Citizen watches is one of the largest watch producers in the world. Originally founded as Shokosha Watch Research Institute in 1918. The trade name originated from a pocket watch CITIZEN sold in 1924.
There are two main technologies that Citizen are famous for in the watchmaking arena. The Eco Drive mechanism and the Deployment Clasp. The Eco-Drive technology of Citizen watches
been embedded in most models of the Japanese marque since 1995. Most watches are equipped with a rechargeable battery. The battery type in use is constructed from a mix of titanium and lithium ions. A solar cell that is located behind the dial delivers the charge to the battery. The mix of metals in the battery protects it to a large degree from ‘memory effect’ where the continual charging and discharging of the battery causes a battery to lose capacity.
Batteries tested after being removed damaged watches after ten years of hard use have still been found to be able to hold around 80% of their peak charge. As a fully charged battery can run for around 30 days without seeing sunlight, a loss of six days capacity is unlikely to have a detrimental effect on the watch wearer. It is not just the time keeping functions that can be operated from the rechargeable battery.
Many models include chronographs; with other models, offering radio controlled atomic timekeeping. In those instances a small radio receiver is found inside the watch and this is used to pick up the time signal stations. This receiver is powered from the same battery and charging system as the rest of the movement.
The Deployment Clasp is a push button strap release available for many Citizen watch bracelet bands. The clasp is also used with leather however, when the clasp is fastened, the band appears to be a normal eye-hole and link pin leather watchband.
With few other methods of power generation for quartz watches, the Eco-Drive (and the Deployment Clasp will be around for a number of years yet.
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