Citizen Eco Drive Watch Repair Near Me

Citizen Eco Drive watches are designed with sophisticated technology that eliminates the need for batteries. They have different technical refinements than traditional solar-powered watches, making them more difficult to troubleshoot. For repair work, you can either seek a local citizen watch repair and shop or an authorized Citizen service center. Below I’ll discuss authorized and unauthorized repairs, the Citizen warranty and how the Citizen Eco Drive watch repair near me works.

Map of Citizen Eco Drive Watch Repair Near Me

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Unauthorized Citizen Eco Drive Watch Repair Shops

Your local repair shop or jeweler is not an authorized service center. That means if you have them do work on your Eco-Drive timepiece, it is considered unauthorized work. That becomes important in the context of your watch’s warranty. In the case of the Citizen brand, any unauthorized work will void the warranty.

That doesn’t necessarily mean though you should rule out a local repair. There are a lot of great reasons to see visit your local Citizen Eco Drive watch repair near me.

This includes:

• Repairs typically have a shorter turnaround time.
• You can speak face to face and explain the issues to a repair technician.
• You don’t have to mail your watch in, insure it, and wait.
• If your warranty is already expired, then it becoming void is not an issue.
• Basic repairs like a band adjustment, strap replacement, cleaning, etc are more convenient locally.

However unauthorized repairs have the following drawbacks:

• Can’t honor your warranty if the issue is covered
• May not have the parts available to fix your watch
• Can’t guarantee their work after it is completed

How Long is The Warranty on My Eco Drive?

Citizen actually has an awesome 5 year warranty. Most manufacturers only offer a 2-year warranty.

The 5-year warranty is a limited liability warranty. It begins on the date of purchase on your receipt and lasts 5 years from that date. Claims are made against the warranty only at an authorized Citizen service center and must have an original receipt showing the model number, purchase price, and date of purchase. For more info on the Citizen Eco-Drive warranty, click here.

What’s Covered:

An Eco-Drive watch has a standard manufacturer’s defect warranty. That protects you from poor craftsmanship and defective parts. It also contains a clause regarding unauthorized repairs. Any unauthorized technician who performs repair work on a Citizen watch voids the warranty.

What is Not Covered:

The manufacturer’s defect warranty does not cover normal wear and tear, the band or strap, the crystal, and damage from misuse.

No Battery and It Lasts a Long Time

One of the coolest elements of the Eco Drive watches is that they are driven by light. They advertise them as having no battery. In fact, Citizen estimates that the Eco Drive system has eliminated the disposal of ten million batteries in North America since 2007.  Most Eco-Drive type watches are equipped with a special titanium lithium ion secondary battery

Some early tests performed showed that after 20 years the secondary battery retains a power storage capacity of 80% of its initial energy cell capacity. Newer tests done by citizens make claims that the watch can last up to 40 years.

Some Power Source Issues are Best Addressed by Citizen

While that is all awesome, these watches introduced some new technical refinements over similar solar power timepieces. An Eco-Drive features a practically unnoticeable cell that captures light directly behind the dial. While that certainly makes for a nice look, it can complicate the repair work. Being that this is the power source, certain issues related to the watch’s power are just better to go directly to Citizen to fix. Other than that these are standard Quartz movements and easy to troubleshoot and work on.

Crystal Replacement

The crystal is the part of the watch, many people call the watch glass. It is the clear material that sits over the watch face. For Eco Drive watches the crystal is typically mineral glass or plastic depending on the model. These materials are much easier to repair and cheaper to replace. A scratch is a plastic or mineral glass crystal that can be buffed out as long as it is not too deep. These materials are also known to hold up well under duress and not crack or shatter.

A crystal replacement on for an Eco Drive watch repair is going to cost about $50.

Replacing the Strap

Eco-Drives can have a variety of straps and metal bands. The bands are often lower-end metals. The straps vary in material like leather, fabric, and synthetic rubber. Replacing a strap on an Eco Drive can be inexpensive. You can opt for a Citizen strap or a strap made by a 3rd party.

Changing the strap can be a simple process, done on some models with a spring pen to remove it.

Resizing for a Custom Fit

At the Citizen Eco Drive watch repair near me, resizing is a popular service. Resizing the band or strap is important to secure the timepiece on your wrist. A watch that fits better also looks better.

A band is easier to resize on an Eco-Drive than a strap. The band can have links added or removed. Some models even come with a few extra links in the box when you purchase them. A strap on the other hand can only have so many holes added before you run out of material to work with.

Crown and Stem Repairs

The crown is the knob that sticks out of the case and allows you to change functions. The crown can get damaged if drop the watch or bang it on something. These kinds of hits can cause damage to the crown as well as bend the internal pin called the stem. When a crown is damaged, the stem should be looked at as well. In really bad cases, the stem can actually get shoved inwards and also damage the internal movement.

The good news for Eco Drives customers is that finding replacement parts is common. Many of these parts are still manufactured and inexpensive to purchase.

Eco Drive Movement Repairs

The movement is the back-end working part of the watch that makes it function. The tech that made the Eco-Drive concept possible was the caliber 7878 movement. It was the first light-powered movement with the solar cells beneath the dial. There is one model that had a hybrid movement (Automatic Quartz movement) called the Citizen Promaster Eco-Duo Drive back in 1998, but it was discontinued.

Eco Drive movement parts for the most part are easy to find and inexpensive to purchase. Citizen uses many universal parts on their watches, which makes part swapping a lot easier. If you need to replace an Eco Drive Quartz movement your costs will range from $40 to $90 depending on the model.

Mailing to an Authorized Citizen Service Center

If you’ve been looking for Citizen Eco Drive watch repair near me and can’t find a good place, then an authorized service center is your next option.

An authorized Citizen service center is the only place that can perform authorized repairs on Citizen brand watches. When they do their repairs they will also provide a guarantee on it for 1 year from the date of completion complete restoration.

These are the only places that can honor your warranty. Any work they perform covered by the warranty is done free of charge. Any work not covered by the warranty will result in them providing an estimate of the costs. If you do not approve the estimate they will mail your watch back without any repairs done. You can find a service center here.

When dealing with a service center you need to provide some basic information:

• Full name
• Phone number
• Mailing address
• Email address
• Case back number
• Serial number
• Model Name

You can access the Citizen repair submission form here.

Tips Before Sending Your Watch in For Service

• Write on an index card the issue you are having with the watch and be very specific.
• Estimate the watch’s value.
• When you ship it, Ensure the package for the value you estimated
• Include all your basic contact information in the package
• Pack the watch securely using adequate packing and bubble wrap.
• Follow all instructions from Citizen on their site.
• For warranty claims, include the original receipt.

Can you DIY an Eco Drive Watch Repair?

Yes, but I do not advise that. Work that you perform on the watch is also an unauthorized repair. So you might void your own warranty by doing so. Sometimes watch repairs seem simple, but if it requires you to open the case, you can do more harm than good.

Being an Eco Drive doesn’t have a battery there is not a lot of good reason for you to be opening the case. In the event that you need to though, here are some tools you can use to do it.

DIY Citizen Watch Repair: Pros and Cons

When it comes to citizen watch repair, many owners are tempted to take matters into their own hands. The allure of saving some money and the satisfaction of fixing something oneself can be appealing. However, there are both advantages and disadvantages to consider.

Pros:

1. Cost Savings: One of the primary reasons people opt for DIY repairs is to save on prices. Professional watch repair services can sometimes be costly, especially if genuine citizen parts are required.
2. Immediate Fixes: If you have the necessary tools and knowledge, some minor issues like pin replacement or band replacement can be addressed immediately without waiting for a professional service’s turnaround time.
3. Personal Satisfaction: Successfully completing a simple process like battery replacement can give a sense of accomplishment.

Cons:

1. Potential Damage: Citizen watches, especially those with eco drive technology, are intricate devices. A failed DIY attempt can lead to more complications, requiring even a complete restoration.
2. Voided Warranty: Some warranties become void if non-professionals open the watch. Always review the warranty terms before attempting any DIY fixes.
3. Lack of Expertise: Professionals specialize in tasks like movement clean, dial refinish, and capacitor change. A layperson might find these tasks complicated and risk damaging the watch further.

In conclusion, while DIY citizen watch repair might seem like a reasonable option, it’s essential to weigh the risks and benefits. If you’ve purchased a high-end model or have limited experience, it’s highly recommended to trust a business with many years of expertise in the world of watch repairs.

Other Resources for Citizen Eco Drive Watch Repair Near Me

If you want to learn more about the brand or find the Citizen Watch community, here are some helpful related links:

• Official Citizen Homepage
• Citizen Eco Drive Wiki Page
• Subreddit for Citizen
• Watch U Seek Forum Eco Drive Thread

Popular Citizen Eco Drive Watch Models

When you call the Citizen watch repair near me, the first question they ask is what model you need help with. The model helps a technician know how old the watch is and what kind of functions it has. While there have been many models of Eco Drives since their inception in 1996, here are some of the classic models…

• Titanium Quartz
• Military Leather Strap
• Perpetual Calendar Chronograph
• Blue Angels
• Titanium Perpetual Chrono A-T
• Men’s Chandler Eco Drive
• AR Eco-Drive with Pinstripe Dial
• Avion Eco-Drive Stainless Steel

Importance of Citizen Watch Maintenance and Repair

Citizen watches are renowned worldwide for their precision, durability, and timeless design. However, like all intricate mechanical and electronic devices, they require regular maintenance and, occasionally, repairs to ensure they function optimally. Understanding the importance of citizen watch repair and maintenance is crucial for several reasons.

Lifespan and Durability Considerations:

Every Citizen watch, especially those equipped with eco drive technology, is built to last. However, their lifespan can be significantly extended with regular check-ups and maintenance. Over time, even the most durable watches can experience wear and tear. Regular repairs and replacements, such as battery replacement or pin replacement, can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems. Using genuine citizen parts during these repairs ensures the watch retains its original quality and durability.

Maintaining the Value and Aesthetics:

A well-maintained watch not only functions efficiently but also retains its aesthetic appeal. Processes like dial refinish or band replacement can rejuvenate an older watch, making it look brand new. Furthermore, watches are often sentimental items or investments. Regular maintenance ensures that the watch retains its monetary and sentimental value. A watch with a complete service history, especially from a recognized facility, is more valuable in the resale market.

Ensuring Accurate Timekeeping:

The primary function of any watch is accurate timekeeping. Over the years, the movement of a watch can get affected by various factors, including dust, moisture, or shocks. A regular movement clean and calibration can ensure that your Citizen watch remains as accurate as the date it was purchased.

In the world of horology, Citizen stands out as a brand synonymous with precision and reliability. To uphold these standards, regular maintenance and timely repairs are essential. By understanding the importance of maintenance, owners can ensure that their timepieces serve them efficiently for many years to come.

Citizen Eco Drive Watch Repair Near Me Conclusion

The Eco Drive technology has been around for almost 40 years. These watches are also known to last a long time, being they do not have a need for battery power and run-off light. Repair work on them is pretty straightforward and affordable.

Replacement parts are pretty easy to acquire and many models can swap parts. Deciding where to get a repair is up to you. While local is often more convenient, the work is not authorized and could void your warranty. This is what I have learned from the Citizen Eco Drive watch repair near me.

FAQs (People Also Ask)

How often should I service my Citizen Eco Drive watch?

It’s highly recommended to service your Citizen Eco Drive watch every 3-5 years. Regular maintenance ensures the watch’s eco drive technology, which relies on an energy cell, functions optimally. While these watches are designed for durability, periodic checks can identify potential issues early and extend the watch’s lifespan.

What should I do if my Citizen watch gets wet?

If your Citizen watch is water-resistant, a few splashes shouldn’t be a concern. However, if it’s submerged or exposed to significant amounts of water, it’s best to get it checked at a professional repair facility. Water can damage the movement and other internal components. It’s essential to avoid pressing any buttons or adjusting the bracelet or crown when the watch is wet.

How can I verify if a repair shop is authorized by Citizen?

To ensure you’re getting genuine citizen watch repair services, always check the business’s credentials. Many authorized repair shops will display their certification or affiliation with Citizen prominently. Additionally, you can review Citizen’s official website or contact their customer service to verify if a shop is authorized. Using an authorized service ensures your watch gets genuine citizen parts and maintains its warranty.