Q&Q Smile Solar RP26 - A best friend on the wrist

Well, this is my frst review on WC and could look like a joke for many of you guys, but it is not. I'm really in love with this watch.

So, where do I begin ? First, I want to apologize for my poor english. I'll try my best to make it easy (and fun ?) to read, and not wasting your time.

I'm not gonna make the Q&Q brand's history, as I don't know it. Just know that it's owned by Citizen, and make good affordable watches for everybody. They have a solar division, which is called "SmileSolar", with fun, colorful plastic watches.

I own 4 of them, this one was the first I get back in september. I was looking in june 2021 for an affordable Water resistant watch, and Citizen was in my mind cause I was interested by the eco-drive concept. The watch I was looking for wouldn't have much wrist time, so it was accurate for me to look for something that I won't have to set everytime I take it. I was poor, and nothing was cheering my watch heart, until I found these little 29€ piece on Amazon. 

When I received it, it's been an instant crush.

The watch is 36mmx41mm for 11mm thick, made of plastic from the ocean and has a Myiota 2085 solar powered movement. The first thing that blows my mind when I put it on my wrist is how lightweight it is. Only 17gr with a plastic band which is very comfy.

The slightly domed acrylic glass is a joy to look at, and is perfectly adjusted and fit the curves of the watch perfectly. Well, just look at how harmounisous it is : 

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Now what next ? It is f***ing accurate ! It has only 10 seconds late in more than 3 monthes ! When you got some 7s26 as an everyday reference, this is awesome and your friends doesn't yell at you anymore cause you're late for the movie.

The RP26 has a 100m water resistance, making it suitable for pretty every occasion, even when you go in a party with a pool and your drunk friends push you in the water. You can also take your shower with it obviously, so this plus the fact that it is a light plastic watch, you can basically forget it and keep it on the wrist forever.

I only could regret that the hands are pretty basic and look cheap. I miss the lume a little, and there is no effect on the dial at all (so forget about washi, polished, cocktail time, sunburst dial, it's plain grey, period).

The watch is a strap monster, and as soon as you change the band the watch wear really different :

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On a Cordura

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On a 2 pieces Perlon

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With it's stock plastic band

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On a Barton Elite silicon

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And today on a grey Barton canvas strap

You want more ? Lug width is 18mm so pretty standard, and lugs are drilled, so nothing easier than a strap change to get a brand new watch.

In a conclusion, this watch is like a flower. Put some water on it, cause it can handle it, and dry it under direct sunlight, and it will grow in your heart ❤

More of all, this watch makes me happy, it's like, I don't know, a peacefull part of me, straped on my wrist. I trully love it and it's one of, if not the, best bet of my life.

And did I forget to mention that it is less than 30€ on Amazon, free shipping ?

Cheers Watch crunchers

Q&Q Smile Solar RP26 - A best friend on the wrist

4.8
Yes No
4/5
5/5
5/5
5/5
5/5
  • accuracy
  • slightly domed glass
  • strap beater
  • perfect size
  • No battery, no wrist move needed
  • price
  • drilled lugs
  • lightweight
  • 100m WR
  • hands are too basic
  • What else for my other watches ??
Reply
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Thank you for this review.  You detail the pros and cons and gave a full picture of the watch's strengths and limitations. At least one person out there is more likely to buy this based upon what you have written.

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Aurelian

Thank you for this review.  You detail the pros and cons and gave a full picture of the watch's strengths and limitations. At least one person out there is more likely to buy this based upon what you have written.

Thank you for this comment sir 🙏

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A great choice for somebody who simply needs a good value in a daily watch. I like its simple styling.

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It's a great simple straightforward watch that says "Love me for who I am, not wish for what I am not." And makes no apologies for being so. 

Great review. A few stumbles with the English, but nothing that interfered with the message you were delivering. Some native speakers wish they could be so eloquent. And the fact that you know a 2nd language well enough to review a watch is magnifiqué!

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UnholiestJedi

It's a great simple straightforward watch that says "Love me for who I am, not wish for what I am not." And makes no apologies for being so. 

Great review. A few stumbles with the English, but nothing that interfered with the message you were delivering. Some native speakers wish they could be so eloquent. And the fact that you know a 2nd language well enough to review a watch is magnifiqué!

Thank you very much for you comment mate, really appreciate it

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Excellent review. I wish I could write as well as you do. I am now interested to know more about this watch and company. Thank you very much and I look forward to more of your posts.

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TheGreatEscapement

Excellent review. I wish I could write as well as you do. I am now interested to know more about this watch and company. Thank you very much and I look forward to more of your posts.

Thank you for your kind words mate !

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the simplicity on a Barton looks stellar 👍🏼