Although Seiko was one of the first watchmakers to develop solar batteries, this eco-friendly technology has not been in the brand’s foreground. However, it looks like this trend is changing in a way that the new generation of SEIKO Solar watches are produced more and more often, combined with both classic and modern designs.
Seiko Solar is a quartz timepiece that is powered by light, to be precise, by all kinds of light, not just the sun energy, as the watch name suggests. The battery can be quickly recharged (usually, one minute of sunlight provides energy for one hour of work and after three hours, the timepiece is fully charged). Thanks to this technology, a wearer never has to change the battery, which contributes to a healthier environment.
When it is fully charged, the Seiko Solar usually works six months without any light (or amazing 12 months, which is the case with some models). Therefore, it is even suitable for polar nights, without electricity. If you manage to leave it without any power, this watch will start beating after just 8 minutes on sunlight.
Simplicity of Classic Elegance
We are presenting several models under the “SNE” range (SNE 032, SNE 039, SNE 049 and SNE 057). They come with a classic elegant design that associates on the simplicity and clearness of the Grand Seiko Collection (also read our reviews of Citizen Eco-Dive watches).
Each model has a mid-sized case, made of stainless steel, with the diameter of 36 mm. Besides, these Seiko watches come with clear and highly legible dials that do not leave any clue that they are semi-transparent (except the word “solar” on them). Protected with Hardlex mineral crystals, the dials feature only hour and minute markers and day/date windows at the 3 o’clock positions.
The Seiko Solar SNE 032 features a white dial, with black and gold-tone hands and markers, a steel case with a gold-tone bezel and a two-tone bracelet that incorporates a fold-over clasp with a push-button release. It is powered by the Caliber V158 solar quartz battery. Simple and elegant, this model is perfect for everyday wear.
Seiko Solar Watch SNE032
Seiko Solar Watch SNE039
A model with the reference number SNE 039 houses the Caliber V158 and comes with a casual black dial with silver-tone hands and markers, a round case and a three-row bracelet, both crafted in stainless steel. The one with a blue dial and silver-tone hands and markers (SNE 049) is the most catchy timepiece in the collection. It is available with a black leather strap, with a tang buckle.
Seiko Solar Watch SNE049
Seiko Solar Watch SNE057
Finally, the SNE 057 combines a blue dial with a stainless steel case and an expandable bracelet that incorporates a sizing-clasp system, for adjusting the length. You can buy one of these classic models or some other variation with similar performances, spending from $100 to $200.
- SNE032
Ref. No. SNE032
Gender Men Shape Round Case Material Stainless steel two-tone Case Size 36 mm Case Thickness Crystal Mineral Bracelet/Strap Stainless steel two-tone Dial White Movement Solar Shock-Proofing No Bezel Fixed Calendar Yes Chronograph No Moon Phase Indicator No Dual Time/World Time No Alarm No Display Analog Water-Resistance Yes Altimeter-Depth Meter No Power Reserve Assembly Style Price - SNE039
Ref. No. SNE039
Gender Men Shape Round Case Material Stainless steel Case Size 36 mm Case Thickness Crystal Mineral Bracelet/Strap Stainless steel Dial Black Movement Solar Shock-Proofing No Bezel Fixed Calendar Yes Chronograph No Moon Phase Indicator No Dual Time/World Time No Alarm No Display Analog Water-Resistance Yes Altimeter-Depth Meter No Power Reserve Assembly Style Price - SNE057
Ref. No. SNE057
Gender Men Shape Round Case Material Stainless steel Case Size 36 mm Case Thickness Crystal Mineral Bracelet/Strap Stainless steel Dial Blue Movement Solar Shock-Proofing No Bezel Fixed Calendar Yes Chronograph No Moon Phase Indicator No Dual Time/World Time No Alarm No Display Analog Water-Resistance Yes Altimeter-Depth Meter No Power Reserve Assembly Style Price - SNE049
Ref. No. SNE049
Gender Men Shape Round Case Material Stainless steel Case Size 36 mm Case Thickness Crystal Mineral Bracelet/Strap Black leather Dial Blue Movement Solar Shock-Proofing No Bezel Fixed Calendar Yes Chronograph No Moon Phase Indicator No Dual Time/World Time No Alarm No Display Analog Water-Resistance Yes Altimeter-Depth Meter No Power Reserve Assembly Style Price
Seiko Solar Men’s Watches review was published on Watchalyzer on October 28, 2011
I like models with blue designs…..I had a watch with a blue design…. It looks good, but now I need a new challenge……this watch could give me that challenge…….I cannot wait to take it.
I have mixed feelings about this watch….it has good features, Seiko is a good brand, it has a good movement…..on the other side, the dial and the design are horrible. But, because of the price I would buy this Seiko, maybe.
You expect a very good watch for $ 200?! To be honest, everyone who thinks so is a bit crazy….
If you want a fabulous watch for yourself, prepare serious money for it…..
Yes, it IS reasonable to expect an accurate reliable watch for under $200, completely! You can spend many hundreds and get junk, easily. Seikos are not hand-tooled and hand-assembled. The basic quartz motor is under $10 because they are made by the hundreds of thousands. What you are paying for is the cosmetics, the casing and band! Any quartz, even a Timex, is more accurate than a an automatic hand-calibrated Rolex or Panerai, any model. Seiko is my favorite brand, but they still have issues SOMETIMES, like difficulty changing date, difficulty changing batteries without coil damage, badly designed bands, etc. The solar charge technology is interesting, but nothing runs forever: you will still have to change, someday, the capacitor and the battery (call it an energy storage cell if you like).