Citizen Eco-Drive Watches: How to use and maintain? By CityWatches UK

Sept. 18, 2009 - PRLog -- Eco-Drive

Citizen Eco-Drive watches use the simplest, yet most advanced power generating and storage system. A combination of solar conversion panel and energy cell is the power provider for these watches. Eco-Drive ability to convert light energy to electrical energy means that its power is limitless. The Citizen Eco-Drive watch uses a microns thin disc of amorphous Silicon under the dial to convert light energy into electrical energy through the photovoltaic process. The electrical energy is then stored in a special energy storage cell.

The lifetime of an energy storage cell

The Citizen Eco-Drive Energy Cell will last a lifetime of use.

Is the watch is getting enough light?

In normal use, the watch displays the time and the second hand moves in one second intervals. A very important feature of Citizen Eco-Drive is the Low Charge Warning Mode which as a result of low energy cell voltage causes the second hand to jump two seconds at a time (while still keeping correct time). When this signal is seen, the watch should be exposed to bright light following the recharging guidelines shown in its instruction manual.

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The second hand on my watch jumps two seconds at a time

It means that the reserve power is getting low and the energy cell needs to be fully recharged by exposing it to light for a period of time. This may also occur after fully recharging your watch after a complete discharge of the energy cell. If you have fully charged your watch and the second hand continues to move in two second intervals, you need to do an all reset of the watch. For simple citizen analog models, pull the crown out to the time setting position for 30 seconds, and then return the crown to the closed position next to the case, then set the time.

Why does my watch appear to have lost time, even though it is still running?

A second important feature, Time Reset Advisory, warns that the citizen watch has stopped completely and then been exposed to enough light to start running again. The time shown would likely be incorrect and need to be reset after recharging the watch sufficiently.

Resetting the Eco-Drive Watch to return to normal operation?

After the watch has stopped and been restarted by exposure to bright light, it will remain in the Time Reset Warning (hitch movement) mode until one or the other of two things happen.

First, if the citizen watch is set to the correct time after partial recharging, the hitch movement will change to a two step movement indicating that more charging is needed. While charging is continued, the watch will keep correct time and after sufficient charging, will go back to the regular one second step by itself.

Second, if the Citizen watch is not set until after it is charged up to a sufficient level where the circuit signals the watch to start the one second step again, it will stay in the Time Reset Advisory mode. However, after it has reached the above charge level, and the time on the watch is set, it will go back to the normal one second step movement.

The amount of charging time, under varying light conditions, to go from a stopped watch to a one second step is shown in each instruction book.

When the Citizen watch has received the charging time recommended in its instruction book, the all reset has been performed and the time has been set, the irregular movement of the hands will stop.

The “All Reset” procedure varies for each citizen eco-drive model. For simple analog models, pull the crown out to the time setting position, leave for 30 seconds, then return to the closed position next to the case. For multifunction and perpetual calendar models, refer to your owners manual for appropriate procedures.

The quick start feature

Many Citizen Eco-Drive watches are equipped with a Quick Start Feature. This feature activates after your watch has become completely discharged then exposed to light sufficient for charging. It takes only several seconds of exposure to bright light to start it running. The instant the watch starts running, it enters into the Time Reset Advisory mode. This is indicated by the irregular movement of the second hand. Be sure to fully charge your watch as outlined in your instruction booklet otherwise your watch may stop once removed from the light. Once your citizen watch has been completely charged, be sure to perform the ‘all reset’ and set the time to restore regular operation.

Check out our Citizen Eco-Drive watches at CityWatches UK! http://www.citywatches.co.uk/watches/citizen/eco-drive

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