We’ve stayed pretty focused on designing and building automatic watches in recent years. To be honest, we weren’t sure if we would ever build another quartz watch, but when we started our investigation into solar quartz movements, we really liked what we found. Done right, a quartz movement, powered by light, can deliver the perfect combination of convenience and reliability. We felt that this effortless timekeeping experience, combined with a lightweight, ultra-durable design would make an amazing addition to our diver lineup. So we dove right in and got to work.

What is it about solar that pulled us back in, to build a quartz watch? Ultimately we were excited about the opportunity to design and deliver a unique experience that watch lovers can truly appreciate, an experience built on dependability, accuracy and ease of use.

We took our time testing movements to make sure we sourced the best solution for our new diver and landed on the reliable Seiko Epson AS01 solar quartz. If you’ve been a MINUS-8 fan for a while, you know we love Seiko, for their dependability. Seiko movements are workhorses and align perfectly with how we design and build our timepieces. The unquestioned accuracy of a Seiko quartz movement (+/-20 seconds/month), combined with low-maintenance, easy-to-charge solar power made the Epson AS01 a no-brainer.

This impressive movement harnesses the power of light to fuel the internal, rechargeable battery. When fully charged, the movement will keep ticking for 4-months, even in the absence of light. And it only takes 5 hours of sunlight for a full charge. The battery will recharge in any light source, not just sunlight, however the sun delivers the most efficient charge. The reliable, consistent performance of the Epson movement essentially eliminates the need to replace the battery, delivering a hassle-free, accurate timekeeping experience.

The AS01 is able to achieve this high-level of performance through a solar cell that sits hidden beneath the dial. Based on the spec, we designed a custom, 30% transparent dial for the Diver 1T Solar, so that sunlight can shine through and charge the solar cell. The cell converts any form of light into energy, which is then stored in the rechargeable battery and keeps the timepiece running. 

We love the worry-free experience solar movements enable and they are such a smart option for watch buyers looking to add a unique piece to their collection. The team here hasn’t really been able to take the Diver 1T Solar off our wrists the last few months, and we don’t plan to, as the warm summer months arrive. Looking back, it’s hard to believe we didn’t build a watch with a solar movement sooner.

For those searching for an accurate, dependable and ultra low-maintenance watch, one with a solar movement could be the perfect solution. Check out the latest addition to our dive watch lineup, the Diver 1T Solar, powered by the awesome Seiko Epson AS01 movement and learn more about what makes it the perfect, modern everyday dive watch.

As always, hit us up anytime with questions or comments. We love to hear from you.

-Mike

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