Eco-Drive
Citizen’s light-powered watch technology that converts natural or artificial light into electrical energy stored in a rechargeable cell.
Also known as: Citizen Eco-Drive, Eco Drive
Definition
Eco-Drive is Citizen's proprietary light-powered technology. A photovoltaic element converts natural or artificial light into electrical energy, which is stored in a rechargeable cell and used to run the watch. Citizen introduced its first light-powered analogue watch in 1976; modern Eco-Drive implementations span simple three-hand watches through more complex models.
Why it matters
It means routine disposable-battery replacement is normally unnecessary, but the watch still contains an electrical energy-storage system that can age and eventually require service.