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Seiko Solar vs Kinetic Watches – Which Is Best?

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Jacky Chou

Men's watches have been around since the beginning of time, with one major exception. The first men's watch was designed in 1868 by Louis Brandt, owner of the Rolex company. Men's watches are desired for their precision and durability- something that Seiko has come to perfect over a century ago. However, there is another contender: Kinetic Watches from Strapya World!

The "seiko kinetic watch" is a type of watch that uses an electronic mechanism to move its hands. The Seiko Solar is the best-selling solar-powered watch, while the Kinetic line offers automatic movement.

Which Seiko Solar or Kinetic Watch Is Better?

If purchasing a new Seiko watch is on your mind, you may have seen any of their Kinetic or Solar models. Which watch is the finest to buy? Seiko loves to develop, so it should come as no surprise that they are setting the standard in each of these fields.

In this comparison, I'll explain how each watch works, go over its advantages and disadvantages, and show you some of its top models from each category. In this manner, after you have chosen a decision, you have a terrific beginning to start.

Let's compare Seiko's kinetic and solar watches now.

The Dissimilarities: Kinetic vs. Solar

Quartz watches like Solar and Kinetic recharge on their own, so you don't need to change the battery every few years. Surely this is wonderful news? Because, let's face it, it usually happens when you're least expecting it when your face abruptly stops moving without you knowing!

Let's take a closer look at the mechanisms of both watches as they both operate in quite distinct ways.

Solar Watch Recharging by Seiko

Sunlight or any other source of light may be used to recharge solar watches. There are no surprises there, but just how does it operate?

Under the dial, Seiko has integrated a solar cell into the timepiece. The solar cell receives light that enters via the dial and turns it into power. The battery (rechargeable battery) below the cell is recharged using this.

Environments that Use Solar Power

Although practically any light may be used to recharge a solar watch, not all lights are created equal. To charge your watch as quickly as possible (each watch has a different charging time, so please check your handbook when you get it), it pays to be aware of how much light each source emits:

  • Summertime direct sunlight: 100,000 lx
  • Day with clouds - 10,000 lx
  • 10,000 lx at 5 cm (2 inches) from a 30 W fluoro light
  • 3,000 lx at 20 cm (8 inches) from a 30 W fluoro lamp
  • 700 lx for the standard office environment

A unit of illuminance and luminous emittance called "Lx (lux)" is used to measure light intensity. A lumen (amount of light) per square meter is equivalent to one lux. 1lx=1lm/u33a1 Data provided courtesy of Seiko.

Utilize A Super-Quick Solar Charger

Another choice is to utilize a quick solar charger that has been specially made, as opposed to waiting for the sun to come out or placing your watch under your light at night. Here is an illustration of a light you might purchase that put out 30,000 lumens. It is very portable and simple to use, and it produces a lot more light than other lamps. 

It will quickly start charging your watch if you just place it on it face down.

  • PROS
  • every source of light may charge
  • perpetual charging (Unless you live in the dark)
  • One charge may last up to six months.
  • a much longer lasting battery (up to 10 years)
  • CONS
  • requires changing the battery (eventually)
  • unable to wind by hand (Example: no backup if light is needed or rapid charging is required)
  • It could be challenging to charge if you spend the whole day in long shirts or sweaters (at work)

Charging a Seiko Kinetic Watch

In 1986, Seiko initially launched the Kinetic watch mechanism. Because it is powered by the movement of your wrist, this operates somewhat differently than solar watches.

The watch's mechanical weight/rotor, which functions as a tiny motor and capacitor combined, is located at the bottom. The watch is then operated using that.

This graphic describes the pieces and was taken from a Seiko user's handbook (sorry for the quality).

Recharging in Kinetics

Wearing a Kinetic watch often will best recharge it. Kinetic may not be the best watch type for you if you often keep your timepieces for extended durations. The watch may also be kept on a watch winder, which is how automatic watches are wound up and kept wound up at all times.

  • PROS
  • citations from your motion
  • Battery life is up to six months.
  • CONS
  • need movement to charge, therefore if left in a draw for a long time, it will become "flat."
  • unable to wind by hand (Example: no backup if light is needed or rapid charging is required)

Seiko Timepieces

Below are some examples of Seiko Timepieces in each category (Kinetic and Solar) so that you can see the kinds of stunning watches that are available in each style.

The "seiko solar movement" is a feature that allows the watch to charge without having to be plugged in. This feature makes the seiko solar watches more convenient than other kinetic watches.

Related Tags

  • seiko solar watch problems
  • kinetic vs automatic watch
  • seiko solar chronograph
  • seiko solar diver
  • solar vs automatic watch reddit
About
Jacky Chou

Jacky Chou is the co-founder of Uberwrists and has gotten into watches from his father from a young age. His first watch was a black G Shock that was comedically large for his wrist. He appreciates watches from Seiko to a Patek Philippe.

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