August 24, 2025
A Legacy Reimagined
From the heart of Swiss watchmaking, La Chaux-de-Fonds, the innovative brand Nepro has been revived from its operational period between the late 1950s and mid-1970s. The resurrected company’s debut release is the Neprosolar, a timepiece that masterfully blends retro-futuristic aesthetics with modern engineering. This new watch is a direct homage to a highly advanced concept Nepro introduced in 1976, which combined a digital quartz display with the autonomy of solar power. In an era fascinated with reviving classic designs, the return of the Neprosolar is a logical and welcome development, catering to collectors seeking a unique piece of horological history without an extravagant price tag.
Pioneering Solar Technology
At its core, the Neprosolar champions convenience and sustainability through its light-powered movement, a feature that addresses the timeless desire to avoid battery changes. The internal photovoltaic cell requires approximately 20 hours of light exposure to fully charge, providing an impressive battery life of up to three years. A convenient four-bar indicator on the display allows the wearer to monitor the power reserve. While historic digital watches used power-hungry LED displays, this modern iteration utilizes a vibrant red OLED screen. This choice ensures superior brightness and legibility, even in direct sunlight, while faithfully replicating the vintage aesthetic. The time is activated by a button press, a nod to the original’s functionality.
Distinctive Retro-Futuristic Design
Ergonomics and style converge in the Neprosolar’s unique case. Designed as a “driver’s watch,” the display is angled for optimal viewing when one’s hands are on a steering wheel. The solid steel case, measuring approximately 36mm wide and 36mm lug-to-lug, features a striking profile reminiscent of a lopsided boomerang, evoking the feel of high-end 1970s electronics. Its construction is robust and feels premium on the wrist. The watch is completed with an elegantly tapered, integrated steel bracelet that uses a butterfly clasp, a protective mineral crystal over the screen, and a water resistance rating of 30 meters.
The Modern Collector’s Choice
The relaunch of the Neprosolar was notably marked by a 2024 collaboration with Bamford London, which created a special all-black PVD edition with blue OLED lights. The standard brushed steel model offers an exceptional unboxing experience, arriving in a spring-powered aluminum cylinder that elevates the sense of occasion. Priced at $855 USD, the Neprosolar stands out as a distinctive and well-executed tribute to a bygone era of watchmaking innovation. It successfully captures the spirit of the past in a functional, fun, and relatively affordable package for today’s enthusiast market.
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