Why Solar Quartz Are My Favourite And The Best Quartz Movement (In My Opinion)

What's happening good people, well I like solar quartz watches and I'm going to explain why I do and why - in my opinion, they are the best quartz movement currently available.
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Why Solar Quartz Are My Favourite And The Best Quartz Movement (In My Opinion)

[@WesWatchRoom]

Hey guys, here is why I really like Solar quartz movements and why they are the best - imo. Thanks guys and have a good one.

[@TomasWatchReviews]

Let me tell you a story. I was very skeptical about solar watches as I usually see no problem in changing a battery once every few years. But when the time come to change the battery on my GBX100 I finally understood the point. The stupid rubber gasket simply would not fit back in the place, it was too big by several millimeters. It took me several hours to properly heat shrink the rubber gasket to fit it back in the place and I am no longer sure about the water resistance. And those gaskets on G-Shocks are all unique with all kinds of twists. Buying one is ~10 euros, + ~10 euros shipping + import taxes + waiting a month or two.. On a watch that I have payed 50 euros.. Since then I started to appreciate solar watches. So as long as the gasket is a nice circle, I don't care, but when it comes to some crazy g-shocks with crazy twisted gaskets, solar is the way to go.

[@WesWatchRoom]

I didn't even think about that mate, that's a really good point. Haven't had to change a G-Shock one yet so I guess I'll have that to deal with somewhere down the line. Thanks

[@JumpingWatermelons]

Solar quartz is absolutely the best,. Superior in all ways that matter vs mechanical/automatics

[@WesWatchRoom]

I do like them more because I like the technology just as much as their usefulness. Thanks

[@TimeToGoTravelAndTimepieces]

Nice collection of solar Wes. I especially like that green Citizen. Thanks!

[@WesWatchRoom]

Thank you mate, I really like it too.

[@d7r_tv]

The winner is clearly the watch that is on the wrist 4:20 . The best solars are the Casio OCEANUS line.

[@WesWatchRoom]

It's awesome and I've seen a few that I really like but they're a bit beyond what I can afford unfortunately. Thanks

[@Zotrax1946]

I’m totally with you on this!!

[@WesWatchRoom]

Solar bros 👊. Thanks mate

[@WINDINGCROWNS]

Great vid Wes. I love Citizen Eco-Drive. I have one arriving on Thursday in full titanium.

[@WesWatchRoom]

Thanks mate and that sounds awesome, will be watching for sure

[@lulul]

solar is the most practical movement hands down. very robust and hassle free and properly accurate. i also like the regular quartz watches that have big batteries like casio's 10 year battery models like the mts100 and some other digital watches.

[@WesWatchRoom]

I agree, very little upkeep and very accurate like you said. Regular batteries are great too but solar ones are just less hassle. Cheers

[@stevenaston249]

I'm also a solar watch fan. Along with a radio control or GPS function. You have the most accurate watch available. A third of my watch collection are solar and I'm always on the look out for next one!

[@WesWatchRoom]

Nice, great to have another fan here and yet to try a gps one, but I'd be open to. Thanks

[@sbrunoalmeida]

I have 1 casio tough solar, 1 seiko solar, and 3 citizen's eco-drive (1 promaster), and i don´t want anything else rather than solar watches. My oldest citizen eco-drive watch was offered to me in my graduate in 2003, and was in my closet for years until one day during pandemic season i grab it and it gained life again, started to work after some minutes, and it pointed the correct hour for central europe. Sadly it was wrong because at Portugal we use greenwich time (-1 hour). But it was incredible! And i never changed its capacitator. Eco-drive are amazing watches! In terms of praticability, affordability, sustainability, and precision is the best you can get with a low budget. If one day i would go to automatics, i only want a spring drive watch. Who knows if i can afford one when i retire... Cheers! ;-)

[@WesWatchRoom]

That's really impressive it's lasted so long without needing a capacitor change, I'm very impressed by that and its great to see another fan of solar watches. Thanks

[@johanvandersandt8904]

Hahahaha! I made my comment about the sweeping quarts at the very beginning of the video and then you said it at the very end! Great minds man!

[@WesWatchRoom]

Indeed mate, great minds do think alike. Thanks for watching

[@XjohnjohnX88]

Very interesting video. Thanks!

[@WesWatchRoom]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks

[@paulelliott7493]

Agree,i have the same Citizen diver, great grab and go watch, never have to set anything, and keeps excellent time

[@WesWatchRoom]

100%, that's just another reason to like them so much. Thanks

[@christopherjohnson4276]

I'm totally on board with solar quartz. One G Shock square, and surprise surprise 3 Seikos 😆. Take care Wes!

[@WesWatchRoom]

That's awesome, thanks for watching mate and you too

[@ATIWatchReviews]

Absolutely, which is why I love Gshocks and Citizen. Its been known for some casio lith batteries to last nearly 2 decades!

[@WesWatchRoom]

Nice and I've seen reports of that from others too, it's insane to think they can last that long

[@WatchWitt]

I have one of the early Eco-Drives from Citizen. That capacitor lasted about 12 years, but it did see some “drawer” time here and there. Seems to be about average for the early models, though. I have a capacitor replacement video for those interested.

[@WesWatchRoom]

Nice, 12 years is great. Mine lasted around 11 with drawer time too and it was way easier to change the battery than I thought. New models are supposed to be even better now. Cheers

[@keithreed8479]

Once u have a solar watch and u realise how easy ur life becomes its very hard to go back to automatics.The hassle of having to hand wind numerous watches to keep them going becomes a pain at times especially if u have a big collection.Once i bought my Seiko prospex padi diver what i absolutely love i was hooked.As long as your watch is receiving light every few months you are good to go.Keep up the good work, absolutely love ur channel and always look forward to watching 👍

[@WesWatchRoom]

I agree, they're so convenient to have and thank you for that. I really appreciate it

[@JulianM_Col]

Totally agree, solar analog watches are amazing, and battery/capacitor technology seems to improve every year. For me the fact that you can keep the watch factory sealed is the biggest advantage. Thanks as always for sharing

[@WesWatchRoom]

That's one big thing I didn't mention but it's certainly a positive over a traditional quartz. Thanks

[@anonymouswatchguy4223]

I’m a fan of solar watches as well..nice video

[@WesWatchRoom]

Nice, seems like quite a lot of you guys are and its awesome. Cheers

[@gunjja13]

Absolutely agree. I love Solar Quartz!

[@WesWatchRoom]

Thanks mate and do you have any in the collection?

[@gunjja13]

@@WesWatchRoom Citizen Chronograph AV0080-88E, Casio LCW-M170TD-7AER, Citizen BM8560-88E and Citizen AW1240-57E.

[@watchsixto]

Couldn't agree with you more mate solar powered watches are great especially when they can show you the power reserve

[@WesWatchRoom]

I do like a good power reserve, the edifice one is pretty cool and easy to use. Citizen have their own too which is equally as cool. Would love to be able to find two similar in style and price to do a proper showdown. Thanks

[@bluecollarwatches7048]

I started with automatics, but really like my solar collection and am up to 9 solar watches.

[@WesWatchRoom]

Sounds like you're more addicted than I am. Thanks for watching mate

[@bluecollarwatches7048]

2 Casio’s 2 seikos 5 citizen, Casio makes an excellent budget Solar and Sekio makes a damn nice Solar watch but citizen is king of solars.

[@WesWatchRoom]

@@bluecollarwatches7048 nice and agree mate, Citizen are the masters.

[@dourmoose]

I have three Eco-Drives. I’m a real fan.

[@WesWatchRoom]

Nice one, which ones do you have? Thanks for watching

[@BudgetWatchReviews]

I am a huge fan of Citizen Eco Drives!

[@WesWatchRoom]

They're awesome for sure. Cheers mate, appreciate you watching

[@dunderhay9169]

I agree, I won't buy battery quartz any more. I have two Citizen eco-drive, both incredibly accurate and one is at least 15 years old on the original cell. By the way, I believe early eco-drives had capacitors, but newer ones have a rechargeable battery. It is the best movement for dives watches as the caseback is undisturbed and even the crown seals last longer as they are so accurate 👍

[@WesWatchRoom]

I think you're right mate, I'll be making a follow up video to this and learning more about the movement as I find them interesting. So keep an eye out for that. Cheers

[@dunderhay9169]

@@WesWatchRoom Great idea 👍

[@brianmsahin]

Excellent video Wes. After years of watch collecting I only got my first solar, a Pulsar Chronograph, and I can't take it off. I thought about getting the Edifice but I have quite a few Casio's so went for something different. As a suggestion it might be worth getting a Pulsar instead of a Seiko. Owned by Seiko since 1978, all stainless steel with sapphire crystal option, and with Seiko movements for a better price, and on mine either I've gone blind, or you cannot see even a hint of the solar cell under the subdials. My wife couldn't see it either and she has better eyesight than me! I do have Citizen on my radar now, but I think you'll be equally impressed by the Pulsar. Pulsar also have a history high point making the first ever LCD watch in the 70's before Hamilton sold it to Seiko. Totally agree that a solar watch should be in every collection. 👍

[@WesWatchRoom]

I'll definitely look into pulsar some more, they sound very promising. Aren't they part of the seiko Epson group now? Thanks for the suggestion mate

[@brianmsahin]

@@WesWatchRoom Yes indeed Wes, since 1978, just about 45 years as a Seiko company now, previously owned by Hamilton when they were an American company before Swatch bought them.

[@WesWatchRoom]

@@brianmsahin appreciate you confirming that. Thanks mate, grateful for the knowledge

[@WATCHingJames]

I still have not had a solar quartz. I should probably get one 😁

[@WesWatchRoom]

What!!! How. Just kidding but you should at least try one. Cheers mate

[@khonjel_singh]

I really like Citizen Eco-drive watches. Specifically Eco-drive. Other solar watches are solar. But Eco-drive can also charge over indoor light, even from the monitor when you sit on your PC. But for me the biggest hurdle is Cutizen don't do direct business in my country and importing from other country won't provide me warranty which is kinda important for electronic things like quartz movement. Also you have to swim through the sea of imo hideous dial combos to find some gems.

[@WesWatchRoom]

Eco-drive is my favourite out of the lot, but Casio and Seiko are good too. Shame Citizen don't sell in your country. Is there no other way to get them via a watch store or?

[@khonjel_singh]

@@WesWatchRoom There’s buncha watch stores but half the time I'm not sure if I'm getting an original or AAA grade replica or what's it called. Not to mention almost all of the shops import the gaudy looking ones. I looked at some field/pilot eco-drives on Citizen's website but not a single one is available. At this point I'm gravitating towards Chinese homages now. Recently bought a Tandorio field watch with type A dial and looking at some SKX/Tuna/Cap. Willard homages.

[@WesWatchRoom]

@@khonjel_singh that really sucks. AliExpress stuff is really good if you know what to look out for. I have plenty of content on watches from there if you need some ideas. Cheers

[@pktsqr]

I've really gravitated toward solars in the last few years, including several of GShocks and a bunch of Citizens. So convenient, and it seems like the brands that specialize in this tech also do better than average QC.

[@WesWatchRoom]

You're spot on there, my first solar watch is over 12 years old and is still in fantastic condition, even after plenty of wear. Thanks

[@djapojunior]

Eco-drive kicks butt! 💪

[@WesWatchRoom]

Indeed it does mate, thanks for watching

[@casadioo]

I would love to see you review the solar Edifice EFS S570

[@WesWatchRoom]

I'll add to the list. Thanks

[@andre.bouchard]

As a recent newcomer to the hobby, quartz movement* are still a strange thing i dont fully understand in a way that is much different than mechanical. *We all can see whats the end result of the movement on the dial. Looking just at the movement though is much different. Looking at a mechanical movement i roughly understand what is going on even if i have no idea what many bobs, bits and springs do. I can look at a mechanical movement and see that this one is particularly complicated. On the other hands, quartz movement are black holes. Fascinating in itself but hard to conceptualize how they work with my current level of knowledge. Remember guys, im talking as a noob. That for me, may explain the little bias i think im starting to develop for mechanical movements. But as of right now, my wish list has a roughly equal quartz to mechanical ratio. Although looking at my list, i also see a bias for mecha quartz and solar. Anyway, i'll see how it goes.

[@WesWatchRoom]

This is a whole different side of the rabbit hole. We have a love for watches themselves but then understanding them, that's a whole other level down. Mechanical and autos are really cool too but I like the technology side of solar quartz. Thanks mate

[@davidcrandall4958]

Go on KZbin,There are many websites that illustrate and explain Quartz watches!

[@IndraSatyabrata]

Citizen Eco Drives are the best! I have 4 Eco-Drive promaster watches (low end ones) in my collection for a regular rotation and they are built like a tank. They can take a beating for sure! I don't know if you're a marvel fan, but there is an "Iron Man" edition of that Promaster with red dial and iron man helmet icon in the 12 mark. I think I saw one in Japan back then. I regret it to this day that I just passed on that beauty.

[@WesWatchRoom]

They certainly are some of the best in the business, especially at this price point. I haven't seen that particular one but I have a few of their other marvel collabs. Thanks

[@YannickKhong]

I have difficulty going back to quartz unsweeping hand, then again, it's perfectly fine if people like this.

[@WesWatchRoom]

I get that, having the VH31, then going back to a single tick is pretty difficult. Thanks

[@zamSEG]

hello wes. yeah it would be very nice if they made sweeping second hand with solar movement. then i could just forget about all those automatics watches overall. lighweight and acurate precisely.

[@yorusuyasoul69420]

if they use meca quartz with rechargeable battery and atomic very cool

[@zamSEG]

@@yorusuyasoul69420 that also would be very awesome sir. i just don't understand why they don't make it?

[@WesWatchRoom]

I wouldn't forget about autos as they're still cool, but I'd definitely buy more if they figured out how to make this happen. Thanks

[@WesWatchRoom]

@@yorusuyasoul69420 that would be awesome. Maybe the power draw from the sweep is too much for the solar setup?

[@zamSEG]

@@WesWatchRoom haha, the love for autos just wear off for me. nowdays i prefer feather/lightweight on my wrist. autos/mechanicals takes times to set if not wear for long time. they'll still in my collections but not gonna adds more.

[@AlexanderB.]

Who doesn't like solar quartz? I've seen a review about JDM watches the other day and I learned Seiko solar quartz movement with sweeping hands actually exist! How awesome is that?!?

[@WesWatchRoom]

ikr, they're awesome and they do exist!! I need to know model numbers. Where they mentioned in the video you watched? Thanks mate, this is fantastic news.

[@AlexanderB.]

@@WesWatchRoom Take a look yourself if you like. Its a recent review of JDM watches by Dave from "just the watch".

[@WesWatchRoom]

@@AlexanderB. Cheers mate, I'll give it a watch

[@KK-71]

I would never go back to battery watches. I have a few autos, and I'm looking to pick up my first Citizen eco. Quick question - how would you change the capacitor in the mono block (?) cases?

[@WesWatchRoom]

I have a mix of both solar and regular, but if I could, I'd definitely just have solar. As for your question, I'm pretty sure that it would have to be done professionally as the dial would have to be removed

[@grahamekellermeier8280]

I've seen the light have 24 solar watches, also have 150 quartz watches costing at least $5oo dollars a year to replace batteries.

[@WesWatchRoom]

Nice, solar watches are certainly a new rabbit hole to venture down. And $500, that's crazy. I'm guessing that's swiss luxury stuff?

[@nathanaelsmith3553]

I like batteries. Replacing them after several years doesn't seem that much trouble to me and I don't think solar powered watches are going to save the planet. Also less to go wrong.

[@WesWatchRoom]

I'll admit they won't but they do have a lot of benefits too. Thanks

[@TheJaime9526]

I have an eco drive here that’s easily twenty years on the same cell (ten years you can get standard quartz that does that) chrono, perpetual calendar, 100m, bezel… used to be my dads, but he found it too small to read the date. Only time it gives me trouble is if I leave it too long out of the sun, and sometimes I have to zero the the second hand again. It’s small by todays standards mind you, think it’s 38 or 39 mm.

[@WesWatchRoom]

That's amazing It lasted 20 years. That's awesome. The watch sounds really great too and a little work horse. Thanks for watching

[@Whizzer_]

Check out the Seiko Sumo GMT solar - its the boss

[@lislearnitalianwithsongs]

Well, thanks a lot for this video! I like solar watches too and I have a couple of solar G shocks. I’d like to know why you’re letting the citizen BN150 go… I am waiting for it in the mail and I was wondering if you’re letting it go because of its size. I have a small wrist too, so I hope it’s not for that reason… On the usual, unrelated note: You have silent “t”s (positive, capacitor, latest, better…). Your way of pronouncing “much“, “love“, “tough” sound scouse to me, but it could be any other accent that has that sound. So, in the end, basically I have no clue. Im sure it’s not Scottish, nor Nothern-Irish and I’m prone to exclude the West Country. Any hint?

[@WesWatchRoom]

You're welcome and that's awesome, and I'm on the fence with it, I think it's just the strap so before I part with it, I'm upgrading it to see if that helps. My accent, it's definitely a hard one to pin down. I'll narrow the guesses and give you a clue - yorkshire. Thanks mate

[@lislearnitalianwithsongs]

@@WesWatchRoom thank you for the interesting videos! And for telling me about the accent. I’ve never been to Yorkshire (I do drink Yorkshire tea now and then, does it count?). I looked up some of the features of the accent and I never would have guessed it. I’m sure I won’t be able to find out what part of Yorkshire you’re from, but for now Yorkshire is enough. I suppose “ta’ra” is appropriate, then. Ciao!

[@WesWatchRoom]

@@lislearnitalianwithsongs anytime mate and it sort of does as its some of the best. Ta'ra is very appropriate too. Thanks

[@marcushd5776]

Citizen eco-drive rock🤟🏼

[@WesWatchRoom]

Indeed they do. Cheers

[@tanhockjun]

Casio F91w can beat that battery life mate~ 🤣

[@WesWatchRoom]

That is a one on its own that thing. Thanks for watching

[@BudgetWatchReviews]

How easy was it to replace the capacitor?

[@WesWatchRoom]

I misspoke, mine was a battery and its just as easy as a normal battery but you have to align a tab against the movement, that's all. Thanks

[@johanvandersandt8904]

Imagine a sweeping solar quartz... That would be cool! Btw if you own a Lorus, Pulsar or Alba solar watch you technically own a Seiko solar watch. 🙂The best watch on that table is green Citizen... But you have a good solar collection bud! These days they are a must given the worlds power problems haha.

[@lulul]

*Seiko

[@yorusuyasoul69420]

Seiko didn't use those vk movement to good use

[@WesWatchRoom]

We have the same thoughts, I'd love to see one as it would be perfect imo. I really like the diver too. Thanks

[@davidcrandall4958]

what was your former website called!

[@WesWatchRoom]

its called chosen watch

[@scatterbrain9490]

I love solar

[@WesWatchRoom]

They're great, which ones do you have? Thanks

[@scatterbrain9490]

@@WesWatchRoom seiko sne529

[@WesWatchRoom]

@@scatterbrain9490 very nice choice.

[@stavros_katsopr]

This time Wes i'll be harsh on you. First, find the right title. You're asking "why" in the title, still no clear answer in the whole vid. Solar watches may last longer than a plain quartz, but they all "tick" in a drawer. Btw, even mechanicals will work after you take them out of there. Wind them and of you go. And yes, some quartz may last 10 years too. As for batteries, someone may argue that changing two or three cheap ones in his "simple" quartz may cost less than what you'll pay for the capacitor in the same time period. Plus it's way easier. Seiko, Citizen and Casio may be the best known solar watches brands. But there are TAG, Tissot, Lorus, Pulsar, VAER, Fossil, Skagen, Bering, Junghans, Timex, Momentum, Q&Q, Sector, Boccia, Farr&Swit, Jack Mason, ETT, Boccia, Orient, Alba, many cheap chinese brands and many others... Even Cartier did one! Most [maybe all? ...not Cartier, for sure, guess TAG and TISSOT too] get the movements from Epson (ie Seiko) and Miyota (ie Citizen), even Casio! ...yup, Miyota it is, so there goes another argument... All do it well or bad, depending on what kind of dial they use (analog vs digital,) and how they want to hide it (sometimes they don't, it's part of the textute). Seen many Citizens where you can easily see the cells btw... So why are they "the best quartz movement"? What's the comparison with "simple" quartz, sweeping quartz, spring drive etc? That would be an answer, still you just said you don't know how this works......!!!??? I think it's time you do better mate, meaning, before starting a vid (you make a lot, what about quality over quantity?) do some research. Many times in your vids you sound bit lost, talking of things you don't know. But you could easily find out before shooting another video for the sake of it. I've been in this hobby for some time now, surely haven't handle the ammount of watches you have, seeing vids all around gave me some knowledge. You should be way way better than me in this. I know you watch a lot too, more than me, seen your comments all over. Please accept all this as a friendly advice. I love my firends cause they know me and can tell me when i'm wrong. Cheers mate, be well. PS Sensed some "bitterness" on your replies lately (talking of my comments). Maybe you misunderstood my sense of humor. But if you take this (bold) comment wrongly and there was indeed some, then just reply "bye!" and i'm out of here. No reason to break eachother's balls, right? 🤨

[@WesWatchRoom]

I appreciate the comment mate and this wasn't a technical breakdown of how the movement works, just why I like them and why I think they are the best. I know there are other brands that offer solar movements but I can only talk about what I've had hands on experience with, so that's why I only mentioned what I did. I understand that changing the battery in a quartz is simple but a capacitor swap is relatively straightforward too. Plus I can always do a more comprehensive video comparing the pros and cons of quartz vs solar. At the end of the day, this isn't a serious video, it's a bit of fun at that is all. I'm a bit over being serious as it's not me. As for the videos you mentioned, you guys wanted the waffle and this style back, so here we are. I like doing both ways but I just wanted to make the videos more enjoyable to watch. For the comments I'll admit sometimes I do find your humour hard to understand, so if I'm sounding off, it's not on purpose. The quantity over quality thing, works for me. I'm not trying to be a high production value channel, I like making videos that I like to do. Could I do a proper high quality one, sure, but I don't enjoy to. As far as the knowledge goes, I only review a small pool of watches usually with very similar specs, movements etc which is why I admit I could broaden my knowledge. This is something I'm working on as I'm attempting to branch out and look at other things. I'll understand if you don't want to stick around but I appreciate your support and would like to see you back. Thanks

[@DanRC69]

@@WesWatchRoom Unfortunately there's ALWAYS someone who finds their hobby should be followed by a defined set of rules (a bit like golfers) and then decide to throw their toys out their pram when things don't go their way. KZbin is about offering interesting videos on topics people like, rules are irrelevant, unless offensive. I for one really like your videos and they're not full of any pretentious waffle like so many others, just good honest opinions.

[@WesWatchRoom]

@@DanRC69 I personally don't take it seriously as it's supposed to a fun hobby and shouldn't be bound by rules. He did make some fair points about missing knowledge, which I am working on. I can't know everything as I'm just a guy who likes watches, not a professional. Thanks

[@felipegonzalez1509]

I dont care. Unsuscribed.

[@WesWatchRoom]

okay, bye