August 24, 2025
A Legacy Reimagined
The Swiss gadget watchmaker Nepro, hailing from La Chaux-de-Fonds, possesses a unique history that originally spanned from the late 1950s to the mid-1970s. Following a recent revival, the brand has reintroduced itself with its first new timepiece, the Neprosolar. This watch is a thoughtfully executed, retro-futuristic homage to a highly advanced model of the same name that Nepro debuted at the 1976 Baselworld show. The original was celebrated for its innovative combination of a modern aesthetic, precise digital quartz timekeeping, and the convenience of solar power, addressing the common dislike for battery changes even decades ago. The contemporary interest in vintage watch revivals makes the return of this pioneering design a logical and welcome event.
Retro-Futuristic Engineering
While staying true to its heritage, the modern Neprosolar incorporates updated technology for superior performance. Instead of a traditional LED screen, which drains power quickly, the new version features a vibrant red OLED display. This choice offers significantly enhanced brightness and excellent legibility, even in direct sunlight. The core feature remains its solar-powered autonomy; the internal photovoltaic cell can fully charge the battery with approximately 20 hours of light exposure, providing an impressive power reserve of up to three years. A convenient four-bar indicator on the display allows the user to monitor battery life. The watch’s module displays the time in either 12- or 24-hour format, along with the date.
Distinctive Driver-Focused Design
The Neprosolar’s aesthetic is one of its most compelling attributes. The timepiece is designed as a “driver’s watch,” with a display that is angled for easy viewing without needing to turn your wrist from the steering wheel. The solid steel case, measuring approximately 36mm wide and long, features an unconventional, boomerang-like profile that feels both ergonomic and distinctively retro. This case flows seamlessly into an integrated steel bracelet with a butterfly clasp. Activating the display requires a press of a side button, a characteristic common to vintage digital watches. While a sapphire crystal would have been preferred, a mineral crystal covers the screen, and the case is rated for 30 meters of water resistance.
The Modern Collector’s Experience
The relaunch of Nepro was marked by a 2024 collaboration with Bamford London, which produced a special all-black PVD edition. The standard brushed steel model offers a high-end feel that defies its accessible price point of $855 USD. Enhancing the ownership experience is the remarkable packaging: a spring-powered aluminum cylinder that elegantly opens to reveal the watch. For now, the Neprosolar stands as a well-crafted and functional “blast from the past,” appealing to enthusiasts seeking a unique, solar-powered quartz piece. It successfully carves out a niche in the market as a fun and distinctive collector’s item with a rich backstory.
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