Jump to content

Eco-Drive capacitor replacement


Recommended Posts

I have the watch shown in the pics, which I purchased in 1998.  The capacitor has been slowing down for years and finally won't hold charge.  (Pretty amazed it lasted this long).  All the videos I see online about replacing an Eco-Drive capacitor look similar to a typical battery replacement, but this one's buried.  After getting the back cover off, I removed 3 screws which I hoped would allow the matal cover to be removed, but it looks like there's a lot more to it.

This one may be above my pay grade, but I wanted to ask, maybe there's something simple that I'm missing.

Thanks for any help you can provide!

Watch (3).jpg

Watch (2).jpg

Watch (1).jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

You are going to have to take that back plate off but you've done the right thing stopping when you were unsure.

We need to try and find the movement reference. This is probably around the area I have marked in your picture - I just just about mae out Citizen and Japan but there's too much shine on it to see a number reference. When replying also include a copy of the case back as that can sometimes have useful information stamped on it.

image.png.6f3480d80c860df8daaf498a3482341a.png

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

If you  remove the module from the case (stem release is clearly marked, a good Japanese habit) you will be able work more comfortably using a mov't holder ($2) and clean thoroughly the stem tube and crown, and lightly lubricate the stem body (Moebious HP-1300) and gasket (silicone grease), that's always good to do. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Well, thanks all for the help.  Unfortunately this endeavor was doomed from the get go, way out of my league.  A friend of mine, who actually is a professional watch repair guy, sent me a tech sheet with the numbered steps to disassemble & reassemble the watch.  You have to remove the face, hands, etc, a total of about 20 steps on both sides of the movement, before getting the capacitor out correctly.  i was able to get it out, but not able t get the new one in without removing additional parts, and then I went too far, which resulted in tiny wheels lying all over the place.  I spent a couple hours on it, but hit a wall.  

I have no idea if this is something Citizen would put back together without charging me an arm and a leg or what.  Not a crisis, it's just a watch.  I'm just disappointed I wasn't able to do this.

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites



  • Recently Browsing

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Topics

  • Posts

    • 🤔 leaving the EU meant that UK was no longer part of the convention and have already been turned down an independent reapplication. I'm pretty sure courts have to be held in Switzerland in this case. There will be a lot more watches stashed away in draws  tbh, folk wont be able to afford to maintain them. Cheap watches will be bought and top end watches by folk with plenty of cash that can pay for service and repair. The expensive once in a lifetime gifts and everything else inbetween will be at the forgotton when they stop working. I know i was being a numpty, get used to it 😄 Anybody that knows will boycott them, but besides repairers who will know. Nope will never buy one, i made that decision as soon as i learnt about this. 
    • although not in this case.  It was the Lugano Convention and its deficiencies that allowed a Swiss court decision in the first place.  This isnt really a Brexit issue at all.  A decision that affects both the EU and the UK should never have been heard in Switzerland. I bet the authorised service centres in the UK are pretty pleased.  It's a massive shame, though; I believe watch owners should be able to choose to have their watch serviced by whoever they trust.
    • Hi guys I think that old hippy is correct, it opens the gates for china to manufacture aftermarket spare parts. considering that they already do work on behalf of the Swiss I guess this decision gives the a little more legitimacy to tool up and I am sure they will take advantage of the situation either with or without the blessing of the Swiss watch industry  Having read about the protectionist machinations of the Swiss in the history of Europe they were the only ones to get fat at everybody else’s expense. I think the outcome could have been guessed at but ,  fair play to Cousins UK for standing up to them.  Now the question,  will everybody boycott Swiss watches and Swatch, no way they will still fill their coffers.  Me I stick with the Japanese once renowned for cheap shitty watches who came good through industrial effort and don’t for get the Russians that most dismiss as low grade crap. Wouldn’t buy a swatch product ever how about you all.? a
    • Hold the crown when in winding position, move the click away from the crown wheel, and then while holding the crown let it slowly unwind. I recollect that you must remove the automatic device bridge first, but maybe I'm wrong. You can first try without removing the automatic device bridge.
×
×
  • Create New...