What are Solar and Kinetic Watches? Watch and Learn #23
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- Опубликовано: 9 сен 2024
- In today's video of Watch and Learn, we will discuss Solar and Kinetic watches. What makes these watches tick? How are they different from conventional battery watches, and what are their advantages.
You will find a Solar or Kinetic watch is quite simpler than you imagine, and they can provide months of trouble free use without requiring any charging source. And, because they still operate on quartz crystals, they are quite accurate!
Come check out the real "grab and go" technology.
For solar watches shown here, please visit us at:
www.longisland...
For the Seiko kinetic model shown:
hlongislandwatc...
And for our Citizen models that feature Eco-Drive:
longislandwatc...
I just like to let you know I appreciate you taking the time to explain and try to educate us,thank you mark.👍
Thanks!
I have a Seiko Kinetic since 2003 and it still works perfectly. I love this technology so much, even more than Eco-Drive
I own a citizen eco drive perpetual for 18 years now......its time keeping is unbelievable. I wear it everyday and it still looks beautiful.
Your prices & offers are so good, that i paid 13$ shipment, 19% tax, spend 4 hours at customs and it was still worth it
...and your videos are awesome too, greetings from germany
Wow, great to hear that!
Now that's a hell of a testimonial...... I've yet to become a Islander watch owner. Maybe it's time...... Thanks Nykem.
I have had that kinetic diver for 10 years. It has been trough hell and never had the back off it. Works just great still.
is it still running? :D
@@relosapulso Yes, no problem.
@@ianbutler1983 oh nice! i recently bought the new seiko sumo prospex solar i hope it will last long same as yours :D
The capacitor in my Seiko kinetic went out after about 10 years, so be prepared to change it soon.
I was Swiss only guy for many years. Now I have many Seikos.I don't wear my Rolexes anymore, they live in my safe.
Day to day Seiko rule.
I don't doubt the quality of Citizen watches. My wife gifted me a Citizen Quartz on our wedding day in 1980. The battery life seems to go on forever & the quality of the timepiece continues to be impeccable after all these years. Trouble is, I have yet to find a Citizen watch (except for my old Quartz) that speaks to me in terms of design and aesthetics.
A little step up in quality..and price unfortunately.. But not by too much
Tissot..or Seiko..maybe Phoibos or Helm
Between those 4 manufacturer.. They are amazing quality and great price for what you get..Citizen never really appeal ed to me either looks wise
@@mrmagoo.3678 I own 3 Citizens, I bought them strictly on cool factor and tech, they're definitely not great looking watches beyond their divers, which to me, all divers look about the same and Citizen to me, has the best value (I'd love to get my hands on that $400 titanium diver, but I have too many Citizens already). I'd love to see them put their tech, reduce the features and increase design and aesthetics. As a brand, them seem more concerned with pumping out product than art.
That Sieko SSC569 is absolutely a beautiful watch! Love that silver dia!
These videos really help me appreciate all types of watches, not just automatics. Thank you for your effort! I really want the Seiko Chronograph now!
Great, thank you!
When Seiko came out with the “Kinetic” I thought another Self Winding Watch.... that is not new technology. I soon learned, it was not a Former “Self Winding” Movement I grew up with, but indeed a kinetic with a quartz Movement but Charged by the movement of your wrist! Thank You for explaining the difference. I have several Solar and Eco Drive Watches. My first Battery Operated Watch was a Bulova Accutron 214. It has a tuning fork and hums! Citizen has since purchased Bulova and has a new Movement a 262 kHz “Tri-tuning fork Movement.” Very Accurate. The Grand Seikos are introducing new watch Technologies and accuracy within seconds in a year! I’ve been blessed to observe changes in technology in Watchmaking over the years. I still love Mechanical Movements and with improvement in lubricants extended service periods. Thanks Marc for your videos and explaining the new technologies!
Marc, even though I already knew Seiko's technology on solar and Kinetic, you show it in a way that is fascinating to watch. I really do appreciate these watch and learn videos. And I always manage to learn something new from them. Please, keep up the great work!!! - Mark
Thanks again!
Note: you can also charge the kinetic watches with a an electric tooth brush charger, just lay it atop the charger for couple of days for full charge.
You're one of the best watch reviewers on RUclips.
Thank you, Marc
Wow, thank you.
My Citizen F900 GPS Eco drive has a power reserve of 1,5 Years with regular use and I think somewhere around 3 years (or even more) when in "Sleeping mode". Its also accurate to at least 5 seconds a month. 10 Bar water resistant, surface hardened titanium, anti reflective sapphire, automatic time zone adjustment.. love that thing. Truly a high end time piece.
Sounds like a great watch.
I’ve had a Seiko Solar Dive watch for fifteen years or more. It keeps perfect time.
Thanks for the continuing education, Marc. Building my Seiko collection.
the million dollar question:
Why are so few of this watches in the market? They are so efficient
Citizen eco drive have a lot.
Just bought a new SSC815 Seiko blue Speedtimer. Now I can learn how it works. Thanks!
I have a solar Seiko SSC019 and it's been rock-solid. Like all my solar watches, I put them outside for an hour each Saturday for a sun bath and they are all very happy.
Kinetics are a controversial subject in the watch forums and I don't know why, exactly. Other than the lack of hand-winding (a couple of Seiko models now do, called Direct Drive), they get their energy the same exact way an automatic does -- through wrist motion. I also have the Seiko SKA371 (nicknamed the "BFK" for Big Frickin' Kinetic on the forums) and wearing it for a day once every two weeks is enough to keep it charged at the six month reserve level. It is true that the early kinetics in the late 90s had capacitors and were prone to premature failure, but Seiko had been equipping all their kinetics with lithium ion rechargeable batteries for more than ten years now.
Great informative video as always, Marc. Greatly appreciated.
You are correct; early kinetics ran on capacitors as the battery technology wasn't advanced enough; it is now.
The Seiko direct drive never really caught on (in my opinion). And I think the issue with the regular kinetic is the rotor has alot of resistance and needs to be moved heavier than an auto to keep it charged up.
Lee, just 2 days ago, I bought the Seiko charger for my kinetics. Wearing the watches would maintain the low level charges they had when I got them, but nothing I did would get them up to a full charge. They are great watches otherwise.
Good to hear, Michael! Those dedicated chargers do work very well.
PS. Shouldn't you be busy abstaining or something? :)
Great videos Sir, as always I've learned a lot - I'm not shy do admit it. Thank You and keep on going! Best regards!
Great, thank you!
Agreed. The explanation is very clear and informative without getting so technical you get lost. Always nice to actually know what I'm getting in my hands when planning a purchase.
Consider me subscribed.
Great video. I bought a Seiko Prospex Solar Powered Quartz Flight Chronograph a couple years ago and I couldn't be happier. I love the unique look plus the fact I don't have to worry about batteries or winding. I'm from long island, would like to check out your shop sometime.
U r amazing marc. Truely the only guy on youtube who knows wtf they r talking bout on watches. Bless u. Ill be buying a watch from LIW.com just to support you
I love the Watch & Learn series. As a total noob to all things watches it's very valuable information.
Thanks for checking it out.
I love my Kinetic Seiko SKA647.
Fascinating video. The kinetic system reminds me of how some vehicles keep their batteries topped up whenever the breaks are used. Thanks Marc.
Exactly! Regenerative breaking.
Awesome video, now I finally understand what was wrong with my watch! Thank you!
As a watch repairer of 53 years i place my kinetics on my automatic workshop winders when not in use along with my own automstics and repairs
An auto winder for single or multiple watches would help if the owner does not wear regularly
Many jewellers sell them
Or available on line
John Anderson.Hastings.England.
Thanks Marc. You are great guy. Really useful information.
Thank you, oh so kindly. You've answered everything I've desired to know about the Solar Seiko models. Have a Seiko Coutura Solar myself. As mentioned in video it displays as fully charged at all times. Even being stored away from light. I had the watch running non-stop. With my most other models I prefer to pull the crown out, and leave it idle until I wear one. My main concern was battery performance and longevity on the Seiko Solar.
Does the seiko solar quartz watch make a ticking sound like a swatch does?
Perfect video! Just when I was wondering about solar and kinetic as buying choices. Good to hear they're both very solidly made movement types.
Thanks! Glad you liked it.
Thanks. Just getting into watch collecting a bit, and your vidz have been invaluable.
I just came across your video about the Seiko kinetic. It's a cool technology and I'm glad to know how it works. Thanks as always for your clear explanation.
Thanks, I just bought the sun065p1, with a kinetic drive, so now I also know what it means :D.
That's great!
I have a Casio eco drive world timer watch that I bought 8 years ago. It is my tool watch that I wear on all occasions especially when I go flying for the Airline. Amazing thing about it, I have not been using it for the past few months, but it still works extremely fine when I try to wear it a few days ago. It has been conserving energy and ticks to the exact time when I expose it to light.
I could say it is one piece of excellent engineering from Casio. I will cherish it and put it in my watch cabinet. Now my daily watch is an Omega Seamaster or a Seiko Presage. Great video by the way. Most probably I will buy another Citizen watch eco drive with perpetual calendar or a world timer with Radio controlled built in. Can't really decide about it. Cheers 😁
Casio isn't the same company as Citizen-
I bought a Citizen BM 8180-03E secondhand in around 2004 and have only now replaced it with the same watch because it was no longer holding a reserve charge. That is 16 years or more use without ever opening the watch. It was still keeping time if it was worn but after 24 hours in a draw it stopped. Not even a Rolex will go that long without needing some attention, at least my brothers doesn't. He spends more than the cost of a good solar watch on servicing it every couple of years with the Rolex service agent.
I love my Citizen Skyhawk. I like SEIKO and do have one my wife bought me 20 years ago but prefer Citizen.
My everyday watch is a Seiko SKA727 Kinetic. Love it's accuracy (about 1 second a month), and the simple military style display. I would not recommend getting a Kinetic unless it will be your every day watch. As I've seen discussed in another forum, owning a Kinetic is like owning a dog. You have to walk it every day, or it dies. Any rechargeable battery should be kept, as much as possible, fully charged to extend its life. I understand the batteries for the Kinetics cost in excess of $50 if you have to replace them.
LOL. Good analogy.
I also agree with u you have to wear it everyday
After learning about kinetic & solar watches still containing a battery inside which cost $50 to think it's just an ordinary rechargeable lithium battery w/c last 2 to 3 yrs. Whether you use it or not only means that Kinetic & Solar watches are still battery operated watch which uses a costlier battery makes no sense, i think it's better to use an ordinary battery operated watch instead since it's battery would still last 2 to 3 yrs. & you don't need to wear it daily. Automatic watches i conclude is still the way to go despite not so accurate. It doesn't need servicing for more than a decade & no battery to burst if left for a long time unremoved. When batteries burst your watch is a goodbye as it will damage the electronics inside. Either i go for an automatic or just an ordinary battery operated watch would be best. Solar & Kinetic is kinda more of a gimmicky technology which doesn't benefit the consumers since all Lithium batteries will die after 2 - 3 years. No lithium battery technology can make itself last more than 3 yrs. & function normally. I conclude Kinetic & Solar watches are just bullshit.
I have my seiko kinetic for about 10 years, never change any battery and still good condition as it goes.
Bernard Tan Whats the point of a watch that doesn't keep the right time . Embrace the future !
this one was good i didnt know kinetic watches existed. i like things that work by themselves. so im loving solar and automatic and now kinetic watches.
Great video to understand different technology powering watches! What I would suggest it to do video of 'ultimate' watch: solar+atomic and suggest 'perfect' one as some are not so perfect as they do not adjust time when we go in DST and out of DST.
Thank you!
Mine has radio synchronization so it actually does correct for DST and leap years, so it never has to be adjusted.
I absolutely love your channel. You are so informative. It really feeds my thirst for learning about watches. Thank you so much and keep up the good work. I know you have run a shop for years and have an engineering background, but where else have you learned so much about watches? You seem very well versed from a layman like myself.
Good video thanks. I have one solar watch in my collection . A citizen Eco drive . The face is all black . I keep it on my desk with the office light . It is always working .
Years later and this videos still useful..thanks BroZay!😎😂💩
Nice review Mark, and taking the effort to remove the case backs made me instantly subscribe!!!
Great video,much appreciated!
Casually says that he had a Grand Seiko around the office*
For those with kinetics who don't wear them often enough to keep them charged, I solved the problem of keeping them charged while not in use for long periods of time. Instead of purchasing a pricey Seiko Kinetic recharger, simpy buy a Phillips rechargeable candle set. Not only for sub- $70 do you get a nice set of rechargeable batteries, but you get a three-slot recharger that can also be used to recharge your Kinetic watches. All you have to do is place the watch case on it's side into the slots, press the on button, and do it again the next day and the watch will be fully charged for 6 months worth of juice.
Quartz it's always the way to go for me, from the cheap ones to solar powered, kinetics, hac quartz, the amazing 262 khz from bulova... mechanical I do appreciate, but it's just a curiosity, my majority of watches are quartz movement.
Thanks Marc nice to see the movements
Hmmm I haven't heard about the kinetic before. It's like s fitness reminder I guess. Neat!
LOL
Thank you Mark great video.just bought a Seiko solar and kinetic fascinating to see how they work.Keep up the videos.
As a former engineer, can you explain why nobody has released a solar powered watch with a smooth sweeping second hand? I know that most quartz watches tick once per second, because by ticking only once per second, they get a long battery life. Since a solar powered watch has almost unlimited battery life, it should be able to tick multiple times per second.
Citizen produces both the Ecodrive movement and the Precisionist movement. If they could combine these two movements, I would buy watches with that movement in a heartbeat.
I own that Solar chronograph. It is a great watch for the money.. Seiko Recraft is turning out to be rather cool.
Hey Marc,
Thanks for all your insight and education of watches...very, very helpful & entertaining.
I started getting into solar powered watches a few months ago and now have 2/ a Casio entry level (budget) and a beautiful Citizen Eco Drive pilots (B face)
Keep up the great work and All the best.
That chrono is beautiful. I want one!
The length of the video is perfect, not too long and not too short. The information you share is excellent as always. May I suggest something. If you start the videos by number i.e instead of # 23 at the end, if you put 23 at the beginning. May be it will be easier for reference down the road when you have a whole bunch of videos. Regards.
Great video! Thanks Mark
The Casio Solar Analog watches do the 2 second skip when charge drops to mid-range. My G-shock does, my Edifice has a meter hand. My 2 Solar Digital G-shocks have metered bars for charge indication. A little solar goes along way on all these watches, just an extremely efficient system!
I actually found a beautiful Seiko Solar Chrono yesterday. I failed to note the ref. no. but the three circle dial was a beautiful dark grey ~ green tone that I've never seen before which alone was sufficient to tempt me. I'll have to get its serial no., perhaps tomorrow en route to work. It was maybe ¥30,000 yen, which would be like $250 American I guess.
I read somewhere that only Seiko can use the kinetic system because they patented it. Only other branch that may use it is Pulsar because thats a sister company from Seiko. Thats actually what I wear, a kinetic Pulsar. Bought it used on Ebay a few years ago and it still holds up. Just never let it lay on a some shelf for more than a day or two.
Marc, I'm about to make that Kinetic Diver mine!!
Rock it!
I really love the new W&L episodes Mark! I was always waiting for a Solar / Eco-Drive / Kinetic as well as Spring Drive video because I think those alternative Quarz driven technology platforms are very interesting, even for a hardcore mechanical watch addict.
Thanks!
Thanks much!
Mark!!! This is amazing. Light bulbs popping up near my heads. Curious about these solar and kinetic for the longest time. Thanks. Next is to buy a watch from long island.
Haha, thank you!
thank you for explaining brilliant video👍🏿
Thanks for watching!
Love your watch learn series! Great video!
Thanks!
Interesting. Now I know how solar and kinetic watches operate. I did not know, prior to watching this video, that both solar and kinetic watches are, in point of fact, a more sophisticated type of quartz watch.
Yes, they are. Glad you could learn that!
Dude I learnt so much. Beautiful taste in watches btw
I am not a serious watch collector but I do own over 20 watches including 4 Seiko Kinetics and 8 Solars (incl. 2 Seikos, 4 Citizens and 2 Casios). My current preference is definitely for Solars as you can have them on permanent ready-to-wear-with-correct-time standby, without them being worn. Kinetics come second and Automatics third, and both need to be worn to keep correct time. No contest.
Very good,you do these great,even I can understand some of it,Thanks.
Thanks! Love the watch and learn series!
Thank you!
Hi sir.
In your professional opinion , would you say automatic watches have an advantage over solar in terms of maintenance and lifespan.
(Eg Seiko automatic Vs Seiko solar)
Thanks in advance for sharing your insights, observations and passion with us.
Great insight
Serious question, what would happen if you put a kinetic watch in paint shaker Would it damage the watch, or charge it just fine?
where can I buy that seiko ssc569?
A very good and clear video👍
Very useful info. Thank you!
Cool video. I learned some things.
Hi sir, I always learn a lot from u through your videos. I appreciate your efforts and time. Please can u make a video on tuning fork watch technology? While referring to Omega f 300 etc. ?
Thanks for explaining it in simple terms so even us dummy's get it.
Please do a video on Grand Seiko mechanism
Probably. Just won't take it apart!
Long Island Watch GS doesn't have open back case?
Felix Shih it have
Useful video series. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching.
For your information, my friend has a Seiko Premier Kinetic Direct Drive watch. It has a rotor weight for recharging the battery, AND you CAN wind it to give up to a month reserve power, in theory. Perhaps the movement is different from the one in this video. Anyway, I think an automatic watch which cannot be wound is not good. The drawback of my friend's watch is that it takes hundreds of hand-winds to get only a few hours or a day reserve. This is why he replaced it with another watch; the Seiko kept stopping! Perhaps there is something wrong with the battery or the charging unit... I managed to wind it to a week reserve with an electric screwdriver. Yes, it is that bad!
personally i will choose solar above kinetic. I have a seiko solar with the V172 movement and is fantastic. It keeps time very steady. I have also a seiko SKX007 and i love that watch very much. But when you wear it not for two or three days it will be dead. That is the great benefit of solar power you can leaf it for weeks and it still running.
True!
This is very informative. Thnx!
Recently bought a Seiko SQ 50 (Kinetic Sports) watch. Black dial.
I have a SEIKO kinetic watch..its so beautifull and I am really like it.
Great video, thanks. Great movements too.
Thanks!
Good info! Thanks Marc!
Sorry if I sound dumb but then, "Kinetic" like is a lower standard "Spring Drive"? Thanks
If you had one to show, a kinetic Auto Relay would be interesting for your viewers. I don’t know why they killed this movement but they really are neat. I have one and one that belonged to my Dad.
Great video, thank you!
Thumbs up, thanks.
Got Seiko Kinetic and somehow they’re stop working eve I shake them long time- could you tell me where I have to address this issue??
Mark, great tutorial!
This may be a question a lot of you already know the answer to, that said what is the lifespan of a solar watch (not the battery life) the watch itself.
I don't know if it's true but I've been under the impression they don't last forever.
If you could shed some Light on the subject I would really appreciate it.
Also I'm thinking about 2 watches first is the Seiko SSC017 and the Tissot Seastar powermatic 80.
If you were to buy one which would you choose?
Thank you Mark, great vid!!!
Do I have to get a watch winder for my kinetic seiko watch. Thanks
Hey Mark, two questions. (1) Is the Seiko Kinetic's rechargeable battery widely available or are these special order batteries? (2) Any news on Locman making any new Montecristo-style watches? They have some of the most beautiful crowns I've seen and I LOVE the blue Montecristo 200 but it's a bit bulky and I'd love to know if they'll have slimmer options in the future.
Not sure about Locman, I think they are pulling out of the USA market.
The rechargeable batteries are available from Seiko. When a watch goes out of production, even, they keep parts on hand for about 10 years usually.
The (Seiko kinetic) link is not valid on your website
Thanks so much. So the Solar came first, and then the Kinetic, in Seiko history? Are either technology still manufactured new today?
And in any case, the Kinetic was later replaced with the “Spring Drive,” correct?
Do you think a solar is a better option for longevity of a watch over a standard quartz? I'm worried in 10 years I won't be able to find a battery or an installer for a solar watch. Great videos, keep up the awesome work!
Fello Islander here great video Marc
Hello, so you NEVER replace solar battery just have it charged for 5 hours under the sun?