Citizen’s Eco-Drive Technology, created in 1976, is one of the best things that has happened to the watch industry. In a first for a watchmaker, Eco-Drive watches obtain an Eco Mark certification. Their contribution to environmental sustainability in 1996 helped them achieve this impressive label. Thanks to their ability to run in dim light, Citizen’s Eco-Drive watches are very popular amongst watch enthusiasts. We have put together a short ‘Watches 101:What is Eco-Drive?’ blog to further your knowledge of this amazing technology.
Watches 101: What is Eco-Drive?
Eco-Drive is a technology that was invented to power watches without the need for them to be charged or have the batteries replaced. The watches use an inbuilt solar cell to collect light. Once collected it is converted into energy. In 1976 Citizen invented the world’s first light-powered analogue quartz watch. This gave great help to the environment as people started to buy watches that wouldn’t require battery replacements. The Japan Environment Association (JEA) recognised this contribution to sustainability and in 2014 awarded Citizen the Gold Prize at their Eco Mark Awards. Eco-Drive was the first watch to win the award, proving just how successful the environmentally friendly technology was.
How does Eco-Drive work?
Citizen Eco-Drive is a technology that harnesses the power of light. It converts any kind of light into energy to power a watch. Once exposed to light, the solar cells will absorb energy and store it in a rechargeable battery. This is what powers the watch.
Thanks to their eco-friendly nature, Eco-Drive watches are designed to be able to hold charge for up to six months. You won’t have to constantly expose your watch to light in order to keep it running. You can go about your everyday life confident that your watch will remain powered. Their reliability is attractive to many watch enthusiasts and environmentalists alike.
One of the prominent features of the watches is their ability to exploit energy from any light source. Eco-Drive watches can be worn anywhere and will remain fully charged. Most importantly, they will remain charged even in complete darkness. These timepieces are a great choice for people who are looking for a watch that will last for many years. They are also ideal for individuals who are conscious about protecting the environment.
Our Eco-Drive Recommendations
Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Green Dial Sports AW1526-89X
This Eco-Drive model features an intriguing wave-like dial design. The pop of green on the dial makes it eye-catching and reinforces versatility. The luminescent hour markers and hands contrast the dial. The stainless steel bracelet creates a fashionable look. This would be a great accessory to spruce up any man’s wrist. The Eco-Drive technology used in this timepiece allows it to run using only light. Reliability is high, the battery never needs to be changed.
Citizen LADIES ECO-DRIVE DIAMOND DIAL DC Two-Tone EM0876-51D
The two-tone rose gold and silver stainless steel bracelet makes this watch very versatile. It would complement many beautiful pieces of women’s jewellery. The mother-of-pearl dial highlights this watch’s uniqueness and creates a classy, chic image. Eight diamond-set indices and rose gold Roman numerals continue to showcase the elegance of this watch. Sapphire crystal protects this timepiece and Eco-Drive technology ensures its reliability.
Citizen Red Arrows Limited Edition Radio Controlled Skyhawk A.T Eco-Drive JY8126-51E
This radio-controlled timepiece is part of a Red Arrows limited edition release. The automatic clock synchronisation makes this watch keep incredibly precise time. The anti-reflective sapphire crystal protects the black chronograph dial. Being water resistant up to 200 meters (20 bar) means this watch is suitable for everyday wear. The power reserve indicator in this watch is an additional feature that Eco-Drive watches include.
Citizen Promaster Diver Eco-Drive (36.5mm) Grey Dial / Pink Polyurethane Strap EO2023-00A
This ladies’ watch exhibits a silver bezel which complements the rose gold case protecting the dial. The pink polyurethane strap and pin buckle create a sporty image with the rose gold hour, minute and second hands reinforcing elegance. This pretty piece is powered by Eco-Drive technology which takes light energy and stores it in a power cell to run the watch. This watch is reliable and can be worn with the confidence of knowing that it will continue to run. Even if it hasn’t been in contact with light it will still be powered.
What did you think of our ‘Watches 101: What is Eco-Drive?’ guide? Will you be adding an Eco-Drive watch to your collection? Let us know in the comments below!
