Like most people, you’ve probably had a watch or two that you absolutely loved, but the battery died one day. Most likely you put it away in a drawer or a box somewhere and it’s collecting dust. Like many of us, chances are that you didn’t have the time to take it to a jeweller to get the battery replaced. Citizen Eco-Drive watches however are something different. They design stunning watches that you will fall in love with, and never have to worry about the cost and inconvenience of replacing a battery ever again. Eco-Drive watches are durable, reliable and with a battery that will last longer than any other.
What Is Eco-Drive?
Eco-Drive is the technology that Citizen watches use to harness energy from any kind of light source. The technology can work whether you use artificial or natural light. A rechargeable lithium-ion cell stores the energy. The battery can be charged continuously and run forever. With proper care, Eco-Drive models are watches that would really last a lifetime.
According to Citizen, the Citizen Eco-Drive watch line has eliminated the disposal of over 10 million batteries in North America alone. This is big news for the environment, and a bold step towards reducing pollution.
A Brief History of Eco-Drive Watches
First introduced to the world in 1996, these watches presented numerous technological advances compared to other solar-powered watches available at the time. This cutting edge technology eliminated the need for large, noticeable power cells, and opted for sleek, elegant designs.
The concept behind these watches was the Eco-Drive calibre 7878 movement. It was the first of its kind. This allowed solar cells to be mounted under the dial. The dial is translucent enough so that light passes through to power the movement and charge the battery. Before needing to be recharged by exposure to light the battery can run up to 180 days on secondary (stored) energy.
If deprived of light for an extended amount of time, some models will hibernate for a certain period, and the hands of the watch will stop moving. However, the internal quartz movement will continue to track the time accurately. When eventually exposed to light, the hands will move to the correct position and resume timekeeping as usual. This function makes Eco-Drive watches extremely low maintenance. You can leave your watch in a drawer say for 3 months, then take it out and expose it to light, it will show the correct time immediately.
Life Expectancy
According to reports from Citizen Watches, the solar cells and secondary battery used in Eco-Drive watches will last for up to 10 years. They further stated that the lubricants used in constructing these watches are built to assist with longevity, as the oil will not harden or evaporate, even over 20 years.
Although this is a rare occurrence, there have been instances where people have reported damage due to excessive heat during recharge. As a precaution, the temperature of the device must not exceed 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Some instances where the watches tend to overheat are if they are held too close to light bulbs.
Popular Citizen Eco-Drive Watches
Citizen has dozens of Eco-Drive watches for you to choose from, with a wide range of colours, materials and features available. Below you can look at some of their most popular watches.
Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Brown Leather Strap WR100 BM8471-19L
This Citizen model is classy. It’s design and silhouette are perfect for everyday wear. A brown leather strap with cream top-stitching ensures the watch is comfortable. Its large case measures 42 mm in diameter, making the dial easy to read. In addition, the matt blue dial is covered by a mineral crystal. The watch also features a day and a date display placed at the 3 o’clock position.
Citizen Promaster Professional Diver Blue Rubber BN0151-09L
Citizen has many models in their portfolio, including this versatile Diver’s model. The Promaster is powered by an Eco-Drive movement. The watch has a durable 42 mm case made of stainless steel. A blue silicone strap secures the watch to the wrist. Large luminescent hour-markers and hands contrast the dial and help with the readability of this watch. The bezel of the watch is undirectional. A date aperture is positioned at 4 o’clock. The watch is water-resistant up to 200 meters or 20 bars.
Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Perpetual Calendar BL5571-09L
The Citizen Eco-Drive is a complicated model with a large range of features. The watch is secured with a blue leather strap. The strap has perforation and red top-stitching. The stainless steel case measures 43 mm. Covering the blue dial is a sapphire crystal. Features on the watch include a date display and perpetual calendar, a chronograph, a dual time-zone and a 12/24 hour format.
Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Titanium Bracelet CA0700-51L
Citizen watches makes durable watches. A perfect example is this model. The case and bracelet are made of titanium. The dial is blue with black subdials. The watch has a chronograph function as well as a date display. The watch is water-resistant up to 10 bars or 100 meters.
Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Radio Controlled World Perpetual A.T CB0190-84E
Last but not least, this Citizen watch is made of super titanium. Its movement is radio controlled for ultimate accuracy. The case measures 43 mm in diameter. The dial is black with a globe design and is covered by a sapphire crystal. Contrasting the dial are a set of silver-coloured indices and hands. The model is also anti-magnetic with a water resistance of up to 10 bars.
Citizen Eco-Drive watches make lovely eco-friendly gifts for family and friends. What is your favourite Eco-Drive watch? Let us know in the comments below.
