Top 10 Best Atomic Watches [List & Guide]
There are countless different types of watches on the market today which have different functions and features. At their core, their most important task is to indicate the time, but how they do it can also vary greatly.
One type of watch that shows the time, but has a bit of a different approach to do so accurately is the atomic watch.
What is an atomic watch?
An atomic watch is a watch that does things a bit differently when it comes to keeping its accuracy. And accuracy is of course one of the most important factors of a watch.
An atomic watch is consistently calibrated by receiving radio signals from atomic clocks. As a result, the watch can consistently know what the exact, atomic time is, and then adjust itself accordingly. As a result, atomic watches are the most accurate watches there are on the market.
Since the technology behind the atomic watch is rather complex, Wikipedia’s definition of it is the following:
”An atomic clock is a clock whose timekeeping mechanism is based on the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with the excited states of certain atoms. Specifically, either a hyperfine transition in the microwave region, or an electron transition in the optical or ultraviolet region, of the emission spectrum of an atom is used as a frequency standard for the timekeeping element. ”
The name ”atomic” comes from the fact that an atomic watch is based on atomic physics. In practice, it means that the watch measures the electromagnetic signal that electrons in atoms emit when they change energy levels.
Best atomic watches
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The best part is that atomic watches come in all kinds of different shapes and forms. Since the atomic function is just a technology, it means that you can find atomic watches with virtually all kinds of different designs. But since they are technology-based, it also means that they are all digital, or at least quartz powered. But many atomic watches today have classic designs which means you won’t even be able to notice it is an atomic watch from a visual standpoint.
If you want a watch with perfect accuracy, keep on reading. Below, we’ll take a look at the best and most popular atomic watches. Further on, we’ll also go into detail about everything you should know about atomic watches.
Casio Wave Ceptor WVA-M640D Atomic Watch
The Casio Wave Ceptor WVA-M640D is the first atomic watch on this list and is also one of the most popular. This is because it is affordable, has a design that works for a lot of people, and is very versatile.
The watch is designed with a stainless steel case and has an integrated bracelet design that elegantly blends into the case. On top of the case sits a mineral crystal.
What is interesting about this timepiece is that it combines both analog with digital as it has both analog hands as well as a digital LCD screen at 6 o’clock. On the dial, we also find applied metal hour markers with luminescence. This combination of digital and analog allows for a watch that looks versatile and works for many different occasions. The issue with full-digital watches is that they tend to become too sporty and not very suitable for everyday use. But this one does not have that issue.
Of course, the watch is powered by a quartz movement, but not just any quartz movement. It is solar-powered, meaning it gets energy from ambient and solar light. And of course, the watch is radio-controlled and has a multi-time zone atomic feature ensuring perfect accuracy.
As an everyday watch, the water resistance of 100m/330 feet is quite decent.
Specifications
- Water resistance: 100m/330 feet
- Crystal: Mineral glass
- Movement: Solar-powered quartz
Citizen Eco-Drive World Chronograph AT8020-03L
The Citizen Eco-Drive World Chronograph AT8020-03L is a sporty and masculine watch with a pilot-inspired design and is of course synchronized to an atomic time clock for perfect accuracy.
It has a relatively large stainless steel case with a diameter of 43mm, which is to be expected from a pilot watch. Furthermore, the case is elegantly finished with brushed elements combined with beautifully beveled lugs and a blue thin, and fixed bezel.
The watch is a chronograph and has two chronograph pushers on the right side of the case but also an additional crown at the 8 o’clock position. This crown is actually used for the slide-rule bezel which rotates around the reheat to calculate different data. On top of the case, it has an anti-reflective sapphire crystal.
Powering this watch is a Japanese quartz Eco-Drive movement that uses solar-power technology. As mentioned, this is also an atomic watch that has perfect accuracy. The watch can synchronize atomic time in 26 different countries and is radio-Controlled in North America, the United Kingdom, Europe, Japan, and China.
In terms of functions, it has a 1/20-second chronograph that measures up to 60 minutes and a perpetual calendar. The water resistance is 200m/660 feet.
Despite being made for the air, it has a great water resistance of 200m/660 feet. Citizen has also done a great job with the attention to detail of the dial and it is very well thought-out with a sporty design. The dial is dark blue and has nice sporty yellow accents. Since this is a sports watch, it also offers pretty good legibility with applied hour markers filled with luminescence and lume-filled hands.
All in all, this is a great choice for those who appreciate sporty watches and perhaps a bit of pilot-inspired design, and also want perfect accuracy.
Specifications
- Diameter: 43mm
- Water resistance: 200m/660 feet
- Movement: Japanese quartz
- Crystal: Sapphire
Casio G-Shock Quartz GWM5610-1
The Casio G-ShockGWM5610-1 is one of the most popular digital watches on the market. It has an attractive and affordable price, great durability, and also happens to be an atomic watch.
The watch is designed with Casio’s signature resin rectangular case shape and an integrated resin strap which makes it tough and resistant to both shocks and scratches. Being a digital watch, it is of course equipped with a large LCD screen which takes up most of the watch’s property. The case measures 43mm in diameter and has a thickness of 12mm.
The watch is powered by a solar quartz movement and has, of course, multi-band atomic timekeeping for perfect accuracy. In addition to this, it also has a world time with 29 time zones, a city code display, five daily alarms, and a 1/100-second stopwatch. The watch also features a countdown timer.
This atomic watch may be small and affordable, but it is definitely not simple. As you can see, it is packed with functions, not to mention the relatively unique atomic clock function, making it exceptional value for money.
At the same time, it has a really great water resistance of 200m/660 feet, meaning it can go swimming and diving, and handle most situations – which isn’t really a surprise considering what G-Shocks are known for.
All in all, if you don’t mind a full digital watch without analog timekeeping, this is a watch that offers great value and is packed with useful functions that can come in handy for everyday wear, or perhaps on outdoor events and demanding conditions.
Specifications
- Diameter: 43mm
- Thickness: 12mm
- Water resistance: 200m/660 feet
- Movement: solar-powered quartz
Citizen Eco-Drive World Time Atomic Watch AT9010-52E
The Citizen Eco-Drive World Time AT9010-52E is a sporty and masculine timepiece that stands out. It is presented with a large 43mm stainless steel case with a uniquely designed crown guard design that protects the crown and its chronograph pushers. For a sporty look, the case has a mostly satin-brushed finish and is presented on a stainless steel bracelet.
The bezel of the case is relatively slim in order to leave all the focus on the dial because the watch has a lot to offer with its busy dial. On top of the case sits an anti-reflective sapphire crystal.
This watch is powered by a solar quartz Eco-Drive movement. The movement gives the watch the possibility of synchronizing it to an Atomic Clock for perfect accuracy. The watch has synchronized time adjustment available in 26 time zones.
The dial of this watch is black but has a lot of details. Around the outer edge of the dial, it has lots of different cities printed, which are used together with the world timer function to keep track of multiple time zones around the world. At 3 o’clock, it has a date window and additional sub-dials for functions like the daily alarm, power reserve indicator, and perpetual calendar.
Citizen has done a great job with the finishing of the dial with a striped pattern and beautifully brushed and beveled watch hands and hour markers.
All in all, this watch is a great choice for those who want something sporty and masculine timepiece with lots of functions. The large size may not be ideal for everyone, but it does allow for a tool-like look.
Specifications
- Water resistance: 200m/660 feet
- Diameter: 43mm
- Movement: Japanese quartz
- Crystal: Sapphire
Seiko Coutura Radio Sync Atomic Watch
The Seiko Couture Solar Chronograph is one of the most popular Atomic watches and has a unique and sporty design. The watch has a large stainless steel case with a diameter of 44.5mm with a black PVD finish. The design of the case is aggressive, and sharp, and integrates seamlessly with the bracelet, which follows the design theme of the case. The bezel of this watch is slim and has a fixed dark blue bezel with abbreviations of cities printed on it, which is used for the world time function.
It’s safe to say that the case design of this watch truly stands out and is sure to catch people’s attention. It is bulky and naturally sporty, so it is not for everyone, but if you like this type of watch, it’s definitely something you may want to consider.
The watch is powered by a solar-powered quartz movement and has a power reserve of 6 months. As mentioned, this is an atomic watch and therefore receives signals to adjust the time and calendar for perfect accuracy at all times.
The watch has a black dial with an interesting pattern and design as well as lots of small details. The overall black design is contrasted by blue accents and metal markers and hands. In terms of functions, it has a power reserve indicator, date indicator, as well as chronograph sub-dials.
The water resistance of this timepiece is specified at 100m/330 feet. The hands have a skeletonize shape and an aggressive, pointy shape, which allow for an aggressive look.
Apart from its radio sync function, what makes it stand out is certainly its case design and integrated bracelet. This is a great choice for those who want something different but without compromising on performance.
Specifications
- Diameter: 44.5mm
- Water resistance: 100m/330 feet
- Power reserve: 6 months when fully charged
- Movement: Solar-powered quartz
Citizen Eco-Drive Atomic Watch AT8110-53E
The Citizen Eco-Drive Chronograph AT8110-53E is a stylish timepiece with a more toned-down design that makes it perfect as an everyday watch. And frankly, what more important area for having perfect accuracy of your watch than for your everyday?
It has a classic and clean case design with a diameter of 43mm with a combination of brushed and polished elements, beveled lugs, and just an overall well-thought-out case. In addition, it is presented on a stainless steel bracelet to make the watch more versatile and suitable for many different occasions. On top of the case, Citizen has added a sapphire crystal.
This watch is powered by a quartz Eco-Drive movement which is powered by light. The watch of course also incorporates an atomic function. It is specifically suitable for frequent travelers and jet-setters since it has atomic timekeeping in 26 time zones.
In addition to this, the watch also has a 1/20-second chronograph that measures up to 60 minutes as well as a perpetual calendar, power reserve indicator, a day, and date.
The water resistance of this watch is 100m which is decent and usually enough for an everyday watch.
Citizen has done a great job of making the dial of this watch interesting by using raised and recessed elements, different materials, finishes, and decorations. This goes to make even a simple and classic timepiece interesting.
All in all, with its sleek and perhaps traditional and toned-down design, this is a watch that works for most people on most occasions. And with its atomic watch function, it becomes even more useful and practical.
Specifications
- Diameter: 43mm
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Movement: Eco-Drive quartz
- Water resistance: 100m/330 feet
Casio G-Shock Rangeman GW-9400
The Casio G-Shock Rangeman GW-9400 is one of G-Shock’s toughest and most durable timepieces. It has a robust resin case with an integrated resin strap large screen divided into smaller parts. It is powered by a solar quartz movement and has a mineral crystal on top.
If you are already familiar with G-Shock watches, you know that they are tough and can take a beating, handle harsh conditions, and so on. But if you’re planning to wear it out in the fields, for example when hiking, its atomic watch function can also prove to be truly useful in this watch.
When it comes to its functions, it has an altimeter, barometer, thermometer, sunrise, and sunset date, to mention a few. It really is an impressively advanced timepiece. In addition to those functions, it has some of the more usual such as daily alarms, a 1/10-second stopwatch, a countdown timer, day/date/month, and more.
The water resistance of this watch is also quite good, which we expect as it is a tough watch. It can withstand water down to 220m/330 feet, meaning it is suitable for swimming and diving.
Whether you are out hiking or perhaps hunting, this is a particularly appropriate atomic watch for more demanding occasions.
Specifications
- Water resistance: 200m/660 feet
- Movement: quartz
- Crystal: Mineral glass
Citizen Eco-Drive Super Titanium CB5908-57E
For those who enjoy a technically advanced watch with a sporty yet classic design with lots of different functions, the Citizen Eco-Drive
This watch has a stainless steel case with sharp-angled lugs, crown guards, and aggressive lines for a sporty look. Around the outer edge of the dial, it has abbreviations of cities engraved on it, which are used together with its atomic world timekeeping. In fact, this timepiece has atomic timekeeping in 43 cities and world time. For lightness, it also has titanium elements. The tachymeter scale is made in black and has white markings. Not only does this give a sporty look, but it also has the practical benefit of working together with the chronograph for measuring elapsed time.
The watch dial is beautifully finished, and it is evident that Citizen has paid great attention here. The outer part is circular and the center of the dial has a raised, pattern-finished.
All in all, the Citizen Eco-Drive is a well-made and masculine atomic watch that has everything you may come to think of. Since it is on the sporty end of the spectrum, it also pays attention to legibility with large whites numerals. For someone who wants perfect accuracy but also to stay up to date with lots of details and features, this is an appropriate choice,
The water resistance of this timepiece is also quite good at 200m/660 feet. Whilst the case is rather bulky, the fact that it is made of titanium makes it extremely light and comfortable on the wrist.
Specifications
- Movement: caliber E660 Eco-Drive quartz
- Water resistance: 200m/660 feet
Casio Pro Trek PRW2500T Tough Solar
It’s no secret that the Casio Pro Trek line is one of the toughest, most durable sports/outdoor watches on the market. This is a true adventurer and performance watch.
First and foremost, the watch has a very distinct design with a large screen and a large case construction which shows that this watch is all about performance. Its robust case design not only looks cool but is also excellent out in the field. It is shock-proof, can handle mud, dirt, and water, as well as withstand extreme temperatures. The water resistance is also quite good at 200m/660 feet.
The watch has a large screen and is powered by a solar quartz movement. When it comes to functions, this timepiece truly has a lot to offer. It has a tide graph,
Moon Data, digital compass, altimeter, barometer, daily alarms, thermometer, and much more that you can come to think of that you may need to use out in the wild. Of course, this is also an atomic watch that offers perfect accuracy.
In addition to the most advanced features, it also has more basic (but still useful) such as daily alarms, world time, countdown timer, 1/100 second stopwatch, and so on.
All in all, this is an outdoor and explorer’s watch for the most demanding traveler and explorer. It is a tough and sporty timepiece, but also one that is packed with functions that may come in handy.
Specifications
- Water resistance: 200m/660 feet
- Movement: Solar-powered quartz
- Functions: Digital Compass, Altimeter, Altimeter Memory, Barometer, Thermometer; Thermometer, Tide Graph, Moon Data, Daily alarms, Hourly time signal, World Time, 1/100 second stopwatch
- Power reserve: 5 months
Seiko Coutura Radio Sync Solar
Last but not least, we have this Seiko Coutura watch. We have already looked at one Seiko Couture watch already, but whilst they have the same case and bracelet design, there are a lot of differences.
What remains the same is however the fact that it is an atomic watch, continuously receiving radio signals to adjust the time and calendar. The watch has a solar quartz movement and a 6-month power reserve when fully charged.
The actual case design will look familiar, with its diameter of 44.5mm and aggressively shaped lugs, which also seamlessly blend into the integrated bracelet perfect for a distinct and elegant look. The bezel is slim but contains cities, which are used together with the world time function. On top of the case, it has a sapphire crystal. The water resistance is 100m.
Apart from its many functions, its stunning patterned blue dial is truly the highlight of this watch. It has a striking pattern and finish which makes the dial reflect the light beautifully and become very vibrant and appealing. Just like the case and bracelet – it’s certainly a dial design that stands out from the ordinary. In addition, the dial has a date window positioned at 3 o’clock and features applied metal hour markers with beautiful bevelings and polished edges. The hands are skeletonized so as to not cover the background and have luminescence applied to them.
All in all, this Seiko Couture watch is a refreshing take on a sports watch with a design that stands out from the ordinary. It also has great quality and tons of features that may be useful.
Specifications
- Diameter: 44.5mm
- Movement: quartz
- Water resistance: 100m/330 feet
- Power reserve: 6 months when fully charged
Do Atomic Watches Still Work?
There have been some discussions as to whether atomic watches still work, and the answer to that question is yes. The precondition for an atomic clock to work according to atomic principles and technology is that it must receive the signal from the atomic clock. This means that the atomic clock which sends the radio signal needs to send out signals. But if it stops sending signals, atomic clocks will no longer work. The good news is that there is nothing that says the atomic clock will stop sending signals anytime soon, and as long as that is the case, atomic watches will still work.
There are other reasons why an atomic watch may not work, however. First and foremost, an atomic clock needs to be in an area in which it can receive signals. In addition, there is also the risk of signal disruptions, for example when you are around materials or metals (for example in buildings) where your watch cannot receive the signals and synchronize with the atomic clock.
In this case, your atomic clock will not be able to use its atomic function. The good news is that this isn’t really a problem in general.
Why would you want an atomic watch?
The most obvious reason why you would want an atomic watch is its accuracy. Whether you have a quartz or mechanical watch, no watches keep perfect time. Over time, you will notice that the watch is no longer accurate and has lost or gained time from the atomic clock. But an atomic watch keeps track of this by receiving signals from the atomic clock, allowing it to keep perfect accuracy at all times.
With this said, if you want a watch that offers perfect accuracy and think it is annoying to have a watch that doesn’t show the right time or to have to set the time, then an atomic watch is definitely for you.
Buying an atomic watch – guide
There are a lot of things to consider when buying an atomic watch – or any watch for that matter. Here are the most important factors and things to take into account:
Size and dimensions
The size and dimensions are not only important when buying an atomic watch but any type of watch, really. Just like you want a shirt to have a good fit, the same can be said about your watch. Think about which dimensions tend to work best for your wrist and then choose accordingly. This will also help you narrow down your options.
Furthermore, it is also important to keep in mind that it is not only the diameter that affects how a watch wears on the wrist. The shape of the case, its style, its thickness, and whether it has a metal bracelet or not are all things that will affect how it wears on the wrist.
Functions and features
As you have seen, there are many atomic watches will many different functions and features. Obviously, the atomic functionality is a crucial feature, but a watch may have other functions in addition to this. With this said, you want to consider what functions and features you want to have in a watch. Do you want a chronograph? Do you want a date function? A day function, or something else? There is a lot to choose from, so deciding which functions are crucial for your needs will allow you to narrow down your options.
Water resistance
Next up, we have water resistance which is always something that is worth considering. If you’ll only wear your watch on formal occasions and don’t plan to go swimming or diving, the water resistance won’t be as important. On the other hand, if you plan to use it as a sports watch and perhaps go swimming with it, then you obviously need a watch that is water-resistant. Our advice is to choose a watch with a water resistance of at least 100m if you intend to go swimming – even though 50m will generally be enough – just for safety.
Style and purpose
Last but not least, you want to consider the style and purpose of the watch. In other words, when do you plan to wear the watch, and on which occasions?
For example, if you’re looking for an atomic watch that you can wear on formal occasions, for example with a suit, then you should opt for an elegant, more refined dress watch. On the contrary, if you’re going to wear it as an everyday watch, maybe even when sporting, then you should look for a tough, durable, and sporty timepiece that is suitable for these occasions.
