Last shipments on 28/03 at 15:00. Closed for Easter. Next shipments on Tuesday 2/04.

Solar watches

How do Solar Watches work?

Technical guide
20.04.2022

Pierre Lannier takes a big dose of vitamin D by launching its new collection of watches for men with the Inti solar movement. Real jewels of modernity and performance, Inti comes in 4 models to accompany you every day. In this technical guide, discover how a solar watch works and the advantages of adopting one. Get ready for an invigorating sunbath!

What is a solar watch ?

A solar watch is actually a quartz watch whose battery is charged by sunlight. The watch with solar movement works thanks to sensors placed under the dial, allowing to convert the natural or artificial light into electrical energy and then to store it. The autonomy of our solar watches for men,estimated after a full charge, is about 4 months. A real jewel of modernity, the solar watch has all the advantages of a classic quartz watch and an automatic watch, without their disadvantages.

What are the differences between solar, automatic and quartz watches ?

It is not always easy to choose which type of watch suits us best. The quartz watch works with an electric pulse that vibrates the quartz oscillator and is the most affordable in terms of price. It only goes out of order by a few seconds per month and you only need to change the battery every 18 months. The mechanical self-winding watch, on the other hand, does not need a battery but runs on the energy produced by the movements of the wrist that set the wheels and springs in motion. If the mechanical watch has the advantage of being eco-responsible and lasting over time, it remains a high-end model, less affordable than a quartz watch and is also more easily disturbed. It is also more sensitive to shocks. To know more about quartz watches and automatic watches, visit our blog article.

But then how do solar watches stand out? As mentioned above, the solar watch works thanks to photovoltaic sensors that will store natural or artificial light to recharge the battery. Therefore, the solar watch is more ecological because it doesn't need to change the battery. Moreover, its price remains very affordable and is close to the price of a classic quartz watch.

 

How to recharge your solar watch ?

The solar watch is recharged using a solar cell located under the dial that captures natural or artificial light and transforms it into electrical energy. The charging time of the battery varies according to the type of light:

Natural light exposure

  • In the case of exposure to natural light on a cloudy day (10,000Lx), the solar watch will need to charge for 20 hours for a complete recharge. For a one week operation, count 1h30 of exposure. For a one day recharge, count about 8 minutes of exposure.
  • In the case of exposure to natural light in good weather (100,000Lx), allow 5 hours for a full recharge. For a one week operation, that is, count 15 minutes of exposure. For a one day recharge, count about 2 minutes of exposure.

    Artificial light exposure

  • If you want to charge your solar watch in a bright environment (700Lx) but not directly exposed to at least 20 cm of a light source, you will not be able to get a full charge, the light power not being strong enough. For a one week operation, count 35 hours of exposure. For a one-day recharge, count about 100 minutes of exposure.
  • In case your solar watch is exposed under a 30W lamp at less than 20cm, count for a complete recharge 60 hours. For a one week operation, count 4 hours of exposure. For a one day recharge, count about 25 minutes of exposure. When starting your watch, for a first charge, it is important to expose it enough for an optimal autonomy.

 



How to take care of your sun watch ?

To prevent the battery from discharging too quickly, it is important to avoid covering the watch dial with your clothes, as this is where your solar watch is charged. Also, when you are not wearing the watch, it is advisable to leave it in a well-lit area for as long as possible. Finally, make sure that the temperature of your watch during exposure to a natural or artificial light source does not exceed 50°C. As you can see, the solar watch has everything to please: ecological, efficient and modern, the Inti collection will undoubtedly have strong arguments to adopt it.