The best solar watches don’t just offer freedom from dead batteries—they’re also some of the slickest (and most wallet-friendly) timepieces on the market. Though solar watches were first introduced in the ‘70s as an upgraded version of the era’s cutting-edge digital timepieces, the idea of powering a watch entirely using ambient light hasn’t lost a shred of appeal in the last five decades; quite the contrary, in fact. As watch brands scramble to make their products more eco-friendly, cutting dependency on disposable batteries has led to a bumper crop of stylish solar timepieces, from burly G-Shocks to dressy Seikos to classic divers.
The shift to solar isn’t just happening at the entry-level, either. Cartier dropped a solar version of its iconic Tank in 2020, and this year TAG Heuer introduced its first-ever solar-powered dive watch, the Aquaracer Solargraph. But with long waiting lists for the Cartier, and the TAG only expected to hit stores later this year, there are still plenty of other stylish ways to hop aboard the solar train. Keep scrolling to see every model we’re feeling at the moment—the absolute best solar watches on the market right now—and then bask in the satisfaction of never having to buy another watch battery again.
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Casio Solar Sport Combination watch
With 5 alarms, a world-timer, and an ultra-tough case with 100m of water resistance, this affordable Casio is already a phenomenal value. But the invisible solar panel that can hold 10 months worth of charge from any light source puts it over the top.
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Timex Expedition “Gallatin” watch
If Timex’s regular Expedition is a Jeep, this solar-powered version—featuring a big 45mm case, tactical black NATO strap, and honeycomb dial—is an electric Humvee.
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Timex Expedition Scout watch
Timex’s perennially cool field watch recently got the solar makeover, but don’t worry: it’ll still look just as good with hiking boots and a flannel as it does with your best city duds.
