TL;DR:Maintaining a Citizen Eco-Drive watch requires proper exposure to light. This blog outlines common mistakes, charging tips, and how to troubleshoot if your watch stops working. Avoid storing your watch in darkness, and understand how to monitor and recharge it. Main Points:
- Storing the watch in darkness is the most common mistake.
- Charging requirements vary based on light exposure and watch model.
- Check the battery level using the power reserve indicator.
- Troubleshooting for when the watch appears dead due to low power or a faulty capacitor.
- Expert repair services available if needed.
You probably fell in love with the elegant, battery-free technology that powers your Citizen Eco-Drive watch. From the seamless movement of the hands to the unmatched accuracy, this popular, long-lasting watch is a gem in the world of horology. However, maintaining the delicate, light-powered technology requires some knowledge and finesse. Do you know what to do if your Citizen Eco-Drive is not working? In this blog, we’ll cover the most common Citizen Eco-Drive problems to help you get your beloved timepiece back up and running. If your Citizen Eco-Drive is not charging, read on to troubleshoot the most common issues we see with these watches.
A Common Mistake Citizen Eco-Drive Watch Owners Make
If you own an Eco-Drive watch, you may be aware of the proprietary technology that keeps it running. The Eco-Drive in the watch converts light to energy, similar to the way a plant photosynthesizes. When your watch has enough energy, it stores it in a battery-like power cell. Your watch will draw on that power source to operate. With that said, if you keep a plant in the dark, it will die. Likewise, a watch powered by an Eco-Drive will “die” if left in the dark. If your watch runs out of stored energy, it will cease to function. The most common mistake made with Citizen Eco-Drive watches is storing them where sunlight cannot reach them. Citizen claims that their Eco-Drive watches will remain running for up to 6 months on a full charge, even in total darkness. However, this can be a limitation due to several factors. The most common factors that determine Citizen Eco-Drive charge time include:- The model you have
- The age of the movement
- How long your watch has been exposed to the light beforehand
How Long to Charge Citizen Eco-Drive Watches
Watches powered by an Eco-Drive capacitor are designed to convert both natural and artificial light into energy. That energy subsequently will power the watch. Even leaving your watch on your dresser will keep your watch running smoothly. Consistent access to light ensures you will never need a capacitor replacement. Citizen tells us the general charging requirements for Eco-Drive watches are as follows:- Charging your Eco-Drive for 2 minutes in direct sunlight will allow for one day of use.
- If you charge your Citizen watch in direct sunlight for 11 hours, this is equal to a full charge.
- If you’re outdoors on a cloudy day, 12 minutes of charge is equal to 1 day of use. Charging your Citizen for 24 hours on a cloudy day equals one full charge.
- Charge your watch at a distance of 8 inches under a 30-watt fluorescent light for 40 minutes. This allows enough charge for one day of use. With the same conditions, 130 hours is equal to a full charge.
How to Check the Battery Level on Citizen Eco-Drive Watches
All Citizen Eco-Drive watches have a power reserve indicator. To check your indicator, first ensure your watch’s crown is in position zero. Press and release the lower right button. Look at the upper-right sub-dial to view the watch’s current power reserve level. To hide the power reserve indicator, press and release the lower right button again. Even if you do nothing, the indicator will vanish after ten seconds. Likewise, your Eco-Drive watch’s second hand can give you a clue that your power reserve is running low. Many users note that when power begins to wane, their second hand moves at a two-second interval. Since Citizen Eco-Drive watches are notoriously accurate, this is usually a sign that your watch needs a charge.Can a Citizen Eco-Drive Charge from the Dead?
If you have stored your Eco-Drive watch somewhere without light for over 6 months you may have noticed that it stopped working. This is likely due to one of two reasons.1. Citizen Eco-Drive is in Low Power State
Eco-Drive watches are designed to go into a low power state after the charge is used up. That means the watch will appear to be dead, and nothing will be moving on the watch face. To check if your watch is entering this power-saving state, super charge the capacitor cell in the watch. You can do this by pulling the crown out to the time setting position. Then, place it under a florescent light for at least 130 hours. If you don’t want to wait for five days, leave the watch in direct sunlight for 8 to 12 hours. If the capacitor is capable of holding a charge, this process should get the watch running again. If this doesn’t work, it’s very possible the capacitor has lost its ability to hold a charge. That brings us to the 2nd reason why your Citizen Eco-Drive watch may have stopped working.2. Citizen Eco-Drive Has a Faulty Capacitor
If your capacitor has lost its ability to hold a charge, you’ll need to get your capacitor replaced. If you notice your watch slowing down and not keeping accurate time, it’s likely you’ll need your movement replaced.Keep Your Citizen Eco-Drive Watch Running with Times Ticking
Times Ticking has been in operation for more than 30 years, since 1982. We have performed watch repair for customers both locally and internationally. If it Ticks! We KNOW it! Our team of watch repair technicians have a combined experience in watchmaking of over 120 years. If you need to replace your Citizen Eco-Drive watch’s capacitor or movement, we’re the team to help. Learn more about watch repair and get your favorite watch back in working order today.As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
