Are Solar Watches Better than Battery Operated? Solar VS Non-Solar G-Shock Watches, PROS AND CONS 

I've had my GW6900 (same solar watch on this video) for 15 years! I charged it when I got it in order to make it go to high lever and it's never came down from high ever since. 15 years and it is still going and looks like new.

The UK isn’t that dark! ☺️ I’ve had my solar G about 11 years in the UK, and it’s still running fine, still showing High battery.

Quick note: Charging too much is not going to ruin your battery. Keeping a lithium topped up is the best you can do. In fact, give your solar watch as much light as possible and you'll have a watch that will last you years and years and years. Your watch will also have a battery security feature that will stop charging the battery when it tops out, and it will run on solar 100% after that. Also even on a cloudy day (here in Denmark) there is still plenty of light to actually light up the street so you can see where you're going .... And guess what? Your solar watch will get PLENTY of light even on a cloudy day to keep it charged. Some points in this video are obviously wrong. I have to add this: I'm talking about Lithium, NOT Lithium ion. They are two completely different chemistries. Lithium button cell batteries are specially made to keep a charge, NOT to be recharged. So the more light you give it, the longer it will last. It's basic 101 science here guys. Please stop commenting about Lithium ion batteries, because that's not what I'm talking about.

I've had a tough solar since 2004. I have never had to charge it outside. Ambient indoor light has kept it charged. In fact for most of its life I never paid attention to the charge indicator. It shows high charge right now.

I live in the UK and have more than a dozen solar GShocks, from basic rescue models through to gravity masters and MTGs. There is more than enough light throughout the year to keep them fully charged.

Had an atomic solar g shock for 10 years. Just bought my second one a little over A year ago. Won’t settle for anything else. Also I work for the the railroad and I’m required to keep an accurate time piece that is set to within 30 seconds within the standard time. For me its convenient because I don’t have to worry about setting it

India gets plenty of Sun in the Summer and Winter. India has a separate monsoon season where it rains. Wouldn't affect g shock charging much as cloudy Sun is still strong enough...almost anywhere in the world.

I have about a dozen solar watches of various brands and keep them on a windowsill NOT in direct sun (because of the heat). All of them keep excellent time and hold their charge. I also feel an advantage of solar is that you never have to OPEN the watch, keeping out dust, dirt and moisture.

If you know how to change batteries, standard is better value. 1 dollar for standard battery vs $15 for solar. Add in initial lower cost for non-solar watch. I also think multi-band is silly, since G's are super accurate already, and it's easy to adjust time if it is off a bit.

His watch collection is crazy!

I´m Danish. Got three tough solar watches, and it´s no problem getting light enough. I think they work all over the world, as you don´t need direct sunlight to run them. Indoor light is enough.

You have such an awesome collection...I just purchased a G Shock GW 6900-1...

My casio giez watch has had the same battery for 14 years still running still waterproof and still keeps the correct atomic time. What's not to like about that? The only downside is you get bored of the same watch

Interesting topic. Great video man!

Low light conditions are a non issue. You would have to have six month of no sun at all in order to drain the solar charged battery. During winter the watch can keep its charge using indoor battery if it is not abused.

Tough Solar and Multiband 6 are my top feature requirements!

You can’t go wrong with either watch. Both are great, but there are some downfalls with the solar. At angles, the solar displays are always less legible. Also, lights and audibles are usually not as good with the solars. Flash alarms are also non existent. Each one has their advantages. I know because I’ve owned both. The battery quartz versions don’t lose…they gain. Around 7 seconds per month. So technically the battery operated watch wearer will technically make it to their destination ahead of time over the solar multi-band 6 guy. It’s a minuscule point, but one worth mentioning. One last thing, you’re going to get a lot more than two years set up a quart battery operated G-Shock. Casio under sales there battery length to upsell they’re higher end models. Expect anywhere from 5 to 8 years so long as you’re not using flash alarms and el backlights constantly.

Theres plenty of sun in the uk to charge a g shock, my giez 1100d has been working quite happily for the past 14 years.

There is the point that a few watches have solar but not necessarily multi band 6. So the accurate timekeeping won't apply.

if you don't have a giant collection like this and you just have one or two solar watches, all you have to do to keep them alive is don't store them away in a drawer or closet, keep them on a windowsill where they can get light every day. i learned this the hard way by ruining the battery in a citizen watch years ago.

It’s worth pointing out that if you are replacing the regular batteries every 2-3 years, you should change the rubber gasket and make sure to clean it well and use a bit of silicone grease to ensure it keeps the water resistance. That is an added cost that can add up over the years and eventually could render the watch not waterproof if you strip a screw or whatever.

Hi, I own several G'Shocks, two different Atomic/Six ban models and both are great timepieces. The Solar is beyond Solar, it's charges continuously unless it's in the compete dark. Excellent value, the oldest I have had for five years, batteries have zero issues.

Amazon sells a LED/USB light that is made for charging Solar Watches. It is ultra bright LED. That way you do not have to leave your watch in the sun.

I live in a very SUNNY country and I am afraid that due to lack of workman ship here might damage the water proofing gasket if the cell is replaced. What would you say if sunlight wasn't an issue, what would be your take on this?

I did have a WVQ-500 Casio that required a new battery after 14 years. The battery was probably bad from the start, it never charged above medium, but after 14 years it would not charge above low. A new battery fixed that and now it charges to high. Perhaps it will last another 20 years now. Lithium rechargeables last the longest when charged to around 70% max and never allowed below 20%. Also avoid letting the watch get hot, that is hard on lithium batteries as well.

Apparently digital solar watches are more efficient than the analog ones (obviously). My GST-B400 took quite a long time just to get the charge level from Medium to High (long time as a full week of outdoor activity), and it doesn't even reach 100% as indicated from the G-Shock Connected App.

Good analysis and a hell of a collection you got there. However I'd like to add, G shocks are "Tough Solar" they don't need any sun light and can charge fully off of artificial domestic lighting. Unlike the Garmin solar watches for example which are true "solar" watches and need actual sunlight, not even daylight would work let alone domestic light.

Great video thanks 😊

Solar powered watches potentially never need the case opened and can run for decades without attention. Casio solar powered watches are designed to maintain a running charge with only exposure to room light or interior daylight. Exposure to full sunlight or even overcast daylight will increase the charge in the battery. The watch manuals all give details about exactly how much exposure to bright sunlight is needed to attain a full charge from fully depleted and this varies from between 5 and 48 hours. So a watch with a completely run down battery will potentially need a week exposed to sunlight outside to reach a full charge, especially in higher latitudes. A full charge should keep the watch running in standby mode for 19 months in complete darkness. So there are really no downsides to solar power, even in places that have long dark winters. If a solar battery (CTL1616) needs replacing it will not be before the watch is ten years old and given the level of abuse that would be needed to get the battery to fail in this time, a standard non rechargeable battery would have needed to be replaced half a dozen times. Every time the watch case is opened can potentially damage the seals and internal components of the watch, or allow dirt, moisture and dust inside the case. Then consider the waste created by throwing away used batteries and the packaging, together with manufacturing and transport costs and the verdict falls unanimously in favour of solar powered watches in every situation.

Appreciate your video. To me, wearing the watch either up or down does not matter since GShock was built with durability. Those factors had been counted in since its design..

Great video! Very informative. Beautiful collection... Do you ever come accross knock offs? Do you prefer digital over analog? Or anadigi?

Casio claims solar dw5600ue would last 20 years. While non solar would last 3-4 years. Should i spend $20 more for solar or go for non solar. Assuming of it last 20 years a solar battery would equate the cost of 4-5 non solar batteries right??

It's best to get G-Shock solar watches as when you change the batteries of the non solar watches you should get them pressure tested too and this can be expensive. I much prefer tough solar watches! Low maintenance and reliable too!

dont the solar watch batteries still have memory like a regular battery? meaning at some point they wont maintain the solar charge like a normal battery?

If I want my watch to be battery operated j want it to be can last up 8-10 years or so battery operated is good if ur not an outdoor type person...solar watch in other hand is good if ur outdoor and always wear it problem is that solar watches Doesnt retain charge for very long time if u store it in dark place unused unlike the battery operated so u really need to take it out every 8-12 months to charge

In the UK & my solar G Shocks are never off H. Theres plenty of sun here. My GBR B1000 runs fine regardless of it being "power hungry" 🇬🇧

Well just so you know. Casio tough solar watches are pretty self resilient with a huge Medium spectrum charge. My tough solars charge pretty easily and keep going in normal lighting conditions and I wear them like once in 4-5 weeks. Have a GravityMaster which I haven’t worn in like 3-4 months and it pretty much stayed on Medium charge in normal lighting conditions(on my desk) and the temp dips below freezing for a good 3-4 months where I live so I would recomment Solar watches for everyone.

I got a solar charger for watches from Amazon for about 28 bucks Canadian.. It's plugged in and generates 50,000 lumens of heat free light. I even turned it on its side and charged 3 watches a time. It makes the loom gobright just like the sun.

Love your collection

Great collection

In general, solar are better But Non solar models have Flash Alert , a really useful feature during night rides and when in a loud environment Also, really cool looking Solar models are better for those who spend outdoors in unpredictable circumstances a lot And for those who use their watch functions a lot

Both are fine with me.

G6900 only cost 7$ more than DW6900 almost no reason to pick non solar variation unless you want special edition one that usually come with non solar DW6900

Should I buy tough solar or 20 bar water resistant?

I own two solar Citizen watches, Eco-Drive. One is approx 15 yrs and going strong, the other is 25+ yrs, and still holding a charge and keeping perfect time. My G-Shock GW6900 is still too new to compare. I guess time will tell. :)

Also something to consider, if you live in a cold area and are wearing a sweater or something else with sleeves, it may block your phone from the sunlight it needs. Every tough solar watch comes with a warning booklet, but it's easy to forget. I had g steel (temporarily) die on me and took forever to get it powered enough again to turn on.

Thanks for the videos there a great help

I have a solar... B500D 1AER. Doesn't need direct sunlight. Just a cloudy day is enough light to keep it charged. Even indoor lights are good to keep it charged. So normal use will keep my B500 charged for the next 20 or 30 years.

I heard that standard battery g-shock has brighter light than solar g-shock, especially if its EL backlight. Is that true ?

Solar powered is definitely the way to go. It is a lifetime 24/7-on-wrist 1-watch-collection calibre.

Very helpful. Thanks.

I live in an undeveloped country so if you change the battery watch will probably get unwater resistant and get easily damaged. Many of my watchs died because of that so nowadays I prefer solar watches and stainless or titanium bracelet because of easy maintenance.

nice collections of yours

Tenho um gx56, um excelente though solar

G - shock uses tough solar technology for their solar powered watches . Tough solar can recharge with the faintest light . You don't need alot of sunlight to charge . The tough solar technology can charge with any light as well.. you can charge it with the light on your phone . As long as you can tell the difference from day and night, you'll be able to charge your watch . Tough solar

no sun in uk??mine recharge inthe summer when there is lots of sun .and last me all winter until the next summer .now had my gst 300for 3 years and the battery is full.please reconsider the no sun.these watches need little light even a bulb can charge it.so you didnt do your study well.

Artificial light is more than enough to keep a tough solar charged. Even keeping the watch on your desk near a window on a cloudy day is more than enough to keep the battery topped up.

That g shock showcase plate is awesome! *I don't know the name that plate is

Can you tell me why does my LCD light wont turn on on my rangeman..although the batery level is H n all function normal?

Nice collection of G'shocks.

great video, i recently broke the solar panel on my gwx8900 panda, while trying to pressouthe glass, the solar oanel was way too thin, hence i installed a regular cr1616 instead of the ctl1616, after an ac reset it worked like a regular non solar g, now i have the best of both worlds, high tech mb6 g but no need to charge, and as a bonus the cr1616 costs $1-2, versus ctl1616 which costs $18-22

1:28 "That's a doorway" ... what?!?!?

Solar pathfinder running since 2007.

You keep your watches completely wrong. My solar watches are in a glass cabinet that points directly to the window. The watches are always fully charged because they do not need sunlight, normal daylight does the job. All your empty Riseman ... you know what you're doing to the watches with it? The batteries don't like that at all. My Riseman has been in the closet for years, the battery always shows 'H'.

You forgot smartwatches that you plug in to recharge. Between the three. Regular battery watches are great for 3 to 5 years. 2 years of heavy use. Solar powered watches are great the first week then you always have to maintain it's charge. They can become your workhorse. The smartwatch is great because the charge can last anywhere from over a month or a day depending how you use it and all you have to do is recharge it.

Bought a solar Rangeman in June 11 2022... battery won't hold a charge...and can't get it to a full charge at all ..using direct sunlight.

Non enough sun to charge watch I the UK? 😂😂😂😂

One point: that some countries mentioned are a problem for charging is nonsense! Even overloading is not possible. One problem would be too low voltage because like every lithium cell the battery will get spikes which are THE problem when charging again.

Never have dead solar in my collection glass cases in a bright room with large window not a problem by the way I live in the UK always on high!!

Sorry to say, but you are completly wrong about solar charging. There is physically no difference between sunlight and artificial light when it comes to producing electric power through a solar panel.

Looks are key, that's how I pick.

My gwx5700 batt indicator always show H 😊

My Bering solar charges with any light, you don't need the sun so this video isn't correct

Come on nowdays you can even charge with not al lighting for the solar power watch. Well unless the place that ⁰ you live does not have electricity ... I wonder......then battery watch is good .. for the while two years . After two years you need to find shops for battery change.

I only have one multi band 6 everything else is basics that gains 15 seconds a week

I live in Denmark and have a solar charge g shock. Your statement about the sun is NOT accurate. It works fine....

I think with non solar battery, you are risking its water resist capability, more battery changing means more possibility to damage or at least lowered the water resist standard....btw are you a watch collector or a watch store...??hahaha..😅😅

Awesome, so many g shock🤗🤗👍👍👍

Not even only charge from 🌅 sun 😉 charging even if any artificial light

That solar watch also water resistant?

2:30 so tell me, what's the difference between solar and tough solar, because they always claimed that watch can be changed in normal light conditions, if you expose properly 😂

I use Casio watches having 10 year battery.

Tough solar atomic G-Shock watches are the best non-solar electricity is expensive now tough solar atomic G-Shock watches forever I have a strong feeling mine will live to be 50 years old or above based on the tough solar lithium rechargeable battery CTL 1616 power supply health my GW 9400-1 is turning four years of age still performs brand new fresh from the factory never been touched! My GW 6900-1 and GW 2310-1 is awesome still brand new fresh from the factory based on it’s tough solar lithium rechargeable battery CTL-1616 Power reserve health!

don't have 100 watches to wear thus the only watch you have will get plenty of charge. THIS GUY.

Non-solar watches bad for environment overall so bad waste of non-solar batteries so bad for environment I don’t like it makes me upset that’s why I’m going solar tough solar atomic protecting our planet Earth. 🌎🌏