Citizen Eco Drive watches

Northam Saint

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Too damn much information…..lol!
I think going through a washing machine cycle is a pretty good testament as to the quality of these watches. I was looking and looking for that watch. Thankfully it didn’t go through the dryer, I think that would push anything to the limits.
 
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Twelvefret

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I’m
I think going through a washing machine cycle is a pretty good testament as to the quality of these watches. I was look8ng and look8ng for that watch. Thankfully it didn’t go 5hrough the dryer, 8 think that would push anything to the limits.
I was conflating “puke” with your post!! My bad .
 

Bornwith2hands

Regular Member
Any thoughts on these solar powered watches? Particularly the cheaper or 'standard' versions; mineral crystal, not radio controlled or automatic. Bought two recently (below), which I am enjoying but looking to increase my collection and wanted some experienced thoughts if possible. Only thing that I find slightly annoying is the seconds hand not always hitting the second marks on the dial exactly. These are just being used as a daily driver so didn't want anything too OTT. Researching into the mechanism, seems it last around 10 years before having to be serviced (capacitor)? 6 year guarantee is a nice touch.


The first solar powered Eco-Drive chronograph I bought was in 2013; followed by another one in 2014, though it wasn't a chronograph this time. Both have been through hell and back. The chronograph even lay dormant (read power fully run down) for more than a week. It took just 30 seconds for the watch to jump back to life. I'm so in love with the solar powered watches that a few days back, I bought a blue dialled one to wear to work and client meetings. You may see the pic in one of my above posts.

I'm not wearing my other watch now, so putting up a pic from the seller's website.
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Chris

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Staff member
Genuine question: The movement in my CWC claims six years battery life* and a replacement Renata (Swiss) battery is about £1.50. What's the advantage of Eco-Drive / solar? If the claims on battery life are correct over an 18 year period I'll spend £4.50 on batteries, whereas with an Eco-Drive (other solar watches are available) it sounds more than likely it'll want a new capacitor in that time which it sounds like will be around £15 if picked up on eBay and fitted yourself.

I'm not knocking them, I just don't see where they're better than standard quartz. :confused:

*I've only had it just over a year so can't verify this.
 

MrK1

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Genuine question: The movement in my CWC claims six years battery life* and a replacement Renata (Swiss) battery is about £1.50. What's the advantage of Eco-Drive / solar? If the claims on battery life are correct over an 18 year period I'll spend £4.50 on batteries, whereas with an Eco-Drive (other solar watches are available) it sounds more than likely it'll want a new capacitor in that time which it sounds like will be around £15 if picked up on eBay and fitted yourself.

I'm not knocking them, I just don't see where they're better than standard quartz. :confused:

*I've only had it just over a year so can't verify this.
Many many years ago I spent what was to me a lot of money on a dive watch. The battery lasted about 2 years. As it was expensive I wanted to make sure it was still waterproof after having the battery replaced so I had to have it sent away via a jeweller so it was pressure tested. It used to cost £40 - £50 at a time and a 2 week turnaround. Plus the added inconvienience of dropping it off and picking it up again.

That for me is the reason why I prefer solar and auto watches. Buy them and forget them. I have a 11 year old Seiko Monster that I dont wear very often, but I know I can pick it up a quick wind and it's good to go and it keeps great time after all these years. I should get it serviced at some point but I can live with having to do that every 15 years or so.
 

Zorro

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Genuine question: The movement in my CWC claims six years battery life* and a replacement Renata (Swiss) battery is about £1.50. What's the advantage of Eco-Drive / solar? If the claims on battery life are correct over an 18 year period I'll spend £4.50 on batteries, whereas with an Eco-Drive (other solar watches are available) it sounds more than likely it'll want a new capacitor in that time which it sounds like will be around £15 if picked up on eBay and fitted yourself.

I'm not knocking them, I just don't see where they're better than standard quartz. :confused:

*I've only had it just over a year so can't verify this.
I regularly change batteries in my quartz watches and do so for family and friends, including capacitor batteries.

There is a small, but inherent danger each time you remove the back from any watch that the sealing gasket might get damaged or that you introduce humidity into the case then seal it back up ,

As it is, you should really take out the gasket each battery change or 3 years and clean it then re-lube it with silicone grease - they will survive without this, but its a bit of a lottery after about 5 years whether the gasket is intact and still has a profile that will seal the watch properly, particularly if you go swimming with them..

There is also a risk of damaging the coil in a quartz watch as they are VERY delicate and ANY physical contact with tweezers can short or damage the windings.

So that's my argument FOR eco-drive and solar - you can, to some extent, just leave them untouched and they will likely run for 10 years or so without actually needing the back off. At worst you can remove and clean the gasket without having to mess around with the capacitor battery or come anywhere near the coil windings.

Full disclosure: i am currently eyeing up a Citizen eco-drive divers watch to buy myself :) ( BN0201-88L if anyone's interested )
 
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Zorro

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Following on from this post, i bought a new toy yesterday !!


After many mechanicals, i went for this Citizen Eco-Drive with titanium case and bracelet. Sits smaller than it looks on the wrist at 12mm depth and 44mm case. Beautifully lightweight at 98gms measured, yet bracelet is solid and thick. ISO diver rated to 200m and comes with a 5+1 yr warranty from Citizen.

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Has a blue sunburst dial which looks almost black in subdued lighting, but comes to life when outside. Happy days 😍
 

Nishy

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Staff member
I have been using my citizen solar power watch since February almost entirely on an exclusive basis. I have swapped the metal strap to a leather option. My only quibble is the push button for the chronograph. It feels quite 'tinny' as opposed to a substantial click or solid movement. Other than that couldn't be happier. No issues with time keeping, looks fantastic (IMO) and it has been used in various environments.
 

semajohn

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I’ve always thought the Eco-Drive range is hard to beat for a solid daily wearer, especially the standard mineral crystal models. For the price point, you’re getting reliable solar tech, decent finishing, and no hassle with battery swaps, which is a big plus if it’s just a grab-and-go watch.

On the other hand, alignment that can happen on quartz movements in general, not just Citizen. It’s usually down to tolerances in the movement and how the hand is set at the factory. Some line up perfectly, some are ever so slightly off. It doesn’t affect accuracy, just one of those small quirks.

As for longevity, you’re right, and the capacitor (or rechargeable cell) typically lasts many years, often around the 8–10 year mark depending on use and charging habits. Keeping it regularly exposed to light helps extend its life. The 6-year guarantee is definitely reassuring.

We stock quite a few Citizen models at Watchnation, and feedback is generally very positive; they’re popular for exactly the reason you mentioned: dependable, practical, and not too OTT for everyday wear.

If you’re building a collection, Eco-Drive pieces are a sensible foundation before branching into automatics or radio-controlled models later on.
Had my eco drive for 11 years before the capacitor needed replacing.
 
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