Citizen Eco-Drive watches
by David Barth
written March 29, 2003
Citizen Eco-Drive
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions regarding the Citizen line of Eco-Drive watches from www.citizenwatch.com.
What is Eco-Drive?
Citizen Eco-Drive watches use the simplest, yet most technically advanced power generating and storage system in the Watch Manufacturing Industry. A Solar
conversion panel and energy cell are the power provider for these Quartz Watches. Eco-Drive's ability to use light from any source to generate electrical power
means that the supply is limitless and free. The absence of any added complex power generating machinery that would require additional upkeep is another big
advantage.
What is a solar panel?
The Eco-Drive watch uses a microns thin disc of amorphous Silicon under the dial to convert light energy into electrical energy through the photovoltaic process.
The electrical energy is then stored in a special energy storage cell . The charging is done in a more efficient manner than was ever before thought possible.
Because of this newly developed technology, it is now practical to use a wide variety of attractive dials.
How is energy stored in an Eco-Drive watch?
A special Eco-Drive energy storage cell is used to store the electricity from the converted light energy. The high quality of the cell precludes it from being affected
from the regular charge/discharge cycle as with an ordinary battery. With normal care and exposure to light, the owner can be assured of a lifetime of reliable and
trouble free power. As an added benefit to the environment, the energy cell contains none of the chemicals used in ordinary watch batteries.
Why does my instruction booklet refer to a "Secondary Battery" if my Eco-Drive doesn't have a battery?
The Energy Cell is referred to as a "secondary battery" since the primary power is from light that is converted to electricity. There is really only one energy storage
cell in your Eco-Drive watch. Unlike Eco-Drive watches, most quartz watches use a silver oxide battery technically referred to as a primary power source or battery
which is used until depleted and then discarded.
How long will the energy storage cell last in my watch?
The Eco-Drive Energy Cell will last a lifetime of use.
What does it mean when the second hand on my watch jumps two seconds at a time?
It means that the reserve power is getting low and the energy cell needs to be fully recharged by exposing it to light for a period of time outlined in your owner's
manual. This may also occur after fully recharging your watch after a complete discharge of the energy cell. If you have fully charged your watch and the second
hand continues to move in two second intervals, you need to do an all reset of the watch. For simple analog models, pull the crown out to the time setting position
for 30 seconds, then return the crown to the closed position next to the case, then set the time. For multi-function models, please refer to your owners
manual.
How long does a full charge keep a Citizen Eco-Drive watch running?
On a full charge, Eco-Drive watches are designed to run for 180 days (about 6 months).
How long does it take to charge a Citizen Eco-Drive watch running?
It takes 3.5 hours to charge the Litium-Ion battery in an Eco-Drive watch fully, in sunlight; and 1 minute to charge it for one day's worth of power.
Where can I get Citizen Eco-Drive watch setting instructions?
Go to http://www.citizenwatch.com/Technical/English/Abbreviated/C650_condensed.pdf for abbreviated setting instructions. There, you can also find complete
instructions.
Citizen Eco-Drive Skyhawk World Time Watch, Model 650
Citizen Eco-Drive Skyhawk World Time Watch, Model 650
Citizen Eco-Drive Skyhawk World Time Watch, Model 650
Citizen Eco-Drive Skyhawk World Time Watch, Model 650
Citizen Eco-Drive Skyhawk World Time Watch, Model 650
Citizen Eco-Drive Skyhawk World Time Watch, Model 650
Citizen Eco-Drive Skyhawk World Time Watch, Model 650
Citizen Eco-Drive Skyhawk World Time Watch, Model 650
Citizen Eco-Drive Skyhawk Black Eagle World Time Watch, Model 652
Citizen Eco-Drive Skyhawk Black Eagle World Time Watch, Model 652
Citizen Eco-Drive Skyhawk Black Eagle World Time Watch, Model 652
Citizen Eco-Drive Skyhawk Black Eagle World Time Watch, Model 652
Citizen Eco-Drive Skyhawk Black Eagle World Time Watch, Model 652
Citizen Eco-Drive Skyhawk Black Eagle World Time Watch, Model 652
Citizen Eco-Drive Skyhawk Black Eagle World Time Watch, Model 652
Citizen Eco-Drive Skyhawk Black Eagle World Time Watch, Model 652
Citizen Eco-Drive Skyhawk Black Eagle World Time Watch, Model 652