The Complete Guide to Solar Watch Movements

How They Work, Why They Matter, and Why You’ll Love Them

You’re on a week-long mountain trek. You’ve packed light—every gram matters. You don’t have a charging cable for your phone, let alone your watch. Day after day, your solar-powered watch quietly recharges with every step in the sun. No winding. No battery anxiety. When you’re halfway up the mountain and the clouds roll in, you’re still good for months of timekeeping without a single ray of light. That’s the kind of peace of mind solar movements give you.

If you’ve ever owned a traditional quartz or automatic watch, you know the routine: battery changes, winding, or occasional servicing to keep it running smoothly. Solar watch movements turn that equation on its head. They offer the accuracy of quartz, the self-sufficiency of mechanical, and an eco-friendly twist that makes them one of the most compelling innovations in modern horology.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how solar movements work, what makes them different, their benefits, and why they’re quickly becoming a favorite among watch enthusiasts, adventurers, and anyone who values convenience without compromise.


What is a Solar Movement?

A solar movement is a quartz timekeeping mechanism powered by light—any light. Beneath the dial, discreet solar cells capture energy from sunlight or artificial sources and convert it into electrical power. That power is stored in a rechargeable cell, which can keep the watch running for up to 12 months—even in complete darkness, before needing another charge.

Think of it as a hybrid between a traditional quartz watch and a tiny, light-powered generator on your wrist.

The Origins: From Vision to Reality

Solar-powered watches trace back to the early 1970s, when American engineer Roger W. Riehl created the first solar wristwatch—the Synchronar 2100, launched in 1972. Though priced as a luxury item, it paved the way for future solar technologies.

Citizen further advanced the concept in 1976 with the first analog solar-powered watch. In the 1990s, as thin-film amorphous silicon solar cells became more efficient, Citizen started placing solar cells under the dial and achieving power reserves up to six months.

How It Works: The Tech Beneath the Dial

  1. Light Capture – The watch dial, often semi-transparent, allows light to pass through to photovoltaic cells underneath.
  2. Energy Conversion – These cells convert light into electrical energy.
  3. Energy Storage – The energy is stored in a high-capacity rechargeable cell (different from a standard disposable battery).
  4. Quartz Regulation – Just like any quartz watch, a vibrating quartz crystal regulates timekeeping to extreme precision.
  5. Power Management – Intelligent circuits manage charging and prevent overcharging, ensuring years of reliable service.


Benefits of Solar Movements

1. No Battery Changes

One of the biggest hassles with quartz watches is replacing the battery every 2–3 years. With solar movements, you can easily go a decade or more without opening the case for a battery swap, which means lower maintenance costs and fewer trips to the jeweller.

2. Unmatched Convenience

Leave your watch on the windowsill for an afternoon, and it’ll store enough energy to run for months. Redwood solar watches have a power reserve of up to 12 months on a full charge.

3. Eco-Friendly Choice

Every battery change creates waste. By using a rechargeable energy cell, solar movements drastically reduce environmental impact. Over the lifetime of your watch, that’s lots of disposable batteries you’ll never need to use.

4. Quartz-Level Accuracy

Solar watches use quartz regulation, meaning they’re accurate to within seconds per month—far better than most mechanical movements and unaffected by temperature changes, magnetism, or shock in the way mechanical watches can be.

5. Low Maintenance

Aside from occasional cleaning and keeping it charged with exposure to light, solar movements are virtually maintenance-free. That makes them perfect for travellers, outdoor adventurers, and anyone who doesn’t want to fuss over their watch.


Are Solar Movements Durable?

Absolutely. The rechargeable cells in quality solar watches can easily last a decade or more before showing any drop in capacity. They’re designed to withstand thousands of charge cycles without significant degradation.

Who Are Solar Watches For?

  • Frequent Travelers – No need to worry about batteries dying mid-trip.
  • Outdoor Enthusiasts – Always charging under the sun, always ready to go.
  • Minimalists – One watch that just works—no winding, no battery swaps.
  • Eco-Conscious Consumers – Reduce waste without sacrificing performance.


Why Redwood Uses Solar Quartz Movements

At Redwood, we choose solar quartz movements for the same reason we build our watches to survive adventures—they’re tough, reliable, and efficient. We want our customers to spend their time doing what they love, not worrying about their watch. Whether you’re wearing it to the office or on a deep-woods camping trip, your Redwood solar watch is always ready.

Solar watch movements represent one of the best blends of tradition and technology in modern watchmaking. They’re precise, self-sustaining, eco-friendly, and built for a lifetime of wear. Once you’ve experienced the convenience of a solar watch, it’s hard to go back to anything else.

So the next time you glance at your Redwood solar watch, remember—it’s not just telling the time; it’s harnessing the power of light, quietly working for you day and night.