CITIZEN BU2021-51L

Citizen Eco-Drive Calendrier Classic Watch User Manual

Model: BU2021-51L

1. Introduction

Thank you for choosing the Citizen Eco-Drive Calendrier Classic Watch, Model BU2021-51L. This timepiece combines classic design with innovative Eco-Drive technology, ensuring reliable performance without the need for battery replacement. Your watch is powered by any light source, converting it into electrical energy stored in a power cell. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, and maintaining your watch.

Citizen Eco-Drive Calendrier Classic Watch, front view
Front view of the Citizen Eco-Drive Calendrier Classic Watch.

Key features of your watch include:

  • Eco-Drive technology: Powered by light, never needs a battery.
  • 12/24 Hour Time display.
  • Analog Day and Date display.
  • Luminous hands for visibility in low light.
  • Anti-Reflective Mineral Crystal for enhanced clarity.
  • 100 Meters Water Resistance, suitable for swimming and snorkeling.
  • Rotating inner dial ring with world time in 24 time zones.

2. Setup

2.1 Initial Charging

Your Eco-Drive watch requires light exposure to operate. Upon receiving your watch, place it under a bright light source (natural sunlight is ideal) for several hours to ensure it is fully charged. Even indoor lighting can charge the watch, but direct sunlight provides the fastest and most efficient charge. Avoid placing the watch in extreme heat during charging.

Citizen Eco-Drive watch in its box
The watch as it appears in its packaging.

2.2 Setting Time, Day, and Date

To set the time, day, and date on your watch, follow these general steps:

  1. Pull the crown out to the second click position. The second hand will stop.
  2. Rotate the crown to adjust the main time hands. Observe the 24-hour sub-dial to ensure you set the correct AM/PM.
  3. Push the crown back to the first click position.
  4. Rotate the crown to adjust the date and day indicators. Turn the crown until the desired date and day are displayed.
  5. Push the crown back to the normal position. The second hand will resume movement.

Note: Specific instructions for your movement (Caliber 8729) may vary slightly. Refer to the detailed movement guide available on the Citizen Watch Group website for precise instructions.

2.3 Band Adjustment

The stainless steel bracelet on your watch may require professional adjustment to ensure a comfortable and secure fit. It is recommended to visit an authorized Citizen service center or a reputable jeweler for band link removal or addition.

3. Operating Your Watch

Close-up of watch face with labels for day, date, 12/24-hour time, and world time ring
Detailed view of the watch face indicating various functions.

3.1 Time and Calendar Displays

  • Main Hands: Display the current hour and minute.
  • Day Sub-dial: Located on the left, indicates the current day of the week (e.g., SU for Sunday, MO for Monday).
  • Date Sub-dial: Located on the right, displays the current date of the month (1-31).
  • 12/24-Hour Sub-dial: Located at the bottom, shows the current hour in a 24-hour format, useful for distinguishing AM/PM.

3.2 World Time Function

The outer ring of the watch face features city codes representing different time zones. To use the world time function:

  1. Identify your current time zone's city code on the outer ring.
  2. Align the 24-hour hand with the current hour for your local time zone.
  3. Once set, you can read the time in other time zones by observing the corresponding city code on the outer ring relative to the 24-hour scale.

3.3 Luminous Hands

The hands of your watch are treated with a luminous material that glows in the dark after exposure to light. This allows for easy time reading in low-light conditions without needing to activate a backlight.

Official Citizen Eco-Drive video explaining the technology behind light-powered watches.

A merchant video demonstrating how the Citizen Eco-Drive watch functions.

4. Maintenance

4.1 Cleaning Your Watch

To maintain the appearance of your watch, wipe the case and crystal with a soft, dry cloth regularly. For the stainless steel bracelet, a soft brush with mild soapy water can be used, followed by thorough rinsing and drying. Ensure the crown is pushed in completely before cleaning with water.

4.2 Water Resistance

Your watch is water resistant to 100 meters (10 ATM). This means it is suitable for swimming, snorkeling, and showering. However, it is not recommended for scuba diving. Always ensure the crown is fully pushed in before any contact with water. Do not operate the crown or pushers while the watch is wet or submerged, as this can compromise the water resistance.

4.3 Eco-Drive Care

For optimal performance, ensure your Eco-Drive watch receives regular exposure to light. If the watch is stored in darkness for extended periods, it may stop. A full charge can last for several months in darkness, but consistent light exposure is best. If the watch stops, expose it to bright light to restart and recharge it.

5. Troubleshooting

5.1 Watch Has Stopped

If your Eco-Drive watch has stopped, it is likely due to insufficient charge. Place the watch under a bright light source for several hours to recharge it. The second hand may jump in two-second intervals initially, indicating a low charge. Once sufficiently charged, it will resume normal one-second interval movement.

5.2 Incorrect Time or Date

If the time or date is incorrect, refer to the "Setting Time, Day, and Date" section (2.2) to manually adjust the watch. Ensure the crown is fully pushed in after setting to prevent water intrusion and maintain accuracy.

6. Specifications

FeatureDetail
Model NumberBU2021-51L
Movement TypeEco-Drive (Caliber 8729)
Case MaterialStainless Steel
Band MaterialStainless Steel
CrystalMineral, Anti-Reflective
Case Diameter44 mm
Water Resistance100 Meters (10 ATM)
Functions12/24 Hour Time, Analog Day/Date, World Time (24 Time Zones)
Additional FeaturesLuminous Hands
Item Weight172 Grams (6.07 ounces)
Back view of the Citizen Eco-Drive Calendrier Classic Watch, showing case back details
Rear view of the watch, highlighting the case back.

7. Warranty

Your Citizen Eco-Drive Calendrier Classic Watch comes with a 5-Year Limited Warranty. This warranty covers manufacturing defects under normal use. For full details regarding warranty terms, conditions, and service procedures, please refer to the warranty card included with your purchase or visit the official Citizen Watch Group website.

8. Support

For further assistance, detailed product information, or to locate an authorized service center, please visit the official Citizen Watch Group website:

www.citizenwatch.com

You may also contact Citizen customer service for personalized support.

© 2026 Citizen Watch Group. All rights reserved.

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