the video Joey. I do believe I’ll check out that T-Touch.
The T-Touch Solar in titanium is one of the first watches I acquired on my journey and it was a go-to piece for my travels due to the ease of changing time zones. I have a solar case and they all come out and sit in the bedroom window at least once while I'm home to keep topped up!
My collection includes many of the choices you presented in this video, from the Seiko Sumo GMT to the Arnie to many Casios. As far as I'm concerned solar rules! Cheers mate!
Great video. Just when I thought you'd lost your mind entirely, you brought in the Oceanus at the end.