Previously we did a piece all about Citizen eco drive watches, talking about the technology and several models. However, today we’re going to address the ongoing battle between Citizen automatic watches and Citizen eco drive.
Most people say that the ultimate choice depends on personal preference. We agree, but let’s look at each series’ detailed features and some pros and cons before we make any judgment.
Did you know that it was Citizen who pioneered the eco drive quartz technology in watches? It was introduced in 1976 as a modern, innovative approach to battery-powered quartz watches.
The eco technology eliminates the need for environmentally wasteful batteries by keeping the time accurately powered by any light source. Since these watches are powered by light, they also require significantly less upkeep.
This has become one of the most widely used power sources in watches today, especially with the focus on sustainable products these days. But do they stand on par with traditional automatic watches?
Key Features
The main difference between battery-powered eco quartz, mechanical and automatic watches is the basically their charging technique. These watches do not run on normal batteries and do not require manual or self-winding. They convert both natural and artificial light into energy, storing it in a rechargeable lithium-ion cell. This allows the watches to operate continuously without the need for regular battery replacements.
The technology ensures a power reserve that can last months, even in complete darkness, and many models feature a power-saving mode to further extend the battery life. Citizen was among the first brands to introduce this amazing technology. Hence, in this era of sustainability, Citizen eco drive watches are gaining popularity rapidly. Plus, they also need much less servicing than other automatic or quartzwatches.
Pros
- Eco-Friendly: Reduces battery waste and environmental impact.
- Low Maintenance: No need for battery replacements.
- Reliability: Consistent performance with long power reserve.
- Convenience: Operates continuously with exposure to light.
- Longevity: Can go without regular servicing and upkeep for decades.
Cons
- Initial Cost: Higher upfront cost compared to standard quartz watches.
- Service Complexity: Repairs and servicing can be more complex.
Coming to automatic watches, the first Citizen automatic was introduced back in 1958. Before that, the brand was mostly known for its pocket watches and later for its mechanical watches. So this marked a significant advancement in its lineup.
Automatic watches still need to be self-winded to work properly. They are common to lose seconds each day if they are not worn daily, which warrants an extra hassle. Even so, traditional watch lovers and collectors often favour mechanical and automatic watches as opposed to quartz or eco drive watches.
Key Features
Automatic watches are the successors of mechanical watches. They don’t require manual hand winding as their predecessors did, but they require some upkeep, nonetheless. Citizen automatic watches are powered by the motion of the wearer’s wrist. A rotor spins with wrist movement, winding the mainspring and storing energy, eliminating the need for manual winding or batteries.
Automatic timepieces often feature transparent case backs and titanium cases, allowing a view of the intricate mechanical movement. Fans of the brand, who love traditional watches, tend to favour Citizen automatic titanium watches over the eco-drive watch.
Pros
- Self-Winding: Eliminates the need for manual winding when worn regularly.
- Battery-Free: No need for battery replacements.
- Craftsmanship: Displays intricate mechanical design that is appealing to enthusiasts.
- Longevity: Durable with proper maintenance, can last for decades.
Cons
- Maintenance: Requires regular servicing to maintain accuracy.
- Accuracy: Generally less precise than quartz movements.
- Sensitivity: Susceptible to physical shocks and magnetic fields.
- Power Reserve: Stops running if not worn for a few days, requiring a reset.
Comparing The Two
Both Citizen automatic and eco drive watches offer unique advantages and trade-offs. The best thing about Eco-Drive technology is that it’s eco-friendly. It reduces battery waste and the harsh environmental impact of batteries.
Apart from this, Citizen eco drive watches are also extremely low maintenance due to the absence of regular servicing and upkeep. They have a long power reserve and provide continuous operation with exposure to light. You don’t have to wear it all the time to keep it running. However, they come with a higher initial cost, as repairs are more complex than regular quartz.
In contrast, Citizen automatic watches are self-winding, negating the need for manual winding when worn regularly. They do not require batteries. However, they require regular servicing to maintain accuracy, are generally less precise than quartz movements, and are susceptible to physical shocks and magnetic fields.
The power reserve in automatic timepieces is much less than in eco drive watches, as is the accuracy. With proper maintenance, they can last for decades. Additionally, they stop running if not worn for a few days, necessitating a reset. The Citizen Promaster diver automatic and the Citizen Promaster eco drive series are great examples of both types of craftsmanship used by the brand. Looking at these watches, they are almost identical in features except for the movement. Which one would you choose?
The Verdict
If you’re looking for a modern, low-maintenance miracle, Citizen Eco Drive watches are the way to go. These eco-friendly timepieces offer incredible value and longevity, making them perfect for those who want a reliable watch that functions as a tool rather than a collectable. With minimal upkeep and no need for battery replacements, Eco-Drive watches are the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it option.
On the flip side, if you’re enchanted by the intricate dance of gears and springs and don’t mind a little hands-on time setting, Citizen automatic watches are a fantastic choice. They come with a rich history and showcase impressive craftsmanship, ideal for budding watch enthusiasts who favour the traditional more.
Of course, if you can’t decide, why not have the best of both worlds? Citizen excels in both arenas, so you really can’t go wrong. Get one of each and enjoy the perfect blend of modern and traditional with excellent features.
