Citizen Eco-Drive Radio Controlled Watch

Notice

All repairs performed on this watch are to be performed at the CITIZEN Service Center. When desiring to have your watch repaired or inspected, please contact the Citizen Service Center directly or through the store where you purchased your watch.

Radio Wave Reception from China

This radio controlled watch receives standard radio waves broadcast from the People's Republic of China.

• Only standard time radio waves (BPC) broadcast from the People's Republic of China are received.
• The radio controlled watch has no effect on the human body or medical equipment.

Charging Instructions

Fully charge your watch before use by exposing it to sufficient light. The second hand will move at 2-second intervals when the watch is insufficiently charged. Charge your watch as indicated in "Guide to Charging Time" (page 146). Charge the watch in direct sunlight for a long time once a month.

Part Names and Reception Status

The watch features an hour hand, minute hand, second hand, crown, Button (A), and Button (B).

Reception status is indicated by the second hand: OK for successful reception, RX for receiving, and NO for failed reception. Depending on the model, reception status may be indicated by the long or short side of the second hand.

Your Watch Functions

Automatic Reception: The watch automatically receives radio waves and adjusts the time every morning at 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. If reception is successful at 2 a.m., it will not attempt reception at 4 a.m.

On Demand Reception: Radio waves can be received at any time of the day to adjust the time. This function is not available when radio waves are interrupted.

Eco-Drive Function: This solar-powered watch converts light energy into electric energy. It includes a power saving function that reduces power consumption when the watch face is not exposed to light.

Time Difference Adjustment: The watch supports a time difference adjustment function (±27 hours) for changing to local time when traveling to different time zones.

Operating the Crown

The crown can be either normal or screw lock. To operate the screw lock crown, turn it to the left to release it. After operation, lock it again. The crown can be used to move the hands continuously by pulling it out to position 1 and turning it quickly. To stop continuous movement, turn the crown one click left or right.

Before Use

Checking Second Hand Movement: Ensure the second hand moves at 1-second intervals. If it moves at 2-second intervals, charge the watch sufficiently in direct sunlight.

Checking Reception Status: Press the lower right button (A). If the second hand indicates OK, reception is successful. If it indicates NO, reception failed. If the second hand moves at 1-second intervals, the watch is correctly receiving the radio wave and is ready for use. If reception failed or the time is incorrect, refer to "On Demand Reception" (page 126).

Checking the Reference Position

Before use, ensure the hands are aligned at the "0" or 12:00:00 position. The reference position may become misaligned due to magnetism, static electricity, or impact. Even if radio waves are received, the correct time will not be indicated if the reference position is incorrect.

Magnetic Interference: Keep the watch away from magnetic products such as health products, refrigerators, electromagnetic cookers, bags with magnet fasteners, and mobile phones.

Procedure to Check/Correct Reference Position: Press the upper right button (B) for about 5 seconds until the second hand rotates rapidly. Pull out the crown and wait for the hand to stop. Align the hands to the "12:00:00" reference position by turning the crown. Press the crown in to record the new position. Press button (B) again to return hands to the current time. If the reference position is incorrect, pull out the crown and correct it (page 136).

Functions List

Radio Wave Reception

For Best Reception: Place the watch near a window, pointing the 9:00 position towards the transmitter. Do not move the watch during reception. Reception may be difficult due to metal shielding or within buildings; place the watch close to a window. Avoid reception during sunrise and sunset.

Poor Reception Areas: Reception may be difficult in areas with extreme temperatures, near high-tension electrical lines, railway overhead wires, communication facilities, TVs, refrigerators, computers, cellular phones, or in areas with tall buildings or mountains.

Receiving the Radio Waves:

• Automatic Reception: Occurs daily at 2 a.m. and 4 a.m.
• On Demand Reception: Can be performed at any time. Press and hold button (A) until the second hand stops at RX.
• Recovery Automatic Reception: If the watch stops due to insufficient charging, expose it to sunlight. Once recharged, it will automatically receive the radio wave once.
• Confirming the Reception Status: Press the lower right button (A). The second hand stops at OK (successful) or NO (failed). If the time is incorrect even after successful reception, check the reference position.
• Reception Area Guidelines: The map indicates approximate reception areas for the standard time radio wave (BPC) broadcast from Shangqiu, Henan, China. Reception may vary based on time, season, and weather.

Setting the Time Manually

Setting the Time: Pull out the crown to the 0 seconds position. Turn the crown to set the time, moving hands minute by minute. Turn quickly for continuous movement. Press the crown in to complete. If the second hand does not align with 0 seconds, the reference position may be incorrect; refer to "Checking the Reference Position" (page 120) and "Correcting the Reference Position" (page 136).

Correcting the Time Difference

To set the time difference for different time zones (±27 hours), press the upper right button (B) once. The second hand stops at the 12:00 position (indicating ±0 hours). Turn the crown to move the second hand forward (for + hours) or backward (for - hours) by one step per click. Press button (B) again to confirm. The hands will then return to normal movement.

Correcting the Reference Position

If the reference position is not "12:00:00", it must be corrected. Press the upper right button (B) for over 5 seconds until the second hand rotates rapidly. Pull out the crown and wait for the hand to stop. Align the hands to the "12:00:00" reference position using the crown. Press the crown in to record the new position. Press button (B) once to return hands to the current time.

Solar Power Function

This watch uses a secondary battery to store electrical energy, maintaining accuracy for about 6 months when fully charged. For optimal performance, always store the watch in a bright location, such as near a window. Wearing long sleeves can hinder charging. It is recommended to expose the watch to direct sunlight once a month. Avoid charging on surfaces that can become hot, like a car dashboard.

Characteristics of the Solar Powered Watch

Insufficient Charge Warning: When insufficiently charged, the second hand moves at 2-second intervals. If this continues for over 2 days, the watch will stop. If the watch stops due to insufficient charging, it requires at least 30 minutes of light exposure for recovery. After recovery, charge sufficiently and set the time manually or perform on-demand reception if the time is incorrect.

Recovery Automatic Reception: When recharged sufficiently, the watch will automatically receive the radio wave once.

Power Saving Function

If the watch face is not exposed to light for 7 consecutive days, the hands will stop at 12:00 midnight, entering power saving mode. Timekeeping continues internally. The power saving function cancels automatically when the watch face is exposed to light, and the hands return to normal movement. If the watch is insufficiently charged, the second hand may move at 2-second intervals; charge adequately.

Insufficient Charge Warning Function

The second hand's movement changes from 1-second to 2-second intervals, indicating insufficient charge. The watch will stop approximately 2 days after this interval movement begins. During this period, automatic reception, on-demand reception, time difference setting, and manual time setting are unavailable. If charging insufficiency occurs during an operation, the operation will stop, and the 2-second interval movement will begin.

Overcharging Prevention Function

This function automatically activates when the secondary battery is fully charged by solar light, preventing further charging. This does not affect the battery, timekeeping, or watch functions.

Guide to Charging Time

Charging time varies by model and light conditions. The table provides estimates for charging time based on illuminance (lux) and environment. For example, under 500 lux indoor lighting, a 1-day movement charge takes 4 hours, while full charging takes 20 hours. Under 100,000 lux direct sunlight, a 1-day movement charge takes 3 minutes, and full charging takes 18 hours. A fully charged battery lasts about 6 months. It is recommended to charge the watch daily and expose it to direct sunlight monthly.

Handling Your Solar Powered Watch

Charging Precautions: Avoid overheating while charging, which can discolor or deform the watch. Do not charge in high-temperature environments (above 60°C), near heat sources like incandescent lamps or halogen lamps, or on hot surfaces like car dashboards. Keep the watch at least 50 cm away from heat sources.

Secondary Battery Warnings: Do not remove the secondary battery yourself. If removal is necessary, store it out of children's reach. If ingested, consult a doctor immediately. The secondary battery should not need changing, but if the watch cannot be charged due to a battery issue, seek repair.

Troubleshooting

Watch does not receive radio waves: Ensure the second hand aligns with the RX position by pressing and holding button (A). If reception is still an issue, try again later.

Watch receives waves but shows incorrect time: Check the time difference setting. If the reference position is incorrect, correct it (page 136).

Second hand does not align with OK/RX/NO positions: Confirm and correct the reference position (page 120, 136).

Reception successful, but time is off by hours: Check and set the correct time difference (page 134).

Radio wave cannot be received: Radio waves may be interrupted. Try again later. Avoid areas with potential interference (objects blocking waves, noise). Ensure you are near a window. Do not move the watch during reception.

Eco-Drive Issues:

• Second hand moving at 2-second intervals: Charge the watch sufficiently in sunlight as per the "Guide to Charging Time" (page 146).
• Watch has stopped: If the watch does not work even after charging, contact the Citizen Service Center.
• Hands moved forward quickly after removing from storage: This is normal; the power saving mode was canceled, and the hands moved to the current time.

Precautions

Water-Resistance Performance: The watch has different levels of water resistance (3, 5, or 10/20 atmospheres). Confirm the indication on the dial or case back. Use the watch within its specified limits. For 3 atmospheres, avoid swimming. For 5 atmospheres, avoid skin diving. For 10/20 atmospheres, skin diving is permitted, but not scuba diving.

General Cautions: Always use the watch with the crown pressed in (or screw-lock crown secured). Do not operate the crown or buttons when the watch is wet. Leather bands may be affected by water; consider a metal or rubber band for frequent water use. Rinse with fresh water and wipe dry after use in seawater.

Moisture and Cleaning: If moisture enters the watch or the crystal fogs up, seek immediate repair to prevent corrosion. If seawater enters, place the watch in a sealed bag and take it for repair promptly. Keep the watch clean by wiping with a soft cloth. For metal, plastic, or rubber bands, use mild soap and water. Avoid solvents.

Operating Environment: Use the watch within the specified temperature range. Avoid high temperatures (saunas, car dashboards) and strong magnetic fields or static electricity, as these can affect timekeeping. Do not subject the watch to strong shocks or expose it to chemicals or corrosive gases.

Periodical Inspections: Have the watch inspected every two to three years for safety and longevity. Packing needs regular replacement to maintain water resistance.

Specifications

• Cal. No.: H38*
• Type: Analog solar powered watch
• Time Accuracy (without reception): Average monthly deviation: ±15 seconds (at room temperature +5°C to +35°C)
• Acceptable Temperature Range: -10°C to +60°C
• Display Function: Time (Hour, minute, second)
• Additional Functions: Radio wave reception (automatic, on demand, recovery), receiving indication (RX), reception result confirmation (OK, NO), time difference correction, reference position confirmation/correction.
• Other Functions: Power saving, solar power, insufficient charge warning (2-second interval movement), overcharging prevention.
• Operation Time: Approx. 6 months from full charge (approx. 2.5 years in power saving mode). Time from insufficient charge warning to stopping: approx. 2 days.
• Battery: Secondary battery

Specifications may change without notice.