Author: Grant McKay

Are you an outdoorsy and active person? Do you like to run, bike, hike and swim? Are you someone who’s concerned with maintaining and improving health? Are you an athlete, or do you want people to think you’re more athletic?

Heck, even if you’ve never done yoga but wear the pants to walk around Target and eat popcorn while shopping, you might benefit from a smartwatch. Smartwatches have increased in popularity in recent years, and they’re not just for nerds anymore. Long gone are the days when the digital watch’s biggest feature was a wrist calculator. 

But which smartwatch is the right one for you? There are many options out there, including headliners like Apple and Samsung. However, kidding aside, if you really are serious about fitness and tracking your runs, bikes, climbs, and swims (and making sure you find your way home from your off-the-beaten-path adventures), you might consider a Garmin and especially the Fenix 7.

If you’re unfamiliar with Garmin watches, you might know the name as a satellite GSP provider from back in the day, an important feature they continue with their watch lines. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the world of the Garmin Fenix 7. We’ll examine the various versions of this watch that are available to compare and contrast.

We’ll also consider the standout features, performance, smartphone/app connection, and real-world applications of this smartwatch, exploring all it has to offer. Wearable tech is where it’s at these days, and Garmin is a leader in that space. Is the Garmin Fenix 7 right for you? Let’s find out!

History of Garmin Watches

Founded by a group of engineers, Garmin’s humble beginnings were in Lenexa, Kansas. They would grow to become a leader in handheld GPS navigation, initially for pilots, boaters, and outdoor enthusiasts, eventually moving into automobile navigation and wearables for the broader public.

Today Garmin is a multi-billion dollar public company headquartered in Schaffhausen, Switzerland. In the early 2000s, Garmin introduced its first wearable product, the Forerunner 101, which became the first fitness-centric GPS watch.

The product grew in popularity among athletes and runners for its accuracy and reliability in tracking, timing, and pacing workouts. This was Garmin’s first step in bringing their GPS expertise to a wearable product, and it would open the doors to more product lines. 

Garmin has managed to stand out among competitors like Fitbit, Apple, and Activity Tracker in the wearable fitness space. Of course, the Garmin Fenix 7 is their flagship smartwatch, but there are other notable collections to consider from them, including:

Forerunner Series: This aforementioned series is what started it all for Garmin in watches. They have specific models made especially for runners and those athletes needing to track workouts and train. They’re far less expensive, in contrast to the Fenix 7 and some of Garmin’s other collections, like the MARQ collection.

But if you don’t need all the features of the Fenix and you’re primarily a runner, this is an excellent model to consider. 

Venu Series: These are some of the most stylish smartwatches Garmin offers, with their eye-catching AMOLED displays. Perfect for those looking for health and lifestyle features from their watch without sacrificing their fashion sense. The AMOLED displays a big, bright, and high resolution. Even higher resolution than the Fenix. They even have a similar style to the Apple watch in the shape of the case and the digital “analog” display of watch hands and markers, which one would find on more traditional timepieces. 

Approach Series: These are targeted at golfers who want to improve their game with shot tracking features, golf course mapping, and analysis. These also include the AMOLED displays, which are great for displaying golf course maps and helping golfers do things like measure distances, keep track of strokes, and even provide animations and analysis of one’s game to help one improve. Of course, like the Forerunner, this smartwatch is very specific in what it offers and doesn’t have the versatility of the Fenix. 

Instinct Series: This collection is primarily focused on meeting the needs and providing valuable tools to runners and athletes. The smartwatch offers sports apps for everything from American football to soccer. It also includes some of the primary health-tracking tools to keep one in shape and aware of potential heart issues. It further provides a solar-powered option to keep the watch changed indefinitely. It doesn’t offer the full multisport options of the Fenix, nor does it have the versatility in style and color combinations, but it offers all the basics at a lower price point than the Fenix. 

Garmin has come a long way since Kansas, literally and figuratively, and they’re one to seriously consider in the wearable smartwatch game.

Garmin Fenix 7: In-Depth Review

The Fenix 7 is Garmin’s flagship smartwatch, and its sheer volume of features alone is impressive. If you’re an active person, you’re going to find this smartwatch to be incredibly useful whether you’re a runner, golfer, traveler, or you’re health conscious, as there are useful tools for all the major outdoorsy sports, health tracking, and other practical life uses.  

Design

The smartwatch offers a sleek design with a steel bezel, a black resin case, and a black strap. There are other bands that can be purchased and easily switched out, including bands of leather, fabric, and metal. The bright, beautiful color screen display comes in different size options to display turn-by-turn directions on the road and off the road. The watch is perfect for outdoor use and everyday wear.

Build Quality & Durability

This timepiece is made to withstand practically everything nature and an active lifestyle can throw at it. The bezel is made of stainless steel and the case of a fiber-reinforced polymer (resin) with a steel caseback. The strap is made of silicone with a steel tang buckle. The watch is water resistant to 100 meters. The case measures 47mm x 47mm x 14.5mm. 

Display

The color display is 1.3”, which offers enough screen real estate to appreciate maps and practical intel, allowing for far more than a simple time-telling function. This is a touchscreen that is pretty responsive even when wet or with gloves on. However, the touchscreen can also be disabled for times when you don’t want to accidentally activate something, like when one is sleeping, for example. 

Smartwatch Features

The timepiece includes the following features: time/date, GSP time sync, automatic daylight, alarm, timer, stopwatch, sunrise/sunset times, heart rate, abnormal heart rate alerts, respiration rate, pulse/ox, fitness age, body energy monitor, stress monitor, relaxation breathing timer, breathwork, sleep score and insights, hydration, women’s/men’s health, jet lag adviser, GPS, compass, thermometer and accelerometer, weather, music among many others. 

It’s also a smartwatch, which means it connects with your smartphone and app. The time can be adjusted from the smartphone app, as well. 

Sports & Activity Features

This watch has the ability to track miles run or biked, floors climbed, calories burned, and distance traveled. It also offers training features like pacing, cardio/strength/yoga/pilates workouts. There are even muscle maps displayed and on-screen workout animations. Basically, this watch can act like a digital trainer. 

Health & Wellness Tracking

This smartwatch comes with sensors that can measure heart rate, including resting and your heart’s activity, as one goes about their daily routine. It will also measure blood oxygen levels. If you wear the watch overnight, it can track your sleep patterns. The Fenix will not only track these things and store the data in the app but will provide feedback and analysis to help one improve their health scores.

GPS & Navigation

Of course, Garmin has always been known for its excellent GPS navigation, but now one has the power of that on their wrist. The Fenix can help one on the road when traveling by car and not only give turn-by-turn directions but alert one about food and coffee spots, rest stops, gas stations, etc. These GPS functions are not only useful when traveling by car but also walking in the city or off the beaten path. Further, one can even download golf course maps and other useful maps and intel for an active life, like hiking and mountain climbing maps. 

Battery Life

This smartwatch only needs to be charged every 18 days, with normal daily use. In battery save mode or GPS-only mode, it can last for up to 57 days. When operating all satellite functions while listening to music, it can last for up to 10 hours—plenty of time for all your outdoor adventures and exercise routines. 

The Garmin Fenix 7 is designed to help one get better at just about everything in their daily and weekly routine. Whether one is trying to improve their health, fitness training, listen to music, get text messages on the go, or explore our world with confidence that you can always find your way back on the paved roads and the unpaved ones. 

Garmin Fenix 7 Models Comparison

The Garmin Fenix 7 comes in different sizes, including 42mm, 47mm, and 51mm. There are various versions of the Fenix 7 besides the Standard. They include: Solar, Sapphire Solar, Pro/Solar, and Pro/Sapphire Solar. 

Price

The Standard is priced at $649.99 for the 42mm and 47mm and $899.99 for the 51mm. The Standard only comes in one size, 47mm, and one configuration, a silver bezel and a graphite band color. It also comes with 16GB of storage. There are also the 7S and 7X editions of the Standard that come in different sizes and color combinations. 

The Solar is priced at $699.99 for the 42mm and 47mm and $799.99 for the 51mm. To clarify, the basic Solar only comes in one size, 47mm, and one configuration, which is a slate gray bezel and a black band. There are others, like the 7S Solar Edition, that is 42mm and comes with a rose gold bezel and light sand band, among other configurations. 

The Sapphire Solar is $100 more in each size category (42/47mm and 51mm). The Sapphire Solar comes in 42mm and two configurations, either a carbon gray titanium bezel with a black bland or a dark bronze titanium bezel and shale gray band. Other editions with 47mm and 51mm cases have different titanium bezels and strap color options. 

The Pro Solar and Sapphire Solar are the same price. The difference is that the Pro Solar has a slate gray stainless steel bezel and a black band, in contrast to the Sapphire Solar, which has a titanium bezel. The other difference is in screen protection, the Pro Solar is glass, and the Sapphire Solar is, as the name implies, sapphire crystal. Both come in at $899.99.

The Pro Sapphire Solar starts at $899.99 and goes up to $999.99. The Pro Sapphire Solar, at the lowest price, offers a 42mm case with a titanium bezel in carbon gray with a black band or a soft gold bezel with a light sand band. 

At $899.99, it can be had with a 47mm case with a carbon gray titanium bezel and black band or a titanium fog gray bezel and ember orange band. At $999.99, it can be had in a 51mm case with either a carbon gray titanium bezel and black band or a fog gray bezel with the ember orange band. Of course, all the versions of the Pro Sapphire Solar include solar, titanium bezels, and sapphire screens.  

Features

As the names imply, Solar is a solar-powered watch. This is convenient if one wants the freedom to be untethered. 

The Sapphire model has a sapphire crystal protecting the dial, which is superior to the Standard’s gorilla glass, against scratches and cracks. 

The Pro Solar will last 37 days on a single charge. The watch offers a built-in flashlight. Of course, the Pro/Sapphire Solar offers that plus sapphire crystal. 

Style

The Standard, as previously explored, offers a steel bezel, black resin case, and a black silicone strap with a tang buckle or it can be had with a white silicone strap. 

The Solar comes in all black with red accents or a rose gold-tone bezel with a light gray silicone strap. 

Sapphire Solar can be had with a titanium bezel in all black or brown with a medium gray strap. 

Pro Solar looks like the Standard. 

Pro Sapphire Solar comes in all black (or what Garmin calls carbon gray) with a steel or titanium bezel or a silver-colored bezel with a light gray strap. 

Should You Buy A Garmin Fenix 7? 

Some people favor an analog or hybrid timepiece. If that’s you, Garmin has some hybrids to offer. But, if you’re looking for traditional, analog watches with automatic movements, Garmin can’t help you, and the Fenix 7, specifically, won’t be the right watch for you. However, if you’re looking for a smartwatch and are active, outdoorsy, health-conscious, and reasonably tech-savvy, the Fenix 7 should be on your list of smartwatches to consider. 

There are other great smartwatches out there. If you’re committed to the Apple or Android ecosystems, you might want to find a smartwatch designed to work with all those products. There are also brands like Fitbit, Suunto, and Polar, but the Garmin 7 is pretty unique.

Garmin Fenix 7 Alternatives

The Garmin Fenix 7 is a great all-rounder, but there are a few competitors to consider. Coros Vertix 2 is a solid choice with double the standard storage of the Fenix 7 for the same price. However, it does require a larger wrist. 

The Polar Vantage V2 is Polar’s top smartwatch. The Vantage V2 offers fewer features than the Fenix 7 but still offers many of the basic must-have features of the Garmin for half the price. Some feel the Fenix 7 is overkill, and a more budget-friendly option might be a great alternative. 

The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar is another budget-friendlier option if one wants to stay with the Garmin brand and can sacrifice some of the bells and whistles.

However, staying with Garmin, let’s dive deeper into some of their alternative models. 

Garmin Vivoactive 4

The Vivoactive 4 comes in two case sizes, 40mm and 45mm. It also comes in four color options: A steel bezel with a medium gray band with a tang buckle. Note this is the only one that comes in 45mm, and that’s the only size option for this color; all the other colors are 40mm. The second color is a rose gold tone steel bezel with a pink strap.

The third is a rose gold tone steel bezel with a white strap. The fourth is a steel bezel with a light gray strap. This model has a stainless steel bezel and a polymer (resin) case. The face of the watch is protected by gorilla glass and is water resistant up to 50 meters.

This model weighs 50.5 grams. The straps are all made of silicone, and all of them offer a quick-release system that calls the bands to be easily switched out for other colors and styles. In smartwatch mode, the battery will last for about 8 days. It offers 18 hours of GPS usable and about 6 hours of GPS and music usage. 

While this model doesn’t offer quite the exhaustive list of features the Fenix 7 does, it has all the basics and then some. Regardless of size and color selection, this model is priced at $329.99

Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2)

The Epix Pro is another top-of-the-line multisport watch from Garmin. If you want the Pro version, it only comes in one size, 47mm. Some of the alternative Epix versions come in 42mm and 51mm. It comes in slate gray with a black band. The bezel material is stainless steel, and the case is a resin. 

It’s protected by gorilla glass and is water resistant to 100 meters. It has a 1.3” diameter color screen and 32GB of storage. Like the Fenix, it has a touchscreen, which can be disabled. It also comes with many of the same features offered by the Fenix 7, but where it really stands out from the Fenix 7 is with its AMOLED screen, which is brighter and higher resolution. 

The battery life can last 16 days (21 in power save mode). The Epix is fairly similar in specs to the Fenix in all other battery categories. Overall, it’s a nice-looking, sleek watch, but it doesn’t offer the various style and color combinations that the Fenix does. 

Price: $899.99

Garmin MARQ Athlete (Gen 2)

Billed as a modern tool watch, the MARQ Athlete Gen 2 is impressive. In a head-to-head comparison with the Fenix 7, both models offer many of the same features. The MARQ Athlete is more of a “hybrid” smartwatch.

It offers an analog-looking display option (though it’s an entirely digital dial) with watch hands, indices, and registers, which might make it a bit more versatile in that it can be dressed up. The smartwatch is all black, from the bezel and case to the silicone strap. The watch bezel and case are made of grade 5 titanium.

That’s one of the biggest areas where the MARQ Athlete is superior to the Fenix. Grade 5 titanium is light but quite rugged and designed to take a beating. Therefore, this timepiece is likely to last considerably longer than the Fenix. It’s also fitted with an AMOLED screen, like the Epix Pro, for a higher resolution. 

The display is 1.2mm in diameter and is protected by a domed sapphire crystal. The timepiece is water-resistant to 100 meters and comes with 32GB of storage. The battery life is similar to the Fenix but slightly stronger. 

The Fenix and the MARQ Athlete offer many of the same features. The real differences are in the quality of the build materials, the screen, and the price. The Fenix also has more ways to customize it, with different case and screen sizes, colors, solar options, etc. The Fenix simply has more ways to customize and therefore raise or lower the price, in contrast to the MARQ Athlete. 

Price: $1,900.00

Closing Thoughts

If you’re in the market for a smartwatch, there are a lot of options out there. In fact, a lot are less expensive than the Garmin Fenix 7. The titanium Apple watch Ultra (Apple’s top-of-the-line) is roughly as expensive as the Standard Fenix and about half the price of a Garmin model like the MARQ Athlete. 

There are other smartwatches that can count steps and miles and even check one’s heart rate. Some think the Fenix smartwatch is overkill in all its features, and for most people, that might be true. 

Where Garmin really stands out and specifically the Fenix 7, is for those who need a true multisport smartwatch with off-the-beaten-path GPS guidance and tracking. If you’re someone that doesn’t just run but also cycle, hike, and swim, plus you like to golf on the weekends, then it’s hard to beat the Fenix 7. 

Harnessing the power of the sun. It’s something even ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and the Greeks considered. They designed their architecture to follow the pattern of the sun to maximize natural light and heat. 

It was the 19th-century discovery of the photovoltaic effect by French physicist Becquerel that would lay the groundwork for modern solar technology and the work of later scientists like Einstein, who won a Nobel Prize in 1921 for furthering the understanding of solar energy and, of course, the scientists at Bell Laboratories in the 1950s (and others) that got us to where we are today. 

Facing environmental challenges and an energy crisis, many have turned to solar as a solution. Time and battery technology will tell if that’s realistic, but no one can argue that solar tech has come a long way. Whether it’s powering homes, cars, or watches, the modern tech is pretty impressive. 

In this article, we’ll examine 20 of the best solar watches, from affordable to luxury brands and everything in between. Whether you’re driven by environmental virtues, cutting-edge technology, or convenience, there’s something here for everyone and every budget. We’ve thoroughly examined each of the timepieces we’ve selected to consider solar efficiency, aesthetics, consistency, ruggedness, luxury, and value for the money. 

For those that want style and sustainability without compromise, let’s discover some remarkable watches that blend nature’s power with the best of human engineering and artistry. 

About Solar Watches

Sustainability. It’s a corporate buzzword and a powerful movement. Not easy being green? No more. Kermit’s day has arrived. Everyone wants to be seen as “green”. Solar watches are one way to show you care for the planet. 

They are also a modern technology alternative to quartz battery-powered watches. Let’s further explore the history of solar watches and why they’ve become a popular choice among watch experts and technology enthusiasts. 

A Brief History 

Solar watches have their roots in the space race. The final frontier of outer space demanded a way to power watches in remote places. The Hamilton Watch company was actually the one to pioneer this technology in the mid-1950s. 

Hamilton’s Ventura model was powered by a miniaturized solar cell and really pushed the technology forward. However, this model wasn’t entirely solar-powered, as it required a battery to store the power. 

By the 1970s and 80s, watch companies like Seiko and Citizen found ways to refine the technology and mass-produce it for the public. 

Solar Advantages Over Quartz Movements

Green: Using the abundant power of the sun as the energy source for a timepiece requires significantly less reliance on disposable batteries. Those batteries eventually end up in landfills and can be a potential hazard. 

Convenience: With solar power, replacing your watch battery is unnecessary. This saves the consumer time and money. 

Long reserves: Today’s solar watches have long power reserves that, once fully charged, can last for months, even in complete darkness.

Low maintenance: Solar watches are more energy efficient than battery-powered quartz watches, making the timepieces more reliable, less likely to fail for mechanical reasons, and less likely to be out of commission for repairs. 

Accurate: Solar watches have proven to be just as precise timekeepers as quartz battery watches, making them reliable for both professional and daily use. 

Wide-ranging styles: Whether one is shopping for something modern, sporty, or classic and dressy, there’s a solar-powered timepiece out there to suit every need and taste. 

Overall, solar watches have become quite popular, with the technology only getting better, more effective, sustainable, and more powerful. 

What To Look For in Solar Watches?

One might understandably feel overwhelmed by the wide variety of solar timepieces on the market, and it can be difficult to sort through the blizzard of internet ads to determine the winners from the losers and which ones suit one’s specific needs best. That’s why we’ve done the research for you. We’ll detail all the critical things to consider when purchasing your next solar watch. 

Build Quality 

As with any quality timepiece, one should consider the materials used to make the watch. Materials like high-end stainless steel, ceramic, and titanium will not only be durable and scratch resistant but will last and, as a bonus, look the most luxurious. 

Power Reserve

The top solar watches, once fully charged, can last for months, even in complete darkness. If you have professional responsibilities in the field or you lead an active lifestyle, you’ll want to consider a watch with a long power life without the need to constantly be recharged. 

Solar Panel Location

Obviously, a solar panel on the case back would be rather ineffective. While I can’t imagine most watch engineers would make a mistake like that, be sure there’s a large panel on the dial or bezel of the watch. This way, you can be sure that it will harness the most solar power. 

Water Resistance

Make sure the timepiece you’re considering is at least water-resistant to 50 meters. This will ensure your watch is protected against rain and accidental splashes. It will also allow one to wear the watch in more active settings, including swimming and snorkeling (for a dress watch, 30 meters is acceptable).

Readability

Look for a timepiece that has a clean, readable layout and strong luminous hands and markers so everything is clear and visible even in the lowest light conditions, including total darkness. 

The Best Solar Watches

With that said, here’s a list of the 20 best solar watches you can buy today at different price points:

1. BERTUCCI DX3 FIELD REF. 11015

The Bertucci DX3 Field is a simple, no-nonsense, classic three-hand field watch design. The watch case is made of polycarbonate, which is a pressed plastic that’s quite rugged. It’s not stainless steel or titanium, but it will do the job. 

The case has a sleek matte black finish and measures 40mm; it’s 11mm thick and 49.5mm from lug to lug. The bezel is smooth and fixed. The dial is also a matte black with painted white numerals and white sword-style minute and hour hands. The hands and indices are properly illuminated and visible even in low-light settings. 

The timepiece offers a Japanese quartz movement powered by solar and is water resistant to 50 meters, which is suitable for swimming and snorkeling; however, this watch is not to be used for diving. The face of the timepiece is protected by an R-Type mineral crystal, which doesn’t have the scratch resistance and strength of a sapphire crystal. But this watch isn’t expected to last generations, and the reasonable price reflects that. It is paired with a black nylon strap with a simple tang buckle. 

Price: $75

2. CASIO G-SHOCK GWM5610-1

The G-SHOCK is all business. To my eye, there’s nothing especially beautiful about this watch, but if you’re looking for a solid, reliable digital watch, this will deliver. The case is some type of resin, as is the fixed bezel, which is a smooth matte black. Resin is perfectly capable but not as durable as stainless steel. When would this matter? 

It probably doesn’t matter for most purposes, but resin isn’t as capable of withstanding underwater pressures as other materials like steel or titanium. The case is a hexagon-type shape, measures 46.7mm by 43.2mm, and sits on the wrist at 12.7mm thick. The watch weighs 51.7 grams. The dial is black with a digital display that can brighten in low-light situations. 

The timepiece has some solid specs. It’s shock-resistant and capable of 200 meters of water resistance, which means it’s rugged and ready for those with an active lifestyle and quite capable in most diving situations. The face is protected by glass, which isn’t as durable as sapphire crystal. 

The watch is powered by the sun, and its battery, when fully charged and in power save mode, can last in total darkness for up to 22 months. The timepiece is accurate to 15+/- seconds per month. The watch includes features like a 12 or 24-hour format, date and day display, and stopwatch capabilities. All this is paired with a resin strap and a tang buckle. 

Price: $150

3. TIMEX EXPEDITION NORTH FIELD SOLAR REF. TW2V41600JR

TIMEX has been a widely known and trusted watch brand since 1854. The Expedition North Field is an excellent timepiece for the price that offers everything a budget-conscious buyer would be looking for. The stainless steel, brushed, and bead-blasted case measures 41mm, sits on the wrist at 12mm thick, and has a lug width of 20mm. 

The watch has a smooth steel bezel and a black dial with numerals, except at 12 o’clock, where it’s marked with a triangle. At 3 o’clock, there’s a date window for added functionality. The dial has sword-style hour and minute hands and a gray seconds hand. Of course, the hands and markings are luminescent in the dark. The face is protected by sapphire crystal. TIMEX describes the watch design as military-inspired and made for the outdoor enthusiast.   

The timepiece is solar-powered and will last for 4 months on a single charge. The watch offers a screw-down caseback and crown, making it water-resistant to 100 meters. The timepiece is paired with a stainless steel bracelet with a fold-over clasp for added security. It’s a solid, clean everyday watch. If you’re looking for something with solar, but a classic steel design, this watch hits all the right marks for the right price. 

Price: $189

4. CITIZEN PROMASTER DIVER ECO-DRIVE REF. BN0151-09L

Citizen delivers on a good dive watch that’s paired with their eco-drive technology. The stainless steel case with alternating gear-edged bezel measures 44mm, sits on the wrist at 12mm thick, and has a lug width of 20mm. The unidirectional bezel has a blue aluminum ring insert with white markings. The blue dial is also clean and easy to read. The dial has a stubby sword-style hour and minute hands. 

The hour and seconds hand are gray, and the minute hand is orange. The indices are white and a mix of round and triangle-like shapes. There’s a date window at 4 o’clock. The hands and markings are luminescent in low lighting. The face isn’t protected by sapphire crystal, which is disappointing, but it’s impact and shatter resistant. 

The watch is powered by Citizen’s eco-drive technology, which means it can be charged by any light source and will last up to six months in the dark on a full charge. The timepiece has a screw-down crown and case back and is water-resistant to 200 meters. All this is paired with a blue polyurethane strap with a steel tang buckle. It’s a good-looking, performing driver with some of the best solar tech on the market. 

Price: $375

5. ORIENT NEO 70’S SOLAR PANDA CHRONOGRAPH REF. WV0041TX

If you’re in the market for a “panda-style” chronograph that’s solar-powered at a steal of a price, this is it. The Neo 70’s Solar Panda Chrono by Orient has all the right stuff and checks all the right boxes. The stainless steel case measures 42mm and sits on the wrist at 11.7mm thick. The watch looks more expensive than it really is, which is something Orient does well. 

The milky-white dial features three registers, two large and one small, with black backdrops. The silver hands and silver-lined black indices look sharp. There’s a date window at 4 o’clock. The face is protected by a mineral crystal. 

The watch is powered by solar and, with its screw-down crown and caseback, is water resistant to 100 meters. The timepiece offers hacking seconds and is paired with a stainless steel bracelet with twin push button release, fold over clasp. It seems this model has been discontinued by Orient but is still available through other retailers. 

Price: $218

6. CITIZEN ECO-DRIVE DRESS WATCH REF. AW0100-19A

This Citizen Eco-drive is a handsome, classic dress watch. The timepiece has a stainless steel case that measures 40mm. The case is relatively thin and should easily slip under a dress shirt. The fixed bezel is smooth and paired with a light ivory dial with silver hands and indices. There’s a day display window at 12 o’clock and a date window above 6 o’clock. Even with all these functions, the dial is simple, clear, and easy to read. 

The timepiece is powered by a caliber J800 movement, which is charged by Citizen’s Eco-drive. The watch is splash resistant, with a 30 meters rating. The timepiece also features 12 and 24 hours and has an eight-month power reserve. All this matched with a brown leather strap with stitching and a tang buckle. It’s a handsome watch that competes very well with other brands like Seiko and Hamilton. 

Price: $350

7. CASIO EDIFICE SOSPENSIONE ECB-2000 REF. ECB-2000TP-1A

The Edifice Sospensione is perfect for the guy whose Corvette dream is out of reach and who is willing to settle for a sporty watch. The black and red design looks like a sports car. It comes in a few different configurations, some more gray, some more red. The case and bezel are made of carbon and stainless steel, and the watch’s measurements are 51mm by 47.8mm by 10.8mm. 

For a beefy sports watch, it’s relatively thin. The dial offers a mix of digital and analog displays, with white sword-style hands and white indices. There’s a date and day window at three o’clock, along with other registers. 

The timepiece is solar-powered and can run for 7 months on a single charge, with typical daily use and 18 months in total darkness in “low power mode”. The watch is full of features, including stopwatch functions, a countdown timer, an alarm, and 38 timezones (displaying the city name), to name a few. It’s accurate to within 15 seconds +/- per month. The watch syncs with Bluetooth and offers smartphone link capabilities, and even displays battery levels. It’s water resistant to 100 meters and fitted with a black resin strap with a tang buckle. 

Price: $300

8. SEIKO PROSPEX SOLAR DIVE WATCH REF. SNE585P1

Seiko makes a number of stylish divers, and the Propex Solar Dive is no exception. The stainless steel case measures 38.5mm and is thin enough to slip under a dress shirt. The unidirectional bezel is blue with a circle pattern. 

The dial is a sunray blue with syringe-style hour and minute hands and a lollipop-style seconds hand. There’s a date window at 3 o’clock. The white indices are a mix of circles, rectangles, and a triangle at 12 o’clock. The case has a satin finish with some contrasting polishing. 

The watch is powered by Seiko’s caliber V147 movement, and its battery is solar-powered with a reserve of 10 months. The screw-down crown and caseback offer water resistance of 200 meters, which is perfect for most divers. The face of the timepiece is protected by a sapphire crystal and is fitted with a stainless steel three-link bracelet with a tri-fold clasp for additional security. This watch reminds me of a Tudor Black Bay but for a fraction of the price. 

Price: $495

9. CITIZEN PROMASTER NIGHTHAWK REF. BJ7138-04E

This timepiece puts out military vibes. I can see this on the wrist of some special operative behind enemy lines. Citizen says the Promaster Nighthawk was inspired by stealth helicopters. The two-tone steel and black case is made of stainless steel, measures 42mm, and has a lug width of 22mm. 

The smooth fixed black bezel paired with the busy black dial is sleek, and while there’s a lot of information displayed, the time is easily readable. The hands are white, and there’s a 24-hour hand in the style of an airplane on a runway. There’s a date window at 3 o’clock. 

The watch is powered by Citizen’s B877 movement, which is charged by their Eco-Drive solar technology. The timepiece is water-resistant to 200 meters. It features dual time, date, and slide rule. The watch is fitted with an olive green leather strap, inspired by military uniforms, with a tang buckle. This is a cool, sporty, casual watch that looks great on the wrist of a commando or just a world traveler or a weekend warrior with an active outdoor lifestyle. 

Price: $396

10.  SEIKO PROSPEX SNJ025 “ARNIE”

The Arnie is another sharp solar diver from Seiko. The timepiece is all black and steel with an analog and digital dial. The stainless steel case, with its lightweight high-tech protective shell, measures 47.8mm, sits at 14.4mm thick, and 51.3mm from lug to lug. The dial features sword-style white hands and white indices. There’s a digital display showing the time at the top of the dial. The black unidirectional bezel has a gear-style edge. 

The watch is powered by Seiko’s caliber H851 movement and is solar-powered with a six-month reserve. The timepiece is full of functions from power reserve display, local time indication, stopwatch function, and alarm. 

The watch has a screw-down crown, pushers, and screw-down caseback. It’s water resistant to 200 meters, suitable for scuba diving. The timepiece is fitted with a black silicon strap with a tang buckle. The Arnie has great 80s-style diver vibes and is worth considering. 

Price: $525

11.  CASIO FULL METAL G-SHOCK GM-B2100 REF. GM-B2100D-1A

Casio is known more for their functionality than their sense of style, but they’re trying hard with this model to do both. The G-Shock full metal is pretty similar to the other G-Shock we reviewed, just in an all-steel style. The octagonal bezel and case is the design feature that first grabs one’s attention. 

That stainless steel case measures 49.8mm by 44.4mm by 12.8mm. It’s a chunky, sports-style watch design. The black and gray dial, hands, and indices offer a sleek look. The dial is a combination of analog and digital. The style cues with this model take one back to the 80s with the dimpled band and bezel shape. 

The Full Metal G-Shock, as the name implies, is shock resistant and durable. It’s water resistant to 200 meters. The mineral glass protecting the face is disappointing, but these watches aren’t expected to last multiple generations like a luxury watch might. On the bright side, this timepiece has many useful functions and features. 

The watch is solar-powered and will run for about 7 months on a single charge, with typical daily use and 18 months in total darkness in “low power mode”. It offers time, date, 38 timezones, an alarm, a battery level indicator, and Bluetooth, among other functions. The timepiece is fitted with a dimpled stainless steel bracelet with a fold-over clasp. 

Price: $550

12.  CITIZEN WORLD CHRONOGRAPH ATOMIC TIMEKEEPING REF. AT8020-54L

I’ve always thought these Blue Angels Citizen watches were pretty darn cool and packed with tech. They have busy dials, which I don’t typically favor, but there’s something about the design I like. It’s sporty and attractive. 

The stainless steel, two-tone case, steel, and blue Ion-plated bezel measures 43mm, has a lug width of 25mm, and sits on the wrist at 12.5mm thick. These atomic and radio timekeeping watches tend to be thick, but this one is pretty reasonable. The dial is blue with white, silver-lined, sword-style hour and minute hands and a yellow seconds hand. The dial has three registers, and there’s a date window at 3 o’clock. 

The timepiece syncs to the Atomic Time Clock for accuracy and has Atomic Timekeeping tech that is synced with 26 time zones. The watch is powered by Citizen’s H800 Eco-Drive movement, which is charged by the sun. The timepiece also offers a day, date, and power reserve indicator.

The watch is water resistant to 200 meters and is fitted with a stainless steel three-link bracelet with a fold-over clasp. There’s also a titanium version of this model, which offers the same features, but in a lighter weight package, but of course, that’s more expensive. 

Price: $580.00 (Source: https://www.citizenwatch.com/us/en/product/AT8020-54L.html).

13.  JUNGHANS 1972 CHRONOSCOPE SOLAR REF. 14/4202.44

Junghans is a German watchmaker that may or may not be known to Americans. They’re the official timekeeper of the Munich Games, and they make some excellent watches. The Junghans 1972 Chrono Solar was designed to capture the spirit of those 1972 games. It does just that. It’s sporty, streamlined, and like a well-conditioned athlete, there’s not much “fat” on this watch. 

The timepiece’s stainless steel case measures 43.3mm and sits on the wrist at 11.6mm thick. The bezel and case have a satin finish and a sculpted look. The bezel is black and matched with an anthracite-gray sunray brushed dial. There’s a red outer ring with a tachymeter scale. The dial has three registers and gray hour and minute hands, plus a red seconds hand. There’s a date window at 3 o’clock. 

The watch is powered by a solar-quartz movement, the caliber J622.50. It’s water resistant to 100 meters, with a screw-down caseback, a guard-protected crown, and a sapphire crystal covering of the face. The timepiece features a stop function with 1/5 seconds, date, and alarm. The watch is fitted with a stainless steel bracelet with a folding clasp. All around, this is a really nice watch that could function as a sports watch and in dressier situations. 

Price: Approx. $1,000

14.  SEIKO PROSPEX SPEEDTIMER SSC813

This is another “panda-style” chronograph from Seiko with all the right style cues. The stainless steel case measures 39mm, which is a real sweet spot for most wrists. It sits on the wrist at 13.3mm and 45.5mm lug-to-lug. The case has a satin finish and looks great with the black tachometer bezel. 

The white dial is clean and crisp, with three registers with black backgrounds, along with black hands and indices. There’s a date window at 4 o’clock. This watch has some Omega Speedmaster vibes, and there’s nothing wrong with a tribute, especially at a reasonable price. 

The timepiece is powered by Seiko’s caliber V192 quartz-solar movement. It’s loaded with features like a 6-month power reserve, power indicator reserve, date, small seconds, chronograph up to 60 minutes, and a 24-hour hand. The face of the watch is protected by sapphire crystal. The screw-down caseback adds to the seal, and this timepiece offers 100 meters of water resistance. It’s paired with a stainless steel bracelet with a tri-folding clasp.

Price: $675

15.  JUNGHANS FORCE MEGA SOLAR REF. 18/1000.00

This is another modern-style timepiece from Junghans. The all-black design is slimming and classy, but this watch isn’t just great to look at, it’s also got all the right chops. Made of a polished ceramic, the case measures 40.4mm and is ultra-thin at 8.2mm thick. 

The dial is both analog and digital, with a black outer rim with white-gray markings. The inner dial is gray with vertical lines. The hour and minute hands are gray, and the seconds hand is black. There’s a large digital date window at 6 o’clock. 

The face of the watch is protected by a sapphire crystal and is water-resistant to 50 meters. There’s even a handsome globe design on the caseback. This timepiece is packed with tech, with a radio-controlled solar movement, for the most accurate timekeeping. Functions besides date and time include a power reserve indicator for up to 21 months and easy time adjustment in the app. The watch is fitted with a black synthetic rubber strap with a titanium tang buckle. 

Price: Approx. $1,250

16.  TISSOT T-TOUCH CONNECT SOLAR REF. T121.420.47.051.00

This is a super-fly watch from Tissot, the Swiss watch company. It’s both classy, sporty, and bold. I could see this timepiece worn with casual attire or, if you’re gutsy, even a suit. The anti-magnetic titanium case measures 47.5mm, 23mm lug width, and sits pretty high on the wrist at 15.3mm. 

This watch is a big boy, and while one could wear it with a suit, in my opinion, it won’t slide under a dress shirt. But why would you want to hide this beautiful, modern timepiece anyway? Despite being a larger watch, it’s light at 92 grams, thanks to its titanium build. 

The shiny black ceramic bezel features a compass and other markings in white. The black dial is both analog and digital. The hour and minute hands are white, lined in black, with a red triangle tip on the minute hand. The seconds hand is red and in the shape of a T for Tissot T-Touch. The indices are white, and there’s a large digital display on the lower half of the dial. 

The watch is full of the latest tech and features. The movement is a Swiss-connected quartz solar movement. Despite all the digital functions, the timepiece is water-resistant to 100 meters. The face of the watch is protected by sapphire crystal. 

The functions include an altimeter, compass, perpetual calendar, alarm, multiple timezones, automatic daylight saving time, timer, chronograph split, chronograph lap, chronograph log book, step counter, calorie tracker, temperature, weather, etc. There are simply too many functions to list. The timepiece is paired with a red synthetic silicone strap with a tang buckle. If you’re looking for a Swiss watch that straddles the line between classy and modern with all the latest tech, I think you’ve found it. 

Price: $1,095

17.  JUNGHANS MAX BILL MEGA SOLAR REF 59/2022.46

This model is another great example of the modern, minimalist designs Jughans is known for. This design captures the essence of the Bauhaus style, from its simplicity to its lightweight and gentle touch on the skin. The timepiece also puts out vintage, 60s German vibes to my eye. The titanium case measures 38mm and is ultra-thin at 9mm. 

The domed sapphire crystal adds to the vintage feel. The dial is white-gray with gray hands and markings. There’s a date window at 3 o’clock and white luminescent dots at 3, 6, 9, and two dots at 12. The caseback includes a map of the world. 

The watch is powered by a connected radio-controlled solar movement J101.85 and is water resistant to 50 meters. Functions include the date, time adjustment at the crown or the MEGA App, and seconds display in half-second motions. The timepiece is fitted with a titanium Milanese bracelet with a folding clasp.

Price: Approx. $1,450

18.  TAG HEUER AQUARACER PROFESSIONAL 200 SOLARGRAPH REF. WBP1180.BF0000

This TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional looks old school, but under the hood, it’s all modern tech. The octagonal grade 2 titanium bezel with its coin edge look is complemented by a sunray, brushed black dial with a horizontal line pattern. The titanium sandblasted case measures 40mm, which is a comfortable, versatile size. The silver-lined white hour and minute hands and indices are complemented by a turquoise pop of color on the seconds hand. There’s a functional date window at 3 o’clock. 

The screw-down caseback displays a compass symbol. There’s a screw-down steel crown and a water resistance of 200 meters. The watch has solargraph technology and features a Swiss solar-powered movement. The timepiece is fitted with a sandblasted 3-link grade 2 titanium with a folding clasp, push buttons, and micro-adjustment. 

Price: $3,050

19.  SEIKO ASTRON GPS SOLAR SSH109

This Seiko Astron GPS Solar offers a fusion of a classic steel sports watch with technology, and the design captures that well. The titanium case measures 42.7mm, sits at 12.2mm on the wrist, and is 48mm from lug to lug. The face of the watch is protected by sapphire crystal. The dial has four registers, one smaller, with a date window between 4 and 5 o’clock. The dial has silver sword-style hands against a gray-blue, to my eye, and has a fine sandpaper finish at the center. 

This timepiece is powered by a GPS solar movement with a 6-month reserve and 2 years in power save mode. The watch is water resistant to 100 meters and has a plethora of options. Options include perpetual calendar, world time function in 39 time zones, dual-time function, day display, power reserve indicator, GPS signal reception function, and automatic daylight savings, among others. The timepiece is fitted with a titanium bracelet with a three-fold clasp and push buttons. 

Price: $2,500

20.  CARTIER TANK MUST LARGE SOLARBEAT™ REF. WSTA0059

If you love the Cartier Tank Must style, but you’re looking for a solar-powered timepiece, you’re in luck, Cartier has just what you’re looking for. The WSTA0059 has the iconic steel rectangular case you know and love. The case measures 33.7mm by 5.5mm by 6.6mm. This is a thin, classic dress watch. The white dial has black Roman numerals and markings with sharp blue hands that match the blue tip of the crown. 

The face of the timepiece is protected by synthetic sapphire glass. The movement powering the watch is quartz solar. The watch is water resistant to 30 meters, which is splash resistant and perfectly acceptable for a dress watch. All this is paired with a black leather strap with a tang buckle. This timepiece simply exudes class but is unique with its cutting-edge solar tech under the hood. 

Retail Price: $3,700

Parting Thoughts

There’s a large and growing market for solar-powered, radio, and GPS-linked watches that are full of features and have the ability to connect with our smartphones and online worlds. We hope this article has been informative and useful in your search for the right solar watch for your needs. 

There’s a wide array of timepieces in this space, from budget options to sporty and dressy possibilities from higher-end, luxury watchmakers and everything in between. We think these are 20 of the best on the market today, and one can’t go wrong with any of them. 

Mido is an under-the-radar watch brand that’s worth taking a look at. Mido has been around for over a century, and for more than a few decades, they’ve been a part of the Swatch Group, but they are a bit neglected, in my opinion. 

They haven’t received the marketing attention they deserve, and that’s a shame because Mido puts out some high-quality timepieces with great style and strong vintage vibes. When you think about some of the more notable brands in the Swatch Group in the same entry-level luxury space, like Tissot and Hamilton, they’re known for their associations with the NBA and big Hollywood movie and television productions.

Yet, Mido is known for its sponsorship of Red Bull Cliff Diving, which is cool, but lacks the exposure of Hollywood and big sports. In this article, we will take you on a deep-dive expedition in the remote world of Mido and examine some of its top models.

From the Ocean Star line with the rainbow dial that created quite a slash in recent years to the Commander collection, a nod to their heritage, we’re sure there’s something here for everyone. Their commitment to design and their attention to detail make them a solid representation of quality Swiss watchmaking that won’t disappoint.

The History Of Mido Watches

The Mido brand was born in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland, by founder George G. Schaeren, a master Swiss watchmaker, who gave Mido its name. Mido comes from the Spanish word Yo Mido, translated as I measure; an acknowledgment of the importance of precise timekeeping to chronicle mankind’s achievements in sports and beyond. These are the ideals the brand has been living up to ever since.

Watch horologists and collectors put a high premium on a brand’s heritage. It’s their story that explains what they stand for and the accomplishments and milestones in their history that demonstrate how they have lived up to those ideals. Some have strong military ties during the Second World War, and others have pushed the boundaries of watch engineering. 

When examining Mido, you’ll see they’ve got innovative chops to impress the experts. In 1924, Mido introduced their Multifort, which proved to be a rugged powerhouse and set new standards in the watch industry for water resistance. 

In the 30s and 40s, they garnered further attention with the Mido Multicenterchrono, the first watch with a central chronograph hand and a mouthful of a name to remember it by. This accomplishment, combined with their Mutifort, sent clear signals to the industry that the Mido brand was committed to innovation. 

By 1944, Mido had released the Ocean Star collection, with its rugged good looks and solid water resistance, it became a fan favorite among divers and water sports athletes and remains so.

By the 1950s, Mido had launched one of their most iconic lines, the Commander. The collection featured styles that were both vintage and modern, and it’s still a popular collection offered today. 

In recent years, Mido has received a number of awards in the watch industry, including the Red Dot Design Award and the iF Design Award, which further demonstrates their quality and design accomplishments. 

What’s The Status Of Mido Today?

Mido has remained a respectable watch brand admired by collectors and watch experts. They don’t have the name ID as many of their direct competitors, but they continue to build quality, Swiss-made timepieces with many popular complications such as antimagnetic properties, chronographs, and automatic movements. All of this is delivered in a robust, durable, stylish package and at a reasonable price. 

Rising in Rank

Mido has received recognition in recent years, winning design awards and becoming a favorite of the critics, despite the fact that they haven’t become as popular with the general public. When one compares Mido to a brand like Shinola, it’s easy to see that you’re just getting so much more from an engineering and features standpoint with Mido.

Both brands offer nicely designed vintage watches, but Mido consistently delivers more bang for the buck. With better marketing, a brand like Mido has all the right stuff to break through. 

Excellence in Craftsmanship

Mido is known for its attention to detail and the rigorous testing it puts its watches through. MNido only hires the most skilled Swiss watchmakers to ensure that every component is perfectly integrated. Mido takes pride in their work, which is evident in how they uphold the highest Swiss horological traditions. 

Innovation and Technological Advancements

Mido has long maintained a good balance between innovation while remaining true to their heritage. What they call a neo-vintage style, Mido pairs traditional looks with modern touches. They match tradition with the latest tech, such as their caliber 80 automatic movement, which is officially certified by the COSC and offers a robust 80-hour power reserve. 

Another area of innovation they shine in is with their Nivachron balance-spring. This titanium-based metal allows for a reduction of the effect from a magnetic field while offering top-notch shock resistance. 

Unique Design

Mido is known for using architectural wonders the world over as inspiration for their watch designs, incorporating clean lines, distinct shapes, and luxurious textures. They’re elegant and timeless, yet sophisticatedly cosmopolitan and upmarket. Their watches stand out with their eye-catching designs. 

Accessible Luxury

Mido timepieces offer affordable luxury that doesn’t compromise on all the things that matter, like design, quality, and heritage. This makes them a great option for those looking to get into the luxury watch market, as well as seasoned collectors that see this as a brand that could break out in the future. 

Mido’s current era is marked by a continuation of its track record in pushing boundaries and offering new innovations. They’re doing everything right except for marketing, and this offers a potential opportunity to stanch them up at a reasonable price before someone at Swatch Group recognizes this hidden gem in their constellation of brands. 

The Best Mido Watches

1.   MIDO OCEAN STAR 200 REF. M026.430.11.051.00

The Ocean Star 200 is a classic diver’s watch with rugged good looks. The stainless steel case measures 42.5mm and features a gear-style edging along the outside of the bezel. The case measures 11.8mm thick, which is very reasonable, especially for a diver, which can often be chunky. 

The slimmer profile allows this timepiece to easily slide under a dress shirt and therefore makes this a more versatile watch. The watch includes a handsome, rotating black bezel. The dial is clean and simple, as a diver should be, with silver hands and rectangular indices. There’s a day and date window at three o’clock and an orange tip on the second hand to offer a pop of color. 

Under the hood, the watch is powered by a modified ETA movement with a rather substantial power reserve of 80 hours. The timepiece offers a screw-down crown, sapphire crystal, and water resistance of up to 200 meters. The watch is paired with a brushed stainless steel bracelet with a folding clasp and a diver extension system. 

The screw-down case back displays the Ocean Star logo. The timepiece is offered in seven different configurations, at various price points, including a rubber strap, two-tone steel and rose gold, a stunning blue and gold with a synthetic strap, gray and black, and a blue dial with a darker blue bezel. 

Price: $970

2.   MIDO BARONCELLI HERITAGE GENT REF. M027.407.16.010.00

Understated elegance. Those are the two words that come to mind when gazing upon the Mido Baroncelli Heritage Gent. The timepiece has a thin profile. After all, it’s only 7.3mm thick, and between that and its soft features, there’s a delicate nature to the watch. 

Yet, that delicateness is balanced by a mid-size 39mm stainless steel case. The sandpaper white dial with its painted black indices, date window at three o’clock, and its silver sword-style hands, oozes class. The sharp blue second hand adds just the right touch of sophistication. 

Turn the watch over, and you’ll find an open case back displaying the Mido automatic ETA movement with a 42-hour power reserve. The display is protected by a sapphire crystal and is water resistant to 30 meters, which is acceptable, as this is a dress watch, not meant for diving or water sports. The black leather strap is an embossed cow leather that looks like more upmarket alligator leather and is fitted with a simple stainless steel tang buckle. 

Price: $1,040  

3.   MIDO MULTIFORT TV BIG DATE REF. M049.526.11.041.00

The unique shape of the Mido Multifort TV Big Date is probably the first thing one notices. It’s not exactly square. It’s not exactly a rectangle. Its edges aren’t precisely straight, but nor are they completely round. Mido calls it a TV shape. It has an 80s throwback vibe to my eye. 

As the name suggests, there is a large date window at 12 o’clock. The shape reminds me of an old Apple computer monitor. If you can remember the Macintosh, like me, then perhaps your eyes will benefit from the enlarged date. The intense dial features a horizontal brushed deep blue gradient dial that turns black at the edges. 

There’s a mix of circular and rectangular indices, and the chunky gray hands and slim seconds hand finishes off the dial nicely. It’s a pleasing, distinctive design to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Big Date.

The contrasting brushed and polished surfaces around the case of the watch offer a refined look. The stainless steel case measures 39.2mm and sits on the wrist at 11.5mm thick. The dial is protected by a sapphire crystal and the screw-down crown is protected by a partial crown guard on the sides. 

Despite the 80s vibes to the look of the timepiece, inside, it’s powered by the latest tech. The watch offers a Mido automatic ETA with 80 hours of power reserve, water resistance to 100 meters, and is fitted with powerful shock and antimagnetic resistance from its balance spring. The timepiece is paired with a rather handsome and fitting gray stainless steel bracelet with satin outer links and polished inner links. 

Price: $1,250 

4.   MIDO OCEAN STAR CHRONOGRAPH REF. M026.627.44.041.00

This is a unique offering. The Mido Ocean Star Chronograph is both a dive watch and a chronograph, which is a noteworthy pairing, and something Mido is known for. The titanium case measures 44mm and sits on the wrist at 15.6mm. It’s a chunky diver, but the bulk is offset by the lightness of the titanium. 

The ceramic navy blue bezel handsomely wraps an almost marine blue dial with applied indices. The thick, skeletonized hour and minute hands are contrasted by a slim seconds hand with an orange tip, matching the orange lettering of the Ocean Star logo and the small orange triangle at 12 o’clock.

The face of the watch offers a two-register dial, a tachymeter in nautical miles, and a date window at 6 o’clock. The dial is protected by sapphire crystal, and there’s a partially protected screw-down crown with crown guards on the sides and flanking pushers. 

The watch is powered by Mido’s automatic ETA with a 60-hour power reserve and features date, chronograph, and small seconds functions. It has a water resistance of up to 200 meters and is fitted with a titanium gray bracelet with contrasting satin and polished links, a folding clasp, and a diver extension system. 

Price: $2,500

5.   MIDO BARONCELLI SIGNATURE REF. M037.407.11.051.01

Mido describes the Baroncelli Signature as “intensely chic and timeless”, and I think that’s an apt description. The design cues of this timepiece strike a balance between classic and fashion-forward. The stainless steel case is 9.9mm thin, as a dress watch should be. The round case measures 39mm. The black dial, with its silver, applied indexes and silver sword-style hands, is elegant.

There’s a thin textured outer ring and an almost beaded gray inner ring with a center black sunburst dial. A date window at three o’clock adds an element of functionality. The open caseback proudly shows the watch’s Mido’s automatic ETA movement with an 80-hour power reserve. The face is protected by a sapphire crystal and is water resistant to 50 meters.

It features the anti-shock and magnetic properties we’ve previously addressed. The watch weighs 111 grams and is accompanied by a two-year warranty. 

The timepiece’s bracelet is an attractive, up-scale, multilink stainless steel bracelet that gives it a little bit of a sporty flair to an otherwise dressy watch. The timepiece comes in eight different configurations, with offerings in silver, gold, and diamonds, at different price points. 

Price: $970  

6.   MIDO COMMANDER CHRONOGRAPH REF. M016.414.36.081.00

As previously noted, Mido finds inspiration from architectural icons. This version, the Mido Commander Chronograph, is big and bold, as I’m sure the building that served as its muse is. The stainless steel and PVD-coated rose gold case measures 42.5mm and sits on the wrist at 14.9mm thick, so it’s not exactly a thin profile. The gray sunray dial has rose gold-toned lined indices and hands. 

The dial offers three registers with darker backgrounds against the gray, two larger at six and twelve o’clock and a smaller one at nine o’clock. There’s also a day and date window at three o’clock. There’s a lot going on with the dial, but it’s compartmentalized well, so it doesn’t feel too busy. 

The watch weighs 110 grams. The face is protected by a sapphire crystal and is water resistant to 50 meters. The see-through case back displays the caliber 60 Mido ETA automatic chronograph movement with a 60-hour power reserve and offers multiple functions, including day, date, Chronograph, and small seconds.

The timepiece is paired with a brown leather alligator-like strap with a folding clasp. This special edition version also comes with a second synthetic strap for a more casual look. The watch comes in another version that’s all steel with a stainless steel bracelet. 

Price: $2,090 

7.   MIDO MULTIFORT M CHRONOMETER REF. M038.431.11.097.00

The Mido Multifort M Chronometer is one of those everyday watches that practically checks all the boxes. The stainless steel case measures 42mm and sits on the wrist at roughly 12mm thick. The face of the timepiece is protected by sapphire crystal. 

The dial features silver sword-style hands against a horizontal brushed green gradient dial, with black at the outer edges. The applied indexes are a mix of indices and numbers, with numbers at 6, 9, and 12. There’s a day and date window at three o’clock. 

The open case back makes visible the Mido ETA automatic movement that’s COSC certified. It has an 80-hour power reserve. The watch is water resistant to 100 meters. The stainless steel strap is a three-link Oyster-style with a hidden butterfly clasp. 

The only thing perhaps missing from the bracelet is micro-adjustment, but everything about this watch is so well finished down to the satin face of the links, contrasted with the polished link sides. Finishing work… that’s one thing Mido does well that some of its competitors in this price range could do better. 

Price: $1,350  

8.   MIDO OCEAN STAR TRIBUTE REF. M026.830.11.051.00

The Mido Ocean Star Tribute is a real standout special edition in the Ocean Star collection. I don’t usually jump right into the bracelet in my review, but what I like most about the design is the bracelet. It’s a multilink mesh-like stainless steel band that looks smart and feels as comfortable as it looks. It also comes with a second black canvas strap with contrasting orange stitching.

The stainless steel case measures 40.5mm and sits on the wrist at 13.44mm. The rotatable black bezel has a steel gear edge. The domed sapphire crystal covering the face adds to the overall vintage 60s diver vibes of the watch. The chunky gray hour and minute hands are nicely complimented by an orange lollipop-style seconds hand. 

There’s a day and date window at three o’clock. The watch is powered by a Mido automatic ETA with an 80-hour power reserve. The timepiece includes a screw-down crown and is water resistant to 200 meters. The watch comes in seven different configurations, with blue, black, green, and red dials. 

Price: $1,200

9.   MIDO BELLUNA SUNRAY REF. M024.630.33.051.00

The Belluna Sunray is an all-black PVD-coated stainless steel. The round case measures 41.5mm and sits at 10.8mm on the wrist. Mido describes the black dial as a “dazzling sunray guilloché-style”. 

The modern dial includes silver applied indices with a double index at the twelve o’clock position. There’s also a functional day and date window at three o’clock. The face of the watch is protected by sapphire crystal. The back of the case displays the Mido automatic ETA movement with its 80-hour power reserve.

The watch is fitted with a black PVD-coated stainless steel multi-link bracelet with a folding clasp. The black case, dial, and bracelet give it a sleek look. The contrasting finishing of satin and polished surfaces adds to the watch’s elegance. The timepiece comes in three different configurations, with a blue dial and one with a brown leather strap option. 

Price: $1,160  

10.  MIDO MULTIFORT PATRIMONY REF. M040.407.16.040.00

The Multifort Patrimony has a retro look from the early 19th century when pulsometer watches were first designed for physicians who needed to track the heart rate of their patients. These watches also became popular with athletes, who wanted to keep their heart rate in the proper range for maximum benefit. 

The round stainless steel case measures 40mm and sits on the wrist at 12mm thick. The beautiful gradient blue dial is mesmerizing, and the vintage Mido logo at twelve o’clock is a nice touch. The dial has a mix of indexes and numbers at 3, 6, 9, and 12. There’s a date window at six o’clock. There’s a pulsometer scale on the outer rim of the dial. 

There’s an open case back revealing the Mido automatic ETA with an 80-hour power reserve. The face of the watch is protected by a sapphire crystal. The watch is paired with an embossed beige cow leather that looks almost suede, with contrasting stitching, and features a simple stainless steel tang buckle. The watch is available in a couple of different configurations, including an anthracite gray dial with a black leather strap. 

Price: $930 

11.  MIDO OCEAN STAR 600 CHRONOMETER REF. M026.608.11.041.01

The Mido Ocean Star collection of diver watches should be at or near the top of your list if you’re looking for a diver in this price range. Some of the Ocean Star designs have been inspired by European lighthouses. This Ocean Star 600 Chronometer is a high-quality diver for a reasonable price point. 

The stainless steel case measures 43.5mm and sits on the wrist at 14.6mm. The timepiece features a rotatable ceramic bezel in dark blue, which contrasts nicely with the gradient dial that starts from a black center and progressively gets lighter shades of blue to the outer rim. 

The white, silver-lined indexes are a mix of circles, squares, and a triangle at twelve o’clock. There’s also a date window at 3 o’clock. The chunky silver/gray hour and minute hands are complemented by a gray lollipop seconds hand with an orange tip. Both the bezel, the dial markings, and the hands are filled with Super-LumiNova, for readability on those dark water dives.

The face of the watch is protected by a sapphire crystal and the screw-down crown, with partial side crown guards and screw-down caseback with the Star logo, proves water resistance up to 600 meters. There’s even a helium escape valve. All of those elements make this a serious diver’s watch. The timepiece is powered by a COSC-certified automatic movement with a power reserve of up to 80 hours. 

The stainless steel bracelet with folding clasp and diver’s extension system is nicely finished with contrasting satin outer links with polished inner links. The timepiece has pretty much anything one would be looking for in a diver. The watch comes in three different configurations, including a black dial against stainless steel and one all-black version. 

Price:$1,780 

12.  MIDO BARONCELLI CHRONOMETER SILICON GENT REF. M027.408.16.061.00

The Mido Baroncelli Chronometer Silicon Gent is a refined timepiece for gentlemen of substance and taste. Supposedly inspired by the blissful and eternal aesthetic of stringed instruments, this design is one to be admired.

The round stainless steel case measures 40mm and sits on the wrist at a thin 9.4mm. The horizontally brushed anthracite dial with gold-toned applied indexes and hands are the epitome of class. There’s also a date window at three o’clock. 

The face of the timepiece is protected by a sapphire crystal with double-sided anti-reflection treatment. The open caseback displays the COSC-certified Mido automatic chronometer with a power reserve of 80 hours. The timepiece is paired with a brown embossed cow leather that simulates an alligator leather look and is fitted with a folding clasp. 

It’s a straightforward design that is sure to solicit admiration. There are also four other configurations of this model with white and blue dials that, in one case, has a black leather strap and, in the other, a stainless steel bracelet. 

Price: $1,180 

13.  MIDO COMMANDER GRADIENT REF. M021.407.11.411.01

If you’re looking for a timepiece with a stand-out, unique design, this is it. Inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Mido Commander Gradient is one to behold. There’s a blue-gray ringed internal bezel under the glass with an inner date wheel. At the center is an open view of the movement.

The hands and indices are modern and gray. The stainless steel case measures 40mm and sits on the wrist at 10.8mm thick. The face of the watch is protected by sapphire crystal. The see-through caseback displays the 80 caliber, 25-jewel, Mido automatic ETA movement, with a date function and 80 hours of power reserve. 

The watch is water resistant to 50 meters and features a balance spring to protect against shock and magnetism. The timepiece is paired with a gray stainless steel modern-styled bracelet with a folding clasp. 

Price: $960 

14.  MIDO OCEAN STAR 200C TITANIUM REF. M042.430.44.051.00

I’m not sure what architectural wonder Mido is claiming inspired this timepiece, but to my eye, it looks an awful lot like the Omega Seamaster Diver. There’s nothing wrong with a tribute to the iconic Seamaster, if that’s the case, as it is a true classic. 

The Mido Ocean Star 200C comes in a titanium case and measures 42.5mm, and sits on the wrist at 12.3mm thick, which isn’t too bad for a diver. The black dial has a horizontal wave pattern with round indices and a triangle at twelve o’clock. There’s also a day and date window at three o’clock. 

The screw-down caseback and crown, with partial side crown guards, give the watch a 200-meter water resistance, which should be plenty unless you’re a professional. The Mido caliber 80 automatic ETA movement is the one we’ve previously detailed. 

The bracelet is a dark gray titanium with a folding clasp and diving extension system. This model comes in a total of five configurations, including green, blue, black, and gray dials with stainless steel and rubber strap options. 

Price: $1,250 

15.  MIDO BARONCELLI SMILING MOON GENT REF. M027.407.11.010.01

The Mido Baroncelli Smiling Moon Gent timepiece is a beautiful work of art on the wrist. The first thing that grabs the attention is the large aperture on the dial, which Mido describes as a smile, revealing the eight phases of the moon against a blue starry night sky, on a rotating wheel. 

The sandpaper white dial with black Roman numerals and applied indexes is a classy touch. The sword-styled, shaded white-silver hour and minute hands, along with the sharp blue second hand, look elegant against a white background. The stainless steel case measures 39mm in diameter and an ultra-thin 7.3mm in thickness.

The open caseback reveals the Mido automatic ETA movement with a power reserve of 72 hours. It’s water resistant to 30 meters, which is basically splash resistant. The upmarket multilink stainless steel bracelet with a folding clasp completes the timepiece. The watch comes in four different configurations with a blue dial option and a version for the ladies in a pink gold tone. 

Price: $1,220

16.  MIDO MULTIFORT PATRIMONY CHRONOGRAPH REF. M040.427.16.052.00

Mido delivers a smashing two-register chrono with their Mido Multifort Patrimony Chronograph. The timepiece pays tribute to their 1937 Multichrono. The domed dial under the sapphire crystal features a tachymeter scale. 

The black dial, with contrasting gray subdials, includes gray hands and white numerals. At twelve o’clock there’s a vintage Mido logo and at six o’clock a date window. The stainless steel case measures 42mm and sits on the wrist at 15.2mm thick.

Under the hood, one will find Mido’s automatic ETA, with a 60-hour power reserve that includes functions of date, chronograph, and small seconds. The watch is water resistant to 50 meters. 

The strap is black leather that simulates alligator leather with a stainless steel tang buckle. At these prices, you think Mido could spring for real alligator leather and a folding clasp, but overall it’s a nice timepiece. The watch also comes in a gold-tone version.

Price: $2,260 

17.  MIDO OCEAN STAR GMT REF. M026.629.11.041.00

The Mido Ocean Star GMT is a handsome little number that has all the right features. The rotating ceramic bezel is navy blue for diving. There’s an inner GMT bezel that gets the Pepsi treatment and blue dial. 

The applied indices are stacked double squares at twelve and six o’clock; the rest are rectangular. There’s a date window at 3 o’clock. The watch has stubby skeletonized hour and minute hands in gray, a gray seconds hand with a red tip, and a red GMT hand.

The timepiece boasts a screw-down crown and water resistance of 200 meters. The Mido-modified ETA automatic movement has an 80-hour power reserve with date and GMT functions. Since this is a special edition model, the watch comes with two straps, a Nato with a tang buckle and a stainless steel bracelet with a folding clasp and diver extension system. 

This is a unique timepiece that offers the best of both worlds, a GMT function for pilots and world travels, plus all the diver functions that Ocean Stars are known for. There are a few different configurations, including versions with a black dial, a two-tone rose gold (PVD-coated) and steel version, and one with a blue synthetic strap. 

Price: $1,460 

18.  MIDO BARONCELLI BIG DATE REF. M027.426.36.018.00

This is another model in the Baroncelli Big Date collection, perhaps for those with low vision or those who want a dial to “screams” the date at them. I’m sure Mido has more sophisticated reasons for their big date, but those are my guesses. This is a classic dress watch with a 40mm rose gold (PVD coated) case that sits on the wrist at 10.4mm. 

There are a number of subtle touches to the finishing of this timepiece that demonstrate Mido’s commitment to detail and quality, such as the double gadroon bezel and double-sided hands. The watch offers a white dial with rose gold-tone hands and applied index with a Roman numeral at twelve o’clock and a large date window in the opposite position.

The open case back reveals Mido’s automatic ETA with its 80-hour power reserve. This watch has a 30-meter water resistance and is paired with an alligator-like black leather strap with a folding clasp. The timepiece comes with a two-year warranty and weighs 70 grams. There are a couple of other configurations available with multilink steel bracelets, one of them two-tone with rose (PVD coated) gold. 

Price: $1,050  

19.  MIDO BELLUNA ROYAL GENT REF. M024.507.16.041.00

This is another good-looking dress watch from Mido. It’s all about the dial with this one. The under-the-hood mechanics are solid, but it’s the dial that stands out. The Mido Belluna Royal Gent we’re examining here is a guilloché-style sunray motif. 

Atop the blue dial are silver sword-style hands and silver applied indexes. There’s also a date window at 3 o’clock. The cushion-shaped stainless steel case measures 41.8mm and sits on the wrist at 10.1mm.

The face of the watch is protected by a sapphire crystal, there’s a signed crown and it’s water resistant to 50 meters. The timepiece is powered by Mido’s automatic ETA movement with an 80-hour power reserve. 

The case has contrasting satin and polished surfaces, and it’s paired with a black alligator leather strap with a folding clasp. This model comes in four different configurations, including some with silver and dark gray dials and those with stainless steel bracelets and gold-tone options. 

Price: $840 

20.  MIDO OCEAN STAR DECOMPRESSION WORLD TIMER REF. M026.829.17.041.00

We saved one of the best models for last. The Mido Ocean Star Decompression World Timer created quite a splash in the world of watchmaking design recently and has centered more attention on Mido. It’s a busy, fun, funky dial with some Aloha vibes. Mido describes it as an “irresistible neo-vintage style” with its bright colors, antique notes, and modern technology. 

I don’t usually favor a busy dial, but I can see this on my wrist while I surf the Waikiki waves. The dial features various shades of blue, yellow, and salmon. There are white-silver lined hour, minute, and second hands, plus a red GMT hand. 

There’s a date window at 3 o’clock. Various scales are displayed on the dial, including a decompression timer. The outer blue GMT bezel displays cities from around the world. The stainless steel case measures 40.5mm and sits on the wrist at 13.4mm.

The timepiece is powered by Mido’s automatic ETA movement with GMT and date functions. It’s water resistant to 200 meters and features a signed screw-down crown. This is a great all-rounder that performs well in active water sports but also offers GMT functions for pilots and world travelers. Seems like the perfect watch for a Hawaiian Airlines pilot. The timepiece comes with two straps, a blue synthetic strap with a pin buckle, and a mesh stainless steel bracelet. 

Price: $1,310 

Parting Thoughts

I hope you’ve enjoyed our tour of the world of Mido watches. They’re an under-the-radar brand that deserves another look. They offer some excellent collections that have stood the test of time. 

From their cool Ocean Star divers to their iconic Commander, inspired by noteworthy architecture from around the world, to their versatile Multifort, there’s something for everyone. I especially appreciate their finishing quality, consistency, and attention to detail. They’ve also got the right engineering chops and track record to prove it. Check them out; you won’t be disappointed.