Are you looking for a watch that has a power reserve indicator? How convenient would it be if you were alerted by your watch about when to wind it or replace the battery?
Unfortunately, the power reserve indicator is the most underrated feature of a watch, which it shouldn’t be. Like any other feature, it also plays an integral part in a watch’s mechanism. Well, if you want to purchase a power reserve indicator watch then you are at the right place.
In this post, I have picked 7 watches with power reserve indicators from several reputed brands such as Seiko, Citizen, Orient, and more. The below list consists of automatic, quartz, and mechanical movements. On top of that, you will also come across solar-powered watches.
Let me tell you that some watches also have a fixed long power reserve; these watches do not have a separate power reserve indicator. Although, I haven’t included them on my list because of the extremely high price. Instead, I have made a list of some affordable watches with power reserve indicators. So, without any further ado, let’s begin.
Quick navigation:
- What Is A Power Reserve Indicator?
- Power Reserve Indicator Watch Comparison Table
- Best Watches With Power Reserve Indicator
- Which Watch With Power Reserve Indicator To Pick?
- FAQs
What Is A Power Reserve Indicator?
In general, the power reserve indicator in a watch acts as a fuel meter that denotes the battery or power level from Full to Empty.
Every timepiece needs the power to run and show us the accurate time. The mechanical watch is either an automatic self-winding watch or one that requires manual winding. Either way, almost every mechanical watch comes with a power reserve of 35-48 hours.
On the other hand, an automatic watch has an internal disc that rotates with the motion of the wearer’s wrist, providing power to the watch by winding it automatically. But what if the watch is not worn for some time? Will it stop running? Well, if the mainspring has been fully winded and the watch is being worn enough before it is kept aside, it won’t stop running. However, what if the power is about to collapse? Well, that’s when the power reserve indicator is helpful because it warns you about the low power level.
Similarly, the quartz watch requires batteries to run, but how can one figure out when the batteries are to be replaced? This is where you can rely on your watch’s power reserve indicator as it puts an end to the guesswork and lets you know when the batteries are needed to be replaced.
Power Reserve Indicator Watch Comparison Table
IMAGE | PRODUCT | SPECIFICATIONS | VIEW ON AMAZON |
Automatic Watch With Power Reserve Indicator  | Bulova Men's Watch |
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Affordable Watch With Power Reserve Indicator  | Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster |
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Orient Watch With Power Reserve Indicator  | Orient Star Semi-Skeleton |
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Watch With Long Power Reserve  | SEIKO Coutura |
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Best Watches With Power Reserve Indicator
1. SEIKO PRESAGE
If you don’t have a limited budget, then you must look at this fancy automatic watch from SEIKO that comes with a power reserve indicator. It features a stainless steel round case of 40.5mm diameter and 6mm thickness. Seiko has equipped the watch with a solid hardlex crystal display glass. So, don’t worry about the scratches.
Talking about the looks, the sunburst dial makes the watch unique and attractive while also making the light reflect gracefully. The beautiful texture of the display shows that the brand has really looked upon all the small details of the watch. Moreover, the large applied ‘spear-pointed’ metal hour markings add an extra style value. Instead of a traditional date display, the watch features a date wheel at 6 o’clock.
The power reserve indicator ensures that the timepiece never runs out of time. Hence, it will allow you to stay updated in regard to the energy level of the watch. You must be wondering about the working of the power reserve indicator. Well, the watch comes with a dedicated blue-colored arrow-tipped hand that indicates whether you need to wind the watch again or not. Whenever the arrow points towards the E marking between 12 o’clock and 1 o’clock, it signifies that the watch demands winding. And when it points towards 40 between 4 o’clock and 5 o’clock, it means that the watch is at its maximum energy level.
Moreover, the watch’s see-through case back lets you have a glimpse of the inner movement, which comes with 29 jewels that increases the accuracy of the watch. Moreover, it comes with a seconds hacking function. So, while setting the time on the watch the seconds hand stops moving, which allows you to set precise time on it. You might find this feature to be trivial but it is only available in high-end automatic or mechanical watches.
2. SEIKO Coutura
The second watch on the list is an affordable solar-powered watch from Seiko with a power reserve indicator. It doesn’t require batteries to be replaced and it is a watch with the longest power reserve that can make it run up to 6 months if fully charged.
The 45.5mm stainless steel case makes it sporty and masculine. So, if you are someone who has a broad wrist and also likes to flaunt oversized timepieces then this watch is a must-have for you.
It features a chronograph function that calculates up to 60 minutes of elapsed time in 1/5 seconds accrual. Apart from that, the watch also comes with a 24-hour subdial at 3 o’clock, whereas the power reserve indicator is at the 6 o’clock position. The water-resistant rating of 100m enables you to go swimming or snorkeling with the watch on. However, it’s not appropriate for scuba diving.
Besides these, the timepiece comes with some more crucial features like the tachymeter, which helps you to measure your speed over a fixed distance. For instance, when you are on a move, the tachymeter will let you know the speed covered by your vehicle. In addition to that, the Lumibrite hands and markers will not cause difficulty in reading time at dark places.
In short, if you are someone who does not like automatic watches then SEIKO Coutura is one of the best watches with a power reserve indicator that is solar-powered and comes with the Japanese Quartz movement.
3. Citizen PCAT Eco-Drive
The CITIZEN watch with a dual-tone stainless steel case and bracelet flaunts a reliable power reserve indicator. If you are a fan of watches with a luxurious feel then this timepiece might interest you.
It features an anti-reflective sapphire dial glass, making visibility easier even under harsh sunlight. Also, you also do not have to worry about scratches. I feel this watch is spectacular because it can convert any light into energy, be it natural light or an artificial light source. To be precise, the watch gets recharged in continuity by the light sources and you should not have to worry about changing the battery ever.
The watch comes with atomic timekeeping technology that receives radio signals every day, automatically setting the correct time and date on the watch. Let me tell you most watches that do not support atomic timekeeping struggles to keep the exact time. But, if you own an atomic watch you would never miss out a second.
Besides these, it has a 200m water resistance that gives you the liberty to wear it carelessly during recreational scuba diving or swimming sessions. The luminous hands and markers make the watch easy to spot in the dark and you can easily read the time underwater.
It also shows time in a 24-hour subdial, so you can read the time in both normal and military time. And it also synchronizes time with any of the five available time zones depending on your location. If you are someone who loves to travel a lot then this feature can be helpful for you. In continuation, the chronograph helps you to time your exercises and the tachymeter measures your speed.
4. Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster
Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster is a perfect example of the saying ‘Sky’s the limit,‘ as it comes with all the features you would require from an affordable watch with a power reserve indicator. Let’s start with the light charging technology featured in the watch, meaning the watch will be powered with artificial and natural light. It then stores that energy in a rechargeable lithium-ion cell to power the watch.
It comes with a circular case made of stainless steel with a diameter of 47mm and a black comfortable PU strap. The black dial with red accents makes it look beautiful. Moreover, the anti-reflective mineral crystal glass makes the time easy to see under the sun and it also makes the dial scratch-resistant. However, watches that are equipped with sapphire crystal glass are comparatively more scratch-resistant.
Apart from these, the super cool timepiece has several amazing features such as luminous hands and markers, power reserve indicator, chronograph, and so on. And it also has a compass and altimeter that lets you know the direction and altitude from 1000 feet to 32000 feet during your hiking trip.
Talking about water suitability, the watch comes with a 200m water resistance, which makes it a great purchase for scuba divers. Along with that, a bi-directional bezel surrounds the watch’s face that can be used to time your diving sessions. Not only this, but you can also use the bezel to time your everyday activities.
5. Orient Star Semi-Skeleton
The next power reserve indicator watch from Orient offers a power reserve of up to 50 hours. The power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock reaches 50 once the watch is fully winded. And after that it keeps you updated when the battery level tends to decrease.
The watch’s black analog dial is protected by sapphire crystal glass that has an anti-reflection coating. So, even when the sun comes above your head, you will not have to face any difficulty in seeing the time. And it also protects the dial from scratches.
Moreover, the automatic self-winding movement allows the timepiece to run using the wearer’s wrist movement. It also has an open aperture and a naked case back that allows you to peek into the inner mechanism. The water-resistant rating of 200m makes it a perfect affordable watch for divers. You can also track the time you’ve spent underwater with the help of the unidirectional bezel.
Also, you might know that most automatic watches don’t support hacking movements, which means when you set time, the seconds hand is on the move. However, the Orient star semi-skeleton comes with a hacking movement that makes the seconds hand stop while setting the time on the watch.
Overall, I would suggest that this watch would be the best automatic power reserve indicator watch from Orient for under $500.
6. Bulova Men’s Watch
Allow me to present the next watch from Bulova that comes with the six-hand dial.
This watch has an alligator grain patterned leather strap. Apart from that, it comes with a round stainless steel case that measures 43mm X 12.8mm. The textured dial has luminous hands and markers that help you read time at a dim-light area. And the scratch-resistant sapphire crystal protects it from scratches. Whereas the anti-reflective coating on the glass gives you the privilege to watch the time easily in the daylight.
Also, the see-through display case back lets you see the internal gears behind the timepiece’s automatic movement. It doesn’t require any batteries because it runs on the energy generated by your natural movement. The 26 in-built jewels ensure a smooth automatic timekeeping experience. Furthermore, the energy stored in the mainspring is monitored by the power reserve indicator given at the 12 o’clock position.
Along with the power reserve indicator, it also comes with two dedicated subdials- a 24-hour dial at 6 o’clock and a weekdays dial at 9 o’clock. To make it a full package, Bulova has added a date display at 3 o’clock position. You might have seen that most of the modern timepieces come with a date window nowadays. Then, what makes this watch unique? Interestingly, unlike other watches that show you only the current date, this timepiece features three slots for dates. So, along with the current date, you get to see the preceding and the succeeding date.
The watch can be worn every day as it comes with a water-resistant rating of 30m. This makes it withstand water splashes or accidental rain.
On a final note, this timepiece has almost everything that a decent watch should have at this price point.
7. FIECE Automatic Watch
The FIECE automatic watch is the cheapest watch with a power reserve indicator that I have included on the list. It features a big clean and decent white display without any complicated design.
It has a big power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock which lets you know the energy left in the mainspring of the watch. Moreover, it comes with 35 hours of power reserve so if the indicator’s hand points towards 0 it means that a manual winding is required. But, always keep in mind that while winding, the energy indicator should not exceed 35. Excitingly, this mechanical watch supports both automatic as well as manual winding. Being an automatic watch, it is not dependent on Lithium batteries.
Instead of coming with a seconds hand, the watch features a separate seconds wheel at 6 o’clock. And with the seconds’ wheel, you get a hacking movement function that lets you adjust the time accurately. Apart from that, it also has a date window at the same position.
Now, coming to its appearance, let me tell you that, unlike other minimalist watches, it has been equipped with a 2.5D curved mineral crystal display glass that makes it unique and special. The 316L round stainless steel case provides a solidity, making it long-standing.
The watch is 30m water-resistant due to which it can bear minimal water splashes or rain. But, keep it aside while going swimming or bathing. Also, avoid bringing it in contact with hot water or steam.
If you don’t want to spend a lot on a watch then you can consider this automatic timepiece.
Which Watch With Power Reserve Indicator To Pick?
In my opinion, Seiko Coutura is the best watch with the power reserve indicator. As it is powered by light energy and once it’s fully energized, it runs up to 6 months in continuity, which is a long time. Moreover, it comes with some beneficial and amazing features such as a tachymeter, compass, chronograph, and many more.
If you are looking for a watch that shows the most accurate time then I would suggest that Citizen PCAT Eco-Drive is the one for you. That’s because the watch comes with an atomic timekeeping technology that sets time and date automatically using the radio waves it receives every day. So, if you have a budget of around $700 then you can definitely consider Citizen PCAT Eco-Drive.
FIECE automatic watch is a perfect pick for those who want to own a good watch without emptying the pockets. Even though the price is low, no compromise has been done in terms of the quality.
Anyway, I have figured out the best watches according to my preferences. However, you can explore other watches on the list as per your requirements and budget.
FAQs
How Much Power Reserve Should A Decent Watch Have?
A decent watch should have a power reserve of up to 36 - 42 hours. This gives a watch the liberty to run in continuity for that period when fully wound.
Do All Mechanical Watches Have A Power Reserve?
Nowadays, almost every mechanical watch comes with a power reserve. The more the power reserve, the more the watch's running capacity.
How Do You Know The Watch Is Fully Wound?
When the level reaches maximum power in the power reserve indicator, it means you do not have to wind the crown further. Generally, a crown needs to be winded 30-40 times. However, this is not a hard and fast thing to follow. Just make sure that the indicator should not exceed the maximum power.
