My solar powered watch stopped (again) several weeks ago. I managed to leave it out in the sun during one day since then and, after that treatment, it started working again, albeit with the “slow tic” that indicates it’s low on charge. There hasn’t been another even semi-sunny day since then when I could leave it out again.

I’ve had problems with this watch from day 1. When I bought it, there weren’t any available in Canada that I could find, so I mail ordered it from an online store in the States. But it wouldn’t keep its charge and, every so often, I had to send it back. It’s had its “motion” repaired several times, and I’m sure it’s been recharged under some high powered solar lamp during those times too.

It’s no longer on warranty. I’ve also managed to crack the faceplate. At this point, I think it’s silly to keep hold of it. Instead, I’m going to invest in a new watch.

This time, I’m going for an automatic. Or, to be more specific, a kinetic. Oddly, when I first pondered the solar vs. kinetic issue, I’d been under the (false) impression that neither allowed you to wind them manually. While it’s true that my solar watch doesn’t let you wind it manually, the kinetic watches do. So, when I made my decision, I thought that the sun would be more reliable than body motion. I wish I could take that earlier decision back now – especially given the grief I’ve had with my solar watch. (However, to be fair, I’m sure that most people don’t have the problems that I did – I was just unlucky.)

In any case, here’s the Seiko I’m currently considering. Of course, this is the one that I’d really like, but, at an extra $100 on top of the already somewhat steep price tag (relatively speaking of course), I’m not sure that I can justify it. Even to myself. And I’m pretty good at justifying things to myself when I want a new and cool gadget.

(Putting things in perspective, neither one of these holds a candle to something like this, which would cost you more than some cars. Although, again to be fair, I believe that this one is an antique, plus it’s got some precious metal worked into it too. I think that you can get a Rolex for under $1,000 if you look around.)

I’ll go to a our local jeweller with all of this in mind and see what they can offer me.

Update: I’m feeling more justified as time passes… <grin>