Just released: Triwa Time for Solar

By now, you should come to expect that the Triwa “Time for…” watches are doing something to be more sustainable. We’ve seen a lot of focus on recycled ocean plastic and recycled guns, and now they’re focusing on the power source in the Triwa Time for Solar.

Frankly, I find the Triwa Time for Solar hitting now pretty interesting. I’ve always been keen on solar watches (example being my own solar and atomic-radio-syncing G-Shock), as you’ve got a watch that will just run and run and run. Additionally, we’ve got two solar watches in for review right now (so be on the lookout for those reviews), so it seems we’ve got a little bit of a UV-powered renaissance in the watch world.

Solar watches present some unique challenges, as the very need for the solar panels to be under the dial dictates some of the design decisions. To work around this, Triwa has a generously-sized chapter ring (that almost looks like an internal bezel) where the numerals and indices are printed. Over the solar panel dial spins a handset that’s basic and lumed, with the lone pop of color in the monochrome palette coming from the yellow seconds hand.

Though the solar panels are another layer, it’s still paired with a quartz movement, making for a watch that looks to be almost surprisingly thin, for the watch looking very much like a sportier piece, which we’d expect to be beefier. Still, you’ve got a steel case here keeping everything safe, and an acrylic crystal allowing the rays (natural or artificial) down to the solar cells.

For this inaugural release, the Triwa Time for Solar is available in two versions. More specifically, two different strap choices – either a recycled nylon, or leather. Either version will set you back $259, and gives you the very essence of a set it and forget it watch. Me, I’m waiting for the invariable crossover with their ocean plastic line, giving us a solar powered diver that’s ready for adventure (just a guess on my part, no insider info here). triwa.com