Highly praised yet often overlooked: solar watches are the perfect companions for wearers who want minimal effort combined with maximum precision. No winding, no battery changes and cutting-edge technology at an affordable price – the advantages of sun-powered timepieces speak for themselves. To make your buying decision easier, we present our top 5 solar watches from Tissot and Junghans, two of the leading brands in this light-sensitive niche.
Why Buy a Solar Watch?
Automatic watches need to be worn, mechanical models need to be wound and quartz watches need a new battery at regular intervals (roughly every 2–3 years). Solar-powered editions ask for nothing more than enough light, and in return they offer an endless service life – in theory.
After all, even the best solar watch loses battery capacity over the years, and one day it becomes so weak that you will choose to have the rechargeable cell replaced. Until then, however, a whole decade can easily pass. As a result, the solar watch boasts an excellent environmental footprint and outstanding accuracy, because solar power charges a quartz movement with barely measurable rate deviations.
[box type="note" align="" class="" width=""]Another advantage is how well the technology combines with other advanced developments such as radio control or smartwatch functions. Our top 5 now shows what such all-rounders look like.[/box]Junghans Milano Solar Collection
The Junghans Milano Solar collection is a great example of high-quality solar watches at an affordable price. The cool, modern-looking model comes in two variants: if you like things simple and prefer a slim 37 mm case diameter, the regular Milano Solar (Ref. 14/4061.44) is your choice, giving you a superbly legible classic with cool elegance for €359.
More sophisticated is the Milano Mega Solar (Ref. 56/4220.00), which combines its solar movement in a 39 mm case with Schramberg’s renowned multi-frequency radio-controlled technology. Provided the watch is within range of one of the four international time signal transmitters (which is always the case in Germany), the latter ensures perfect time synchronization every day and allows the Milano to be set via the Junghans MEGA app.
The €599 manufacturer’s price includes further advantages over the timeless entry-level Milano Solar: 21 instead of 4 months of power reserve in darkness (the time the watch keeps running without light), a digital big date instead of a regular date window, and an energy-saving sleep mode after 72 hours. Modern solar technology meets classic watch design – the Milano masters the balancing act.
Junghans Force Collection
Like the Milano, the sporty, futuristic Junghans Force collection is available in several variants, all of which feature multi-frequency radio control and cost at least €999. The extra cost compared with the Milano goes mainly into the modern ceramic case, which combines extreme robustness with a seemingly ageless look and an integrated bracelet design. As standard, the powerful-looking 40.2 mm timepiece sits on the wrist on a rubber strap, which can be replaced with a luxurious ceramic bracelet with titanium folding clasp for an extra €400.
With its glass dial, the Junghans Force collection relies on minimalism and combines classic hands with a digital date display. Interesting detail: in the Mega models, the LC display for the date also serves as the reception check indicator (at the push of a button) and as a low-battery warning. Technically, the sporty collection is identical to the Milano Mega Solar; both series are powered by the proven multi-frequency radio-controlled solar movement J615.84.
Junghans Spektrum Collection
The third and most substantial candidate in the Black Forest trio is the Junghans Spektrum collection, which combines a hefty 41.6 mm diameter with a moderate case height of 9.6 mm.
[box type="info" align="" class="" width=""]While the latter doesn’t achieve the graceful slimness of the Milano Mega and Force Mega, it still offers commendable wearing comfort.[/box]Visually, the timepiece impresses with its sporty mix of stainless steel and ceramic, which sets the Junghans Spektrum collection apart from its siblings. Technically, it shows no differences from the previous Mega editions, apart from doubled water resistance: while the 50 meters of the Milano and Force are an acceptable figure, the Spektrum puts on a confident show with 100 meters.
Another plus in everyday use is the simple operation via two pushers on the right side of the case: T1 is used for the reception check indicator and manual synchronization, while T2 sets the time zone. Where the crown would normally be, the €999 timepiece has a locking mechanism that conveniently allows pusher T2 to be blocked.
Tissot T-Touch Connect Solar
When Tissot compares its T-Touch Connect Solar smartwatch to a Swiss Army knife, the heritage brand has a point: measuring a massive 47 mm in diameter, the lightweight titanium case houses an unparalleled range of functions, from activity tracker, calendar, weather functions and timer all the way to smartphone synchronization.
[box type="success" align="" class="" width=""]The most distinctive feature of this powerhouse is how it’s operated: unlike typical smartwatches, it doesn’t rely on a touch display alone but on a tactile sapphire crystal screen beneath which a display and mechanical hands coexist.[/box]Priced at around €1,000 depending on the version, the model sees itself as a hybrid between the traditional watch world and digital progress, which is why time-tested qualities are not missing: 100 meters of water resistance, an anti-magnetic construction and Swiss-level build quality and feel define the Tissot T-Touch Connect Solar.
No fewer than 35 patents have gone into the smartest of all Tissot watches, accompanied by state-of-the-art solar technology: small solar cells beneath the dial feed energy into the battery, which guarantees at least six months of autonomy. Unless you use the smartwatch too heavily, charging on a dock becomes a thing of the past. Also important: most of the Connect Solar’s functions are available without the optional smartphone connection to iOS, Android and HarmonyOS (Huawei) devices.
Tissot T-Touch Expert Solar II
The operating concept of the Connect Solar is also found in the Tissot T-Touch Expert Solar II, which offers many wearers the advantage of a more compact diameter (45 mm) and an equally impressive range of functions. As with the Connect Solar, the touchscreen must first be activated before use, after which the individual function categories can be selected via touch buttons around the edge of the dial. A simple, easy-to-understand system that requires no technical aptitude and adds countless functions to everyday life.
Why this fine piece costs over €1,000 – considerably more than regular smartwatches – is explained by its Swiss origin: the Expert Solar II was not only developed in the Alpine country but is also produced there to world-renowned quality standards. Like the Connect Solar, it is neither a toy nor just another tech gadget – this solar watch is a fully fledged timepiece that elegantly accommodates the benefits of the digital age.
