The Return of a 1972 Synchronar 2100 MK1 Remake - Recommend

Introduction: Why the World Needs MK1 Again

In the 1970s, the world was obsessed with the future. People were landing on the moon, computers were getting smaller, and digital watches were the hot new frontier. Yet among all the new designs, one stood apart: the Synchronar 2100.

This wasn’t just another digital watch. It was the world’s first solar-powered wristwatch, a bold leap forward when most watches still relied on disposable batteries. With its visor-like design and glowing red display, the Synchronar looked like something out of a science fiction movie — futuristic, daring, and unapologetically different.

Fast forward more than 50 years, and this legend is reborn. We’ve taken the daring design and pioneering spirit of the original Synchronar, and rebuilt it from the ground up with modern technology, durability, and reliability. The result is the MK1 Remake: not a copy, but a revival — a true continuation of what the Synchronar stood for.

The Story Behind the Synchronar

The year was 1972. Roger Riehl unveiled something nobody had ever seen before: a wristwatch powered by sunlight. At a time when LED watches drained batteries in days, this was revolutionary.

The Synchronar 2100 turned heads not just for its power source, but also for its radical design. Instead of a traditional dial, it used a visor-style case, with the glowing red LED display hidden under a darkened lens. It didn’t just tell time — it looked like it came from the future.

• First of its kind: The Synchronar was the first commercially available wristwatch to rely on solar energy.
• Ahead of its time: It solved a real-world problem: LED watches drained batteries quickly, and solar panels promised freedom.
• A cult rarity: Its radical look made it too futuristic for the mainstream market, and production remained limited. Today, surviving pieces are rare collectibles, often fetching high prices among vintage enthusiasts.

The Synchronar was more than a timepiece. It was a statement about what the future could look like. That vision is what inspired us to bring it back.

Why We Brought It Back

We didn’t choose the MK1 project because it was easy. We chose it because it matters.

For us, this is not about nostalgia alone. It’s about honoring a vision that was ahead of its time — and making it practical, wearable, and reliable for today’s world.

• A tribute to history: The Synchronar was the pioneer of solar watches. We wanted to honor its legacy while making it accessible to a new generation.
• Engineering challenge: Fusing solar power, OLED technology, and modern durability into a wearable design wasn’t easy. But it’s what makes this watch meaningful.
• Community-driven: Instead of quietly releasing it as a commercial product, we brought it to crowdfunding. That way, the community can shape it alongside us.

We’re not here to release another gadget. We’re here to revive a legend.

Inside the MK1 Reissue (Features in Depth)

The MK1 isn’t a reproduction. It’s a re-engineering of the Synchronar for 2025 and beyond. Here’s what makes it special:

✅ True Solar + Rechargeable Hybrid

Unlike decorative solar panels seen in some fashion watches, the MK1 features a fully functional solar cell. Light powers the watch directly, and when you’re indoors or in low light, the rechargeable battery seamlessly takes over.This hybrid system means you get the freedom of solar energy without the worry of downtime.

✅ OLED Display with Breathing Light

The original Synchronar used red LEDs. We wanted to preserve that look while modernizing it. The MK1 uses OLED technology, delivering sharper, more energy-efficient numbers. We also added a breathing light effect, giving the display a subtle pulse that feels alive.

✅ Universal Strap Design

The MK1 uses a 23 mm lug width, making it compatible with a wide range of straps — rubber, leather, NATO, or steel. This way, you can personalize the watch to match your style.

✅ Premium Case Materials

While some remakes cut corners with zinc alloys, we’ve built the MK1 with 316L stainless steel. It’s tough, durable, and carries the weight of quality.

✅ Everyday Durability

• Water Resistance: 5ATM rating for daily use.
• Replaceable Battery: Even with solar charging, we made sure replacement is easy and inexpensive.
• Scratch-Resistant Glass: For daily wear without worry.

Modern Upgrades, Original Soul

We wanted to honor the past while making the MK1 practical for today.

• Thinner, sharper case: The profile is sleeker than the original, while keeping the visor silhouette.
• OLED glow: A modern upgrade that mimics the iconic red LED display without heavy battery drain.
• Strap flexibility: The original had a fixed band; ours embraces customization.

This balance is what makes the MK1 not just a replica, but a continuation of the story.