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Atomic watches are renowned around the world to be one of the most accurate forms of keeping time ever designed, invented, and created by human beings. Nowadays, atomic watches can be found everywhere, and purchased for an affordable price tag, allowing you to treat yourself or a loved one to enjoy all the luxurious and reliable benefits that come with them.
To help you find the best atomic watch that suits what you’re looking for, we’re going to explore and detail ten of the best watch brands and models available right now, as well as sharing our complete buyer’s guide so you can easily choose the one that’s right for you!
View The Best Atomic Watch Below
1. Citizen Eco-Drive Titanium Atomic Timekeeping Watch
Citizen is one of the most coveted of all timekeeping brands, so it should come as no surprise that their addition to the atomic watch market is considered, by many, to be one of the greatest. This imported, silver-tone watch is not only suitable for diving, but features three beautiful chronograph dials, a black tachymeter, and more, all encased in a stunning 42mm titanium case, complete with a crystal sapphire window.
Regarding the atomic features of this Eco-Drive watch, you’ll be able to pick up radio signals to keep this it accurate in over five radio time zones. Everything works automatically. With the ability to measure within 60 minutes, housing a perpetual calendar, a power reserve indicator, and even an alarm feature, what more could you ask for?
Pros:
+ Accurate and automatically adjusted for five radio time zones
+ Water-resistant up to 200m, making it suitable for most water sports and marine activities
+ Select any city you want to sync up too with the push of a button
+ Comes with a five-year manufacturer warranty
Cons:
– Doesn’t support a seven-day alarm
What We Like It – Since this is a dive-ready watch, you’ll be happy to know this device is water-resistant up to 200m, which is ideal for all professional marine applications, and any kind of serious surface water sports you may wish to engage in. However, note that this doesn’t include scuba diving, but everything else should be fine!
2. Citizen Eco-Drive Movement Watch
Sticking with the wonders that Citizen brings to the table of atomic watches, their second Eco-Drive watch is one you’re not going to want to miss. This lightweight stainless-steel watch takes a unique, aesthetic approach with a stunning blue design and slide-rule bezel, complete with all the chronograph dials and time-telling features you’d expect in a watch of this caliber.
Measuring in at 43mm, this watch includes all the usual Citizen classic features, such as a Japanese quartz movement design and a leather-synthetic band. Also, this watch is water-resistant up to 660ft (200m). That’s every feature you’ll need in an atomic watch, along with the reputation of Citizen, all for one affordable price tag.
Pros:
+ Works in all time zones around the world
+ Water-resistant design up to 200m
+ Solar power design with an integrated power reserve
+ Comes with a scratchproof dial window
Cons:
– Availability can be limited due to popularity
What We Like It – Since this is an Eco-Drive watch, it does come with a power reserve bank, but it’s also one of the best solar powered watches. With solar charging features, you’ll never have to worry about the battery running out, nor worry about losing accurate time, no matter where you are in the world.
3. BUREI Analog-Digital Sport Watch
If you’re looking for an affordable watch that’s suitable for any budget and offers a comprehensive range of features, you may not need to look any further than BUREI. This analog-digital watch hybrid is definitely unique by design, and looks gorgeous; it’s perfect for any kind of fashion or style to help you tell the time and maintain convenience in your life.
With this watch, you’ll be treated to a four-button control to work features such as the LED backlight, the alarm clock, and stopwatch feature, and even a chime on every hour mark to help you know what the time is without even looking at your watch.
This device is manufactured using a sleek stainless-steel case, backed by a silicone rubber strap that’s water-resistant to everyday activities like washing your hands or being in the rain! It’s a very durable watch.
Perfect in our books!
Pros:
+ An analog watch with a digital dual display, so you get the benefits of both worlds
+ Comes with a 30-day replacement and 12-month repair service
+ Contains Japanese movement technology for accurate timekeeping
+ Delivered in eco-friendly packaging
Cons:
– Splash resistant, not waterproof
What We Like It – While affordable, this watch is as close to sustainable as it comes. Delivered in eco-friendly packaging, you’ll also be able to enjoy a 30-day warranty to ensure you’ve always got a watch that works. There’s even a 12-month repair service available at any time, ensuring you’ll never be without your watch when you need it the most!
4. Timex Expedition Grid Shock Watch
If you’ve never heard of Timex, then where have you been the last few decades? As official sponsors and timekeepers of world events like the Olympic Games, Timex is one of the most accurate watch manufacturers in the world, and their reputation always precedes them.
With the Expedition Grid, you’ll be able to enjoy the many features, including a 24-hour countdown clock, 24-hour military time modes, occasion reminders (which can be set however you like), a hydration timer, and a full calendar.
In true Timex fashion, durability is paramount thanks to the shock resistance design. The Timex Expedition is also water-resistant, measuring up to 100m; this makes it suitable for a variety of water-based activities, including snorkeling!
Pros:
+ Made aligned with Timex’s strict quality control requirements
+ Has a water resistance rating of up to 100m
+ Patented Indiglo backlit to see time any time of the day
Cons:
– Not a radio-controlled watch
What We Like It – There’s no denying this is a watch that’s designed to last. With powerful 10-year battery life, a rugged outdoor-ready design, and a scratch-resistant dial window, this watch will keep up with you, no matter what life puts you through.
5. Seiko Radio Sync Solar Chronograph
Seiko is another of the most well-known watch brands in the world, and when it comes to solar atomic watches, it doesn’t get much more bespoke or professional as this. Seiko has included all your standard watch features here, such as a date and time clock, a leap year monitoring feature, and a power reserve to ensure you’ll never run out of power.
Regarding the interface, you’ll be able to enjoy the beautifully luminous LumiBrite hands and markers so that you can see the time in any light conditions. This watch also has a scratchproof sapphire display.
This is one of the most feature-rich solar watches, as well as one of the best radio controlled watches, staying accurate within a 1/5 of a second no matter where you are in the world. It really doesn’t get much better than that.
Pros:
+ Full solar charging features backed by a six-month power reserve
+ Atomic timekeeping, no matter where you are in the world
+ Considered one of the best solar watches in the world by many
+ Accurate in any time zone within 1/5 of a second at any time
What We Like It – Thanks to the atomic timekeeping feature, combined with the solar charging feature and six-month battery power reserve, it’s safe to say this is a watch that just keeps on giving, securing the Seiko Radio Sync Solar as one of the best experiences you can buy; and what a luxurious experience that is!
6. Casio G-Shock Quartz Watch
Casio is another household name when it comes to watches, and there’s no way you won’t have heard of them. Priding themselves on their solar watches, this Casio G-Shock is a fantastic choice if you want all the features a professional watch should offer, but all for an excellent price, and all presented in a level of quality unlike any other.
This watch can remain accurate in 29 time zones based on 48 cities by using built-in atomic timekeeping. All the information is displayed and selectable through the screen of the watch, using simple digital codes.
All the standard features are here, including five unique alarms, a countdown and stopwatch timer, a calendar, a battery level indicator, and an auto-light backlight function, all so you can tell the time wherever you are.
Pros:
+ A powerful solar watch complete with a ten-month power reserve
+ Has water resistance up to 200m
+ Keeps accurate time across 29 time zones and 48 cities
+ Considered one of the most feature-rich atomic watches out there
Cons:
– Made from plastics, not stainless steel or metals
What We Like It – Since this is a solar power watch, don’t think it doesn’t come without a reserve to ensure you never run out of power. With a built-in reserve, the battery life of this watch will last around ten months without access to any sunlight, which is more than enough to keep you ticking.
7. Timex Ironman Classic
Heading back over to Timex now, if you’re looking for a feature-rich but deceptively simple watch, this could be the best atomic watch you’ve been waiting for. This device features a 100-hour chronograph, including a 30-lap memory as well as a 24-hour countdown timer. Additionally, you’ll find three daily alarms to use however you like.
The watch boasts classic features, including 24-hour military time mode, two-time zone compatibility, and a full calendar. With a water resistance depth up to 100m, Japanese quartz movement, and an Indiglo backlight feature, there’s everything you need here and more!
Pros:
+ Available in 15 different designs and styles
+ Water-resistance depth up to 100m, suitable for snorkeling and swimming
+ Features a 100-hour chronograph and a 24-hour countdown timer
Cons:
– Not a solar watch
What We Like It – Want a Casio watch that will match your personal style and aesthetic? Don’t worry; there are 15 different designs and styles to choose from, all so you can easily find one you’ll love!
8. Casio G-Shock Solar Watch
We can’t leave Casio behind without mentioning their version of the atomic watch. This one also appears in their G-Shock collection. This fully solar power atomic clock is fully rechargeable in any kind of light and doesn’t cut short on power-hungry features like full automatic LED backlighting.
This is considered the best atomic watch by many due to the fact that it works on the radio signals of cities around the world, including the US, the UK, China, Japan, and Germany. What’s more, this watch sports a full stainless-steel, black IP design that’s also water-resistant to a depth of 200m. Wherever you go, you can bet this watch will keep up with you.
Pros:
+ Atomically works in cities and countries all over the world
+ Boasts a stainless steel design that’s built to last
+ A solar watch that can be powered by any source of light
+ Has an affordable price tag suitable for all budgets
Cons:
– Only the hands light up when using the LED backlight feature
What We Like It – The popularity of this watch really speaks to itself. There are thousands of reviews from satisfied customers around the world, all averaging around the 4.5/5 mark. Casio is truly one of the most reputable watch designers and manufacturers in the industry and has been for decades, all for a good reason. If you want prestigious quality that won’t let you down, Casio is an option you’ll want to consider.
9. TimeChant Atomic Talking Watch
If you’re in need of an atomic watch that comes with accessibility features to make your life easier (perhaps if you struggle with your sight or want an easier time keeping experience), TimeChant could be ideal. What makes TimeChant so unique is the fact it speaks the time out loud with a clear and concise voice, so you don’t even need to look.
Of course, as an atomic watch, the clock, time, and calendar set themselves automatically, all of which makes things easy for you. All aspects can be read aloud – even the signal strength and alarm status – with the push of a button. While not a solar watch, there’s no denying that this watch has everything you need.
Pros:
+ Ideal for people needing an accessible watch
+ Reads the time, date, alarm features, and signal strength in a clear, male voice out loud
+ All the time and date settings are set automatically
Cons:
– Not a stainless steel design or as durable as other watches listed above
What We Like It – In addition to all the fantastic accessibility options this watch provides, the price is easily one of the highlight features. This is one of the most affordable atomic watches on our list. If you’re elderly, visually impaired, or blind, it’s clear this is the atomic watch for you.
10. Timex Expedition Field Chronograph Watch
The final watch we’re going to focus on today comes from Timex once again, simply because they’re so good and, in many cases, you just can’t go wrong. This particular model is incredibly affordable and comes in a variety of vibrant designs and styles. We guarantee you’ll find one that you’ll fall in love with.
The black stainless steel dial comes with date and calendar information dials, as well as featuring a mineral crystal dial window that’s super durable and scratch-resistant, meaning this watch is ready for life. Water-resistant to 100m, and boasting a 30-minute chronograph accurate to 1/20th of a second, a quick review of this watch would call it outstanding.
Pros:
+ Boasts a durable stainless steel design that’s going to last for years to come
+ Easily adjustable watch strap design so you can easily attach a strap you love
+ Available for a very affordable price
+ Always accurate within 1/20th of a second
Cons:
– Not a solar watch
What We Like It – Timex allows you to take things one step further when it comes to personalizing your device with easily adjustable watch straps. There are seemingly infinite designs to choose from out there, and thanks to the design of this watch, you can easily switch your straps about when you find one you love!
Atomic Watch Buyers Guide
Now you’ve seen some of the greatest atomic and solar watches available in the modern-day, it’s time to decide which one is best for you. Below, we’re going to explore some of the key points you’ll want to think about when it comes to making the best investment possible.
Style
Of course, you’ll want to buy an atomic clock that you’ll love and is actually going to be an experience to wear. It’ll be a device you’re proud of. Fortunately, there are plenty of designs to aesthetics to choose from, whether you’re looking for a plain and simple watch that just tells the time wherever you are, or you’re looking for a prestigious, bespoke, and luxury watch that you’ll simply adore.
Country Compatibility
It’s important to ensure that the timepiece you’re buying will pick up the atomic radio waves in the countries you’re going to be in. Without the signal, you won’t be able to guarantee whether your watch is telling the right time.
If you’re staying in your home country, this will be easy because you simply need to look for a timepiece that works there, but if you need to travel around, you’ll want to keep the time as you travel from one country to the next all automatically, without having to change any settings or features.
Battery
There’s no point in getting an incredibly accurate device if the battery dies as soon as you need to use it. With this in mind, it’s important to make sure your chosen watch has a long battery life that’ll last several years or is at least changeable without being too expensive.
Another approach you can take is looking at solar watches that charge themselves and are powered by any source of light. This means you’ll have a watch that can last a lifetime, usually for a very good price!
Durability
Nobody wants a watch that can’t stand the test of time (no pun intended), and if it’s going to experience a few knocks and bumps but won’t survive, then it’s not worth the price. Instead, look for durability features of your chosen watch, such as a rugged casing, durable materials, a scratchproof glass window, and other forms of protection.
Reviews
The final tip you’ll want to think about is making sure the customer reviews on the device you’re buying are acceptable. While a watch may look good on paper and in terms of specifications, the customers’ reviews will tell you the true story. The more reviews a device has, then the better your understanding of that particular watch.
No matter where you’re purchasing a watch from, always ask for a review or two to get an idea of what the watch is like, and whether it’s one that’s going to be good for you.
Expert Tip
If you plan on traveling, it’s important to ensure you take your time to find a watch that will work in the countries you’re going to visit. Some watches work in a single country, whereas others will work worldwide. Always research to find out the best one to suit you.
Did you know?
These watches work by receiving a transmitted radio wave that sets the time and date based on the information from the central source. Most cities in the world have a transmitter that will cover the country, allowing the watches to retain their accuracy wherever you are.