Eco-Drive watches are an award-winning design, created and made popular by watch brand Citizen. They do not require winding or battery replacements, making them a high-quality, environmentally friendly option. Watches with Eco-Drive are made to continue running without much influence from the wearer, so they need very little maintenance. These watches are reliable and dependable and will continue running without wear or batteries. Here is our guide on how to charge an eco-drive watch.
What is Eco-Drive?
Eco-Drive is a technology that was invented by Citizen to power their watches without the need for to them to be worn, charged, or for the batteries to be replaced. The watches use an inbuilt solar cell to collect light ready to be converted into energy. Citizen invented the world’s first light powered analogue quartz watch in 1976. This ground-breaking model could run using only light as a power source. This technology is key to brands becoming more environmentally friendly as it makes the watches longer lasting and eliminates the need for disposable batteries.
This forward-thinking green technology was recognised by the Japan Environment Association in 1996 when they nominated Citizen’s Eco-Drive watch for the Eco Mark. The watch qualified for this acclaim and became the first watch to have it. In 2014, the Eco-Drive was acknowledged once again by the Japan Environment Association, winning the Gold Prize in the Eco Mark Awards. It was the first watch to win the award, proving how much of a positive influence the technology could have within the watch industry.
How does Eco- Drive work?
Eco-Drive watches work by collecting light using inbuilt solar cells. This light is converted into energy that is stored in a power cell. The power cell recharges the watch continuously, so the battery never has to be charged by another source. The technology can use natural, artificial, and even dim light to power the watch.
The amount of energy that can be harvested from light depends on light levels. On a sunny day, just two minutes of charge will give the watch enough energy to run for a whole day. If the watch is allowed to charge in the sun for 8-12 hours, it can harvest enough energy to gain a full charge. On a cloudy day, it will take the watch 12 minutes to receive enough light to power the watch for a day and 40 hours to gain enough for a full charge. Eco-Drive watches can also gain power from artificial lights. To harvest enough light to power the watch for 1 day, it will need to be placed 8 inches away from a fluorescent light and left there for 40 minutes. If a full charge is to be gained by this method, the watch will need to be left under the light for 130 hours.
A full charge of an Eco-Drive watch will power the watch for around 6 months, even if the watch is left in total darkness. However, if the watch is left on a desk or dresser with even a small amount of light, it should keep running continuously.
If our guide on how to charge an eco-drive watch has piqued your interest, keep reading for some of our recommendations.
Eco-Drive Watch Recommendations
Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Bracelet WR100 CA0438-52E
This Citizen Eco-Drive model features a black plated stainless-steel case with a blue bezel. This pop of colour makes the watch eye-catching and versatile, creating a great everyday accessory. The watch is finished with a black stainless-steel bracelet. The dark colour of the watch ensures it is not too imposing on the wrist and that it will complement any outfit. The black textured dial features a date display and chronograph with 3 sub dials. These additional features make the watch an optimal timekeeping device.
This model is water-resistant to 10 bar, making it suitable for every day wear. The hands, indices and frames of the sub dials are silver coloured, allowing them to stand out from the dark dial to create a pleasant contrast and easy readability. The Eco-Drive technology in the watch allows it to run using light alone. This model is robust and reliable, never requiring a battery change.
Citizen Women’s Eco-Drive Diamond Dial EM0802-58D
This ladies’ Eco-Drive model features 8 diamond indices for a look of luxury and glamour. The white dial of this watch has a sunray finish and is framed by a gold stainless steel case. The timeless, classic appearance of this watch, along with its splash resistance, make it easy to style and wear every day. A gold bracelet fastens the watch, making it look like a piece of jewellery as well as a dependable timepiece. This watch is very stylish and beautiful, but it is also incredibly practical and well-engineered. The Eco-Drive technology allows the watch to harvest light using its inbuilt solar cells and to run off of this energy alone. This watch can be worn with the confidence of knowing that it will continue to function even if it is not in contact with light for some time.
Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Perpetual Calendar BL5570-01E
This watch has a robust appearance and finish with a black and red colour scheme. A stainless-steel case frames the black complicated dial. The dial is protected by scratch-resistant sapphire glass and features red detailing for a striking appearance. A black perforated leather strap with red detailing complements the dial, giving the watch a cohesive design. The hands and indices are silver to ensure that they stand out from the dial so the watch is easily readable. This complicated watch includes a date display, a chronograph, a perpetual calendar, a dual time-zone, and a 12/24-hour format for optimal timekeeping. This watch will never let the wearer down, due to the Eco-Drive technology that powers it. The reliability of the watch and its complications will never be compromised, as long as the watch has access to light.
Citizen Women’s Eco-Drive Chronograph Bracelet FB1444-56D
The two-tone bracelet of this ladies’ Eco-Drive model ensures it will match any other jewellery in a collection, making it a versatile option for everyday wear. This case is dual-colour and made of stainless steel with gold plating. This watch features a mother-of-pearl dial for a unique, shimmering look. The gold indices and hands contrast the pale colour of the dial to ensure for easy readability. The dial features a date display at the 4 o’clock point and a chronograph with 3 sub dials for optimal timekeeping. This pretty and elegant timepiece is powered by Eco-Drive technology which takes light energy and stores it in a power cell to run the watch. This technology makes the watch reliable as it will run for 6 months even if it is left in the dark.
Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Axiom Silver Bracelet AU1060-51E
This watch is perfect for those who prefer a minimalistic look. The dial and bezel are both entirely black and the only features are a silver logo, date and hands. This incredibly clean and simple design makes the watch eye-catching and easy to style. The dark dial is protected by sapphire glass and framed by a stainless-steel case. The watch is finished with a stainless-steel bracelet for a sleek, simple look. Although the outside of this model is simple, the movement behind it is far more intricate. The watch is powered by Eco-Drive technology and will only ever require light to run flawlessly.
What did you think of our guide on how to charge an eco-drive watch? Will you be adding one to your collection? Let us know in the comments below!
