Solar and Kinetic Quartz Watches Explained

Quartz watches are normally powered by a battery that needs replacing every few years. Solar and kinetic watches charge their own cell from light or from movement, which can stretch maintenance to a decade or more.

In a solar watch, a photovoltaic cell sits beneath a dial that lets light through. It charges a rechargeable cell that powers a quartz movement. Citizen's Eco-Drive, introduced in the 1990s, is the best known example, and Seiko and Casio also make widely used solar systems.

A kinetic movement charges the cell from motion, using a rotor like an automatic watch but turning a tiny generator instead of winding a spring. Seiko popularised the idea, and it is still used in some of their ranges.

Both systems usually have a power-saving mode that stops the hands when the watch is left in the dark and wakes it when it is moved or exposed to light. It is worth knowing that the watch may appear stopped, and a short time in daylight will bring it back.

The rechargeable cells do wear out eventually, but they often last ten to twenty years in normal use. Replacement is a simple job for a watchmaker, and many owners never need it.

Solar and kinetic watches are an excellent choice for a daily or travel watch, because you can wear them or keep them in a bright place without thinking about winding or batteries.