Citizen Eco-drive Watch Is Not Working

by Linda Bonnette
(Morehead City, North Carolina)

Where can I send my Citizen Eco-drive watch to have the battery/solar cell (?) renewed. The solar cell is dead and will not keep any time.

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Citizen Eco-drive Watch Is Not Working

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Jan 14, 2012
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Eco Drive E812 stop NEW
by: Issa

My eco drive stop this morning it was working last night, the second hand stop at postion stop at 4 clock, what I should do to restart it

Jan 14, 2012
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Eco Drive E812 NEW
by: Anonymous

My eco drive stop this morning it was working last night, the second hand stop at postion stop at 4 clock, what I should do to restart it

Dec 27, 2011
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cannot reset NEW
by: Anonymous

my eco drive i put under day light for 3 days still cannot reset second hand stuck at 4 oclock or warning position any help please

Dec 26, 2011
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Fixing ur Eco-Drive NEW
by: watchguy1960@comcast.net

I can fix most Eco-drives libido

Nov 12, 2011
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Eco drive watch second hand stopped NEW
by: tonyc2468

Eco drive second hand has stopped at 10 oclock, all other hand moving fine. Fully charged but can not reset or get second hand to move from the 10 oclock position any ideas?

Nov 12, 2011
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second hand fixed at 10 0clock position NEW
by: Anonymous

I have a eco drive with the second hand stuck in the 10 oclock position - has any one had this problem and found a fix

Nov 11, 2011
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dgf
by: Elisha

My Citizen eco drive watch stopped working i changed the dial for 1300 rupees but after 2 yrs it again stopped working......... what to do

Nov 06, 2011
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stop
by: Anonymous

my watch's second hand is in stop position since i bought.it hasn't started yet..i m still charging but not working till now.

Nov 06, 2011
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stop
by: Anonymous

my watch's second hand is in stop position since i bought.it hasn't started yet..i m still charging but not working till now.

Oct 24, 2011
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Eco Drive Stops
by: Mike W.

My Eco Drive E811 always stops at 11:20. Any ideas?

Thanks,

Mike W.

Sep 28, 2011
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eco drive mt621
by: Anonymous

I am installing a new capacitor in my citizen wr100 solar tech. I can't figure out the alignment, placement of the tab,can someone help me out with this? thought I had the alignment right! does it insert somewhere?

Aug 22, 2011
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fixed it...wow...
by: Anonymous

I posted that my analog hands were out (previous post)

Hey, anyone having this problem, I found this helpful:
http://citizenwatch.com/COA/English/settings_int.asp?caliber=U600&interactive=U600

How my hands and power meter got out of sync I will never know. Everything was out of sync.

And this one: http://www.fixya.com/search/p140223-citizen_skyhawk_eco_drive_jr306059f/analog_setting was helpful. Every single hand on my watch was out!!! Also, I just got a better radio signal after....this thing might have needed this from the start....

Aug 22, 2011
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My Blue angels Skyhawk is out by 5 hours 12 minutes
by: Daryle

Hi. I have a brand new citizen skyhawk.
Bought it on a cruise ship, so it's real. In Florida, it adjusted time fine.

I came back to the Vancouver BC coast area (home/near Seattle WA) and could not get it to line up to LAX or YVR.

I went from one time zone to another, and was not able to get the correct time, so I did a reset. From that day, It is worse. I have tons of battery, but the radio signal is low, and when I do a zero set, it sets at 12 minutes to 7. (Way out). How can I set this to zero at 12 (like it's supposed to?

Is it the low signal? Should I get up high in a high rise or something?? I do this in many locations, keeping it still, always low or no signal.
If I could get it to zero off, that would be close. But, still have the signal problems.

Please anyone, HELP!

Aug 09, 2011
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problem crown wheel
by: stephen

phoned citizen to tell them there was a problem with the crown wheel on my watch when the crown wheel was all the way in it was still able to chang the time they said the watch was designed this way and it was not a fault as a good will guestur they would stop it from doing this. to do this they have to fit full new insides.thanks citizen for fixing a watch you said was not broken

Aug 09, 2011
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Aug 01, 2011
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Thank you!! I fixed my Skyhawk.
by: Rich in Gig Harbor

Your website enabled me to fix the disparity between the analog and digital displays on my Citizen C650 Skyhawk watch.

I performed the "Zero setting for analog hands" procedure and was able to resolve the six-minute disparity between the analog and digital time display.

I would not have found those instruction in the manual had it not been for this board. My sincere thanks. I love this watch and was worried that it was toast.

Jul 24, 2011
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trouble recharging my eco drive E011 ladies watch
by: Anonymous

I have a ladies Eco drive E011 (analogue) watch. It had totally stopped 3 days ago and have been trying to charge it for 3 days in the sun and under a lamp and it is still not charged. The instructions say to pull the crown out into the resetting time position which is what I have done. I then put in sun etc. but according to the recharging tables it should take less than this to get from "the stop state to the one second movement" (this takes only 2 hours in cloudy sun or 7 hours under the lamp). It takes longer to be fully charged however, I thought I should see the second hand move by now as it has probably been in the sun for 12 hours or more and under the lamp for at least 5 hours total.
I am doing anything wrong?

Jul 06, 2011
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Eco-watch not working
by: Anonymous

Eco-drive watch not working.
I have observd that my eco-drive watch I bought some couple of days ago, the second hand stops continually, I don't know what to do, I wonder if I should return it to the store where I bought it?
I did buy a three year cover for it. I shall indeed be more than grateful to hear your advice. thanks, Matthew.

Jul 06, 2011
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Jun 23, 2011
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MY watch not working propely
by: Anonymous

fixed the problem

Jun 16, 2011
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no movement after reset
by: Anonymous

I am having the same problem as others. After i do a reset my g900 watch will not allow me to set to date hand to the "o-set" position. which is the second set according to the online instructions. any help would be greatly appreciated.

May 25, 2011
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H500 All Reset
by: Scotto

I have an H500 calibre Citizen that I have had trouble with for a while. It is now completely dead (uncharged). As I understand, I need to fully charge it (2 days in sun in the window) and then do an "all reset" (pull the crown out for 30 seconds and wait).

The problem is, last time I did this, the watch didn't move after the all reset.

Is that the proper procedure for an All Reset on the H500, it's manual doesn't talk about it and/or leaves it vague.

Thanks

May 23, 2011
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warranty
by: Anonymous

Im wondering if i should buy an eco drive online for $377,with the store warranty 5 years, not knowing them very well. Or should i buy it from an official store i have here in town and get it for $586 with the citizen 5 year warranty.. Is an eco drive easy to completely stop working or rare..what would you recommend?

May 21, 2011
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Seconds arm not working
by: Julie

I bought this watch on October 2010 and not yet using it for about 6 months leaving it inside the box. Maybe checking it every month and seems to be working just fine. And when i check it now the seconds arm is not working but the hour and minute arm were working. Can somebody please help me on what to do with it?

May 08, 2011
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Eco - Drive WR100
by: Kev

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eco-Drive

check this out, the secondary battery is set to be good for about 8-10 years, mine went at 8 and it cost about half the watches original price to replace. I was a little shocked and the dealer said it took awhile to track one down and suggested they may not be able to next time it goes which should be another 10 years...that said I love the design and feel of this watch, it has been diving, jumped out of planes and i ride mountainbikes on trails with some serious stcks and this watch keeps on rocking. It was $400AUS in 2002 and will last till 2022 with only a $200 cost half way through its life, thereofre it is amazing value for me.

Apr 27, 2011
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Charging Eco Drive
by: Anonymous

While it is easy to replace the cells on these eco drives (Not with ordinary button cells)it should not become necessary for quite a few years, Like one or two comments on this page the watch needs to be charged and be able to receive light be it day or artificial light, My own watch goes for months in it's original presentation box in the dark, I periodically take the top off it so that it can receive some form of light, Long sleeve shirts for long periods of time can interrupt the charging process but at some point it will receive some light, The best thing I find when I wear my one for any length of time is to leave it in a place where it can receive either day or artificial light this then compensates for the time that it spends covered up by shirt sleeves, If the watch still plays up then it has developed a fault, Up to now I have never had a problem. Long may eco drives reign.

Apr 27, 2011
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Wow..
by: Anonymous

Very astute...Thanks for all of your help.

Apr 21, 2011
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Charging needs light!
by: Anonymous

Can I assume you wear long sleeved shirts which always cover the watch? If that's the case, the watch will obviously not be able to charge, in exactly the same way that your car will not go unless you keep filling it with gas but I don't expect you'd complain if the car stopped just because you did not fill it. If you knew that you would only wear the watch in situations where it could never charge, it was a folly to buy it in the first place. Most of us with these watches know that if our current circumstances dictate that the watch will not be exposed to enough light naturally, we make arrangements to remove them from our wrists and arrange to put them under a desk lamp or windowsill during the daytime (being careful with overheating) whenever we get the chance. If you are in the Northern Hemisphere, you will be coming into summer and may find yourself getting some more light to your arms if you wear short sleeves. Your user manual explained this all in full as you should be aware.

Apr 21, 2011
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I'll never buy again
by: Anonymous

This is the worst design ever. If this is not your daily ware don't bother. I've a dress watch for office or dinner, but not practical for walking or the sports bar shenanigans etc. It never charges under office lights. If you're an office worker this is going to be useless to you. Mine is now just an expensive paper weight. Nice designs though...

Apr 07, 2011
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Eco drive battery
by: Zverik

I accidentally pulled out the eco drive battery thinking it was a regular watch ... can I just place the battery back and let the watch get charged? Could I have damaged the watch by taking the battery out?
Thank you so much for any advise.

Mar 23, 2011
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how long to charge eco drive
by: Anonymous

Hi Andre, In my instructions for my G900 it says 10 hours in bright sunlight, Watch the heat on the face, 70 hours in out door cloudy weather, 180 hours under a Fluorescent lamp with an output of 30watts,
Most of the instructions on charging for these models of watch are the same, You can download the instructions for your 8700 free off the net in PDF Formatt just type instructions and the calibre number, You'll need Adobe to read it, Hope this helps, good luck.

Mar 23, 2011
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Citizen 8700 Eco Drive
by: Andrej

My citizen 8700 calibre was stopped on Saturday 26 February 2011, and no any movement.How long must be filled in order to be completely filled?
Thanks!

Mar 06, 2011
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Eco Drive Capacitor Replacements
by: Anonymous

Hi to all who are having prob's with with their eco drive watches holding their power, If your careful it's just like changing a battery in your quartz watch, excepting of course whether or not the watch is pressurised for water proofing, it's not as complicated as those in the seiko kinetics, but it has to be the proper cell, DON'T put an ordinary watch battery in eco drive watches it will explode they are not meant to be re charged, Failing that if you lack the confidence take it to a reputable Jewellers, Timpsons watch division (yes the shoe repair and key cutting shop will get it done for you, they also reseal it and pressure test it, I thought that I was seeing things the other day, I never thought that I would see the day when Seiko would make a Eco drive Watch, they have I saw it in Sutton Coldfield Birmingham a few days ago, Perhaps they are thinking of knocking the Kinetics on the head after all they are getting on a bit, By and good luck, posted 6th March 2011.

Jan 17, 2011
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It may be over!
by: Anonymous

I have had my citzen eco-drive for about 7 years and it starting dying a week ago. I tried charging it but it does not keep the charge for more than a few others. Do you think it is time to buy a new watch or should I just buy a new battery.

Jan 14, 2011
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crown stuck on eco drive DIVE watch
by: Anonymous

The instruction manual is WRONG for the model it came with. I just picked up my new watch from the PO and broke my fingernail trying to follow the instruction to pull the crown out to set the time. I nearly got the pliers out to pull it harder but luckily I checked with Dr Google 1st. I found that on dive watches you often have to unscrew the crown anti-clockwise before pulling the crown. Of course this worked straight away.
THIS SHOULD BE CLEARLY STATED IN THE MANUAL.
It says "If your watch has a screw-type crown, LIFT UP the crown to loosen it before operation." Now in English, LIFT UP doesn't in any way mean UNSCREW.
Hope this helps save someone from damaging their new watch. Nice watch by the way.
Men's Citizen Eco-Drive Diver's 300 Meter Watch BN0034-53W

Jan 04, 2011
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All reset
by: Anonymous

The all reset trick did bring back my watch to life (after charging the watch in sunlight for a couple of days).
Read your manual, do the all reset procedure and everything will be fine.
Cheers!

Dec 21, 2010
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Faulty capacitor
by: Grant

The Eco-Drive Chronograph models need at least 72 hours to reach a full charge under a bright desk lamp. After this time period, you may need to perform an "all reset" as explained in your owners manual or the instructions are available at citizenwatch.com.
After you have completed both these steps and the watch still doesn't hold a charge, you probably have a faulty capacitor. Our company Stewart Time (stewarttime.com) offers this service from $89-$109 (depending on what you want done on your watch) on the chrongraph models. Shipping is included both ways in all our services. Most capacitor services take 1-2 business days once we receive your watch.
We look forward to serving you!

Grant
Stewart Time LLC

Dec 20, 2010
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eco-drive chronograph
by: Oran

I have an Eco-Drive Chronograph that after a few minutes in direct sunlight will come to life I have given it several hours outside but as soon as it is taken from the light it stops would anyone know if this is a faulty capacitor and about what this would cost to fix.

Dec 17, 2010
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Watches
by: Anonymous

We have a large selection of watches including Citizen, Invicta, Swiss Legend, Pulsar, Seiko and many more brands at our website www.baybrookbargainhunter.com

Dec 01, 2010
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Battery rip off
by: Anonymous

I have a citizen 8700 calibre that would not work. I put it in direct sunlight and under a bright lamp for many days. I assumed the capacitor or battery would not take a charge and would have to be replaced. I tried every button and stem position but nothing worked. After looking up the replacement part (only $16.95) I removed the battery planning to check it with a meter. After reading up on this more, I discovered this could damage the battery and put it back in. The watch started running and has worked perfectly since. It also was fully charged. It only needed to be powered down to reset. Had I taken it in, I would have been charged $170 or more for a battery change, which is a huge rip off on the part of service departments, as it takes no more time or effort than changing a normal watch battery. How many $170 batteries have been installed unnecessarily when all the watch needed was a reset? This same $16.95 battery fits almost all Eco-drive citizen watches. Can be found on the Internet.

Nov 23, 2010
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Skyhawk charging and All reset
by: Anonymous

The skyhawk model needs at least 72 hours under a bright desk lamp to reach a a full charge. After it has had a chance to charge, a full reset may need to be done to stop the digital portion from blinking. This is done by pulling the crown (setting knob) out all the way, then pressing both buttons at the same time. All the digits will be displayed in the digital area. Now push the crown back in and the digital display should be normal. Now you will need to synch. the hands with the digital portion. Visit citizenwatch.com or see a previous article on this site intitled "Resynch the Hands" to get details on how this is to be done.
Thank you!
Grant
Stewart Time LLC
800-513-1466

Nov 20, 2010
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Ecodrive Skyhawk
by: Anonymous

Hello! I've Citizen Ecodrive Skyhawk watches. A couple of time they spend without sunlight. Nowadays they stopped, but electronic displays are blinking. And I can't synchronize the time - no any response from buttons.

Nov 18, 2010
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Moisture in watch
by: Anonymous

I have a Citizens echo drive skyhawk which appears to have moisture inside as the crystal looks cloudy sometimes. Any suggestions?

Nov 05, 2010
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How to install eco drive capacitor battery
by: D Rod

How do you install the battery for the eco-drive? I dont know which way the capacitor contact bar goes to.

Oct 19, 2010
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Eco-Drive solar cell (capacitor) replacement.
by: Grant

Our company Stewart Time specializes in Eco-Drive watch repair. Visit stewarttime.com and choose the service that best fits your watch. After you pay for your service, we will send a box with a prepaid shipping label to send your watch. Most capacitor replacements can be done in 1-2 business days and the price ranges from $69-$109 depending on the needs and model of your watch.

We look forward to serving you!

Grant
Stewart Time LLC

Oct 18, 2010
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Resynch hands
by: Grant

Most of the time when the hands are not in not synch with the digital portion, the hands need to be zeroed out. Follow the instruction booklet for your particular model or visit citzenwatch.com for step by step instructions. You can also call Stewart Time at 800-513-1466 and we would be happy to walk you through the procedure.

Thank you,
Grant
Stewart Time LLC

Oct 16, 2010
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Analogue hand is one hour out of sync with the digital.
by: Trevor

Last night for some reason my analogue hand fell one hour behind the digital read out. We don't have day light savings and it is set to off. Watch appears to be fully charged and everything else is working. Any ideas? Citizen Eco drive sky hawk.

Sep 27, 2010
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Eco- Drive doen't function.
by: Grant Stewart

Many times when your Eco-drive does not work it may need to sit under a bright desk lamp for 24-48 hours. If this does not work, it probably needs a new capacitor (rechargeable battery). At stewarttime.com we offer 3 different services for capacitor replacement and shipping is covered both ways in all our services.
We look forward to helping you!
Thank you!
Grant
Stewart Time LLC

Sep 27, 2010
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Eco-Drive capacitor service
by: Grant Stewart

Our company specializes in replacing the Citizen Eco-Drive Capacitors. We have 3 different services for this. Visit stewarttime.com and choose which service is best for your watch. Shipping is included with all our services.

Thank you! Grant Stewart

Sep 22, 2010
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My Echo Drive watch can't work properly
by: linh lam

Please advise where I can get it fixed in Rosemead, CA 91770, U.S.A

Sep 06, 2010
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battery test
by: manjit

which type i can eco drive battery volt test

Jul 28, 2010
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Response to Chris
by: Grant Stewart

Chris,

If you have tried to zero it out and an all functions reset and there is no response, I would guess that it either needs a new capacitor or it has a mechanical problem. Even though you have two watches stored under the same conditions, it is possible that the capacitor in one could wear out before the other. An E812 is a calibre for a multi-function watch and they take more energy to run all the functions and they typically have more things that can go wrong on them.

Regards,
Grant
http://www.stewarttime.com
service@stewarttime.com

Jul 27, 2010
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Eco drive won't move
by: Chris

I have two Eco drives stored side by side and one has stoped so I don't think it is a lack of light issue but the second hand on the e812-5043433 has advanced to stop and no matter what I try it will not move. Any ideas?

Jul 24, 2010
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Response to Malcolm
by: Grant Stewart

Malcolm,

Interesting, we work on that calibre a lot and I guess I just haven't seen that particular case. It is difficult to diagnose a watch without seeing it first hand, but if you have screwed it out far enough to release the crown from the case and it still won't release the stem, I would still guess that the detent will not release and needs repaired. There are instructions for sending a watch to Citizen for warranty work at www.citizenwatch.com

Thanks,
Grant

Jul 22, 2010
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Response to JayR
by: Grant Stewart

Jay,
To ensure that parts are available and for an exact estimate, we would need the calibre number for the watch. It would be on the back or on the owner's manual. However, as a ball park estimate, mechanical repairs on an Eco-Drive multifunction chronograph run between $169-$199.
Regards,
Grant
service@stewarttime.com
800-513-1466

Jul 22, 2010
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Hour Hand Stuck at 10 O'Clock position
by: JayR

Hi,
My EcoDrive's Hour Hand is stuck at the 10 O'Clock position & does not move. The Minute Hand does move correctly but shakes occasionally as the Second Hand moves. I have played around with all modes etc, but to no avail.
This is a 10 year old chronograph model. How much would it cost to get it fixed?
Thanks.

Jul 22, 2010
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E870
by: Malcolm Boulton

Grant
Thanks for your comment. The watch DOES have a screw down crown. I can unscrew it but once partially out it cannot be pulled out further to adjust the time. It feels completely seized!
Malcolm

Jul 20, 2010
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Crown won't release on E870
by: Grant Stewart

Malcolm,

We often have this question with watches that have a screw down crown. Watches with very high water resistance have a crown that screws down rather than pulls out. You can tell if your watch has a screw down crown if it only turns one way when it is in, it will turn that one way until it pops out. The E870 should NOT have a screw down crown, the crown should turn either way when it is pushed in. If the watch is brand new and the crown will not release, the watch likely has a faulty detent (the clutch that holds the stem in). I would suggest sending it to Citizen as this should be covered by their 5 year warranty.

Regards,
Grant

Jul 19, 2010
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Eco Drive problem
by: Malcolm Boulton

Can anyone advise how to pull out the crown on my E870 Eco Drive watch. Just bought it at an airport and no found it impossible to pull out the crown to set the time.

Jul 03, 2010
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2016 Problem
by: Anonymous

I have the same problem of the watch thinking it's 2016. I think this started in march, which is when it started affecting other people as well. I thought it was the world clock they used but they would have fixed it by now. I was convinced it was just my watch after meetings others whose watches worked fine, but am now seeing this is a common problem.

Watch isn't elegant and is bulky but has heaps of features. Though in hindsight I'd trade some of those features (that I rarely use) for something more stylish. The 2016 problem is VERY annoying though.

Jun 11, 2010
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Taking back off the watch
by: Grant Stewart

Steve,

Citizen does make several cases that use the E810 calibre movement, but the ones we have in the shop are screw down casebacks. I think it is very likely that you need a case wrench to open your watch. However, to be sure, if you would like to email our shop a photo of the back maybe we could direct you better. Send the image with your question to us at service@stewarttime.com. Thanks.

Jun 11, 2010
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Open back on Eco-Drive Watch
by: Anonymous

Hi Grant,

Well, it's definately not a screw down back and at the rear of the main body of the case opposite the crown there is an indent which would so indicate that an implement is meant to be inserted there so to prise the back off. This indent seems to enable the case opening tool to get under a lip in the rear case so I would imagine that is the case. There is no real protruding bezil on this watch, it is the type that has the sort of oval highly polished almost flush "bezil" around the dial. One thing that is of concern to me is that this watch is rated waterproof to quite some depth but does not have a screw on back which would be normal in this case. The idea that it has a press on back seems strange to me for a waterproof watch but I suppose it may have quite a flange which slides inside the main case and seals against an o'ring. I'm just hypothosising here, you would have more experience.

Thanks, Steve

Jun 10, 2010
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Removing back from Eco-Drive watch
by: Grant Stewart

Steve,

Some watches have a pop off back. In this case, we use a tool that is just called a case knife to pry off the back. This type should not take much force. Most watches with a higher amount of water resistance will have a screw down back. The watch will show notches on the back of the case where you would need a watch "case wrench" with teeth that fit these notches to screw off the back. There are even watches that cannot be opened from the back, but have to have the bezel and crystal removed to get into the case. Hope that helps. Good luck!

Jun 10, 2010
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How do you get the back off an Eco-Drive watch
by: Steve

Thanks for your previous comments on the problems with my watch having a faulty second hand. Your quoted cost to repair is well on the cusp of a replacement watch and I'm somewhat loath to spend such an amount on repair. I am intrigued as to exactly what has failed inside the mechanism and so I tried to prise the back of the watch open at what looks like the proposed place to do this. Unfortunately I cannot get it to budge even with applying, carefully, large amounts of brute force and ignorance. Is there a trick to this procedure or do you have a special tool that is able to pull the back off?

Jun 09, 2010
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Estimate of Eco-Drive Repair cost
by: Grant Stewart

Steel,

Mostly likely if the watch fails to charge, it needs a new capacitor (rechargeable batttery). Our shop charges $69-$89 to replace the capacitor in Citizen Eco-Drive watches depending on the model. Upon your order, we will send you a post-paid box to send in the watch. If you have further questions, let us know.

Jun 08, 2010
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How much is the bill to fix an Eco-Drive.
by: Steel

I have an ECO-Drive watch that stopped working, even after I put it under a lamp or in the sunlight to charge it.

What must be done to have it fixed? What is the ball-park price?

Jun 08, 2010
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Jun 03, 2010
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Response to Steve for Calibre E810
by: Grant Stewart

Steve,
If the problem was only the chronograph hand not staying zeroed out, I would suggest that the hand may be loose on the pinion and may just need removed and re-installed. Unfortunately, adding that to your problem with the second hand, your watch does have a more serious problem. Especially if the hour and minute hand are still keeping time. On this model and other similar models with a perpetual calendar(like the E760) the second hand is integrated in the perpetual calendar, but operates independently of the hour and minute hand. What happens is the second hand gear strips out or seizes so it cannot turn (the twitching show the gear has power so it is not a charging or electrical problem). At this point, you can no longer set the calendar because the second hand doesn't work and eventually the drain on the watch movement (mechanism)trying to power the seized second hand will wear out the other components and the watch will eventually stop. The only fix is to replace the mechanism. The replacement mechanism is currently available and the repair at our shop would run between $169-$189. This would not only fix the problem but make the watch completely new on the inside. Sorry for the bad news. If we can be of assistance, please visit our website at http://www.StewartTime.com or call toll free 1-800-513-1466.

Jun 03, 2010
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Twitching second hand
by: Steve Rooke

I have a problem with my Eco-Drive E810-H27074
TA, GN-4W-S => 9, serial 101880 which started a while back when I noticed that the second hand
was badly out of alignment when I switched to chronograph mode. I
reset the seconds hand as per the manual and it worked ok but a couple
of hours later it was miles out again. I tried doing this a few times
but to no avail. I then reset the whole watch and it was working well
initially but after a couple of hours it was out again. The amount it
was out of alignment seemed a random amount depending upon how many
hours it had been left before switching to chronograph mode and it was
all over the place. I gave up worrying about it and decided to live
with the problem.

A couple of days ago I noticed that the second hand had stopped for no
apparent reason and would not move under any circumstance. I wondered
if was because there was not enough charge in it so I left it on a windowsill and on my return I saw the hand twitching so I felt that I
was onto the problem here (I also noticed the watch was very hot). I left it longer under a desk lamp but it has
failed to rectify the problem and the hand just keeps wriggling.
Strangely enough, the minute and hour hands still seem to be working
fine so I don't know what is wrong with it.

May 29, 2010
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Chronograph problem
by: Grant Stewart

Try zeroing out the chronograph. The steps are in your owner's manual or at www.citizenwatch.com. If the hand will not return to 12 after zeroing it out, it probably needs repaired.

May 28, 2010
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Second hand on chronograph not returning to 12
by: ZD

On an Eco-Drive Calibre 5000, the second hand for the chronograph (the large second hand) has stopped returning to the 12 position on the watch. When resetting the chronograph function after using it, the second had does not return to the position it used to exactly on the 12. It stops a few seconds/notches before the 12 position. Is there a simple way to reset this or does it need to go to a repair shop? Does it mean the watch is going bad?

Apr 13, 2010
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Citizen Eco-Drive problem
by: Grant Stewart

Is it possible that you have bumped the watch and depressed the mode button without realizing it?The mode button is very sensitive on some models. Also, there are some models that have an energy save feature where the watch will shut down in the dark, but store the settings in memory. When the watch is exposed to light, the hands all spin around until they reach the memorized settings. If the mode is changing and you are certain that the button has not been depressed at all and it is not the enegy save feature, the watch may have a faulty circuit. In this case, the watch definitely needs repair. If parts are available, it can be fixed.

Apr 12, 2010
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Citizen Eco-Drive perpetual calendar
by: Anonymous

my citizen crown button moves no voluntary and passes from time to alarm and others options.

Mar 25, 2010
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Response to Sylvia
by: Grant Stewart

Sylvia,

It is unlikely that a watch purchased 5 years ago is still in production. However you can go to the Citizen website at www.citizenwatch.com and see images of their current styles. Your best bet for a watch that old is probably Ebay or somewhere like Overstock.com. Just for the record we have no financial interest in any of the above companies. Good luck!

Mar 23, 2010
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xxx model citizen
by: Anonymous

My XXX model eco-drive citizen (ladies') has been stolen, and I want to buy another. It was about 5 yrs old, and I don't know the exact model no. Is it possible to find images/sources of these old models?
sylvia

Mar 15, 2010
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Response to BM and Anthony F.
by: Grant Stewart

BM: glad to hear your watch shop got your ladies watch going. We have never heard of a "fuser". It is likely just another name for the capacitor or rechargeable battery. The part is quite expensive, but costs the same for a ladies watch as a man's watch. However, depending on the model, there is more labor involved in some of the men's multi-function watches. If you are interested in another quote, you can email us a description of the problem with the watch and the numbers on the back and we would be happy to help you: service@stewarttime.com.

Anthony F: that calibre does not show up in my Citizen software. Most newer Eco-Drives have a letter as part of the calibre number like E210. Generally speaking, multi-function Eco-Drive watches require considerable recharging (48+ hours) and then an all functions reset completed when they have been allowed to completely run down. You cannot overcharge an Eco-Drive, so be patient. As long as it does not get hot (don't put it on a car dashboard), you can leave it in the light for days to try to recharge it. If this does not work, it is possible that the capacitor (rechargeable battery) has failed and needs replaced. If that is the case, we would be glad to help you. We specialize in Eco-Drive repair: http://www.StewartTime.com.

Mar 12, 2010
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Battery not woking
by: Anthony F.

I let my Citizen Calibre 9000 fully discharge in a case at the bottom of my drawer several months ago and when I removed it to charge it in the sun for a day,it did not budge. Any items of how to give it CPR to restart the heart?

Mar 12, 2010
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Battery or Fuser
by: BM

I took both the men's and ladie's Eco Drive to a reputible repair shop after charging them under the lamp for a few days. I was told that the fusers needed to be replaced and that was why the lamp charging did not work. The fuser was placed in the ladies watch and was very expensive ($65.00), but the watch ran great. I did not allow them to fix the men's watch because the price of the fuser had me bent out of shape. Find out how much the fuser and labor will be before leaving the watch.

Mar 10, 2010
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U101 charging
by: Anonymous

OK, thanks, put it yesterday evening under a halogen spot. charged up a little bit more. will try to charge more over next wekeend when i don't have to wear it :)

Mar 09, 2010
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U101
by: Grant Stewart

Edwin,

It is very possible on that model that it will not be fully functional without a full charge. Multi-function watches like that can take 60+ hours to charge depending on the light source.

Good luck!

Mar 09, 2010
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U101
by: Edwin

Thanks Grant,

Already did a full reset for aligning the hands. No success.

However, will first try to charge full. Did not go to more than fase 3 on the charge reader till now.

Will put it under a light for some hours, see if it charges more.

Mar 08, 2010
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Response to comments below
by: Grant Stewart

For the U101 Dive watch, it was unclear when you say that you set the hands to 0 if you did an all functions reset of the watch or just zeroed out the hands. If you just zeroed hands, try doing an all functions reset. Whenever this type of watch loses charge, it has to be completely reset.

For the Citizen calendar problem, it is hard to say specifically without knowing what calibre the watch is. If you are talking about a perpetual calander that is an analog watch, most Citizen calendar watches have a recessed "all reset" button on the outside of the watch at the two o'clock position. On most models, you pull the crown out to the second click and push this button for 2-3 secs, the hands will spin around randomly then stop. Don't try to set the calendar until the hands stop or it will not reset.

If you are talking about a digital watch that is failing to keep the proper date, most likely the circuit has gone bad and needs replaced.

With either of these watches, if they are less than 5 years old and you have proof of purchase from an authorized retailer, the Citizen Service Center should fix the problem at no charge.

If the watches are out of warranty, and you still have problems, please visit our website http://www.StewartTime.com. We specialize in Citizen Eco-Drive repair.

Mar 08, 2010
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Citizen Calendar reverting to 2016 every day
by: Anonymous

I cannot keep my digital calendar on the year 2010. I have to reset it every day from 2016 to 2010 and then the next day it is back to 2016. I have no idea why this started a few days ago.

Mar 08, 2010
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Not keeping charge/second hand not moving
by: Edwin

Hi there, using a cabre U101 (diving watch) I have these issue(s):

1) since several weeks second hand is not moving any more
2) 2 days ago it went into message "charge". Solkved this by putting it into sunlight for about half a day. Has been charged up til 50% approx.

However, decond hand is still dead. Tried to set everything at 0 again. However, it failed aligning the second hand (minute and hour hands were aligning OK)

please advise.

Mar 01, 2010
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We sell genuine Citizen bands
by: Grant Stewart

Kerim,

We do sell genuine Citizen watch bands. This model is not in stock, but is currently available by special order (usually 7-10 days). Availability and price fluctuate so we cannot guarantee a time frame and price in a blog. If you would like, send an inquiry directly to customercare@stewarttime.com. Please include the model number and the band material (rubber, stainless steel, titanium etc).
Thanks.

Feb 26, 2010
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Eco-drive was not working
by: Kerim

First of all i would like to thank people for these feeds because i was really frustrated when i got my watch from a watchmaker and it was not working. In my case second hand was on SET (while hour and minute hand did not move). Looking through the comments I tried to reset the watch but nothing worked as only time/calendar dial could be rotated. After many failed attempts i decided to leave my watch next to the window... Just wanted to tell you that it took more that 4 days of recharge for hour/minute hands to move... As many people have stated it earlier if your watch stops working just leave it on the sun light and check it every other day.
Now i need to find a band replacement for BL5180-57L because the watchmaker could not fix it. Any good places??

Feb 07, 2010
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Response to Ron
by: Grant Stewart

Ron, we have seen Eco-Drives come in for repair that are 13-15 years old with the original capacitor. However, most have been in constant use. We have seen some that are less than 5 years old. Unfortunately, there is no reliable way to predict if the capacitor will fail. We see them most often in watches that are 7+ years old.

If the watch continues to tick in two second increments after being charged for at least 24 hours under the light, it probably needs new capacitor. If it starts to double tick or stops after only a few days, it is likely the same problem. A fully functioning capacitor should hold a charge for months with no light. Your idea to have the seller charge it and put it back in the dark is a good one. If it keeps time and doesn't double tick after several days in the dark, it may be OK. There is just no way to predict when the power source will go bad.

Feb 06, 2010
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Will old watch hold charge after years in dark
by: Ron needs an eco drive

I am thinking of buying an eco-drive wr100 day/date from 2002 that has been in the box since new and fully discharged. The seller said the movement started again after a few minutes under a light (2 second increment). I told her to charge for a full day and put back in drawer for a day to see if it will hold. My question, will an eco-drive this old hold a charge after this long or is it likely to fail due to being discharged for what might be 8 or so years?

Feb 02, 2010
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Problem with Calibre 2100
by: Grant Stewart

The 2100 Calibre also known as the Minute Repeater is a complicated multi-function watch. Often completing an 'all reset' will clear the issues the watch is having. The instructions would be in your owners manual. If you do not have the manual, the instructions are available for download at the official Citizen website: www.citizenwatch.com. Search under technical support, then caliber E210. There are some other troubleshooting guidelines there. Depending on the light source, it can take over 30 hours to become fully charged from a stopped state so you may want to charge it again. As listed in the owner's manual the 'secondary battery' could have gone bad, if that is the case, no amount of charging will fix it. If the watch is less than 5 years old and you have proof of purchase, it may still be under warranty and you could send it to the Citizen Service Center. We specialize in out-of-warranty repairs for these watches if none of the other suggestions work. http://www.stewarttime.com

Jan 31, 2010
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Citizen Eco-Drive 2100 stopped working new
by: Anonymous

I was just gifted a citizen eco-drive cal:2100
i noticed the chonographer was not working although the time was ticking away and holding good time.
the charge dial was at about half way, when i sent it to be sized (removed a couple of links from the band.)
then it returned the charge meter was at empty but the seconds were still ticking.
I let it charge under a lamp for about 8 hrs with no change to the charge meter. so i reset it.
after the reset the second hand stopped working and there is no activity on the watch.

Any idea what i should do?
Thank you in advance.

Jan 27, 2010
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Interesting clarification
by: Grant Stewart

Thank you for your clarification. When we order parts from our Citizen distributor, we ask for capacitor #xxx-xxxx and we receive the parts we need to make the watches functional again. In various literature, Citizen also calls them "power cells" (which people confuse with silver oxide or lithium cells), or "secondary batteries" (a term that is also confusing since the watches have no "primary battery" and they do not work outside of light without one - so they are not a true 'secondary' or 'back-up' power source). They are used in Citizen Solar, Solar-Tech and Eco-Drive watches. Some of them are LiIon types, many are not. Many watches that we receive for service have silver oxide button cell batteries put in where the "secondary battery", if you like that term better, should be located. These silver oxide batteries, in the best case scenario do not make the watch run, and in the worst case scenario burst and seep corrosion which destroys the watch movement. For the safety of their watch, no one should put a regular battery in their Eco-Drive. Thanks.

Jan 25, 2010
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Capacitor or battery?
by: Electronics

Most Eco-Drive watches are equipped with a special titanium lithium-ion "battery" that is charged by an amorphous silicon solar cell located behind the dial. The titanium lithium-ion composition precludes it from being affected from the regular charge/discharge cycle of other types of rechargeable batteries.
A capacitor is not a battery, the Eco-Drive movement uses a form of lion battery.

Jan 14, 2010
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Eco-Drives don't use normal watch batteries
by: Grant Stewart

Eco-Drives don't use normal watch batteries, but capacitors that work like rechargeable batteries. They are quite a bit more expensive than watch batteries and not as readily available to consumers. We get ours directly from Citizen. There are dozens of capacitors for Eco-Drives and some calibres actually have one or two capacitors that they use. In our shop, we often don't know what capacitor to use until we extract the old one and compare it to what we have in stock. Even if you can find the right capacitor for your watch, they are a little more tricky to install than a battery. We get many Eco-Drives in for repair that have been damaged by do-it-yourself capacitor replacement. For these reasons, we recommend sending the watch to a reputable repair shop for capacitor replacement. We have information on capacitor replacement and other Eco-Drive questions at our website at http://www.stewarttime.com

Jan 14, 2010
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Battery replacement
by: Linh Lam

Dear All,

Here is my watch model
CITIZEN QUARTZ, ECHO-DRIVE. Model No, EP8XXXX/Cal.No.B23+

Please advice the number/model of my watch battery so that I can buy one for replacement.

Thanks and regards

Dec 05, 2009
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Response to Reilly - watch won't charge
by: Grant Stewart

Try to charge the watch in bright sunlight or under a desk lamp for at least 12 hours. Your watch, a calibre B020 should not need more charging time than that to get going. It should start to click in two second increments as it charges. Once it shows life, pull the crown out and wait 30 seconds then set the time and push the crown back in.

If this charging and resetting does not work, the watch likely needs a new capacitor (rechargeable battery). If this is the case, please visit our repair site at http://www.StewartTime.com

We also have articles and FAQ about Eco-Drives on the site.

Dec 04, 2009
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no charge
by: reilly

I have an Ecodrive that stopped after not using for 4 months. How to recharge or reset? Numbers on watch 8020Y70620, 050036 Battery type MP(T)516.

Nov 28, 2009
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Solved..Thank You
by: Anonymous

<<Rating
Solved!
by: Anonymous

My Skyhawk went into dead mode after I hadn't worn it for several months. Despite full sun for several days, it remained dead. I was about ready to send it to Citizen when I came across the instructions for resetting the whole watch. It worked! Watch is back after a manual zeroing. >>>

Thank you so much.. Mine just start working after the reset. I'll never let her run out of battery.

Nov 23, 2009
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Hey Bob
by: Andy

I bought a citizen ecodrive on ebay a few months ago also and it quit working a month after i bought it. Was the seller from NY? I thought mine needed a capacitor but the watch repair guy said it was more serious than that. My watch kept sticking on the 12 also. Did you ever get yours repaired

Nov 16, 2009
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Response to UTC not working
by: Grant Stewart

Bob,

If you have given the watch enough time to charge, have tried to adjust the reference position and have tried an all functions reset (which it sounds like you have-the instructions for all these are in the manual that you downloaded), the watch could have a mechanical problem (unfortunately), notwithstanding how new it is.

Feel free to respond to this post or you can contact me directly at service@stewarttime.com if you have further questions.

Grant

Nov 16, 2009
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utc not working
by: bob

i bought a Citizen Atomic Skyhawk AT Flight Chrono Blk JY0005-50E a couple of weeks ago on ebay, it didnt come with a box, manual or cd, so i downloaded 1 from the citizen site. i went trough the settings, managed to set the time by Radio Wave Reception but the utc hour and minute hands seems like its not working, stuck at 12 o'clock i've performed the "Adjusting the Reference Position" multiple time now and only successfully managed to adjust the rest of hands, indicators and digital displays. the watch looks pretty good no scratches, i mean none whatsoever so i though maybe it needed some sunlight but the utc is still stuck.

please help thank you in advance!

Oct 28, 2009
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Eco-Drives that won't charge may need a new capacitor
by: Grant Stewart

Eco-Drive watches often do take resetting and long periods of charging after they have been allowed to completely run down. So, be patient and give a good recharging a shot.

However, the capacitor that works like a rechargeable battery can go bad after periods of low charge or disuse or due to age (about 10 years) and no amount of recharging will fix this.

Our company specializes in replacing worn out capacitors in Citizen Eco-Drive watches. Prices start at $59 with free shipping and most capacitor replacements are done the day the watch is received.

Please visit www.stewarttime.com

Sep 20, 2009
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not working
by: warwick

my eco drive has stoped working should i send it back to citizen or can i reset it? case number gn-4w-s , e870

Aug 19, 2009
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Charging time
by: Julien

Hi,

From citezen quartz ecodrive model bmxxxx, bl009x/Cal. No. E11x, E10X

"
LUX - Environnement - stop state/1day/empty to full
500 - ordinary office - 26hr /1h20 /290hr
...
10000 - extoriior cloudy - 1h20 /4min /14hr
"

I didnt use my 7 year old watch for a year and I started using her again yesterday and she didnt keep tieme. Seems like she needed a lot of light!

Hope it will help u.

Imp. : u must send to citezen to change the battery, it could be dangerous (even explode) if another battery type is use.

Julien

Aug 17, 2009
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Solved!
by: Anonymous

My Skyhawk went into dead mode after I hadn't worn it for several months. Despite full sun for several days, it remained dead. I was about ready to send it to Citizen when I came across the instructions for resetting the whole watch. It worked! Watch is back after a manual zeroing.

Here's the solution:

1 -Turn the crown to set the mode hand to the chronograph [CHR] mode.

2 -Pull out the crown to the second click. This is the Zero position correction mode.

3 - Press buttons (A) and (B) simultaneously and then release.

4 - All segments of the display will be shown when the buttons are released.

5 - The fully lit display is blanked when the crown is pushed to the normal position.

6 - A confirmation sound will be heard after which each hand will perform a "demonstration" going in the order of: second hand, minute hand, UTC minute hand, UTC hour hand, and 24 hour hand to indicate that the All Reset procedure is finished.

Note: After performing an "All Reset" make sure that you perform a "Zero Position Adjustment."

May 15, 2009
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WATCH NOT WORKING
by: Anonymous

MY ECO DRIVE HAS STOPPED WORKING AND I CAN'T EVEN GET THE HANDS TO MOVE ON IT. THE ONLY THING THAT WILL WORK IS THE HAND THAT MOVES FROM TIME, CHRONOGRAPH, L-TM, ALM... WHAT SHOULD I DO BECAUSE I CANT RESET THE WATCH WITH THE HANDS NOT WORKING WHEN I TRUN THE PIN.

May 02, 2009
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help
by: Ryan(dethdale@hotmail.com

I bought my watch on ebay, when I got it, it was amazing but i put it away for a month and then when i went back to put it on I found that it was dead. I read on here about putting it in the light but I am in calgary and don't get a lot of sun, I dont know if the battery is dead or if I just need to charge it by the sun? email me with you answer please

Mar 31, 2009
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Beware of charges at Watch Shops
by: Daef-Llama

I hadn't searched on Google or read any of these wise comments when the following happened.

I have worn the watch daily for almost 7 years no problems. This morning when I woke up it had stopped and was showing 2350 shortly after I'd turned out the lights last night.

As my wife's watch (Quartz usual type) had needed a battery at the weekend, I took it in to the chain of jewelers in the High St for a battery.
"This is an eco-drive" it will have to go back to Citizen for a service." they said. Cost GBP 75.00

I left it with them thinking, that's nearly the price of a new eco-drive watch! (Mine had cost GBP250.00)

Well I got home, found the instruction booklet, saw that it needed to be left in the light (actually I'd even forgotten it was an eco-drive, I just knew it as the best watch I've owned in 50 years).

I rushed to the shop, collected it before they'd dispatched it to Citizen's workshop and put it in a window for 15 mins. It is working perfectly and caught up the time in less than an hour.

So please be warned, try it in the light for 24 hours as the instruction book says.

I had a lucky escape.

Mar 12, 2009
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watch not charging
by: Anonymous

I have a citizen eco drive calibre 9000 and it will not charge

Feb 24, 2009
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Tip on Eco-drives
by: Anonymous

My husband has two analog eco-drives (loved the first one so much)and found one of them dead. Seems eco-drives are not for the occasional wearer unless you want to charge them before you wear them. He stuck the watch in a sunny window but no luck (ticked for a while but didn't keep time). Then we found a tip on the web that worked: pull the pin out as if you are setting the time, leave it that way for a while, then push back in and the watch will work again, as long as you wear it enough to keep it charged. This worked for my husband and I just did the same procedure on my own backup eco-drive right now and so far it has been working. They are awesome watches for everyday use but for speical occasion watches, I would buy something with a regular battery.

Jan 31, 2009
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citizen Eco-Drive Calibre
by: Anonymous

My citizen Eco-Drive Calibre 8700 is not working even after keeping it for 8-9 days ... what to do? ... i bought during november 2007 ...

Aug 25, 2008
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Eco-Drive Skyhawk May be Dead!
by: AnonymousCarol

My Eco-Drive Skyhawk stopped working about six months ago, and dumb me, I actually forgot it was a perpetual battery and was thinking I needed a new battery!

Once I read the manual and saw that it likely could be be recharged, I sat it on a window sill and it's been there four days...and it's still not charged! Each day I come home to see the charge indicator at Level 2 and the watch is running, but it all goes blank when I try to set the time. We start over the next day.

Is it possible that the "permanent" battery is truly dead??

Feb 10, 2008
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Response for George
by: Jay

George:

I read your comment about your Eco-Drive not working. If it has been in a drawer for a while and was never fully charged, then it will take more than 12 hours to come back to life.

I had someone swear that their Eco-Drive was "broken". I put it in a south facing window and forgot about it for a few days. When I went back to check it, it was working perfectly! So, depending on how fully charged it was and how "dead" it is, it may take a few days for it to start going again. I also had my first Eco-Drive sitting on my desk after a pin in the clasp fell out. It was in the light but it was not in a bright area. Same thing happened with that watch and it is fine now.

So, keep it in a bright south facing window for another day or two and hopefully you will find it alive and well in a few days! Take care.

Jay

Feb 10, 2008
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Citizen eco drive watch
by: George

My citizen eco-drive watch is not working.
I have placed it under a light for 12 hours and stiil nothing
I only wear it on special occassions
It is only a year old

Dec 31, 2007
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Eco-Drive Batteries Need Replaced By Citizen
by: Jay

Linda:

If your Eco-drive battery is truly dead, you will need to send it back to Citizen to be replaced. You can take it to a local Citizen watch dealer and they can take care of it for you. Also, if your watch is still under warranty - Citizen's five year warranty is one of the best in the watch industry - you may be able to get it fixed for free.

If you want to send it directly to Citizen, here is a link to their website where you can get instructions for sending your watch to them.

http://citizenwatch.com/COA/English/service.asp

By the way, you did not say how old your Eco-Drive is or how long it has been since it has been "charged". If the storage battery completely loses its charge it may take 3-4 days of sitting in a sunny window before your watch starts working again. If you haven't tried that yet, you might want to simply put it on a window sill for a few days and see if it comes back to life. I have done that on more than one occasion after someone told me their watch was "dead".

Hope you get your watch going again. I have several Citizen Eco-Drives and I wear them all the time. They are great watches. Take care.

Jay

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