If your solar watch isn't running, in many cases the energy storage is simply completely discharged. This can happen, for example, if the watch has been stored in the dark or not worn for an extended period.
Before assuming there's a defect, you should first charge the watch with enough light.
How do I charge my solar watch correctly?
Place the watch with the dial facing upwards in a place that's as bright as possible, so that light reaches the solar cell.
Suitable options include:
- bright daylight by a window
- indirect sunlight
- a bright lamp
Artificial light can also charge the solar watch. The stronger the light source, the faster the charging usually takes place.
However, if the energy storage is completely empty, it can take some time before the watch starts running again. So leave it under a sufficiently bright light source for several hours first.
The watch doesn't start running immediately – is it faulty?
Not necessarily.
If the energy storage is completely discharged, the watch first needs a certain minimum charge before the movement can start again.
So don't just place the watch in the light for a few minutes – give it enough time to charge.
Depending on the strength of the light source, charging under normal room lighting takes considerably longer than in bright daylight.
Can I place the watch directly in the sun?
Bright daylight is generally very well suited for charging.
However, make sure the watch isn't exposed to very high temperatures for an extended period. Surfaces can heat up considerably, especially behind a window pane or in direct sunlight.
So it's best to place the watch in a bright but not excessively hot spot.
Can I also charge the solar watch under a lamp?
Yes. Our solar watches can also be charged using artificial light.
A bright lamp is therefore also suitable for charging. Since artificial light usually has a lower light intensity than daylight, the charging process may take correspondingly longer.
Here too, make sure not to place the watch directly next to a very hot light source.
Why is my solar watch's energy storage empty?
A solar watch converts light energy into electrical energy and stores it in a rechargeable energy store.
If the watch isn't exposed to enough light for an extended period, this store can gradually discharge.
This can happen, for example, if the watch:
- has been kept in a drawer or watch box for an extended period
- is often worn under clothing
- only receives a little daylight over an extended period
- hasn't been worn for an extended period
To keep the energy storage sufficiently charged, the watch should be exposed to light regularly.
Does a solar watch need a new battery regularly?
A solar watch doesn't use an ordinary battery change like a classic quartz watch.
The energy obtained from light is stored in a rechargeable energy store. This is recharged again and again by light while it's being used.
A regular battery change like with a conventional quartz watch is therefore generally not needed.
What can I do if the watch hasn't been worn for a long time?
If your solar watch has been lying in the dark for an extended period and has completely stopped:
- Place the watch with the dial facing upwards in a bright place.
- Let it charge there for several hours.
- Then check whether the second hand is moving.
- If the watch has started running, leave it in the light for a while longer if possible, so the energy storage can charge sufficiently.
- Then set the time and, if applicable, the date again.
A watch that has only just started running again doesn't need to be fully charged yet.
The watch starts running and stops again shortly afterwards
If the watch runs briefly after charging but then stops again, the energy storage may not yet be sufficiently charged.
In this case, leave it under a bright light source for a longer period again.
If the problem keeps occurring despite sufficient light charging, the watch should be technically checked.
The second hand is moving unusually – what does that mean?
An unusual movement pattern of the second hand can indicate a low charge level in solar watches.
If you notice that the second hand isn't running as usual, you should first charge the watch with enough light.
After a full or sufficient charge, it should run normally again.
How do I prevent my solar watch from stopping again?
To keep the energy storage charged, you should expose your watch to light regularly.
You don't need to leave it in the sun permanently for this. In normal everyday life, regular contact with daylight is usually enough.
If you're not wearing the watch for an extended period, try not to keep it in complete darkness the whole time.
When should I contact customer service?
Please get in touch with our customer service if:
- the watch doesn't start even after a longer, sufficient light charge,
- it keeps stopping very quickly after charging,
- the second hand keeps running unusually even after sufficient charging,
- or other malfunctions occur.
The following details are helpful:
- the exact model of your watch
- your order number, if available
- how long the watch wasn't worn beforehand
- how and how long you charged it
- whether it started running in the meantime
- if possible, a short video showing the behaviour of the second hand
This helps us better assess whether the watch simply needs further charging or whether it should be technically checked.