We've selected five high-end solar radio-controlled watches from the premium price range. Advances in solar cells have allowed for greater freedom in dial design, and GPS reception means you can know the exact time anywhere. With advances in technology, modern luxury solar radio-controlled watches have improved in both design and functionality. What are their capabilities?
Text by Tsubasa Nojima
[Article published on January 12, 2024]
High-end solar-powered radio-controlled watches have become more prominent thanks to technological advances
When it comes to luxury watches, the majority are equipped with mechanical movements. Mechanical movements, which keep time precisely using gears and mainsprings, are filled with the romance that mankind has built up over the long history of mankind, and the hand-decorated details, which are mesmerizing to look at. However, there are a few points to keep in mind when maintaining a mechanical watch, such as the fact that a deviation of several to several tens of seconds can occur daily, which requires correction, the need to wind the mainspring, and the running costs associated with overhauls every few years.
For those who want to escape the hassle of such things and enjoy a luxury watch that focuses on the exquisite finish of the exterior and the comfort of wearing it, a "luxury solar radio-controlled watch" is the perfect choice. It is a quartz watch that runs on a solar cell, converting light into electricity, eliminating the need for periodic battery changes, and it can also automatically correct the time by receiving radio waves. In other words, it can be used essentially maintenance-free.
Traditionally, solar radio-controlled watches were required to have a highly transparent dial that allowed in plenty of light and a non-metallic case that allowed the antenna to easily receive radio waves, due to their functional characteristics. However, with the miniaturization and high efficiency of solar cells and improvements in antennas and receiving circuits, these constraints are becoming a thing of the past. Technological advances have given solar radio-controlled watches a presence as luxury timepieces. In this article, we take a look at the world of solar radio-controlled watches, which are a little different from mechanical watches.
Casio Oceanus "Manta" Ref.OCW-SG1000ZE
The newly developed "Gallium Tough Solar" technology allows for a wide range of dial designs. This power generation system is a repurposed version of the technology installed in JAXA's "SLIM" small lunar landing demonstration vehicle, which achieved Japan's first successful soft landing on the moon. Tough Solar. Runs for approximately 18 months on a full charge (in power save mode). Ti case (43mm diameter, 11.7mm thick). Water resistant to 10 bar. Limited to 350 pieces worldwide. 55 yen (tax included). Sold out on the official website. (Inquiries) Casio Computer Customer Service Tel. 0120-088925
This limited edition model commemorates the 50th anniversary of Casio's entry into the watch business. It features Gallium Tough Solar, an evolution of Casio's proprietary Tough Solar solar charging system. This power generation system improves power generation efficiency by approximately 2 to 5 times compared to conventional systems, and has made it possible to miniaturize the solar cell itself. Taking advantage of the properties of Gallium Tough Solar, this model's distinctive feature is its metal dial. The light needed for power generation is captured through a small gap in the hollowed-out date disc.
The two-tone black and gold coloring expresses the company's manufacturing spirit of "creating one from zero" and is inspired by the image of the "light of beginning." The dial and dial ring appear black at first glance, but are actually a deep midnight blue. While incorporating elements of the blue that are symbolic of the Oceanus, they create a continuity with the date disc, which is coated with a blue-purple gradient vapor deposition.
The case design, which makes extensive use of straight lines, is also noteworthy. The bezel is made of faceted sapphire crystal, and the titanium middle case and bracelet have smooth surfaces achieved through Zaratsu polishing, and the DLC coating adds a vibrant black color and wear resistance.
Casio G-SHOCK "MR-G" Ref. MRG-B2000JS
An ambitious piece inlaid with designs based on the Japanese sword "Juryokumaru San." It reflects the design and techniques of swordsmith Teruhei Kamiyama and traditional craftsman Mamoru Nomura. Tough Solar. Runs for approximately 26 months on a full charge (in power save mode). Ti case (diameter 49.8mm, thickness 16.9mm). Water resistant to 20 bar. Limited to 800 pieces worldwide. 110 million yen (tax included). (Inquiries) Casio Computer Customer Service Tel. 0120-088925
MR-G is Casio G-SHOCK's top-of-the-line line. One of its new models for 2024 is the MRG-B2000JS, which will be sold in a limited edition of 800 units worldwide. This model is based on the Japanese sword Jyurokumaru San, which was created for MR-G in 2018, and expresses its unique worldview. The blade of Jyurokumaru San was crafted by swordsmith Kihei Kamiyama, and the sheath by traditional craftsman Mamoru Nomura.
The bezel is made of recrystallized hybrid titanium and features the blade pattern written by Kamiyama. The blue-gray AIP-coated middle case evokes the blue image color of Jujumaru San. The center of the case back features the inscription "San" by Kamiyama. The bracelet, made of titanium alloy "DAT55G," shines with rainbow colors due to its structural color. This sparkle is a representation of the blue shell pattern by Nomura that was used on the scabbard of Jujumaru San.
The dial, which consists of three subdials of different sizes and finishes, has a fan-shaped pattern on the outer periphery and a diamond-shaped pattern in the center, creating a three-dimensional finish. The fan-shaped parts also feature a structural color. Although the dial is made of polycarbonate to allow light to pass through, a vapor deposition process on the back gives it a metallic appearance.
Seiko Astron "Nexter Series GPS Solar Model" Ref. SBXC159
This model combines a clean white dial with a stylish case that is integrated with the bracelet. It is a multifunctional yet sophisticated and elegant design. GPS solar (Cal. 5X83). Runs for approximately 2 years on a full charge (in power save mode). Ti case (diameter 42mm, thickness 12.4mm). Water resistant to 10 bar. 286,000 yen (tax included). (Inquiries) Seiko Watch Customer Service Tel. 0120-061-012
Seiko Astron's Nexter series was developed for the next generation of leaders who will pave the way for the future. The case, which is integrated with the bracelet, gives an active and stylish impression. One of these models, the Ref. SBXC159, is a model equipped with a full range of functions, including automatic time correction via GPS reception, solar charging, dual time, chronograph, and calendar. Despite its multifunctionality, the exterior is simple and unified in monotone, eliminating pretense, making it truly suitable for the next generation of leaders.
The crystal white dial features a vertical hairline-like stamped pattern, giving it a high-quality feel that is almost indistinguishable from metal.
The edgy case and bracelet are crafted from lightweight titanium, making them comfortable to wear even for long periods of time. This material is also known for its anti-allergic and corrosion-resistant properties. The bracelet, made up of short links, fits supplely around the wrist, and the case, water-resistant to 10 bar, is easy to wear in any season. While watches equipped with GPS signal reception tend to be large, this model's appeal lies in its moderate size of just 42mm in diameter.
Seiko Astron "Nexter Series Solar Radio Controlled Model" Ref.SBXY063
The compact case, less than 40mm in diameter, is equipped with a high-performance light-powered quartz movement. The dial features a crystal motif pattern that evokes a connection to the 1969 "Quartz Astron." Light-powered quartz (Cal. 7B72). Runs for approximately two years on a full charge (in power save mode). Stainless steel case (diameter 39.6mm, thickness 9.5mm). Water resistant to 10 bar. 165,000 yen (tax included). (Inquiries) Seiko Watch Customer Service Tel. 0120-061-012
This solar-powered radio-controlled model joins the Seiko Astron Nexter series. The embossed pattern on the black dial is inspired by the crystal motif of the original Quartz Astron, the world's first commercially available quartz watch, released in 1969.
The linear case design is a major feature of this watch. The case, which is integrated with the octagonal bezel and bracelet, is polished and satin-finished, creating a powerful impression. The case and bracelet are made of lightweight titanium, and are coated with the unique DiaShield coating to enhance scratch resistance. The bracelet is equipped with a smart adjuster that allows for easy fine-tuning of the wrist, allowing for one-touch adjustments during hot and humid weather or when the arm is swollen.
In addition to its powerfully designed exterior with an excellent finish, it also features a solar-powered function that eliminates the need for regular battery changes, and a standard radio wave reception function that enables automatic time correction, making it a watch worthy of the Nexter series' target of "next-generation leaders who will pave the way to the future."
Citizen Attesa "ACT Line" Ref. CC4074-61W
This high-end model is equipped with a GPS satellite signal reception function, enabling accurate time correction anywhere on the planet. Its appealing design makes it easy to use in both on and off-duty situations. It features a solar-powered Eco-Drive system. It lasts for approximately five years on a full charge (in power save mode). It has a titanium case (diameter 44.6mm, thickness 15.4mm). It is water resistant to 10 bar. It is priced at 341,000 yen (tax included). For inquiries, please contact the Citizen Customer Service Center at 0120-78-4807.
The Citizen Attesa "ACT Line" is known for its appealing design, which can be worn with both suits and casual outfits. This latest addition to the top-of-the-line line, the GPS satellite radio wave receiver, is a new addition for 2024. The black and pink gold color scheme combines strength and elegance.
The three subdials are flanked by a copper-colored dial. The metallic paint is combined with a rough sunray pattern to give it a metallic texture. The bezel, covered by sapphire crystal, is decorated with city names used for the Direct Flight function.
The case and bracelet, with their sharp, straight lines, are made of Super Titanium, a more lightweight, corrosion-resistant material with enhanced scratch resistance. The black and pink gold colorings are the result of the surface treatments Duratect Pink and Duratect DLC.
The Attesa is also attractive for its comprehensive range of functions, including chronograph, world time, alarm, and perpetual calendar, all of which can be accessed by using two push buttons and the crown.
