Customer Reviews

Citizen Men's BM8180-03E Eco-Drive Canvas Strap Watch

5 star:		(238)
4 star:		(108)
3 star:		(10)
2 star:		(15)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

I ordered this watch from Amazon and it arrived before the estimated delivery date. I love the watch, and it looks much better in person than in pictures on the web. Quality is very good and the hands line up perfectly. The luminova is evenly applied and lasts longer, actually all the way through the night, which I didn't think would be the case. The only feature I don't like is the canvas band, which I found uncomfortable. I'm sure it's fine for others, but still a black leather band for less than (...)(any jewelry store or online store) compliments the watch very well, and it no longer looks like a 'weekend watch'. One small point about the Eco-drive that some other reviews I've read overlooked: Citizen Eco-drive models DO have a battery. The solar cell stores energy in a rechargeable mangenese-titanium battery. The battery should last a very long time according to Citizen engineers who project that even after 20 years the battery should retain 80% of recharge capacity (on their website), but only time will tell... no pun intended. Speaking of time, the watch is pretty accurate. I've had the watch for one month and during that time it has lost less than one second when compared to the US national time (www.nist.gov). In sum: this is a very well constructed watch that I feel is worth the money.

This is my second eco-drive. I broke my fist eco-drive swimming in the ocean. I read a few negative reviews about this watch before I purchased it, but I decided to take a chance anyway. So far I am very happy with this watch.
The following are a few reviews I would like to address:

"my second hand is a few hairs off." - I do not have this issue. My second hand is spot on.

"The mineral crystal appears to be pretty thin. I haven't scratched the glass yet (that's what it sounds like) but I suspect it'll scratch pretty easily." - I have not noticed this. My first eco-dive never had a scratch and I worked construction while wearing it. *edit* One year later this watch has scratches all over it.

"The crown does stick out just a wee bit too far." - I had the same problem with my first citizen watch, and this one is about the same, but it does not really bother me.

"the inside of the sleeve is NOT sewn, but GLUED" - This is true. I have not had a problem yet, but I know how to use a needle and thread if something should go wrong. *edit* One year later and the band is still in pretty good condition. I do have a little wear on the end, but I wear this watch every day, all day.

"Second hand moved in 2-second increments rather than one second movements" - Read your instructions. This happens when the watch is not getting enough sunlight. Set it out in the sun for a few minutes. Problem solved.

"Could not set the day of the week on the day/date calendar." - Again, read the little booklet that comes with the watch; it explains how to change the day/date.

Adding a little bit to the list of complaints--The band on this watch is a little bit uncomfortable. It is rigid and causes a light abrasion on my arm. It is not really an issue, but if you are a bit of a pansy; I would avoid this watch. That being said, this watch is suited more for girlie men because the strap is very small. I have small girlie wrists and this strap fits me perfectly. I would avoid this watch if you have large wrists.

Overall I really like this watch, but it is probably not for everyone.

I would give this watch a 5 star if it were not for the band. While bands are replaceable this is a review of the item as it is sold. I wash my hands probably a hundred times a day and try as I might the band gets wet. After a full days work the leather and canvas traps the water and sweat and begins to smell. It is like a cast on your arm for 6 weeks smell. Leather (Inside) Canvas outer trap the water and sweat and no matter how you dry it, it still smells.

Beyond that,

This watch is awesome! I love the no-battery replacement. I love the crystal and it has only 1 minor scratch after a full year of ownership.
I had bought 3 timex/casio watches in 3 months that were destroyed at work due to scratches cracks and bands breaking.

Overall if you are outdoors type playing in the river or swamp then this watch band should be replaced with an all rubber one. It is very water resistant and a pleasure to own.

This watch is for your days off. The mineral crystal and the water resistant features ensure this.

The band is crafted of a military style nylon khaki with riveted type holes for adjusting the band to accommodate your wrist. Inexpensive but finely crafted. Instead of buying the Timex look hard at this watch because it has a better movement and it doesn't require a battery! Large numbers enhance the dial with luminous hands. The day and date are also displayed in English and Spanish.

A five year warranty on the movement (only) gives your peace of mind. A must have for those leisure days.

For the money, you can't go wrong with this model. In terms of comfort, convenience, and accuracy, I haven't seen anything in the market that even comes close.

Comfort: Very comfortable; it would appear to me that Citizen may have reduced the size of the setting crown somewhat, comparing my particular model to the the one shown in the picture above, making it less obtrusive; no problems for me!

Convenience: In my opinion, the best in the industry, as most other watches will either require routine maintenance or at least a change in battery more often than not (even the so-called "kinetic drive" systems, made by a different manufacturer, require this, as stated in their own instruction manual!) As another reviewer has stated, it's quite a novelty to purchase a watch that will last for several decades without any need to open the case! In terms of readability, the high contrast hands and dial are a plus for me.

Accuracy: Here is an unexpected benefit - the second-hand lines up well with the indices, and there is no evidence of the minute or hour hands being out of register whatsoever. In addition, the day and date indicators line up perfectly through the window opening! Finally, my particular model gains only about one second per 3-week interval.

About that "Olive Canvas Strap": although very comfortable, I must agree, while being of a subjective nature, may give some pause with regard to being "stylish". It would seem that replacing this strap would be easy enough if so desired. Then again, this could be the next fashion statement!

I just got this item a few weeks ago, but I already think that it's one of the best watches out there. There's a lot of good things to say about this watch, some are:

1. the red second hand which makes the watch more distinct.
2. the band is very comfortable. Has metal slots and buckle to adjust it to your wrist size.
3. the numbers on the dial are fairly large which makes it easier to read.
4. the hands and numbers all illuminate in the dark
5. shows the date and day (it's in spanish around 3am-5am)
6. the crystal is made of a type of mineral which is scratch resistant. (still no scratches on mine!!)

Besides all that, this watch has a very nice casual look and is more of an everyday kind of watch. It will never need a battery since it's powered by both natural and artificial light. It fascinates me to realize that a watch will last longer than my life span.

Overall this watch is great. only negative aspect is that I noticed that the crown bruised the back of my hand a little, but I never realized it till recently.... just thought I should mention that.

This is my - I think - seventh watch. The problem with my other watches: quazt movements have to replace the battery after a while; automatic movement stops working if I don't wear it for a few days. So I purchased this watch. The movement is running with natural or artificial light, so I can be worry free from the watch stops working because battery or no movement.

I think it would be nice if the watch's body can be made little thinner. But in general I am very please with the watch's look.

I didn't see the problem that the other reviewer said about the three winds didn't line up at 12. Mine works perfectly.

Less than $70 for this great one. What a deal!

This is the best buy in timepieces for the money. It has an easy to read face; it is DAY DATE as opposed to just day of the month; it is rugged; it needs no battery; it is deadly accurate. I have two of them!

I received the watch promptly in the mail beautifully packaged and it has just the features and the look I want.
This is the watch I'll be wearing in the house. I have other watches for dress and a compass watch for car travel. My second citizen watch so I expect the usual reliability. and just think: Because its an eco-drive and has no battery I'll never have to open it and lose its water-tight integrity. Was surprised to hear another customer complaining about the quality. Citizen watches, as I perceive them, are meticulously detailed and reliable, affordably priced and beautifully styled. Another great value from Amazon.

I bought this watch over a year ago, and it has proven to be my best watch ever (and I've had a lot of them). It keeps perfect time, and it is very easy to read with the big numbers. I love the Day/date feature, and it's ease in changing the date at the end of a short month.

Also, at night the hands stay illuminated for about two hours after it gets dark which makes telling time at night incredibly easy, especially when I'm camping. All in all, just a great watch.