Best Citizen Eco-Drive watches in the UK (2026)
Our top Eco-Drive is the Citizen Promaster Diver BN0150: a solar dive watch built to the ISO 6425 standard, rated to 200 m and never in need of a battery. The runner-up is the Eco-Drive CA0641, a solar chronograph that looks smart and keeps running for months in the dark. This page is for anyone who wants a Citizen that runs on light, from field watches and dress watches to divers and radio-controlled chronographs. We compared models on power reserve, features, size, water resistance and materials.
By The Watch Sorted desk · Updated 6 November 2026 · 19 products, all price-tracked
Our picks
Our pick of the affordable dive watches: solar, properly water resistant and tough.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.A solar chronograph that you can forget about.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.A smart solar watch for every day.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.All 19 compared
Photo: AmazonOur top pickOur pick of the affordable dive watches: solar, properly water resistant and tough.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
Our pick of the affordable dive watches: solar, properly water resistant and tough.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a mechanical watch to look at and look after: this runs on light and a quartz movement.
Read the full review →
Photo: AmazonRunner-upA solar chronograph that you can forget about.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
A solar chronograph that you can forget about.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a mechanical watch to look at and look after: this runs on light and a quartz movement.
Read the full review →
Photo: AmazonAlso goodA smart solar watch for every day.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
A smart solar watch for every day.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a mechanical watch to look at and look after: this runs on light and a quartz movement.
Read the full review →
A good-value solar watch for every day.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
A good-value solar watch for every day.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a mechanical watch to look at and look after: this runs on light and a quartz movement.
The BN0150 in blue.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
The BN0150 in blue.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a mechanical watch to look at and look after: this runs on light and a quartz movement.
A solar chronograph that also sets itself.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
A solar chronograph that also sets itself.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a mechanical watch to look at and look after: this runs on light and a quartz movement.
A very low-effort chronograph: no battery, no setting.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
A very low-effort chronograph: no battery, no setting.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a mechanical watch to look at and look after: this runs on light and a quartz movement.
A strong everyday solar chronograph.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
A strong everyday solar chronograph.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a mechanical watch to look at and look after: this runs on light and a quartz movement.
An easy solar watch that never needs a battery.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
An easy solar watch that never needs a battery.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a mechanical watch to look at and look after: this runs on light and a quartz movement.
A relaxed everyday solar Citizen.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
A relaxed everyday solar Citizen.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a mechanical watch to look at and look after: this runs on light and a quartz movement.
Another strong solar diver from Citizen.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
Another strong solar diver from Citizen.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a mechanical watch to look at and look after: this runs on light and a quartz movement.
The CB5000 in blue.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
The CB5000 in blue.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a mechanical watch to look at and look after: this runs on light and a quartz movement.
A capable pilot's chronograph that sets itself.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
A capable pilot's chronograph that sets itself.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a mechanical watch to look at and look after: this runs on light and a quartz movement.
A big pilot's watch with every function you'll need.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
A big pilot's watch with every function you'll need.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you have a small wrist: the case is 46 mm.
A pilot-style solar chronograph.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
A pilot-style solar chronograph.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a mechanical watch to look at and look after: this runs on light and a quartz movement.
A smart solar watch for her.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
A smart solar watch for her.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a mechanical watch to look at and look after: this runs on light and a quartz movement.
A small, classic solar watch.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
A small, classic solar watch.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a mechanical watch to look at and look after: this runs on light and a quartz movement.
A sporty solar watch for her.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
A sporty solar watch for her.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a mechanical watch to look at and look after: this runs on light and a quartz movement.
An elegant solar Citizen.
as of 6 Nov 2026, 12:27 GMT · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Our verdict
An elegant solar Citizen.
Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a mechanical watch to look at and look after: this runs on light and a quartz movement.
ⓘ Some links are affiliate links: a purchase may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. It never decides what we pick or how we rank it. Prices shown may have changed since they were checked.
Before you buy
What Eco-Drive is.
Eco-Drive is Citizen's name for its solar watches. A cell beneath the dial converts any light into power stored in a rechargeable cell, which drives a quartz movement. Citizen has made solar watches since the 1970s and introduced the Eco-Drive name in the 1990s. Citizen is one of the world's largest watchmakers and makes its own movements, cases and many components, which helps explain the reliability.
Power reserve.
Most Eco-Drive models run for around six months on a full charge in the dark, and some with power-save modes run for years. In normal wear, daylight and indoor light keep the watch topped up. Leave it on a windowsill if you rotate watches. When charge runs low, many models warn you by moving the seconds hand in two-second jumps. Put it in daylight until it ticks normally.
Citizen's ranges explained.
The core Eco-Drive range covers everyday, dress and field watches. Promaster is the professional line: divers (BN0150, BN0151), land and aviation models (Navihawk). Radio Controlled and A-T models set themselves from time signals. Skyhawk A-T is a pilot's chronograph.
Which to start with?
For a simple everyday watch, a field model like the BM8479 or AW5000. For swimming and toughness, the Promaster Diver. For a smart chronograph, the CA0641 or CA0695. For a watch that is always exactly right, a Radio Controlled or A-T model. For a women's watch, the EM0500 is a small, elegant solar model on a bracelet.
Model codes decoded.
Citizen's codes begin with letters for the movement family: BM and AW for three-hand solar, CA for chronographs, CB and BY for radio-controlled models, BN for Promaster divers, JY for the Navihawk and Skyhawk, EM and EW for women's models. The numbers after the hyphen set the colour and strap.
Radio-controlled Eco-Drive.
Citizen's radio models pick up the UK time signal from Anthorn and set themselves overnight, including the clock changes. Many also cover Germany, the US, Japan and China. Analogue radio watches occasionally need their hand positions checked after a hard knock; the manual explains how. They're the most capable Citizen watches here, with features like perpetual calendars and world time, though the dials are busy.
The storage cell.
Eco-Drive's rechargeable cell is designed to last many years, often decades, before it holds noticeably less charge. When it does, Citizen or a watchmaker can replace it. It is not changed like a normal battery.
Size and style.
Field and everyday models are around 40 to 42 mm; the Promaster Diver is 44 mm and the Skyhawk 46 mm; women's Eco-Drives start around 23 to 32 mm. Solar dials can look slightly matt because light must pass through them. Check thickness as well: chronographs and radio models are thicker than three-hand field and dress watches.
Water resistance.
Most Eco-Drives are 100 m, the Promaster divers 200 m, and some dress models 30 or 50 m. Check before swimming, and screw down the crown if your model has one. Rinse with fresh water after sea swims.
We haven't worn every Eco-Drive here. We chose from what UK shops sell and compared Citizen's published specs: power reserve, radio reception, water resistance, case material, crystal and size. Citizen's solar system has a long record of owner reports, and we lean on that rather than marketing. UK prices and stock are tracked through the day. Read our full methodology →
More buying guides
Common questions
Are Citizen Eco-Drive watches good?
Yes. They are accurate, reliable and need almost no maintenance, as they charge from any light. Citizen is one of the largest watchmakers in the world and makes its own movements.
How long does a Citizen Eco-Drive last?
The watch itself can last decades. Most models run around six months in the dark on a full charge, and the rechargeable cell typically lasts many years before replacement is needed.
Do Eco-Drive watches need batteries?
No. They have a rechargeable cell charged by light. You won't need to change it in normal use for many years, and when you do it's a job for Citizen or a watchmaker.
Is the Citizen Promaster Diver a good dive watch?
Yes. The BN0150 is ISO 6425 compliant, rated to 200 m, solar powered and very tough. It is 44 mm, so it suits medium to large wrists.
How do I charge a Citizen Eco-Drive?
Leave it in daylight or bright indoor light for a few hours. From fully drained it can take a day or more in strong light. Avoid heat sources like car dashboards or lamps close up, which can damage it.
What is the best Citizen Eco-Drive watch?
The Promaster Diver BN0150 for toughness and swimming, the CA0641 for a smart chronograph, and a radio-controlled model for a watch that's always exactly right. For a simple everyday watch, the BM8479 field model.