Citizen Eco-Drive stopped working?
Before you buy a battery or pay for one: an Eco-Drive doesn't take a regular watch battery. Most stopped Eco-Drives just need light.
Try this first
- Put the watch dial-up in direct sunlight, or under a desk lamp a few inches away. Don't leave it on a hot dashboard. Heat is bad for it.
- Leave it for several hours. From fully empty, a full charge can take a day or more of sun.
- When the second hand starts moving, check whether it ticks every one second. A jump every two seconds means it's running but still low. Keep charging.
- Once it ticks normally, set the time and date. Radio-controlled models may reset themselves overnight.
Keeping it in a drawer is what usually runs it down. Leave it somewhere with daylight when you're not wearing it.
When light doesn't fix it
- It charges but dies in a day or two. The rechargeable cell is probably worn out. They last many years but not forever.
- It never starts, even after a long charge. Could be the cell, the movement, or moisture. It needs to be opened.
- Hands moving but the time is wrong. Usually just needs setting, or a hand reset if it's a multi-function model. Check the manual for your caliber number (on the caseback).
Replacing the rechargeable cell is a repair, not our $20 battery service. Use the estimate form with "Other Repair" selected, or call 800-591-0881, and we'll tell you what it would cost before you ship anything.
Other watches that don't use a regular battery
Seiko Solar works the same way as Eco-Drive. Seiko Kinetic charges from wrist movement and uses a capacitor. Automatic and hand-wound watches have no battery at all. For everything else, the battery size chart lists the common sizes.
Common questions
Does a Citizen Eco-Drive need a battery?
Not a regular one. It has a rechargeable cell (a capacitor or secondary battery) charged by light through the dial. If it stops, give it a full charge in light first.
How long does it take to recharge an Eco-Drive?
From completely empty it can take a full day or more of direct sunlight. A few hours by a window gets most watches ticking again. Citizen's manual for each caliber lists exact charging times.
Why is my Eco-Drive second hand jumping every 2 seconds?
That is the low-charge warning. The watch is still running but needs light. Leave it in sunlight until the second hand moves every second again.
Can you replace the rechargeable cell in an Eco-Drive?
Old cells (often 10+ years) can wear out and stop holding a charge. That is a repair rather than a battery swap. Use our estimate form or call us for a price.