Help me decide on a non-automatic low maintenance watch - 3 choices

[cosmo.K]

I'm looking for my next watch to be either solar or kinetic. I have my share of automatics and, frankly, getting tired having to set the watch every time I wear it. Also, I don't want to be bothered with changing batteries, so I've decided to go solar, kinetic, or Eco-drive.

I bought a decent black dial Citizen Eco-drive a few weeks ago and now I'm looking for a white dial watch for dress and casual situations. My budget is around $100 and I have a $25 Amazon gift card. I've narrowed my search down to the following 3 Seikos. I haven't found an Eco-drive in that price range that I like.

Please help me decide on the following:

1. Seiko Solar SNE031
Amazon.com: Seiko Men's SNE031 Solar White Dial Watch: Seiko: Watches


I was able to try this on at JC Penney. The dial is very white. Probably considered small at 37mm, however, I've found the sweet spot for my 7" wrist and skinny arm is 37-40mm. Has a solid link bracelet, but not very substantial. Similar to my Eco-drive.

2. Seiko Solar SNE091
Amazon.com: Seiko Solar Mens Watch SNE091: Seiko: Watches

I was able to see the black dial version in person at JC Penney. Nice watch. At the large end of my preference at 40mm. Very substantial solid bracelet. I'm afraid the dial may be too white if it's like the SNE031 above.

3. Seiko Kinetic SKA475
Amazon.com: Seiko Men's SKA475P1 Silver Dial Kinetic Stainless Steel Watch: Seiko: Watches

I was able to try this on at Kohl's. It's 40mm but doesn't wear as big as the SNE091 above. The dial looks silver in the picture but it is more white than silver. I really like this one, however, it comes on a folded link bracelet which really bugs me.

Please help me decide.

[Jake B]

I'd go with either of the solars...In my opinion, Kinetic is nothing more than a gimmick, and the "capacitors" end up needing changing almost as often as a battery does. If you're gonna have to do that, then why not just get a Casio with a 10 year battery? Just out of experience, I've replaced lots and lots of capacitors in Kinetics, but never had anyone send in a solar for a batt. change.

[JoeTritium]

Nothing wrong with a Kinetic made after 2000. Jake has given you half the story, as the Solars and Kinetics use the same type of cell.

[Pawl_Buster]

Nothing wrong with a Kinetic made after 2000. Jake has given you half the story, as the Solars and Kinetics use the same type of cell.

That is true if the watches are worn regularly. But the kinetic battery will not last as long if it is allowed to discharge too low too often. The solar battery will remain in good condition so long as it is exposed to light.
Anecdotal evidence shows that kinetics don't get worn often enough to keep the battery healthy and that's why folks like Jake have so many cross their benches.

[mike120]

I like the 031. The size is IMHO right for a dress watch, and its more than simple enough. If youll wear it a lot, get the Kinetic, but I know that for my collection a Kinetic would be the wrong piece.

[JwY]

I agree with what was said about the solar vs kinetic. I'd prefer solar unless you were wearing this watch most of the time.

[LesserBlackDog]

It's hard to beat the solar technology, and of the top two the first one is definitely the most classic in looks. Remember, you can always switch out the bracelet for a nice leather strap or even just a different steel one if you want.

I'll chime in with what others have said, and add that from what I understand, Seiko is actually in the process of phasing out their kinetic technology in favor of focusing on the solar end.

[robo21]

IMO, I would avoid a kinetic like the plague.