P1Fanatic

Looking for a new watch as current Seiko Kinetic Arctura is getting a bit long in the tooth but has never missed a beat in 13 years and I never had it serviced. I do prefer the lack of a battery but wasn’t particularly looking for a Solar/light powered watch – just the particular chronograph model I found myself drawn to happened to be solar as well.

I read that Citizen appear to be regarded as best for solar watches but Seiko seem to be almost on par by now. Reviews online seem to be somewhat limited so has anyone owned one and can share their experiences? I am hoping it’s the best of both worlds i.e. no battery but unlike with Kinetic if you don’t wear it for a while as long as its exposed to light (natural or artificial) it should keep a full charge.

Cheers
Simon

Matteeboy

Seikos are such and amazing VFM. Just bought an automatic one (SKZ211J) and the quality and accuracy are amazing. Just had a good look at some much posher brands in Gatwick and to my untrained eyes, it's very hard to spot where your 10-20 times the price goes on an Omega or similar.

I have two G Shock solar atomics; nice not worrying about batteries.

LSherratt

iTrader: (1)

I've got a Seiko Automatic SKX007 that I wear as my daily work watch. Keeps awesome time and looks great.

P1Fanatic

Your are not wrong. My old kinetic http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=...lectedIndex=10
has been a workhorse but was getting a bit scratched up so wanted something new. Decided what the hell and just ordered this one:

http://www.yorkshirewatches.co.uk/se...83p1-452-p.asp

Via amazon as had £100 of vouchers from work so cost me a tad over £100. If it lasts as long as my kinetic with no maint I will be more than happy.

Simon

Matteeboy

Doppio post!!

Matteeboy

Mine is from the same Seiko 5 group; super cheap from Creation watches and feels like it'll last decades!

gpssti4

iTrader: (6)

Another vote for Seiko, much more reliable than my Omega's. However, if you want a bit of class on your wrist then look at the likes of a second hand quartz Omega Seamaster; Omega status with quartz reliability.

speedking

I have a Seiko solar powered watch which is great in the summer, but in the winter when it is covered by long sleeves and there is less daylight around it can run low on charge. It has a meter so you just have to remember to check every now and then and leave it on the windowsill for a few hours if necessary.