Did you know that solar watches have been around for over 50 years?
The first solar watch debuted in 1972 with the Synchronar 2100. With large cells for charging on top, the watch displays the time in a unique way – on the side of the watch.
While the first solar watch may have looked like something out of a sci-fi movie, today’s solar watches come in a variety of styles and designs.
But are they reliable? Is it worth purchasing a solar watch?
If you’re not sure if a solar watch is right for you, keep reading. We’ll run through the pros and cons of solar watches.
Pros of Solar Watches
First, let’s start with the positives of solar watches. There’s a lot to like about them.
By their very nature, solar watches are eco-friendly. Not having to swap batteries every few years saves you money. It also prevents additional waste from going into a landfill.
Batteries are considered a necessary evil. That’s because they are required for many devices, but have a negative impact on the environment.
Lithium batteries are present in many goods, including watches. However, extracting lithium is detrimental to the environment, leading to soil pollution. It also requires using large reserves of water.
Fortunately, a solar watch is long-lasting, which means minimizing your reliance on batteries.
A solar watch is also low-maintenance, requiring little care outside of charging. A single charge can power a watch for months. While they are best charged via sunlight, artificial lighting can also help keep them charged.
Some brands of solar watches also have power-saving modes, allowing their batteries to last even longer.
If you’re looking at buying a watch, you should know that solar watches come in almost as many styles and looks as other types of watches, so it shouldn’t be hard to find one that suits your style.
Cons of Solar Watches
Generally speaking, solar watches are more pricey than quartz watches. This is to offset their longer lifespan. However, if you need a place to buy solar watches without breaking the bank, there are online retailers that may offer a good discount, lessening the upfront cost.
The visible PV or photovoltaic, cells used to power solar watches are also a negative for some people. While there are many watch options available, the visible PV cells of a solar watch may not match more formal attire.
Overall, there aren’t many negatives to solar watches, so if you’re on the fence, why not shop around and find one whose design you like?
Consider Making Your Next Watch a Solar Watch
While solar watches may be more expensive upfront than their counterparts, their ease of use and eco-friendly builds ensure they last for years. It’s a small price to pay for a reliable, easily-charged watch. Consider purchasing a solar watch for your next timepiece.
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