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Radio-Controlled & Solar Watches

Radio-Controlled & Solar Watches

217 Products
G-Shock G-STEEL GST-B1000 Series Mens Watch GST-B1000-1AER G-Shock G-STEEL GST-B1000 Series Mens Watch GST-B1000-1AER
Neuheit
G-Shock
€349.00

Radio-controlled watches set themselves to atomic time every night. How exact that is, and how to test your own watch’s rate deviation, is shown on our atomic clock page with the live time.

Radio-controlled and solar watches

What is a radio-controlled watch and how accurate is it?
A radio-controlled watch sets itself. It receives the time signal of a longwave transmitter, in Central Europe that is DCF77 near Frankfurt, and adjusts its display accordingly. The source is an atomic clock operated by the German national metrology institute. In practice this means accuracy to the second without ever adjusting the watch yourself. The change between summer and winter time is handled automatically, as is the leap day.
How does the solar drive work?
A solar cell sits beneath the dial and converts any light into electricity, not just sunlight. That current charges a rechargeable cell which powers the watch. Indoor lighting is enough for everyday use. Once fully charged, the watch keeps running in the dark for several months depending on the model, with Casio and Citizen often considerably longer. There is no battery to replace.
Will I eventually have to replace the battery in a solar watch?
Not in the usual sense. The rechargeable cell is designed to last many years, manufacturers typically state ten years or more. Should its capacity fade at some point, a watchmaker replaces it like any other wearing part. That happens far less often and with less effort than the battery change of an ordinary quartz watch.
What happens if no radio signal is received?
The watch simply carries on as a normal quartz watch with the corresponding accuracy. You lose nothing, the watch merely stops synchronising. Reception works best at night, when longwave travels further and interference is lower. A spot near a window with the dial facing Frankfurt helps. In reinforced concrete buildings, basements and aircraft, usually nothing comes through.
What is the difference between radio control and GPS?
A radio-controlled watch listens to a ground transmitter and therefore works only within its range. There are separate transmitters for Europe, Japan, North America and China. A GPS watch takes time and time zone from satellites and works worldwide, but it needs a clear view of the sky and more energy. Frequent intercontinental travellers are better served by GPS, for everyday use in Europe radio control is sufficient.
Which brands offer radio-controlled and solar watches?
The largest part of our range comes from Casio and G-Shock, Citizen with its Eco-Drive technology and Seiko. Models by Junghans and Tissot complete the picture. Prices start at around 140 euros and reach roughly 800 euros.
Who benefits most from combining radio control and solar power?
Anyone who wants to put a watch on and then forget about it. No battery, no adjusting, no winding. It is particularly useful for second watches that sit unworn for weeks, and in working life where the exact minute matters.