Do Eco-Drive Watches need Batteries?

Eco-Drive watches do not need batteries to operate. Instead, it uses light as their source of power. By using solar conversion panel on the face of the watch, Eco-Drive watches are capable of converting light into electrical source for the watch to run.

Conflicting views often arise whenever this question comes – Reason being is because, technically, there is a ‘secondary’ battery inside the Eco-Drive watch that stores the electrical power which was converted by the solar conversion panel of the Eco-Drive watch.

However, this can be misleading because the ‘secondary’ battery inside the Eco-Drive watch operates more like a power reserve that stores and slowly releases power for the watch to run and does not work like the traditional oxide battery that all quartz watch uses.

How do you Charge an Eco-Drive Watch?

Eco-Drive watches are charged by being exposed to the light (natural or artificial). By keeping your Eco-Drive watch exposed to the light, it will absorb the light energy through its solar conversion panel on the face of the watch and convert it into electrical source for the watch to run.

How long does it take to charge an Eco-Drive Watch?

The time required to fully recharge an Eco-Drive watch varies by its model. There are also external factors to consider when we determine the time required to fully recharge an Eco-Drive watch. Below is the breakdown:

1) Eco-Drive watch model – Consult your watch dealer or check out the manual of the watch for details.

2) Natural light or artificial light – Naturally (pun intended), natural light will provide more energy as a light source; typically it takes approximately 8 hours on a cloudy day and 3 hours on a sunny day to fully recharge an Eco-Drive watch. While artificial light takes approximately 10 hours.

How long does the battery last in a Citizen Eco-Drive Watch?

How long does the battery last in a Citizen Eco-Drive watch depends on the watch model. However, it shouldn’t vary too much. According to reports from Citizen official reports, the power reserve battery will last for up to 10 years.

This shouldn’t come as a surprise because the ‘secondary’ battery or most people call it the power reserve battery are built to last for a lifetime. The harnessed light energy which is stored in this battery should keep your timepiece for the next generation and onward.

Are all Citizen Eco-Drive Watches Solar Powered?

All Citizen eco drive watches are solar-powered. Citizen eco-drive watches feature atomic timekeeping, which means that you never have to worry about your Citizen eco drive watch’s accuracy or set the time. Citizen eco-drive technology makes life easier and helps save the environment.

On the other hand, it is important to note that not all Citizen Watches are equipped with eco-drive technology. Some of the older model Citizen Watches may be solar-powered but may not come with the eco-drive technology. Do check the descriptions or the operational manual when purchasing a Citizen Watch.

Are Citizen Eco-Drive Watches Reliable?

In the segment of solar-powered watches, the Citizen Eco-Drive Watches are probably the most reliable watches available in the market. The Eco-Drive technology founded by Citizen has won numerous prestigious awards for its reliability and ingenuity.

Imagine in the next 20 to even 30 years and your Citizen Eco-Drive watch is still running strong and accurate while no battery was ever changed nor time was ever adjusted before. This is the kind of reliability which the Citizen Eco-Drive can deliver as it features atomic timekeeping that automatically sets the time for you so that you won’t have to worry about your watch’s accuracy.

How much does a Citizen Eco-Drive Watch cost?

The Eco-Drive technology from Citizen may be cutting-edge and will last you a lifetime, the actual cost of the watch can start from $85 USD and our favorite here is definitely this rugged Eco-Drive BM8180-03E with khaki canvas strap along with a day-date complication.

Undisputedly, this watch is one of our best value watch es. Comes off with a rugged look but it is actually very comfortable when worn, this military-inspired timepiece fits the bill with a day-date indicator and brightly lit luminous hands 37mm screw-back case. If you are worried about water, then you are in luck because this watch comes with a water-resistant of 100 meters, perfect for wearing it to a swim.