What is EcoDrive?
CITIZEN Eco-Drive technology is a revolutionary concept that harnesses the power of light — from any natural or artificial light source — and converts it into energy.
An EcoDrive powered watch never needs a battery change and will run forever.
What is a Solar Cell?
The Eco-Drive watch uses a micron thin disc of amorphous Silicon under the dial to convert light energy into electrical energy though the photovoltaic process. The electrical energy is then stored in a rechargeable battery. The charging is done in a more efficient manner than was ever before thought possible. Because of this newly developed technology, it is now practical to use a wide variety of attractive dials.
What kind of battery is used in Eco-Drive?
The Titanium Lithium Ion battery. It is such quality that the normal charge/discharge cycle affects it to such a small degree that it doesn't need to be replaced like an ordinary silver oxide battery. With the normal care and exposure to light the owner can be assured of a lifetime of reliable and trouble free time keeping. As an added benefit to the environment, it contains none of the caustic chemicals used in ordinary batteries. The battery will last for the lifetime of use. The factory engineers project that even after twenty years, the battery will still have eighty percent of its ability to be recharged.
How long will my Eco-Drive watch run after it is fully charged?
Your watch is designed to run continuously and will do so if it is regularly exposed to bright light. Your watch uses very little energy and that is easily replenished during normal use. If your watch is put away where no light is available to it while in a fully charged state, depending on the model, it will run for from 45 days to 5 years.
How can I recharge my Eco-Drive watch in a safe manner?
Exposing your watch to ambient light on a daily basis is sufficient to keep it charged up. If your watch displays the Low Charge Warning however, it can be safely charged by exposing it to a fluorescent desklamp, with the dial (face) up and within about 8 inches or an incandescent lamp (regular light bulb) no closer than 20 inches. Never use a halogen lamp since the heat generated by it can cause damage to your watch. The most efficient and the quickest is in direct bright sunlight (not windowsill) and never on the dashboard of a car.
How do I quick charge an Eco-Drive?
Pull out the crown and charge under normal charging conditions. By pulling out the crown your Eco-Drive watch will charge in one third of the time.
How EcoDrive Works
Citizen Eco-Drive watches use the simplest, yet most technically advanced power generating and storage system in the Watch Manufacturing Industry.
Natural and artificial lights are absorbed through the dial...
A special solar cell converts the light into energy...
Enough energy is stored to power the timepiece, even in the dark, from 135 days to 4 years depending on the model.
Eco-Drive's ability to use light from any source to generate electrical power means that the supply is limitless and free. The absence of any added complex power generating machinery reduces additional upkeep and maintenance.
