Citizen Eco-Drive watches, or as it’s officially known, Eco-Drive, are all-important to this workhorse brand. Here’s everything you need to know, as well as some worthwhile models.
Man has been harnessing the power of light since the beginning of time. And why not? Dark can’t overcome light, after all. And that saying is more than just a spiritual affirmation. Scientifically, light is energy and is literally more powerful than darkness.
That’s why the Citizen Watch Eco-Drive technology is so compelling. The way it works is fascinating. What it offers is highly desirable, not least of which is how much convenience and ease it brings to your life.
Listen, I love winding a timepiece as much as the next watch enthusiast. But sometimes, you just want to grab your watch and go.
Today, I’m going to demystify Citizen Eco-Drive watches and then show you some excellent models from the range.
Table of Contents
What Is an Eco-Drive Citizen Watch?
Citizen Eco-Drive Watches are powered by, of course, the brand’s Eco-Drive technology. The solar cells under or around the dial take in any form of light, including artificial light. This powers the watch and reduces the need for battery changes.
This is because the cell is fully rechargeable. The cell converts light into electric energy, which it stores. This creates a constant flow of energy and power that fuels the motor, gears, and watch hands.
When fully charged, a Citizen Eco-Drive wristwatch can run for over six months.
Eco-Drive Citizen: Some Quick History
Citizen’s Eco-Drive watch launched in 1995 in Europe, South America, and Asia and in the United States a year later. But did you know that Citizen already built a light-powered watch?
Yup. It happened decades prior, in 1976. So truly, Citizen pioneered this innovation.
However, it was in the ‘90s when Citizen built the 7878 caliber. This was the first time a solar cell sat under a dial.
Prior, the mechanism that took in light would be plain to see right on the dial itself. Suffice it to say, it was super bulky and not that popular.
Even with the 7878, the dial still had to be translucent enough. But, it wasn’t to the extent that it disrupted one’s view of the watch face. This was the birth of the highly streamlined Eco-Drive watch.
Citizen even introduced the world to a 6-millimeter version in 1996. The Eco-Drive Slim allowed thinner, everyday watches to host this technology. It wasn’t just for brawny sports watches anymore.
This, of course, was a milestone for us slender-wristed folks who could now enjoy this convenient movement.
The Eco-Drive Ring
Then, in 2009, Citizen introduced the Eco-Drive Ring. This flexible solar ring sits in between the dial and the crystal, all around the edge of the dial. This allows the solar cell to take in light without the need for any translucence.
This ring transfers the light into electric energy, which it stores in a lithium-ion cell, which still sits directly under the dial. This is exactly what a flat solar cell does in a regular Eco-Drive watch.
Suffice it to say this opened the door to a wider array of designs.
In the mid-to-late aughts, Citizen reported that the Eco-Drive prevented ten million battery disposals. In case you didn’t know, batteries are often disposed of improperly, which is toxic to the environment.
Citizen has always been eco-conscious, even before the age of greenwashing. This solar movement is one of the most important ways they contribute to green business practices.
Now that you know its origins, let’s look into how to set Citizen Eco-Drive watches.
How To Change the Time on the Citizen Eco-Drive Watch
Changing the time on the Citizen Eco-Drive watch is super easy.
First, pull out the crown to the first position. This means that when you pull it out, you only hear one click. Or, you feel the crown sort of push back a bit.
Then, you’ll turn the crown, which will cause the hands to move. Keep turning until you’re at the right time. It takes a quarter of a turn to move the minute hand.
Then, you’ll pull the crown out to the second position to change the date. Again, you’ll turn it and watch the date move until you get to today’s date.
Depending on the model, there may be a top button above the crown, as the Eco-Drive chronographs do. When you press this button, it switches your settings to year, month, and date. This way, you can set each individually.
Easy as that!
5 Citizen Watches Eco-Drive: Some Cool Models
One cool thing Citizen does is generously equip its models with Eco-Drive tech. You can basically find it at any price point. Here’s the proof!
I did want to note that when you’re searching for a specific Citizen watch, make sure you know the reference number. That’s why I’ve listed them with each entry.
There are times when Citizen has similarly-named models that aren’t that similar in looks or function. If you have the reference handy, you’ll be able to find exactly what you’re looking for.
Citizen Eco-Drive Super Titanium BN0200-56E
I know some people who think Citizen is just a workhorse. They say Citizen has horological chops but not necessarily a “brand” signature. The Citizen BN0200-56E proves this is wrong.
It’s a classic diver, from the robust construction to the bezel. But the flush indices and the half-skeleton hands are classic Citizen. Even more, it’s made of titanium, which is stronger and lighter than steel. This gives it an interesting sort of matte, shiny look.
Plus, Citizen built the first titanium watch in 1970, so this watch continues to follow that tradition.
Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Promaster Air Skyhawk CB0241-00L
The Citizen CB0241-00L is a veritable feast of textures. It is the perfect watch for a maximalist and those who love a gadget aesthetic.
Despite everything that’s going on with the dial, it’s still pretty legible. You can thank the sizable indices for that.
Sure, the slide rule isn’t useful for everyone, but it adds to the look as well as the engagement factor.
Citizen Eco-Drive AU1082-24A
The Citizen AU1082-24A is a straightforward everyday watch for those who want a no-fuss day-to-night timepiece. It’s not too classic or too modern and can literally go with any outfit.
At just about $100, it’s a testament to Citizen’s equipping even its budget models with Eco-Drive technology.
Citizen Eco-Drive AW1780-84L
The Citizen AW1780-84L is another straightforward budget piece with the look of a classic, everyday luxury sports watch. The Roman 12 and 6 add a touch of ceremony without going overboard.
Meanwhile, the high-shine dial provides a silky look that pairs well with a stainless steel bracelet or a dressy leather one.
Citizen Eco-Drive Chronograph CB5894-50E
This Citizen chronograph has a lot of specs and a lot of visuals. Its multi-layered design leans hard into the chronograph’s automotive roots. My favorite layers on this dynamic dial are gold semi-circle plates on each subdial.
This spec-heavy sports watch features an Eco-Drive movement, a sapphire crystal, and 200 meters of water resistance.
FAQs
Do you still have questions about Eco-Drive technology? No problem. Here are some common ones — and their answers, of course.
Do Citizen Eco-Drive Watches Have Batteries?
Yes, Eco-Drive Citizen watches are still electronic quartz watches. Therefore, they do have a battery. However, the solar cell constantly recharges the battery, which reduces the need for battery changes.
Are Citizen Eco-Drive Watches Good?
Yes, Citizen Eco-Drive watches are excellent timepieces. They’re well-built, convenient, accurate, and good for the environment. They also come in a wide range of models and prices.
How Long Do Citizen Eco-Drive Watches Last?
When fully charged, a Citizen Eco-Drive watch can last up to six months without needing a recharge. It can also last over seven years or more without a battery change.
Conclusion: Give the Eco-Drive Watches a Shot!
At the end of the day, the Citizen Watch Eco-Drive is just a convenient, user-friendly piece of technology for your watches.
Sure, it’s historic and a true innovation. But none of that would really mean anything if it didn’t contribute to how we use watches in a practical sense.
I’ve noticed that these guys charge up even under the dimmest lighting situations. Of course, a clear, sunny day is ideal, but it’s good to know how receptive these solar cells are.
Did you know that the Citizen Eco-Drive movement was as important to the watch world as it is? And do you have an Eco-Drive watch? If so, tell us your experiences with it! How long have you had it? Let us know in the comments!
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