Comments on: Citizen Eco-Drive Watch Review http://the-gadgeteer.com/1999/01/08/citizen_eco_drive_watch_review/ Gadget reviews and news by Julie Strietelmeier and friends since 1997 Fri, 25 May 2012 04:14:02 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v= By: barry conn http://the-gadgeteer.com/1999/01/08/citizen_eco_drive_watch_review/comment-page-1/#comment-147770 barry conn Thu, 17 May 2012 22:42:29 +0000 #comment-147770 I bought my Solartech 180 back in 1996 and it recently began to stop if left in the dark. A quick hunt around the Internet may have found the answer - you have to charge the watch fully, then unscrew the crown and pull the adjuster out to the last position. Leave it like this for at least 30 seconds to perform a full reset (this is important), then use normally. It's working for me - I've left it in absolute blackness several nights to see if it dies, but it seems to be completely back to normal. Worth a try... I bought my Solartech 180 back in 1996 and it recently began to stop if left in the dark.
A quick hunt around the Internet may have found the answer – you have to charge the watch fully, then unscrew the crown and pull the adjuster out to the last position. Leave it like this for at least 30 seconds to perform a full reset (this is important), then use normally.
It’s working for me – I’ve left it in absolute blackness several nights to see if it dies, but it seems to be completely back to normal.

Worth a try…

]]> By: Donna http://the-gadgeteer.com/1999/01/08/citizen_eco_drive_watch_review/comment-page-1/#comment-147529 Donna Wed, 16 May 2012 03:58:14 +0000 #comment-147529 I've had a ladies titanium Eco drive for probably close to 10 years, perhaps more. It's NEVER quit working. I used to go through batteries every couple months in regular watches no matter where I got the batteries. Got fed up and my mom bought me a Cititzen for my birthday. Best watch ever! Cleans up with soap and water and I've never had to actually put mine in the light, it must charge enough with daily wear. I’ve had a ladies titanium Eco drive for probably close to 10 years, perhaps more. It’s NEVER quit working. I used to go through batteries every couple months in regular watches no matter where I got the batteries. Got fed up and my mom bought me a Cititzen for my birthday. Best watch ever! Cleans up with soap and water and I’ve never had to actually put mine in the light, it must charge enough with daily wear.

]]> By: Jason http://the-gadgeteer.com/1999/01/08/citizen_eco_drive_watch_review/comment-page-1/#comment-130245 Jason Mon, 26 Dec 2011 02:08:10 +0000 #comment-130245 I bought an eco-drive for my wife for Christmas. I can't say how dissapointed I am. It does NOT work. We have had it under my piano light for several hours and it does NOT work. The hands will not move. I have changed the time several times, pulling the setting button in an out several tmes. It simply will not go. I buy cheap watches from WalMart because I migt damage them at work. I have never had one that didn't work. The first time I buy an eco-drive, it doesn't work, right out the box. WHAT a Huge dissapointment, especially for Christmas. I bought an eco-drive for my wife for Christmas. I can’t say how dissapointed I am. It does NOT work. We have had it under my piano light for several hours and it does NOT work. The hands will not move. I have changed the time several times, pulling the setting button in an out several tmes. It simply will not go. I buy cheap watches from WalMart because I migt damage them at work. I have never had one that didn’t work. The first time I buy an eco-drive, it doesn’t work, right out the box. WHAT a Huge dissapointment, especially for Christmas.

]]> By: ckyjohn http://the-gadgeteer.com/1999/01/08/citizen_eco_drive_watch_review/comment-page-1/#comment-129518 ckyjohn Sun, 18 Dec 2011 17:37:15 +0000 #comment-129518 I have had three now in the past 6 years (last two were presents). The first was only worn for special occasions and lasted about a year and then the adjustment pin came off when I adjusted the time. It still worked for about 6 months after that (with the wrong time) and then quit completely. The second lasted about a year and quit. The third stopped last week after about 2 years of fairly steady usage. I would not buy another and wanted to let others know they are nice to look at but are problematic. Bulova Precisionist will be my next watch. I have had three now in the past 6 years (last two were presents). The first was only worn for special occasions and lasted about a year and then the adjustment pin came off when I adjusted the time. It still worked for about 6 months after that (with the wrong time) and then quit completely. The second lasted about a year and quit. The third stopped last week after about 2 years of fairly steady usage. I would not buy another and wanted to let others know they are nice to look at but are problematic. Bulova Precisionist will be my next watch.

]]> By: Lucky http://the-gadgeteer.com/1999/01/08/citizen_eco_drive_watch_review/comment-page-1/#comment-129002 Lucky Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:52:33 +0000 #comment-129002 Got Citizen eco as gift 2 years ago, has laid in drawer and not worn much. Now after sitting in the sunlight and lamp light it won't stay running for any length of time. The second hand jumps 2 minutes at a time, odd? How long is the warranty? It still looks like new but won't stay running. What a shame. What to do? Got Citizen eco as gift 2 years ago, has laid in drawer and not worn much. Now after sitting in the sunlight and lamp light it won’t stay running for any length of time. The second hand jumps 2 minutes at a time, odd? How long is the warranty? It still looks like new but won’t stay running. What a shame. What to do?

]]> By: Pharcyde http://the-gadgeteer.com/1999/01/08/citizen_eco_drive_watch_review/comment-page-1/#comment-126963 Pharcyde Fri, 25 Nov 2011 16:56:23 +0000 #comment-126963 I have a Men's Blue Angel Skyhawk that I purchased about 9 yrs ago... This watch was a favorite as it was great for both diving and travel. unfortunately It's been in for repair ($150) and gradually was not keeping acurate time and finally about a year ago stopped working all together (I tried charging in sunlight, lamplight & flashlight) LOL... I really like the watch but don't want to spend another $150+ getting it repaired... For me replacing a battery (I have another nice watch that has lasted longer and the battery has been replaced 1 time @ a watch repair shop for $30)... I think I'll stick to the more traditional watched that need batteries... :^( I have a Men’s Blue Angel Skyhawk that I purchased about 9 yrs ago… This watch was a favorite as it was great for both diving and travel. unfortunately It’s been in for repair ($150) and gradually was not keeping acurate time and finally about a year ago stopped working all together (I tried charging in sunlight, lamplight & flashlight) LOL… I really like the watch but don’t want to spend another $150+ getting it repaired… For me replacing a battery (I have another nice watch that has lasted longer and the battery has been replaced 1 time @ a watch repair shop for $30)… I think I’ll stick to the more traditional watched that need batteries… :^(

]]> By: Olga http://the-gadgeteer.com/1999/01/08/citizen_eco_drive_watch_review/comment-page-1/#comment-126766 Olga Tue, 22 Nov 2011 20:16:55 +0000 #comment-126766 Hi! I just bought a Citizen CA0080-03E, it is a gift so I am not taking it out of box (transparent). The long, thin second arm is not moving though, while the two others are, same case with the little arrow on the bottom of the watch. is it just due to empty battery, or should I get it replaced? Thanks! Hi! I just bought a Citizen CA0080-03E, it is a gift so I am not taking it out of box (transparent). The long, thin second arm is not moving though, while the two others are, same case with the little arrow on the bottom of the watch. is it just due to empty battery, or should I get it replaced? Thanks!

]]> By: Phil http://the-gadgeteer.com/1999/01/08/citizen_eco_drive_watch_review/comment-page-1/#comment-122857 Phil Thu, 03 Nov 2011 18:59:21 +0000 #comment-122857 Great until you have to change the time/date then completely impossible to set. How difficult can it be. Rubbish. Great until you have to change the time/date then completely impossible to set. How difficult can it be. Rubbish.

]]> By: Naiomi Shimmin http://the-gadgeteer.com/1999/01/08/citizen_eco_drive_watch_review/comment-page-1/#comment-118009 Naiomi Shimmin Mon, 10 Oct 2011 19:56:25 +0000 #comment-118009 Me and my husband received a Citizen eco drive each as wedding presents nearly ten years ago and both are still going strong! I wear mine more for special occasions and just make sure it as some light when not being worn and it as worked fine and kept fantastic time. My husband as worn his almost everyday, as a result some of the gold finish as worn off, so have just ordered this new one for him http://www.goldandtimes.co.uk/mens-citizen-ar1124-59e-eco-drive-two-tone-black-dial-stainless-steel-watch-1381-p.asp Hopefully he will get as much use out of it as his old one Me and my husband received a Citizen eco drive each as wedding presents nearly ten years ago and both are still going strong!
I wear mine more for special occasions and just make sure it as some light when not being worn and it as worked fine and kept fantastic time. My husband as worn his almost everyday, as a result some of the gold finish as worn off, so have just ordered this new one for him
http://www.goldandtimes.co.uk/mens-citizen-ar1124-59e-eco-drive-two-tone-black-dial-stainless-steel-watch-1381-p.asp
Hopefully he will get as much use out of it as his old one

]]> By: Daniel http://the-gadgeteer.com/1999/01/08/citizen_eco_drive_watch_review/comment-page-1/#comment-114573 Daniel Wed, 21 Sep 2011 08:38:35 +0000 #comment-114573 Can't believe this article is still viewed. I have 2 Citizen Eco-Drive watches. The one I chose for my 21st in 2007 (it's also titanium, similar to the one in the article...just a "newer model" you can say; it's an e100-s011922). And I just had to get another so that I could choose which I'd like to wear for the day. So I got the BT0001-55L just 4 days ago, which has a perpetual calender and just has a different look to my other. I've never experienced low charge or anything, and hope for many many years still. Lovely, quality watches. Can’t believe this article is still viewed.

I have 2 Citizen Eco-Drive watches. The one I chose for my 21st in 2007 (it’s also titanium, similar to the one in the article…just a “newer model” you can say; it’s an e100-s011922). And I just had to get another so that I could choose which I’d like to wear for the day. So I got the BT0001-55L just 4 days ago, which has a perpetual calender and just has a different look to my other.
I’ve never experienced low charge or anything, and hope for many many years still. Lovely, quality watches.

]]> By: balut http://the-gadgeteer.com/1999/01/08/citizen_eco_drive_watch_review/comment-page-1/#comment-113509 balut Sun, 11 Sep 2011 14:41:17 +0000 #comment-113509 the hubby has this exact same watch, bought in 1997. he has been wearing it everyday since then and thanks to the sapphire glass which makes it scratch-proof, it still looks like new to this day. battery has never been replaced! love these watches; i own 3 ladies eco-drives. the one i bought in 2002 stopped recharging in 2010 but its working like new again after a capacitor replacement. great watches! the hubby has this exact same watch, bought in 1997. he has been wearing it everyday since then and thanks to the sapphire glass which makes it scratch-proof, it still looks like new to this day. battery has never been replaced!

love these watches; i own 3 ladies eco-drives. the one i bought in 2002 stopped recharging in 2010 but its working like new again after a capacitor replacement. great watches!

]]> By: jlk http://the-gadgeteer.com/1999/01/08/citizen_eco_drive_watch_review/comment-page-1/#comment-111773 jlk Sun, 21 Aug 2011 00:45:21 +0000 #comment-111773 I also purchased this watch 9 years ago and have never changed anything but the time ,,Great watch....... I also purchased this watch 9 years ago and have never changed anything but the time ,,Great watch…….

]]> By: forest sanborn http://the-gadgeteer.com/1999/01/08/citizen_eco_drive_watch_review/comment-page-1/#comment-111151 forest sanborn Sun, 14 Aug 2011 16:36:28 +0000 #comment-111151 I just got a eco drive for my b-day i love the watch but the second hand stops at 12 every few hrs or so..the time stays correct ..how do i fix. I just got a eco drive for my b-day i love the watch but the second hand stops at 12 every few hrs or so..the time stays correct ..how do i fix.

]]> By: my http://the-gadgeteer.com/1999/01/08/citizen_eco_drive_watch_review/comment-page-1/#comment-100874 my Thu, 14 Apr 2011 16:18:04 +0000 #comment-100874 Can anybody tell me what is battery life of ECO drive watches. Because Citizen eco drive website claims that that battery will go fo 22 years. Can anybody tell me what is battery life of ECO drive watches.

Because Citizen eco drive website claims that that battery will go fo 22 years.

]]> By: JV http://the-gadgeteer.com/1999/01/08/citizen_eco_drive_watch_review/comment-page-1/#comment-99462 JV Sun, 20 Mar 2011 05:21:11 +0000 #comment-99462 Thank you, ME. Resetting the watch by adjusting the date and time got the watch working properly again. Since I left it in the light and the second hand still kept skipping, I thought it was the capacitor. Thank you, ME. Resetting the watch by adjusting the date and time got the watch working properly again. Since I left it in the light and the second hand still kept skipping, I thought it was the capacitor.

]]> By: Bill http://the-gadgeteer.com/1999/01/08/citizen_eco_drive_watch_review/comment-page-1/#comment-99347 Bill Wed, 16 Mar 2011 15:07:38 +0000 #comment-99347 I'm one of those people you may have heard about who seem to generate an unusually strong electromagnetic field. Over the years I have killed countless spring-driven and battery-powered wristwatches within months just by wearing them, and had almost given up on watches altogether when I bought an Eco-Drive to celebrate my son's birth. He's almost 14 now and the watch has performed perfectly until just a couple of weeks ago when I saw the "jumping hand" for the first time. If I leave the watch lying around in a cool room overnight it seems to affect the capacitor and the watch sometimes stops (it's only happened 3 times so far), but starts again as soon as I put the watch on and it absorbs my body heat. My watch is stainless steel, yet still lightweight and completely comfortable. I had 2 links removed from the band when I bought the watch, and have had no problems whatsoever with it. In fact I love the locking mechanism the band uses. I have worn this watch almost constantly for nearly 14 years in all situations, including outdoors doing yard work and on camping trips. My Eco-Drive is one of the best purchases I have ever made and I wouldn't give it up for any other watch. If I ever lose it, I will immediately buy another. I’m one of those people you may have heard about who seem to generate an unusually strong electromagnetic field. Over the years I have killed countless spring-driven and battery-powered wristwatches within months just by wearing them, and had almost given up on watches altogether when I bought an Eco-Drive to celebrate my son’s birth. He’s almost 14 now and the watch has performed perfectly until just a couple of weeks ago when I saw the “jumping hand” for the first time. If I leave the watch lying around in a cool room overnight it seems to affect the capacitor and the watch sometimes stops (it’s only happened 3 times so far), but starts again as soon as I put the watch on and it absorbs my body heat. My watch is stainless steel, yet still lightweight and completely comfortable. I had 2 links removed from the band when I bought the watch, and have had no problems whatsoever with it. In fact I love the locking mechanism the band uses. I have worn this watch almost constantly for nearly 14 years in all situations, including outdoors doing yard work and on camping trips. My Eco-Drive is one of the best purchases I have ever made and I wouldn’t give it up for any other watch. If I ever lose it, I will immediately buy another.

]]> By: mur_phy http://the-gadgeteer.com/1999/01/08/citizen_eco_drive_watch_review/comment-page-1/#comment-98764 mur_phy Tue, 08 Mar 2011 05:06:11 +0000 #comment-98764 Mine is the Titanium Solar Tech 180 and I obtained it from a friend 10 years ago and it had been used I believe a couple years. Never had an issue with it. Time is not dead on but few watches are and if it is a minute or so fast, all well and good. Before I obtained this watch, I had been unable to wear a watch for a few years as the "gold" on most watches -- straps/frames-- would cause a rash and itching. Titanium being inert does not cause any issue so hopefully this watch will last many years still. I wear the watch daily and am generally indoors and the watch is off my arm when sleeping and no issues with charging at all. Would search out a replacement if I ever need to but hopefully that will not be necessary. Mine is the Titanium Solar Tech 180 and I obtained it from a friend 10 years ago and it had been used I believe a couple years. Never had an issue with it. Time is not dead on but few watches are and if it is a minute or so fast, all well and good. Before I obtained this watch, I had been unable to wear a watch for a few years as the “gold” on most watches — straps/frames– would cause a rash and itching. Titanium being inert does not cause any issue so hopefully this watch will last many years still. I wear the watch daily and am generally indoors and the watch is off my arm when sleeping and no issues with charging at all. Would search out a replacement if I ever need to but hopefully that will not be necessary.

]]> By: Jose http://the-gadgeteer.com/1999/01/08/citizen_eco_drive_watch_review/comment-page-1/#comment-98266 Jose Thu, 24 Feb 2011 22:03:24 +0000 #comment-98266 "Never needs a battery replaced" is not true. My Titanuim eco drive is 9 years old and now it do not retain charge. I should replace secondary battery and the distributor charge me more than one hundred dollars for repair it. “Never needs a battery replaced” is not true. My Titanuim eco drive is 9 years old and now it do not retain charge. I should replace secondary battery and the distributor charge me more than one hundred dollars for repair it.

]]> By: Roy http://the-gadgeteer.com/1999/01/08/citizen_eco_drive_watch_review/comment-page-1/#comment-97786 Roy Wed, 16 Feb 2011 00:58:07 +0000 #comment-97786 Citizen couldn't guarantee their servicing would fix my problem because they no longer have a replacement movement. They were going to try to refurbish using cannibalized parts from other watches. I decided against the repair, and instead invested the money in a new Seiko automatic mechanical watch. No more issues with batteries, capacitors or any other electronic components. I won't buy another solar-powered watch ever again. Citizen couldn’t guarantee their servicing would fix my problem because they no longer have a replacement movement. They were going to try to refurbish using cannibalized parts from other watches. I decided against the repair, and instead invested the money in a new Seiko automatic mechanical watch. No more issues with batteries, capacitors or any other electronic components. I won’t buy another solar-powered watch ever again.

]]> By: ME http://the-gadgeteer.com/1999/01/08/citizen_eco_drive_watch_review/comment-page-1/#comment-97728 ME Mon, 14 Feb 2011 21:49:59 +0000 #comment-97728 I have 2 eco drives and had them stored for 6 months after my house flooded...there is a reset function that I had to preform on one of them because it was "jumping" also. Go to the Citizen website for details...perpetual calender models are model specific and all others are quite simple...just pull crown out to time adjustment for 30 seconds and reset time. Worked on mine...hope this saves some of you some time and money. I have 2 eco drives and had them stored for 6 months after my house flooded…there is a reset function that I had to preform on one of them because it was “jumping” also. Go to the Citizen website for details…perpetual calender models are model specific and all others are quite simple…just pull crown out to time adjustment for 30 seconds and reset time. Worked on mine…hope this saves some of you some time and money.

]]> By: Jesse http://the-gadgeteer.com/1999/01/08/citizen_eco_drive_watch_review/comment-page-1/#comment-97316 Jesse Tue, 08 Feb 2011 21:54:24 +0000 #comment-97316 Nice watches, company doesn't stand behind product! I wouldn't recommend! Nice watches, company doesn’t stand behind product! I wouldn’t recommend!

]]> By: Guy http://the-gadgeteer.com/1999/01/08/citizen_eco_drive_watch_review/comment-page-1/#comment-96889 Guy Mon, 31 Jan 2011 08:51:16 +0000 #comment-96889 I know another post :O) but I have a ? I bought my Echo Drive solar tech 180 close to the day they were first released and it does not say Titanium on the dial BUT it is TT I can tell by the weight ! Anyone ever see one like that and does anyone know what yr these came on the market I would kina like to know . I bought it to replace an expencive Omega Seamaster someone stole out of my wife purse she was taking it in for a cleaning for me . My 180 is a tank of a watch . For that matter so is the new one a Calibre 2100 Echo Drive I bought a couple yrs ago .B U T ful watch IMHO . I love the power meter on the new one . I also recomend having any watch you buy at any price taken to a watch dude and have him ck the bracelet pins even some $10.000 watches can and do have bracelet problem now and then even new ones . Just have him or her make sure the pins are secure and clasp and you should never have a problem he can put wider stronger pins in if needed fairly cheap osmetimes it only requires him to use a punch set to secure them better and that way you will never have one fall of your arm from a lose pin . I know another post :O) but I have a ? I bought my Echo Drive solar tech 180 close to the day they were first released and it does not say Titanium on the dial BUT it is TT I can tell by the weight ! Anyone ever see one like that and does anyone know what yr these came on the market I would kina like to know . I bought it to replace an expencive Omega Seamaster someone stole out of my wife purse she was taking it in for a cleaning for me . My 180 is a tank of a watch . For that matter so is the new one a Calibre 2100 Echo Drive I bought a couple yrs ago .B U T ful watch IMHO . I love the power meter on the new one . I also recomend having any watch you buy at any price taken to a watch dude and have him ck the bracelet pins even some $10.000 watches can and do have bracelet problem now and then even new ones . Just have him or her make sure the pins are secure and clasp and you should never have a problem he can put wider stronger pins in if needed fairly cheap osmetimes it only requires him to use a punch set to secure them better and that way you will never have one fall of your arm from a lose pin .

]]> By: Guy http://the-gadgeteer.com/1999/01/08/citizen_eco_drive_watch_review/comment-page-1/#comment-96887 Guy Mon, 31 Jan 2011 08:23:05 +0000 #comment-96887 I would also like to add one more thing the 20 yr old soloar tech bracelet is made in Japan and the new Calibre 2100 bracelet is made in China but both are very well made high quality and I doubt I have a problem with them in my life time . Thats just my 2 cents ymmv of course . I always have my watch dude check any new watch I buy for bracelet problems and he told me the new Calibre 2100 bracelet was solid as a rock and there was no need for him to do anything . I have on other watches had him put in bigger pins and things but the Citzens are rock solid . I would also like to add one more thing the 20 yr old soloar tech bracelet is made in Japan and the new Calibre 2100 bracelet is made in China but both are very well made high quality and I doubt I have a problem with them in my life time . Thats just my 2 cents ymmv of course . I always have my watch dude check any new watch I buy for bracelet problems and he told me the new Calibre 2100 bracelet was solid as a rock and there was no need for him to do anything . I have on other watches had him put in bigger pins and things but the Citzens are rock solid .

]]> By: Guy http://the-gadgeteer.com/1999/01/08/citizen_eco_drive_watch_review/comment-page-1/#comment-96882 Guy Mon, 31 Jan 2011 05:57:45 +0000 #comment-96882 Ive had the solar tech 180 blue dial TT since they came out ! It got lost in a drawer here for iam not kidding 12 yrs I stuck it under a light for a few days and the thing is back running just fine ! I own 2 Citizen Eco Drives and have never had either one not charge back up but I guess it could happen ! I have the 180 and the new Calibre 2100 that they claim is hand assembled ! Ive had the solar tech 180 blue dial TT since they came out ! It got lost in a drawer here for iam not kidding 12 yrs I stuck it under a light for a few days and the thing is back running just fine ! I own 2 Citizen Eco Drives and have never had either one not charge back up but I guess it could happen !

I have the 180 and the new Calibre 2100 that they claim is hand assembled !

]]> By: Hanging Judge http://the-gadgeteer.com/1999/01/08/citizen_eco_drive_watch_review/comment-page-1/#comment-96417 Hanging Judge Sun, 23 Jan 2011 18:37:44 +0000 #comment-96417 Just purchased a new Citizen Eco-drive ladies for my wife EW9010-54A. I wanted to give her something that would be trouble and maintenance free, and look great. Well, it was keeping perfect time when I opened the box, but overnight it quit and it won't start again. This after exposing it to hours of daylight, mostly cool, direct sun. (It's winter here.) So on top of all the complaints written here about the cheap bands, I have to say the watch is pretty cheap too, having quit after less than a day!! Glad she didn't have a chance to re-size it yet. Just purchased a new Citizen Eco-drive ladies for my wife EW9010-54A. I wanted to give her something that would be trouble and maintenance free, and look great. Well, it was keeping perfect time when I opened the box, but overnight it quit and it won’t start again. This after exposing it to hours of daylight, mostly cool, direct sun. (It’s winter here.) So on top of all the complaints written here about the cheap bands, I have to say the watch is pretty cheap too, having quit after less than a day!! Glad she didn’t have a chance to re-size it yet.

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