Citizen Eco-Drive Issues

[azimuthaviation]

Does anyone know how those Citizen Eco-Drive batteries work? I understand theres two batteries? One regular battery and one battery that gets recharged with the solar cell? After 5 or 6 years mine stopped working, will not hold any charge. I think the first battery is dead and the second battery (solar) has no more capacity left. It would make sense that after a while they would need to be changed if thats the case. Has anyone had one of those watches for more than five or so years and has the same problem?

[skypirate88]

I got my eco drive close to ten years ago with no problems yet. Perhaps it was a manufacturing flaw

[. ._]

You could always buy 10 watches for 10 bucks at the dollar store.

Who needs batteries when you have landfills?

[Doc]

I've had mine for just a couple of years. It's a Divers 300M. I think it's a sealed unit. No way to get in to change a battery? It'll only die if I leave it in the sock drawer too long.

[PT6-114A]

I have had mine going on 11 years with out a hiccup. (knock on wood) But I am having trouble with one of the buttons from time to time. I think I remember reading that you had to send it back to them after 4 years to replace the batteries (I never did) but I could be wrong. Its been a good watch.

[MUSICMAAN]

I've had my skyhawk for 14 years, and with all the abuse I've put it through, it hasn't missed a beat the whole time.... on the other hand, my wifey bought me a new eco-drive last year, and it was dead within 6 ,months. Took it down to the local Citizen dealer who promptly sent it away for fixin'.

[rotorhead350]

Had mine for about 8 years now and not a problem and mine has seen loads of abuse.

rh350

[cptn2016]

Mine's 3 months old and works great

[slam525i]

I have a friend who had an Eco-Drive die on him after about 5 years. There are shops that will replace the "battery" inside and not necessary to return it to Citizen. (It's actually a low-self-discharge capacitor. No guarantees that the shop won't screw up your watch completely and permanently, but it's cheaper.)

(Complete side note: Anyone know where I can get a Navi/SkyHawk Titanium for cheap? My 1st generation "Blue Angels" NaviHawk is starting to die.)