This document serves as a comprehensive guide for the use and maintenance of your CITIZEN solar-powered watch. Please read these instructions carefully to ensure correct operation and to familiarize yourself with its various features.
Function Description
Your CITIZEN watch is a sophisticated solar-powered timepiece. It incorporates a solar cell on its face that efficiently converts light energy into electrical energy to power the watch. This eco-friendly design eliminates the need for traditional battery replacements, relying instead on renewable light sources.
Beyond basic timekeeping, this watch is equipped with several advanced functions:
- 24-hour display: Provides time in a 24-hour format, enhancing precision and clarity.
- Chronograph function: A stopwatch feature capable of timing events for up to 30 minutes, with measurements accurate to 1-second units. This is ideal for various activities requiring precise timing.
- Date display: A calendar function that shows the current date, with a rapid correction feature for convenience.
The watch stores electrical energy in a secondary battery, which is a clean energy battery free from mercury or other toxic substances. Once fully charged, the watch can operate for approximately 5 months without additional charging, depending on usage.
Usage Features
To ensure optimal performance and longevity of your CITIZEN watch, several usage features and precautions are important to note:
Charging:
- Initial Charging: Before initial use, or if the watch has stopped, it must be fully charged by exposing it to light. Refer to the "General Reference for Charging Times" section for detailed guidance on how long to charge under various light conditions.
- Regular Charging: For comfortable and continuous use, it is recommended to charge the watch daily. Since the watch features an "Over Charge Prevention Feature," there is no risk of overcharging, regardless of how much light it receives.
- Insufficient Charge Warning Feature: If the watch becomes insufficiently charged, the second hand will switch from a 1-second interval movement to a 2-second interval movement. This indicates that the watch needs to be exposed to light. If left uncharged, the watch will eventually stop after approximately 5 days of 2-second interval movement.
- Quick Start Feature: If the watch has stopped due to insufficient charge, exposing it to light (approx. 500 lx) will activate the Quick Start Feature. The second hand will begin 2-second interval movement, and the watch will start running after about 10 seconds. However, the time will be incorrect, so it must be reset.
- Stopped Due to Insufficient Charging: If the secondary battery is completely depleted, the watch will stop. Once exposed to light, the Quick Start Feature will activate, and the second hand will move in 2-second intervals. It is crucial to sufficiently charge the watch until the second hand returns to 1-second interval movement and then reset the time before use.
Setting the Time and Date:
- Crown Operation: If your watch has a screw-lock type crown, first loosen the screw locking mechanism by turning the crown to the left before operating it. After setting, push the crown in while turning it to the right to tighten it securely.
- Setting the Time: Pull the crown out to the time correction position when the second hand reaches the 0 seconds position. Turn the crown to set the time, paying attention to AM/PM as the 24-hour hand moves in coordination with the hour hand. Push the crown back in synchronization with a reliable time service. For accurate setting, advance the minute hand 4-5 minutes past the correct time, then turn it back to the correct time before pushing the crown in.
- Setting the Date: Pull the crown out to the date correction position. Turn the crown to the right to set the date. Note that turning the crown to the left will not affect the date. If the date is set between 9:00 PM and 1:00 AM, it may not change on the following day; in such cases, reset the date outside this period. The date operates on a 31-day month cycle, requiring manual correction for months with fewer days. The date changes around 12:00 AM. After setting, return the crown to the normal position.
Using the Chronograph:
- Preparation: Before using the chronograph, ensure the chronograph minute hand is at the 00 minutes position. If it is not, slowly press button (B) until it returns to 00 minutes.
- Timing Procedure: Press button (A) to start timing. Press button (A) again to stop timing. Press button (A) to restart timing. Press button (B) to reset the chronograph to 0 seconds.
- Impact Precaution: Avoid strong impacts during chronograph timing. If an impact occurs, or if the chronograph stops automatically after 30 minutes, the minute hand may shift. In such cases, reset the chronograph by pressing button (B) before further use.
- Zeroing the Chronograph Second Hand: If the chronograph second hand does not return to 0 seconds after a reset, or if it has shifted due to impact, it needs to be zeroed. Pull the crown out to the time correction position. Press and hold button (A) for at least 3 seconds to enter the 0 position correction mode. Press button (A) repeatedly to advance the second hand (clockwise) until it reaches 0 seconds. Pressing button (A) continuously will cause rapid advancement. Once zeroed, reset the time and return the crown to the normal position. Verify the chronograph minute hand is at 0 by pressing button (B). Note that zeroing is not possible if the insufficient charge warning feature is active.
Using the Tachymeter (When Provided):
- The tachymeter measures average traveling speed. To use it, start the chronograph simultaneously with the start of measurement over a 1-kilometer distance. Stop the chronograph when 1 kilometer has been traveled. The position of the chronograph second hand at that moment will indicate the approximate average speed in kilometers per hour. The measuring range is a maximum of 60 seconds.
Maintenance Features
Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your CITIZEN watch.
Water Resistance:
- Understanding Water Resistance: Your watch's water resistance level is indicated on the dial and case back (e.g., "WATER RESIST," "WR 50," "WR 100/200").
- WATER RESIST (or no indication): Suitable for minor exposure to water like hand washing or rain. Not designed for underwater use.
- WR 50: Suitable for moderate exposure to water, including washing, kitchen work, and swimming. Not designed for skin diving.
- WR 100/200: Suitable for skin diving. Not designed for scuba or saturated diving with helium gas.
- Precautions: Always ensure the crown is pressed in (normal position). If your watch has a screw-lock crown, tighten it completely. Do not operate the crown or buttons with wet fingers or when the watch is wet, as water may enter and compromise water resistance. If used in seawater, rinse with fresh water and wipe with a dry cloth. If moisture enters the watch or the crystal fogs up and doesn't clear within a day, seek immediate repair from your dealer or a Citizen Service Center to prevent corrosion. If seawater enters, place the watch in a box or plastic bag and seek repair immediately to prevent internal pressure buildup and damage to parts.
Cleaning the Watch:
- General Cleaning: Use a soft cloth to wipe off dirt, perspiration, and water from the case and crystal. For leather bands, use a soft, dry cloth to wipe off perspiration and dirt.
- Metal, Plastic, or Rubber Bands: Wash away dirt with mild soap and water. Use a soft brush to remove dust and dirt from gaps in metal bands. If your watch is not water-resistant, consult your dealer for cleaning.
- Crown Maintenance: Dust and dirt can accumulate between the case and crown, making it difficult to pull the crown out. Periodically rotate the crown in its normal position to loosen and brush off any debris.
- Avoid Solvents: Do not use solvents such as thinner or benzine, as they can damage the watch's finish. Contact with mercury (e.g., from thermometers) can also cause discoloration of the case, band, or other parts.
Secondary Battery:
- No Periodic Replacement: Unlike ordinary silver batteries, the secondary battery in this watch does not require periodic replacement due to its rechargeable nature.
- Battery Handling: Never attempt to remove the secondary battery yourself. If it must be removed, store it out of reach of small children to prevent accidental swallowing. If swallowed, consult a physician immediately.
- Specified Battery Use: Only use the genuine secondary battery specified for this watch. Using other types of batteries, such as silver batteries, can lead to overcharging and rupture, potentially damaging the watch or causing injury.
Operating Environment:
- Temperature: Use the watch within the specified operating temperature range. Extreme temperatures (e.g., saunas, car dashboards) can cause malfunctions, deterioration, or even skin burns.
- Magnetic Fields: Do not place the watch near magnets (e.g., magnetic necklaces, refrigerator door latches, mobile phone earphones). Magnetic fields can cause inaccurate timekeeping. If this occurs, move the watch away from the magnet and reset the time.
- Static Electricity: Avoid placing the watch near household appliances that generate strong static electricity (e.g., TV screens), as this can also affect timekeeping accuracy.
- Physical Shock: Do not subject the watch to strong shocks, such as dropping it on a hard floor.
- Chemicals and Corrosive Gases: Avoid environments where the watch may be exposed to chemicals or corrosive gases. Solvents can cause discoloration, melting, or cracking.
Periodical Inspections:
- For safety and long-term use, it is recommended to have your watch inspected every two or three years.
- To maintain water resistance, the packing should be replaced regularly.
- Other parts should be inspected and replaced if necessary. Always request genuine Citizen parts for replacements.