The Citizen Eco Drive power system has been available since 1995 and has proven to be very successful for the Citizen Watch Co. In essence Eco Drive watches are Solar or Light powered timepieces.

Being highly technically advanced but at the same time very simple. A Solar conversion panel and energy cell are the power provider for these Quartz Watches. Light, both natural and artificial is converted into electrical energy by an extremely thin disc of Silicone located under the watch dial. The electrical energy is then stored in a Titanium Lithium-ion energy storage cell.

Depending on the model, once fully charged Eco Drive watches, if left in the dark will continue to tell accurate time from a matter of months to up to 5 years if it is the model with energy saving functions. Models with the energy saving modes will shut down if left in the dark, with the hands being still but the quartz movement continues to keep time. Once brought out into the light the watch wakes up and the hands return to telling the correct time.

Many differant watch styles and functions are now available with the Eco Drive system due to an increase in efficiency. Eco Drive Chronographs, Alarm, Divers, Moon Phase, Retrograde, Repeater and even small Ladies watches are available. The Eco Drive Divers watches have a clear following as Divers watches need to be pressure tested when a battery is changed. As the advanced Titanium Lithium-ion energy cell usually last beyond ten years and often for the life of the watch the expensive pressure tests can be avoided.

The Eco Drive system has been very successful for Citizen so much so they seem to be offering more models with the technology rather than normal quartz watches. The system certainly appears to be well regarded and reliable.