Solar power is a viable and environmentally friendly source of energy. Originally developed in the 1980’s, solar power relies on reflective lenses or mirrors to track sunlight into beams of light and convert these beams into electrical currents. It is estimated that by 2050, sixteen percent of the worldwide energy consumption will be solar powered.
Interestingly the solar power concept was originally conceived in the late 1970’s with the introduction of calculators from Casio and Texas Instruments and select timepieces featuring solar panels. The solar watch was developed and conceptualized by Seiko, Citizen and popular Japanese watchmakers at the time.
In 1978, Seiko introduced the one of the very first solar-powered watches with their LCD Solar Alarm Chronograph. Solar watches were not widely received at the time due in part to glitches in the solar movements and cumbersome designs.
Almost two decades later in 1995, Citizen perfected the solar powered watch with the introduction of the Eco-Drive collection. Powered by the sun or any other light source, the Eco-Drive featured a rechargeable lithium quartz battery which never had to be replaced.
Unlike previous solar powered watches, the Eco-Drive drew power from both sunlight and interior light sources. The rechargeable lithium battery proved to be another advantage.
Citizen, Seiko and Sector are among the leading solar watch brands in the world today and you’ll find many of these brand’s top solar styles at WorldofWatches.com during our Solar Time: Experience The Movement Of The Sun event.
The Citizen Eco-Drive Silhouette timepiece for women is a stunning solar choice. This sparkling wristwatch features a polished stainless steel case and matching polished steel link bracelet with rose gold-tone accents.
Shimmering inlaid Swarovski crystals pave-set to perfection, create a dramatic focal point on the rose gold-tone bezel. The silvery-white dial shines with luminous hands and inlaid crystal hour markers, along with date, day-of-the-week and 24-hour sub-dials. Ladies’ watch is 37mm in diameter and 10mm thick.
The Citizen Eco-Drive Axiom chronograph for men is a striking selection. This streamlined contemporary watch features a lightweight polished steel case that is 43mm in diameter and an ultra-thin 10mm thick.
The attractive multi-link bracelet in brushed and polished steel has a convenient push-button clasp. A striking black bezel ring surrounds the minimalist black matte dial with a date calendar and three sub-dials along with baton hands and index markers. Chronograph is water-resistant to 30 feet or 100 meters.
The Sector Adventurer Solar Power watch is another great choice. This bold and masculine men’s timepiece features the outstanding black ion-plated stainless steel case in a satiny brushed finish and high-performance black rubber strap with channel stitched detail.
The unidirectional rotating bezel with white screened markers surrounds the multi-layered dial with a screed global background, luminous hands and outlined Arabic numeral hour markers. Features include a screw-down crown and case back for water-resistance to 100 meters or 330 feet. Watch is 45mm in diameter and 14mm thick.
Free shipping and free returns are included on all domestic men’s and women’s watch purchases within the continental United States at WorlofWatches.com.