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Receives time signals from global stations to adjust time and calendar automatically.
No periodical battery replacement needed; powered by light.
Step-by-step guide to changing the watch's time zone.
Procedures for changing summer time settings.
Steps to initiate manual time signal reception.
Explains low battery warning, power save, and cancellation.
Remedies for problems receiving time signals.
Solutions for incorrect time, calendar, and moon phase displays.
This document provides a comprehensive guide for the Citizen H874, an analog solar-powered watch designed with advanced features for global timekeeping and moon phase tracking.
The H874 is a radio-controlled watch that automatically adjusts its time and calendar by receiving time signals from five signal stations across four regions worldwide (Japan, USA, Germany, China). This ensures highly accurate timekeeping. It features Eco-Drive technology, meaning it's fueled by light and requires no periodic battery replacement. The watch includes a perpetual calendar that automatically corrects for monthly and leap-year date changes until February 28, 2100.
A key function is its world time capability, allowing the user to select from 24 time zones, each with a corresponding offset from UTC (Coordinated Universal Time). The watch can also track summer time (Daylight Saving Time), with options for automatic or manual switching based on received signals or user preference.
The H874 incorporates a moon phase indication, calculated through an original algorithm based on the watch's time and date. This feature allows for switchable indication between the Northern and Southern hemispheres, accommodating different views of the moon's waxing and waning. Users can also calibrate the moon phase indication if they notice a discrepancy with the actual moon appearance.
The watch includes a power reserve indicator, displaying the remaining charge in four levels, from sufficient (180-130 days) down to insufficient (2 days), prompting immediate charging. It also has an insufficient charge warning function, where the second hand moves once every two seconds when the power reserve is low. A power save function automatically stops the hands to conserve energy when the watch is kept in darkness for an extended period.
Time and Calendar Adjustment: The watch offers both automatic and manual adjustment options. For automatic adjustment, it receives time signals once a day. Manual reception can be initiated when needed. The watch also performs recovery automatic reception if it has stopped due to insufficient charge and then receives enough light.
Checking Power Reserve: To check the power reserve, the crown is pushed in to position 0, then the lower right button (A) is pressed and released. The function hand will indicate the power reserve level.
World Time Setting: To change the time zone, the crown is pulled out to position 1. The second hand indicates the current time zone. Rotating the crown allows selection of a new time zone, with the hands and indication moving accordingly. Pushing the crown back to position 0 finalizes the setting.
Summer Time Setting: The watch can automatically switch between summer time and standard time if summer time signals are available. Users can also manually set summer time to "SMT MA" (manual) or "STD MA" (manual) for specific time zones, overriding automatic changes. To check the current summer time setting, pull the crown out to position 2. To change the setting, rotate the crown to select "SMT" or "STD". To change the automatic/manual switching method, pull the crown out to position 2, then press and hold button A for 2 seconds to toggle between "AU" (automatic) and "MA" (manual).
Time Signal Reception: To check the previous signal reception result, push the crown to position 0 and press button A. The second hand will indicate "OK" for successful reception or "NO" for failed reception. Manual signal reception is initiated by pushing the crown to position 0 and holding button A for 2 seconds. The watch should be placed in a location with good reception conditions, such as near a window, with the 9:00 position facing the signal station.
Moon Phase Indication: Users can choose between Northern (N) or Southern (S) hemisphere display for the moon phase by pulling the crown out to position 1 and pressing button B. The moon phase indication can also be calibrated by pulling the crown out to position 1 and holding button A for 2 seconds to adjust it within a ±2 day range.
Manual Time and Calendar Adjustment: For manual adjustments, the crown is pulled out to position 1, then the upper right button (B) is pressed and released repeatedly to select the hand/indication to be corrected (hour/minute, date, day of week, year/month for calendar, year for moon phase). The crown is then rotated to adjust the selected item.
Resetting the Watch (All Reset): If the watch is not functioning properly, an "All Reset" can be performed. This requires pulling the crown out to position 2, then pressing and holding both buttons A and B simultaneously for 4 seconds or more. After a reset, the reference positions, time zone, and time/calendar must be re-adjusted.
Charging: The Eco-Drive system charges the watch by exposing its dial to light. Regular exposure to direct sunlight for 5-6 hours per week is recommended. The watch should not be charged in high temperatures (above 60°C/140°F) to prevent malfunction. If the watch is frequently obscured by long sleeves, supplemental charging may be necessary.
Water Resistance: The watch's water resistance level is indicated on the dial and/or case back. It's important to understand the limitations: "Water Resist" for daily use (3 atmospheres) is for accidental splashing, "Upgraded water-resistance" (5 atmospheres) is for swimming, and higher ratings (10/20 atmospheres) are for skin diving. The crown and/or buttons should not be operated when the watch is wet.
Cleaning: The watch should be kept clean to prevent corrosion and skin irritation. The crown should be rotated and buttons pressed periodically to prevent foreign matter accumulation. Metal bands and cases can be cleaned with a brush and neutral detergent, while leather/rubber bands should be wiped with a dry cloth.
Protective Stickers: All protective stickers (case back, band, clasp) should be removed to prevent perspiration or moisture from entering gaps, which can lead to skin rash or corrosion.
General Precautions: Avoid strong shocks, extreme temperatures, and strong magnetism. Do not expose the watch to chemicals, corrosive gases, or mercury, as these can cause discoloration, dissolution, or cracking of materials. The luminous paint on the dial and hands stores light and glows in the dark, with its duration varying based on light source, exposure time, and paint amount.
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