Side by side

Citizen Eco-DrivevsVaer C5 Recon Field Solar

The numbers, the dial colors, the calibers — laid out so you can stop flipping between tabs.

Eco-Drive
CitizenEco-Drive
MSRP $338
C5 Recon Field Solar
VaerC5 Recon Field Solar
MSRP $329

At a glance

10 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Eco-Drive42.3mm
C5 Recon Field Solar40mm
Power Reserve
Eco-Drive40h
C5 Recon Field Solar40h
Water Resistance
Eco-Drive100m
C5 Recon Field Solar100m
MSRP
Eco-Drive$338
C5 Recon Field Solar$329

Full specifications

Case

5 specs
Category
Casual
Field
Diameter
42.3mm
40mm
Thickness
12mm
10.4mm
Lug-to-Lug
46mm
48mm
Material
Stainless Steel
316L Stainless Steel

Crystal & Dial

2 specs
Crystal
Mineral
Domed Sapphire
Dial Color
Green
Black

Movement

2 specs
Caliber
J800
Type
Solar
Quartz

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$338
$329

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What people say

Owners + reviewers, side by side

Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.

Citizen Eco-Drive

Citizen Eco-Drive watches are widely praised for exceptional durability and reliability, with many owners reporting theirs lasting over a decade without issue and some even suggesting they are "Buy It For Life" (BIFL) models. Owners appreciate the ease of use and reliability of the solar-powered quartz movement, with one noting their watch was only off by 2 minutes after five years of disuse. Specific models are noted for their engineering marvels, such as the world's thinnest light-powered watch at 2.98mm thick, a 100-day power reserve, and materials like cermet bezels and titanium construction with sapphire crystals. However, a few users have experienced malfunctions, including one chronograph that stopped keeping time shortly after purchase, requiring a lengthy warranty repair. The battery can degrade and may need replacement after 20+ years, and owners suggest keeping the watch charged in light to prolong its life.

Vaer C5 Recon Field Solar

Owners widely praise the Vaer C5 Recon Field Solar for its robust build, bright C3 SuperLuminova lume, and solar charging capabilities, with one owner preferring its greater water resistance. Some owners report issues with hand alignment and second hand accuracy, though Vaer's customer service is noted for responsiveness with exchanges or refunds. One owner mentioned spring bar holes being close to the edge, a point of QC discussion. On balance, owners appreciate the Vaer C5 Recon Field Solar for its solar charging and robust build, despite occasional reports of minor alignment issues.

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