A Citizen Eco-Drive that keeps stopping does not always have just one fault. This Citizen E111-S094615 arrived at Ross Watch Repairs with two separate issues: its rechargeable cell was low and not holding charge properly, and the second hand was catching on the minute hand.
We booked the watch in for a mini service, replaced the rechargeable cell, commonly referred to as the capacitor, and realigned the hands. The repair also included a complimentary polish of the case and bracelet.
The photographs and workshop videos below show the actual watch, the hand interference and the improvement after the work.
Before and After: Citizen Eco-Drive E111-S094615
Two Faults, Not Just a Flat Battery
The first problem concerned power storage. The rechargeable cell in this watch was no longer holding charge properly and needed replacing. The second problem was physical: the second hand was touching the minute hand rather than passing it freely.
These needed separate attention. Replacing the cell alone would not correct the hand alignment, and realigning the hands would not resolve the weak cell. Our repair addressed both issues within the agreed mini service.
Eco-Drive Capacitor Replacement: What Was Changed?
Eco-Drive uses light to generate electricity, stored in a special rechargeable cell. Customers often call this a capacitor, but it is not an ordinary disposable watch battery.
It is important not to assume that every stopped Eco-Drive needs a new cell. Citizen explains that these cells do not require routine replacement: insufficient charging or increased power consumption within the movement can also shorten running time. See Citizen’s official rechargeable-cell guidance.
For this E111-S094615, the identified charge-retention problem was addressed by replacing the rechargeable cell as part of the repair. We assess each watch before recommending replacement rather than treating it as a standard battery change.
Our Citizen watch repair service covers assessment of Eco-Drive charging problems as well as other Citizen faults.
Second Hand Catching on the Minute Hand
The workshop video recorded before the repair shows the hand-clearance issue. The second hand was catching the minute hand, so the hands needed to be repositioned correctly.
We removed and refitted the hands to restore the necessary alignment and clearance. After the adjustment, the hands no longer caught one another. The second video shows the second hand moving again following the repair.
This was a hand-alignment repair, not a dial replacement. For related problems, read our guide to loose watch hands, markers, batons and dial repairs.
What the Mini Service Included on This Watch
The customer booked this Citizen in for a mini service to deal with the two reported faults. The work described in this case consisted of:
- Replacing the rechargeable cell that was not holding charge.
- Realigning the hands so the second hand no longer caught the minute hand.
- Complimentary polishing to improve the appearance of the metal case, bracelet and clasp.
The scope of a repair should match the watch’s actual condition. This case illustrates why identifying both the power issue and the hand interference mattered, rather than assuming the watch needed only a fresh cell.
Before and After the Complimentary Polish
The bracelet and clasp showed a build-up of surface scratches from use. The complimentary polish improved the appearance of the metalwork, with the difference particularly clear on the clasp.
The polishing in this case was to the metalwork, not the glass. The existing glass scratches remain visible in the after photographs. The watch was not given a replacement crystal as part of this repair, and the photographs have not been retouched to remove those marks.
For a watch with cosmetic wear, we can assess whether professional watch cleaning and polishing is appropriate and explain what improvement is realistic.
Citizen Eco-Drive Repairs at The Shard and Canary Wharf
If your Citizen Eco-Drive is not holding charge, keeps stopping or has hands that catch each other, bring it to Ross Watch Repairs for a free assessment. We will explain the findings and agree the work before proceeding. No appointment is needed for an initial assessment.
Ross Watch Repairs – The Shard, London Bridge
Unit 6, The Retail Arcade
London SE1 9SG
Ross Watch Repairs – Canary Wharf
Unit 4B, Cabot Place Shopping Centre
Canary Wharf, London E14 4QT
Outside London? Our UK postal watch repair service accepts watches at the Canary Wharf address above. Send your securely packed watch by Royal Mail Special Delivery, with your name, telephone number, email, return address and a description of the fault. Assessment is free, and payment for agreed work is taken on completion. A £15 postal charge applies to postal repairs under £50; return postage for other repairs is confirmed with the estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Citizen Eco-Drive use a battery or a capacitor?
It uses a rechargeable cell to store energy generated from light. It is commonly called a capacitor in repair enquiries, but it is not a conventional disposable watch battery.
Does an Eco-Drive that is not holding charge always need a new cell?
No. Charging conditions and the watch’s power consumption also need to be considered. In this particular E111-S094615 repair, the rechargeable cell was replaced to address the diagnosed charge-retention issue.
Can a second hand catching on the minute hand be repaired?
In this case it was corrected by removing and realigning the hands. The before-and-after videos show the fault and the movement of the second hand after the adjustment. Damaged hands or other faults may need different work.
Was the scratched glass replaced?
No. This case involved rechargeable-cell replacement, hand realignment and complimentary polishing of the metalwork. The existing glass scratches remain visible in the finished photographs.
Was polishing included in this Citizen repair?
Yes. This customer’s mini service included a complimentary polish of the case and bracelet. We explain the work included in your own estimate before you approve it.
Do I need an appointment for an assessment?
No. You can visit The Shard, London Bridge, or Canary Wharf for a free initial assessment, or use the postal service to Canary Wharf.
Get a Free Citizen Repair Estimate
For help with an Eco-Drive charging fault or catching watch hands, contact Ross Watch Repairs with your model number and a description of the problem, or bring the watch to either branch.
Ross Watch Repairs is an independent watch repair company and is not affiliated with, authorised by or endorsed by Citizen.
