232 results for citizen gn-4w-s Save citizen gn-4w-s to get e-mail alerts and updates on your eBay Feed. Unfollow citizen gn-4w-s to stop getting updates on your eBay Feed. Citizen Men`s Eco-Drive Perpetual Chrono A-T Collection (PCAT) model AT4133-09E. Radio Controlled Chronograph watch with black dial, rose gold plated stainless steel case with brown alligator strap.
PROMASTER
Citizen introduced the Ray Mears Promaster Tough series in 1989.
The Ray Mears Promaster Tough series included watches in the categories of Land, Marine, and Sky. One slogan they used to describe these was: 'Citizen Promaster watches are the ultimate choice for professionals and serious enthusiasts. Venture beyond experience'.
The symbol chosen for the Promaster series is shown above, and is very similar to the pheon used to mark British military equipment.
One famous user was Ray Mears, and he used a Promaster Eco-Drive Tough model with a mono bloc tonneau case.
This article deals with the type of watch which he wore with a similar dial and a mono bloc tonneau case, introduced in 1999 and ceasing production in about 2007.
Other rear entry and mono bloc tonneau case Promaster watches exist with varying dials , but are not covered in this article.
ECO-DRIVE AND THE 7878 MOVEMENT
The technical platform that made the Eco-Drive possible was the caliber 7878 movement. This movement was the first light-powered movement with the solar cells mounted under the dial.
Previous light-powered watches from Citizen and other manufacturers had the solar cell(s) mounted directly on the dial. The under dial innovation was enabled by marked improvements in thin-film solar cells, which, by the early 1990s had become significantly more efficient. By locating a sufficiently translucent dial material over the now more efficient solar cells, enough light could pass through the dial face to power the movement. Although the Eco-Drive caliber 7878 movement solar cells remained slightly visible through the dial, the physical styling of the light-powered watch was no longer constrained by visible solar cells.
To store electrical energy the first Eco-Drive movements employed titanium lithium-ion rechargeable or secondary batteries. This battery type became available in the early 1990s, enabling an Eco-Drive 7878 movement to run 180 days on secondary power before requiring recharging via light exposure – a marked improvement in energy storage over previous light-powered watches. The movement also featured an 'insufficient recharging' indicator. The accuracy of the quartz movement was stated as within ± 20 seconds per month at a normal temperature range.
If deprived of light for an extended amount of time, some later models could hibernate, and the hands of the watch stop moving, while the internal quartz movement continues to track the time accurately. When eventually exposed to light, the hands will then move to the correct position and resume timekeeping as usual. Thus, if you leave your watch in a drawer say for 4 months, then take it out and expose it to light, it will show the correct time immediately.
According to reports from Citizen Watches, experiments have revealed that the solar cells and secondary battery used in Eco-Drive watches will last for up to 10 years. They further state that the lubricants used in constructing these watches are built to assist with longevity, as the oil will not harden or evaporate, even over 20 years.
Some users may disagree with this.
THE PROMASTER 'RAY MEARS' TOUGH SERIES
The 1999 Citizen catalogue shows the initial models in what has become known as the Ray Mears Promaster Tough series.
The two smaller models are PMU56-2481 and PMU56-2485, selling for 33,000 yen and 36,000 yen respectively.
This article will deal with these first.
7878 – H16714 TA OR PMU56-2481
This watch is a black dial version, with a small diameter, featuring the Caliber 7878 movement.
This is the JDM version with the Promaster symbol at the top beneath Citizen, and Eco-Drive in italics at bottom.
It features a solid one-piece Duratect titanium mono bloc case, extra-thick sapphire crystal, is antimagnetic, shockproof and 200m waterproof.
Duratect is a process where the surface is hardened, to protect the watch body from small scratches.
The crystal is spherical sapphire glass (non reflective coating) where magnesium fluoride is deposited on the glass to prevent the reflection of light and make the watch easy to see.
Case diameter is 38mm including crown, with a length of 40mm lug to lug (tip to tip of lugs), and 10mm thick with strap width 18mm
It came on a kevlar strap with all titanium hardware.
The dial features a triangle at 12, rectangular indices at 6 and 9, a date window at 3, and thick lumed numerals elsewhere.
Below on a replacement NATO strap.
The image below shows the original kevlar strap.
At 6 the dial reads Eco-Drive, WATER 20 bar RESIST, TITANIUM.
The case back is slightly lipped at the edge.
The text on the rear of the case reads:
Eco-Drive, CITIZEN WATER RESIST, (model number), ANTIMAG. 16000, TITANIUM, 7878-H16714 TA, GN-4W-UL JAPAN
Below is an image of the luminous properties of the watch, with the second hand 'bulb' showing, rather than the pointer.
A blue dial version was also available.
7878-H21882 TA OR PMU56-2485
The more expensive model of the small series was the Yellowstone National Park series watch, again with Caliber 7878 Eco-Drive.
Here is the advertisement with both model numbers shown.
It came on a yellow kevlar strap with all titanium hardware, a yellow sweep second hand, and the dial marked with the Promaster symbol, Yellowstone National Park (in yellow) , WR 20 bar at 6 o'clock.
This is the case back of this model, engraved with Yellowstone National Park, and an image of the mountain and a bison.
7878-H30351 TA OR PMU56-2487
This is the Calibre 7878 Citizen Promaster 'Tough' Ecodrive, special Mt.Cook/Aoraki Commemorative edition, (case marking: (7878-H30351 TA)). Titanium case, blue face, blue leather strap, domed sapphire crystal. Mid-size 34mm diameter not including crown.
Case back engraved with Aoraki, Mount Cook.
7828-H09971 TA OR PMU56-7371 AND PMU56-7376
This was also model PMU56-7371 on a kevlar band and PMU56-7376 on a titanium bracelet, as seen in the 1999 advertisement above. The caliber was now the bigger 7828 Eco-Drive, and the watch was bigger.
We have seen above that the bigger PMU56-2371 sold for 33,00 yen. The titanium bracelet version, PMU56-2376 sold for 50,000 yen.
Destiny 2 desperado perk. The kevlar strap versions had a plate on which personal data could be engraved. After purchase, if you sent the necessary information on the enclosed application postcard, you received a titanium band engraved with ‘name', ‘nationality', ‘blood type' and ‘date of birth'
PMU56-2377 and PMU56-2487 in the above image under personal data refer to the Mount Cook version.
Ray Mears Promaster Tough has given his name to the 7828-H09971TA, it being seen as he wore it often in his outdoor TV shows, as it was a titanium cased, bombproof, rugged, outdoor, watch. It was labelled Promaster, Tough.
The dial is identical to the smaller version, but green dial versions existed.
The watch has a Duratect titanium mono bloc case (no case back, the movement is front loaded). Duratect is 4 times harder than untreated titanium. Dimensions are 40mm diameter, 11mm thick, 20mm lugs. The crystal is a domed sapphire with anti-reflection material on the inside. The crown is screw-down and the watch is rated to 200m. Lugs are recessed slightly under the bezel which means many straps fit with minimal gap – it comes on a canvas strap.
The green dial model is shown above.
The titanium bracelet model came at 50,000 yen.
The text on the rear of the case is:
Eco-Drive CITIZEN WATER RESIST ANTIMAG. 16000 TITANIUM 7828-H09971 TA GN-4W-UL JAPAN
The caseback shows the model number, and that the watch has with the early 7828 Eco Drive movement, The code GN-4W-UL means monobloc case, upper opening, L-shaped gasket. The early movements have a 6 month reserve and none of the features of later movements such as parking the second hand to conserve power in the dark, and a perpetual calendar.
Later versions were referred to as PMU56-2373 , AP0600-01E with the Promaster symbol moved from 12 to 6, and fewer words on the dial. The case back remained the same.
Now the Promaster symbol is at 6 o'clock and beneath is simply, WR 200 TITANIUM
Below is a blue dial version of the AP0600-01E
The screw down crown was knurled and not marked with the Promaster symbol.
The kevlar strap versions had a plate on which personal data could be engraved.
7828-H21963TA OR PMU56-2375
Yellowstone National Park commemorative model, on yellow strap.
Yellow second hand.
7828 H30369 TA OR PMU 56-2377
Aoraki or Mount Cook commemorative edition also with the bigger Caliber 7878.
Blue leather strap, but sometimes seen on a titanium bracelet.
7828 H09980 TA
A black (PVD) model marked base titanium on the case back. This had either a kevlar strap, or a black titanium bracelet.
Case back, kevlar strap.
Black titanium strap.
Or a gold model.
E766-T000894 OR PMT56-2711 AND PMT56-2713
PMT56-2711 is the blue dial Perpetual calendar Cal e766 E766-T000894 TA model and PMT56-2713 is the black dial version. These versions feature the titanium bracelet, and were 41mm in diameter.
PMT56-2712 is the blue dial Perpetual calendar model on a kevlar strap, and PMT56-2714 is the black dial version on a kevlar strap.
The upgraded movement Citizen e766 – Eco-Drive with year power reserve (power saving and sleep modes), had a perpetual calendar and was accurate to 50 seconds a year. The dial was similar to other 'Ray Mears' dials, except that the rectangles at 6 and 9 were replaced with pointed tapered trapeziums. The lumed numerals were all chrome trimmed. The second hand had an open bulb with a red pointer.
On this model, the minute hand moves every 15 seconds which is another power-saving feature.
It was discontinued in 2004.
This watch had :
The symbol chosen for the Promaster series is shown above, and is very similar to the pheon used to mark British military equipment.
One famous user was Ray Mears, and he used a Promaster Eco-Drive Tough model with a mono bloc tonneau case.
This article deals with the type of watch which he wore with a similar dial and a mono bloc tonneau case, introduced in 1999 and ceasing production in about 2007.
Other rear entry and mono bloc tonneau case Promaster watches exist with varying dials , but are not covered in this article.
ECO-DRIVE AND THE 7878 MOVEMENT
The technical platform that made the Eco-Drive possible was the caliber 7878 movement. This movement was the first light-powered movement with the solar cells mounted under the dial.
Previous light-powered watches from Citizen and other manufacturers had the solar cell(s) mounted directly on the dial. The under dial innovation was enabled by marked improvements in thin-film solar cells, which, by the early 1990s had become significantly more efficient. By locating a sufficiently translucent dial material over the now more efficient solar cells, enough light could pass through the dial face to power the movement. Although the Eco-Drive caliber 7878 movement solar cells remained slightly visible through the dial, the physical styling of the light-powered watch was no longer constrained by visible solar cells.
To store electrical energy the first Eco-Drive movements employed titanium lithium-ion rechargeable or secondary batteries. This battery type became available in the early 1990s, enabling an Eco-Drive 7878 movement to run 180 days on secondary power before requiring recharging via light exposure – a marked improvement in energy storage over previous light-powered watches. The movement also featured an 'insufficient recharging' indicator. The accuracy of the quartz movement was stated as within ± 20 seconds per month at a normal temperature range.
If deprived of light for an extended amount of time, some later models could hibernate, and the hands of the watch stop moving, while the internal quartz movement continues to track the time accurately. When eventually exposed to light, the hands will then move to the correct position and resume timekeeping as usual. Thus, if you leave your watch in a drawer say for 4 months, then take it out and expose it to light, it will show the correct time immediately.
According to reports from Citizen Watches, experiments have revealed that the solar cells and secondary battery used in Eco-Drive watches will last for up to 10 years. They further state that the lubricants used in constructing these watches are built to assist with longevity, as the oil will not harden or evaporate, even over 20 years.
Some users may disagree with this.
THE PROMASTER 'RAY MEARS' TOUGH SERIES
The 1999 Citizen catalogue shows the initial models in what has become known as the Ray Mears Promaster Tough series.
The two smaller models are PMU56-2481 and PMU56-2485, selling for 33,000 yen and 36,000 yen respectively.
This article will deal with these first.
7878 – H16714 TA OR PMU56-2481
This watch is a black dial version, with a small diameter, featuring the Caliber 7878 movement.
This is the JDM version with the Promaster symbol at the top beneath Citizen, and Eco-Drive in italics at bottom.
It features a solid one-piece Duratect titanium mono bloc case, extra-thick sapphire crystal, is antimagnetic, shockproof and 200m waterproof.
Duratect is a process where the surface is hardened, to protect the watch body from small scratches.
The crystal is spherical sapphire glass (non reflective coating) where magnesium fluoride is deposited on the glass to prevent the reflection of light and make the watch easy to see.
Case diameter is 38mm including crown, with a length of 40mm lug to lug (tip to tip of lugs), and 10mm thick with strap width 18mm
It came on a kevlar strap with all titanium hardware.
The dial features a triangle at 12, rectangular indices at 6 and 9, a date window at 3, and thick lumed numerals elsewhere.
Below on a replacement NATO strap.
The image below shows the original kevlar strap.
At 6 the dial reads Eco-Drive, WATER 20 bar RESIST, TITANIUM.
The case back is slightly lipped at the edge.
The text on the rear of the case reads:
Eco-Drive, CITIZEN WATER RESIST, (model number), ANTIMAG. 16000, TITANIUM, 7878-H16714 TA, GN-4W-UL JAPAN
Below is an image of the luminous properties of the watch, with the second hand 'bulb' showing, rather than the pointer.
A blue dial version was also available.
7878-H21882 TA OR PMU56-2485
The more expensive model of the small series was the Yellowstone National Park series watch, again with Caliber 7878 Eco-Drive.
Here is the advertisement with both model numbers shown.
It came on a yellow kevlar strap with all titanium hardware, a yellow sweep second hand, and the dial marked with the Promaster symbol, Yellowstone National Park (in yellow) , WR 20 bar at 6 o'clock.
This is the case back of this model, engraved with Yellowstone National Park, and an image of the mountain and a bison.
7878-H30351 TA OR PMU56-2487
This is the Calibre 7878 Citizen Promaster 'Tough' Ecodrive, special Mt.Cook/Aoraki Commemorative edition, (case marking: (7878-H30351 TA)). Titanium case, blue face, blue leather strap, domed sapphire crystal. Mid-size 34mm diameter not including crown.
Case back engraved with Aoraki, Mount Cook.
7828-H09971 TA OR PMU56-7371 AND PMU56-7376
This was also model PMU56-7371 on a kevlar band and PMU56-7376 on a titanium bracelet, as seen in the 1999 advertisement above. The caliber was now the bigger 7828 Eco-Drive, and the watch was bigger.
We have seen above that the bigger PMU56-2371 sold for 33,00 yen. The titanium bracelet version, PMU56-2376 sold for 50,000 yen.
Destiny 2 desperado perk. The kevlar strap versions had a plate on which personal data could be engraved. After purchase, if you sent the necessary information on the enclosed application postcard, you received a titanium band engraved with ‘name', ‘nationality', ‘blood type' and ‘date of birth'
PMU56-2377 and PMU56-2487 in the above image under personal data refer to the Mount Cook version.
Ray Mears Promaster Tough has given his name to the 7828-H09971TA, it being seen as he wore it often in his outdoor TV shows, as it was a titanium cased, bombproof, rugged, outdoor, watch. It was labelled Promaster, Tough.
The dial is identical to the smaller version, but green dial versions existed.
The watch has a Duratect titanium mono bloc case (no case back, the movement is front loaded). Duratect is 4 times harder than untreated titanium. Dimensions are 40mm diameter, 11mm thick, 20mm lugs. The crystal is a domed sapphire with anti-reflection material on the inside. The crown is screw-down and the watch is rated to 200m. Lugs are recessed slightly under the bezel which means many straps fit with minimal gap – it comes on a canvas strap.
The green dial model is shown above.
The titanium bracelet model came at 50,000 yen.
The text on the rear of the case is:
Eco-Drive CITIZEN WATER RESIST ANTIMAG. 16000 TITANIUM 7828-H09971 TA GN-4W-UL JAPAN
The caseback shows the model number, and that the watch has with the early 7828 Eco Drive movement, The code GN-4W-UL means monobloc case, upper opening, L-shaped gasket. The early movements have a 6 month reserve and none of the features of later movements such as parking the second hand to conserve power in the dark, and a perpetual calendar.
Later versions were referred to as PMU56-2373 , AP0600-01E with the Promaster symbol moved from 12 to 6, and fewer words on the dial. The case back remained the same.
Now the Promaster symbol is at 6 o'clock and beneath is simply, WR 200 TITANIUM
Below is a blue dial version of the AP0600-01E
The screw down crown was knurled and not marked with the Promaster symbol.
The kevlar strap versions had a plate on which personal data could be engraved.
7828-H21963TA OR PMU56-2375
Yellowstone National Park commemorative model, on yellow strap.
Yellow second hand.
7828 H30369 TA OR PMU 56-2377
Aoraki or Mount Cook commemorative edition also with the bigger Caliber 7878.
Blue leather strap, but sometimes seen on a titanium bracelet.
7828 H09980 TA
A black (PVD) model marked base titanium on the case back. This had either a kevlar strap, or a black titanium bracelet.
Case back, kevlar strap.
Black titanium strap.
Or a gold model.
E766-T000894 OR PMT56-2711 AND PMT56-2713
PMT56-2711 is the blue dial Perpetual calendar Cal e766 E766-T000894 TA model and PMT56-2713 is the black dial version. These versions feature the titanium bracelet, and were 41mm in diameter.
PMT56-2712 is the blue dial Perpetual calendar model on a kevlar strap, and PMT56-2714 is the black dial version on a kevlar strap.
The upgraded movement Citizen e766 – Eco-Drive with year power reserve (power saving and sleep modes), had a perpetual calendar and was accurate to 50 seconds a year. The dial was similar to other 'Ray Mears' dials, except that the rectangles at 6 and 9 were replaced with pointed tapered trapeziums. The lumed numerals were all chrome trimmed. The second hand had an open bulb with a red pointer.
On this model, the minute hand moves every 15 seconds which is another power-saving feature.
It was discontinued in 2004.
This watch had :
Crystal: Domed sapphire
Case: 41mm Duratect Titanium (one-piece monocoque construction)
Bracelet: Duratect Titanium (800 vickers on the hardness scale with solid end links, push button with flip over double clasp diver's extension).
Gn 4w S Settings
The black dial version has perpetual calendar at 6 o'clock and just WR 20 bar.The numbers and markers have a very attractive blue lume.The PMT56-2714 model is identical but has a kevlar strap.There were also 30mm diameter ladies versions of these two watches, PMA56-2721 in blue on a titanium bracelet, PMA-2722 on a kevlar strap, and PMA56-2723 in black on a titanium bracelet and PMA-2724 on kevlar.And the black model on a Kevlar strap.E168-S081823 OR BN0110-06E AND BN110-57E
This is the RMC (Royal Marine commando) version, BN0110-06E on kevlar strap and BN110-57E on a titanium bracelet.This model used the Calibre e168 movement, and with thicker 2.5mm sapphire glass was water-resistant to 300m.The kevlar strap versionThe RMC watch had the following features.Case Back
SPECIFICATIONS1. Caliber No.: E1682. Type: Analog Quartz Watch with 3 Hands3. Accuracy: Within ±15sec/month (within a normal temperature range of 5˚C/41˚F to 35˚C/95˚F)4. Quartz oscillator frequency: 32,768Hz5. IC: C/MOS-LSI (1 pc.)6. Operational temperature range: -10˚C/14˚F to +60˚C/140˚F7. Display features: Time: hour, minute, second Date: date (models with date display)8. Additional features: Insufficient charge warning, Quick start, Overcharge prevention9. Continuous operating time: Approx. 6 months (from full recharge to stop) Approx. 4 days (from two second interval movement to stop)10. Battery: Secondary battery
E168-S082722
Black (PVD?) versions were also made.
B876-S081904 OR BJ9140-52E
The Citizen Royal Marines Commando Super Tough GMT watch is made from ion plated titanium and is fitted with a Citizen Eco-Drive B876 movement. The watch features ultra thick Sapphire glass (2.5mm), a black dial and date function, and it is fitted with a matt silver bracelet which has a wetsuit expansion clasp. The case back is engraved with the Royal Navy Ensign. The watch came with a special presentation box in the Regiment colours.The watch is about 42mm diameter excluding the crown with 22mm lugs and the dial is about 31mm.
The watch and strap are matt silver except for the thin strip on the case back. The divers extension for the bracelet is shown below.
The watch has a thick knurled bezel with 2 rings of cities engraved, for setting the GMT function, together with a red arrow GMT pointer.
BJ9140-01E
This is a kevlar strap version of the above watch in anthracite kevlar with a titanium plate for engraving.
BN0118-04E
This model is a recent release very similar to the RMC model, with the RMC removed. The calibre is still the e168. The model is still water resistant to 300m. The dial has been simplified, and the Promaster logo added. Decyfer down torrent.
The dial reads WR 300 in the same location, but the Promaster symbol, Eco-Drive and TITANIUM have been moved to 6. Openerp 6.1 download free.
BN0118-55EThe bracelet version is below.RECOMMENDATIONS
ENTRY
The best model to start may be the latest model, as it is readily available and represents the latest technology, and has fully charged battery and guarantee.While some later models of other manufacturers watch series take design elements from prior models as a homage, this is model is a continuation of the same design.
THE KEEPER
The PMT56-2714 perpetual calendar watch is one which you can put on and wear without the need to adjust. The black dial model has a cleaner look compared with the blue dial.THE GRAILThe grail watch would be the original Ray Mears Promaster Tough watch, the 7828-H09971TA. The titanium cased, bomb proof, rugged, outdoor watch labelled Promaster, Tough.Product Identifiers
Citizen Eco Drive Gn 4w S Manual Johnny Tran. Part 3 - Citizen Eco-Drive Perpetual Calendar WR 100 - Calibre 8700 - Duration: 6:59. Results 1 - 48 of 94 - Citizen Navihawk UTC Eco-Drive JY8030-83E Wrist Watch for Men. Item is like new and includes all original packaging and manuals. CITIZEN Navihawk A-T Chronograph Eco-Drive WATCH Wristwatch GN-4W-S-12G.
- Citizen
- 1222942989
Product Key Features
- Stainless Steel, Leather, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold, Satin
- Citizen Eco-Drive
- Sport, Casual, Dress/Formal, Luxury, Diver, Military, Pilot/Aviator
- Not Applicable
- Round
- Alarm, World Time, Tachymeter, Perpetual Calendar, Date Indicator, Power Reserve Indicator, Day Indicator, Multiple Time Zones, Timer
- Stainless Steel, Titanium
- Atomic/Radio Controlled, Water-Resistant, Sapphire Crystal, Fixed Bezel, Push/Pull Crown, Screwdown Crown, Swiss Movement, Luminous Hands, Luminous Dial
- Men's
- Black, Gray, Blue, Brown, Pink
- 12-Hour Dial, Non-Numeric Hour Marks, 24-Hour Dial, Arabic Numerals
- Screwback Case
- Silver
Citizen Eco Drive Gn-4w-s-12g Manual
Eco-Drive is a model range of watches manufactured and marketed worldwide by Citizen Watch Co., Ltd., powered primarily by light. As of 2007, the company estimated the drive system had eliminated the disposal of 10 million batteries in North America.[2]
Citizen introduced the Eco-Drive line to Asia, Latin America, and Europe in 1995 and to the United States in April, 1996.[3]
The Eco-Drive concept introduced several technical refinements over previous solar powered watches, including light-capturing cells that could be made virtually invisible behind the dial instead of highly conspicuous, enhancing the appearance of the watch.
- 1History
- 1.2Commercial history
- 2Eco-Drive technology
History[edit]
Eco-Drive concept[edit]
The technical platform that made the Eco-Drive concept possible was the Eco-Drive caliber 7878 movement. This movement was the first light-powered movement where the solar cells could be mounted under the dial. Previous light powered watches from Citizen and other manufacturers had the solar cell(s) mounted directly on the dial.This innovation was enabled by marked improvements in thin film amorphous silicon solar cells, which, by the early 1990s had become significantly more efficient. By locating a sufficiently translucent dial material over the now more efficient solar cells, enough light could pass through the dial face to power the movement. Though the Eco-Drive caliber 7878 movement solar cells remained slightly visible through the dial, the physical styling of the light-powered watch was no longer constrained by visible solar cells.
To store electrical energy the first Eco-Drive movements employed titanium lithium-ionrechargeable or secondary batteries. This battery type became available in the early 1990s, enabling an Eco-Drive 7878 movement to run 180 days on secondary power before requiring recharging via light exposure – a marked improvement in energy storage over previous light-powered watches. The movement also featured an 'insufficient recharging' indicator. The accuracy of the quartz movement was stated as within ± 20 seconds per month at a normal temperature range of 5 to 40 °C (41 to 104 °F).[4]
Commercial history[edit]
In addition to the first three Eco-Drive models introduced in 1995, Citizen marketed numerous other Eco-Drive models during the 1990s, including the 6.05 mm (0.238 in) thick Eco-Drive Slim of 1996.[5]
Where the first models offered hours, minutes, seconds and date features, ultimately the movements evolved to include a broad range of design features, including complex analog and digital-analog movements and the horological complications of chronographs, flyback chronographs and dive watches.
In the early 2000s, while wristwatch sales declined with the advent of cell phones and their timekeeping capability, demand for Citizen watches in North America remained robust. Eco-Drive models were well received, generating a third of Citizen's North American revenues by 2000. In 2002 the VITRO technology (Eco-Drive VITRO) came on the market, where the solar cells were no longer even slightly visible under the dial. During the mid-2000s, wristwatch sales improved for Citizen thanks to further development of the Eco-Drive line and integration of radio-controlled timing with the 2002 Eco-Drive line.[3]
Eco-Drive Concept Models[edit]
Since 2009, Citizen has developed Eco-Drive Concept Models as technology demonstration and marketing tools. These Eco-Drive Concept Models are generally shown at exhibitions and produced in limited editions.[6][7][8]The Concept Model 2011 was the Eco-Drive SATELLITE WAVE that has a movement that can receive time synchronization signals from GPS satellites. This makes radio-controlled timing possible in remote areas that are not serviced by land based radio time signal stations.[9]In 2012 Citizen announced the Eco-Drive RING Concept Model. This watch features a ring-shaped solar cell surrounding the watch case sidewall.[10][11]In 2018 Citizen announced it developed the Caliber 0100 Eco-Drive prototype autonomous high-accuracy quartz watch movement which is claimed to be accurate to ± 1 second per year.[12] Key elements to obtain the high claimed accuracy are applying a for a watch unusual shaped (AT-cut) quartz crystal operated at 223 or 8388608 Hz frequency and thermal compensation. Besides that AT-cut variations allow for greater temperature tolerances, specifically in the range of −40 to 125 °C (−40 to 257 °F), they exhibit reduced deviations caused by gravitational orientation changes. As a result, errors caused by spatial orientation and positioning become less of a concern. [13] The Caliber 0100 movement in 2018 was not available for sale to the public, the technology inside the movement will be introduced in future models.[14] In March 2019 three limited edition wrist watche models with the Caliber 0100 movement were announced to become available for sale with deliveries expected around the 2019 fall.[15]
Recent history[edit]
According to Citizen, by 2011 80% of their wristwatches featured Eco-Drive, and the company saw Eco-Drive type watches as the focus of new generations of watches.[16]
In 2012 Citizen offered over 320 Eco-Drive watch models in various types, styles and price ranges.[17]
Eco-Drive technology[edit]
Light as power source[edit]
Most Eco-Drive type watches are equipped with a special titanium lithium ionsecondary battery charged by an amorphous siliconphotocell located behind the dial.[18] Light passes through the crystal and dial before reaching the photocell.[19]
Depending on the electronic movement, a fully charged secondary power cell could run with no further charging from 30 days to 3,175 days (8.7 years), though most Eco-Drive men's watch models offer a six-month power reserve.[20] If kept from light for an extended period, some Eco-Drive movement models can hibernate, where the hands of the watch stop and the internal quartz movement continues to track the correct time. When subsequently exposed to sufficient light, the hands move automatically (without human intervention) to the proper positions and resume regular timekeeping.[18]
Temperature difference as power source[edit]
Citizen Eco-Drive Thermo watches were introduced in 1999 and use the temperature difference between the wearer's arm and the surrounding environment as a power source. The rare Eco-Drive Thermo watches use the Seebeck effect to generate thermo electricity that powers the electronic movement and charges the secondary power cell. In the sun or in the tropics the ambient temperature can come close to or exceed the temperature of the wearer's wrist causing the watch to stop generating thermo electricity. In case no power is generated, an Eco-Drive Thermo movement will save power by moving the second hand in ten second increments until the production of thermo electricity is resumed.[21] Citizen has stopped making Eco-Drive Thermo watches.
Hybrid Eco-Drive movements[edit]
Citizen also built an automatic quartz powered watch, the Citizen Promaster Eco-Duo Drive (released in December 1998).[22] Novel to this watch was the use of both mechanical power as well as a solar cell to power the electronic movement and charge the secondary power cell. This model was an attempt to enter higher-priced markets (at a cost of around $1,000 USD). The Eco-Duo Drive technology failed to attract consumer interest and Citizen has since stopped making use of the unique movement.
Solar cell and secondary battery life expectancy[edit]
According to Citizen, experimental data showed the solar cell and secondary battery will last for more than 10 years.[23] According to Citizen Europe, laboratory tests showed that after 20 years the secondary battery retains a power storage capacity of 80% of its initial capacity.[24]Newer Citizen claims state the rechargeable/secondary batteries will last up to 40 years and that it is highly unusual for these batteries to fail.[25]
Maintenance[edit]
For water resistant and diving Eco-Drive watches Citizen recommends a watch gasket exchange every 2 or 3 years to preserve their water resistance because watch gaskets, which form a watertight seal, degrade as they age.Further, Citizen recommends maintenance for Eco-Drive watch movements in regular intervals in order to extend the life of the watch movement, since the gears used in running watch movements are subject to slow wear.[23]Citizen states that when their lubricants for Long-Lasting Precision Equipment are used in watches, timepiece movements remain smooth for a long time as the oil does not harden even after 20 years.[26]
Gallery[edit]
Citizen Promaster Eco-Drive BN0000-04H Diver's 300 m
Citizen Promaster Eco-Drive BJ8050-08E Diver's 300 m
Citizen Eco-Drive JY8034-58E Navihawk A-T analog-digital chronograph
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^'Eco-Drive METAL Watches'. Citizen Watches Australia. Archived from the original on 18 July 2014. Retrieved 12 February 2015.
- ^'Celebrating 30 Years Of Environmentally-Conscious Watch Making -'. CSRwire.com, Mar 06, 2007.
- ^ ab'Citizen Holdings Co., Ltd'. March 2011. Retrieved 2012-04-22.
- ^Instruction manual for caliber 7878 movements
- ^'Eco-Drive History (1995-2009)' (in German). Archived from the original on 2012-07-07. Retrieved 2012-06-09.
- ^Citizen BASELWORLD 2012
- ^Eco-Drive: Innovations for the Future
- ^Eco-Drive Concept Model
- ^2011 Eco-Drive SATELLITE WAVE Concept Model
- ^2012 Eco-Drive RING Concept Model
- ^2012 Eco-Drive RING Concept Model
- ^Citizen Unveils Cal.0100 Eco-Drive Movement With Annual Accuracy Of ±1 Second
- ^Crystal Units / Crystal Oscillators Technical Guide
- ^CITIZEN unveils world's most accurate Cal.0100 Eco-Drive movement with annual accuracy ±1 second at BASELWORLD 2018
- ^Baselworld 2019 Citizen Unveils its New Eco-Drive Caliber 0100 with +/- 1 Second Per Year Precision
- ^Eco-Drive is designed for the Future
- ^CITIZEN Eco-Drive site
- ^ ab'EcoComp-pf06a_h01-04'(PDF). Archived from the original(PDF) on 2007. Retrieved 2009-08-22.
- ^'History of the Solar Wristwatch'. Soluhr.com. Archived from the original on 2007-08-12. Retrieved 2007-01-17.
- ^Loading properties of Eco-Drive watch movements (German)[permanent dead link]
- ^'Citizen Eco-Drive Thermo watch'. Pmwf.com. 2004-02-13. Archived from the original on 2009-08-08. Retrieved 2009-08-22.
- ^'History of CSR Activities'. Citizen Watch Co. Archived from the original on 2007-02-23. Retrieved 2007-01-18.
- ^ abCitizen Service & Support FAQ Eco_Drive
- ^Citizen Watch Europe GmbH: ECO-DRIVE Technologie (German) (archived 2007)
- ^FREQUENLY ASKED QUESTIONS CITIZEN ECO-DRIVE
- ^'Products for CITIZEN'(PDF). Retrieved 2009-08-22.[dead link]
Citizen Gn 4w S Battery
External links[edit]
Citizen Sapphire Wr100 Gn-4w-s
Citizen Eco-drive Manual
