Citizen Men's Classic Eco-Drive Leather Strap Watch, 3-Hand Date

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 1,432 ratings
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This product has sustainability features recognized by trusted certifications.

Manufacturing practices

The leather in this product was produced by a Leather Working Group (LWG) certified tannery, supporting more-responsible leather production. LWG brand members may make on-product claims if they have submitted a sourcing declaration and if the product contains >50% leather, and 100% of the leather is produced by a LWG certified tannery.

As certified by
Leather Working Group
Leather Working Group
Leather Working Group Leather Working Group

Leather Working Group (LWG) is a not-for-profit community organization dedicated to driving excellence in the production of more-sustainable leather. LWG aims to have a positive impact on the environment through driving resource efficiency in leather production, reduced waste generation and emissions, better chemical management and increased traceability. LWG brand members may make claims on meeting a number of criteria, including submitting a sourcing declaration stating the percentage of leather purchased from LWG certified facilities. A claim can only be made when a product contains leather as the prominent material and 100% of the leather was produced by a LWG-certified tannery.

Learn more about this certification

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Black Strap/Stainless Steel
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Product details

Material
Stainless-steel
Country of Origin
Japan

About this item

  • Timeless styling that effortlessly takes you from work to play.
  • 3 Hand, Date
  • Silver-Tone Stainless Steel
  • Mineral Crystal
  • 30 Meters Water Resistant and 5 Year Limited Warranty
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Citizen Men's Classic Eco-Drive Leather Strap Watch, 3-Hand Date
$168.75
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Citizen Promaster Dive Eco-Drive Watch, 3-Hand Date, ISO Certified, Luminous Hands and Markers, Rotating Bezel
$226.60
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Citizen Men's Eco-Drive Weekender Watch in Stainless Steel with Blue Polyurethane strap, Blue Dial (Model: AW1158-05L)
$164.99
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Sustainability features

Sustainability features

This product has sustainability features recognized by trusted certifications.

Manufacturing practices

The leather in this product was produced by a Leather Working Group (LWG) certified tannery, supporting more-responsible leather production. LWG brand members may make on-product claims if they have submitted a sourcing declaration and if the product contains >50% leather, and 100% of the leather is produced by a LWG certified tannery.

As certified by
Leather Working Group
Leather Working Group
Leather Working Group Leather Working Group

Leather Working Group (LWG) is a not-for-profit community organization dedicated to driving excellence in the production of more-sustainable leather. LWG aims to have a positive impact on the environment through driving resource efficiency in leather production, reduced waste generation and emissions, better chemical management and increased traceability. LWG brand members may make claims on meeting a number of criteria, including submitting a sourcing declaration stating the percentage of leather purchased from LWG certified facilities. A claim can only be made when a product contains leather as the prominent material and 100% of the leather was produced by a LWG-certified tannery.

Learn more about this certification

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Product details

  • Is Discontinued By Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ No
  • Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.51 x 5.51 x 5.51 inches; 1.6 ounces
  • Item model number ‏ : ‎ AW1236-03A
  • Department ‏ : ‎ mens
  • Batteries ‏ : ‎ 1 Lithium Ion batteries required.
  • Date First Available ‏ : ‎ November 15, 2023
  • Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Citizen Watch Company
  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00PXVUKBK
  • Country of Origin ‏ : ‎ Japan
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 1,432 ratings

Product specifications

Watch Information
Brand, Seller, or Collection Name Citizen
Model number AW1236-03A
Part Number AW1236-03A
Model Year 2015
Item Shape Round
Dial window material type Mineral
Display Type Analog
Clasp Buckle
Metal stamp no-metal-stamp
Case material Stainless Steel
Case diameter 40 millimeters
Case Thickness 9 millimeters
Band Material Leather
Band size 7 inches
Band width 21 millimeters
Band Color Black
Dial color Silver
Bezel material Stainless Steel
Bezel function Stationary
Calendar Date
Special features Date Display
Item weight 1.6 ounces
Movement Japanese Quartz
Water resistant depth 99 Feet
Warranty Manufacturer’s warranty can be requested from customer service. Click here to make a request to customer service.

From the manufacturer

Mens Classic

SENSIBLE STYLE

CLASSIC


Timeless styling that effortlessly takes you from work to play.

Mens Classic

THE DETAILS

Model Number AW1236-03A
Collection Men's Classic
Eco-Drive Yes
Base Movement J810
Clasp Type Buckle
Dial Color Silver-Tone
Case Material Stainless Steel
Case Color Silver-Tone
Case Shape Round
Case Width 40mm
Case Length 40mm
Band Type Strap
Band Color Black
Band Material Leather
Crystal Material Mineral Crystal
Water Resistance 0030M

OWN YOUR STYLE- DISCOVER MORE

CITIZEN PARTNERSHIPS

Disney

Disney Alliance

The official timepiece partner of Disney parks, runDisney sponsorship, events and more.

ECO-DRIVE

Everybody Solar

Everybody Solar, works to protect the environment and strengthen U.S. communities through solar-energy projects.

eco-drive

American Forests

American Forests is a pathfinder for creating healthy forests from coast to coast, leading the way for creating healthy and resilient forests.

ECODRIVE

Save the Beyond

Global adventurers on the front lines of the environmental battle share their stories in an effort to shine a light on destruction of the environment.

How long is the coverage on my Citizen Watch?

Your Citizen Watch comes with a five-year, limited coverage. When you register your watch online or through our My Citizen App, you will receive an additional coverage year free, for a total of six years coverage.

How do I set my watch?

If you know your model number, go to our brand website and search or browse for your model. When you're on the product page, the setting instructions are listed at the bottom of the "features" section.

How do I get a manual for my watch?

Setting instructions can be accessed through our website and our My Citizen App (available for iOS and Android). To obtain the instructions specific to your watch, you will need to provide the Movement Caliber Number on your watch's caseback.

Can I buy a replacement strap or links for my watch?

Straps, bracelets and links may be available for certain Citizen watch models. To find out if a replacement strap or part is available for your Citizen Watch, please visit our new self-service portal.

Product guides and documents

Installation Manual (PDF)
User Guide (PDF)
User Manual (PDF)

Top Brand: Citizen

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Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
1,432 global ratings

Customers say

Customers like that the watch does not need batteries. They also appreciate that it keeps pretty accurate time and that the date complication is very useful. Customers like the streamlined design and find the watch very easy to read. They are satisfied with the quality, value, and appearance. However, some customers have reported that the leather band is stiff. Customers also disagree on size.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

199 customers mention194 positive5 negative

Customers find the watch really nice looking, with a simple but eloquent design. They also say it looks sharp and keeps good time. Some customers mention that the gold is very subtle and works nicely with the rest of the design. Overall, most are satisfied with the appearance of the product.

"...Looks amazing while still being simple.My girlfriend got me this watch for my birthday for a more dressy watch to wear to work...." Read more

"Cool and nice fancy watch that I still using and the great deal is that I don't have to change the battery!" Read more

"...It looks sharp, keeps good time; I can now brag that MY watch is “greener” than YOURS; I like the fact that it’ll run a VERY long time without..." Read more

"...is good when it does what it's supposed to do, reliably and inconspicuously. I would recommend this watch...." Read more

115 customers mention102 positive13 negative

Customers like the quality of the watch. They mention it's a fine piece of machinery, a professional watch, and made to last. Some say the leather band is stiff.

"This watch is awesome, Super light, pretty thin, simple and to the point. Looks amazing while still being simple...." Read more

"...the softer, top grain stuff on the inside; seems pliable and nicely finished to me, and a good cosmetic match for the watch...." Read more

"...After that, it has chugged along accurately.Technology is good when it does what it's supposed to do, reliably and inconspicuously...." Read more

"...The strap is a bit stiff, but this is because it is thick and of high quality leather...." Read more

66 customers mention55 positive11 negative

Customers like the accuracy of the watch. They say it keeps pretty accurate time, and the date complication is very useful in an office environment. They also mention that the dial is easy to read and has a date window.

"...It has held time perfectly for over a month now so I doubt there will be any issues...." Read more

"...great - they stay running even with moderate exposure to light and keep good time...." Read more

"...It looks sharp, keeps good time; I can now brag that MY watch is “greener” than YOURS; I like the fact that it’ll run a VERY long time without..." Read more

"It looks sharp and keeps good time. I love how I don’t have to replace the batteries." Read more

63 customers mention59 positive4 negative

Customers appreciate the value of the watch. They say it looks and wears like a much more expensive watch. Customers also say the Eco-Drive is outstanding and the payoff is huge.

"...Both are nice watches for the money." Read more

"...Overall, a fine watch for a terrific price...." Read more

"...now and I am extremely happy with the purchase, especially at this price point...." Read more

"Firstly, I love the Eco Drive watches! They aren't expensive , are comfortable and keep great time...." Read more

52 customers mention42 positive10 negative

Customers find the watch very easy to read and simple. They also appreciate the streamlined design and elegant look. Some mention that it's accurate and easy to understand. Overall, most are happy with the readability of the watch.

"This watch is awesome, Super light, pretty thin, simple and to the point. Looks amazing while still being simple...." Read more

"Great watch a little too small for a man but looks great, is very simple, and carries precise time my type of watch👍🏾worth every cent...." Read more

"It loosk so nice, very simple watch." Read more

"Very nice looking, accurate, and easy to read. Watchband rapidly replaced with something better." Read more

33 customers mention29 positive4 negative

Customers like the battery of the watch. They mention that it does not need batteries ever, it keeps time perfectly, and that it comes with a new battery. Some say that the solar recharge system works but they do not know if it works.

"...Tics are still dead on, the solar charging has kept it continuously going without needing to set it in the sun to charge...." Read more

"Citizen eco-drive watches are great - they stay running even with moderate exposure to light and keep good time...." Read more

"...but eloquent design of this watch and the fact that you do not need to change batteries." Read more

"...But it looks so nice, and is so silent, and does not need batteries ever (or at least for 10 years or thereabouts)...." Read more

48 customers mention18 positive30 negative

Customers are mixed about the size of the watch. Some mention that the size is perfect for their medium sized man wrist, and the watch face is not too big or too small. However, others say that the watch band is way too small to comfortably fit their wrist.

"Strap is a little short" Read more

"...But I find the size of my new Citizen watch to be perfect: not too small, but not too big..." Read more

"...Cons:- 21mm lug width is a curse. It is the same as the Bambino so I could put it on my old strap...." Read more

"...He absolutely loved it. Perfect size and shape for his wrist. Very nice looking too. I’ve always been a fan of Citizen watches. Did not disappoint." Read more

43 customers mention12 positive31 negative

Customers dislike the leather of the watch. They mention that the band is stiff and uncomfortable. Some say the leather is thick and of high quality.

"...The only down side to this watch is the leather band is quite stiff. I wore the watch every day for a month and it is still not broke in...." Read more

"...The strap is a bit stiff, but this is because it is thick and of high quality leather...." Read more

"It loosk so nice, very simple watch." Read more

"Watch is fine but the leather band is very stiff. It makes the watch uncomfortable to wear. The watch moves and does not sit flat on the wrist." Read more

Great watch
4 Stars
Great watch
Great watch a little too small for a man but looks great, is very simple, and carries precise time my type of watch👍🏾worth every cent.
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Top reviews from the United States

Jobany
5.0 out of 5 stars Top notch watch.
Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2016
Color: Black Strap/Stainless SteelVerified Purchase
This watch is awesome, Super light, pretty thin, simple and to the point. Looks amazing while still being simple.

My girlfriend got me this watch for my birthday for a more dressy watch to wear to work. My workplace is business casual and I just recently started getting into watches. I had a more casual/tough Timex that is nice but doesn't exactly look dressy. I am not a fan of lots of silver/stainless metal bands or lots of stuff going on in the watch. I just wanted something as simple and elegant looking as possible. This watch hit the nail on the head.

The motion is spot on with each tic and hand placement directly on top of the marks. It has held time perfectly for over a month now so I doubt there will be any issues. The only down side to this watch is the leather band is quite stiff. I wore the watch every day for a month and it is still not broke in. Eventually I think it will break in but its taking its time. Not anything to put the watch down with though.

For the price you cant beat this watch.

Update: Received this watch at the end of March 2016 its now beginning of September, the watch is still going strong however the band is still very stiff. I wear the watch every day to work and you would think after 6 months it would be broke in and loosened up by now. It is still very stiff and when I take it off the bands form back to almost straight. I am going to look for a new band possibly get a brown band to go with a brown belt/shoe combo.

Update March 2019: had this watch 3 years now and it's still just as great as the day I got it. Tics are still dead on, the solar charging has kept it continuously going without needing to set it in the sun to charge. The band did start to break in a bit and has kept a more round look and feel to it however it's still pretty stiff. The leather has warm a bit so its softer to the touch but the band is still firm in place. I picked up a watch box to clasp the band around something when I'm not wearing it and I think that has helped the forming as well. Still a 5 star watch going 3 years strong.
69 people found this helpful
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BeachComber
5.0 out of 5 stars Classic look and no batteries or winding
Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2024
Color: Black Strap/Stainless SteelVerified Purchase
Citizen eco-drive watches are great - they stay running even with moderate exposure to light and keep good time. This is my second one, got this because it's a little more dressy than the other. Both are nice watches for the money.
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Javier Castillo
5.0 out of 5 stars Cool and nice watch!
Reviewed in the United States on April 29, 2024
Color: Black Strap/Stainless SteelVerified Purchase
Cool and nice fancy watch that I still using and the great deal is that I don't have to change the battery!
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Mark R. Wietstock
4.0 out of 5 stars Good looking watch, great power system.
Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2019
Color: Brown Strap/ Gold ToneVerified Purchase
I chose this watch over another, similar Citizen with a standard battery. I figured if I ended up not liking it, I’d just return it and get the other one. However, I’ve decided I LOVE the look of this watch. The photos really don't do it justice ... it looks a lot nicer “live.”

Take the time to learn about Citizen’s “Eco-drive.”

I saw a few reviews from people who complained the watch didn't work right for them. Don’t know what that’s about, but Citizen has been making watches for about a hundred years, and I’m pretty sure they aren’t sending out many that “don’t work right.” I’m also sure they’ll immediately replace any new watch that turns out to be defective in ANY way. I suspect these reviewers never bothered to go online and read/understand all the instructions for the “Eco-drive,” and/or fully charge the watch before they started using it for the first time.

For example, when the watch is low on power, it starts moving at two second intervals to tell the user it needs charging. That’s what mine was doing when I first took it out of its container, and if I hadn’t bothered to educate myself on this feature of the watch, I might also have thought at first that the watch was defective.

The watch doesn’t come with any full, written instructions ... you have to go online to find/read them. When you do, you’ll learn that in order to “fully charge” the power cell in an Eco-drive the first time, you have to put the watch under a continuous light source for a pretty long time: direct sunlight: 11 HOURS; cloudy sky, 40 HOURS; 30W flourescent light, at distance of 8 inches, 130 HOURS. Once you’ve done that, the watch will then remain properly charged/working right on much shorter periods of light exposure (as pretty much everyone expects these watches to do). If you don’t do that, it will keep draining quickly, performing poorly, etc.

It was cloudy and late in the day when mine arrived at my house, so I decided to start by leaving the watch under an LED desk lamp overnight (probably more juice than a 30W flourescent), and then in direct sunlight for about 8 hours the following day. After that, the watch worked flawlessly.

Once I finished the initial charging, I set it very precisely against the clock on my computer, and checked it the following day (e.g., after being in the dark overnight), and found it to be exactly on time, to the second. When properly charged, I think this watch will keep time as well as any other watch out there with a Japanese quartz movement. Citizen movements are “industry standard” for most quality watches claiming a “Japan movement,” with accuracy ratings of around +/- 20 seconds a month.

“Don’t make me get the strap ...”

Some other reviewers have mentioned that the strap that comes with the watch looks cheap, but it isn’t really. It’s a “Citizen” strap, made in Thailand, “genuine leather” with the softer, top grain stuff on the inside; seems pliable and nicely finished to me, and a good cosmetic match for the watch. But if you wear the watch a lot, particularly in humid conditions, and/or if the skin on your wrist perspires a lot, you’ll probably need a replacement strap before too long.

However, here’s the rub. If your wrist is 8 inches or more around (mine’s right around that, and this strap *just* fits at its maximum width), this band probably won’t comfortably fit you, and its 21mm width at the point where it connects to the watch is an oddball size for which very few decent replacement options are available. Citizen does not make an “extra long” replacement for the band they provide with this watch, and it literally took me days of searching before I finally found a “not-as-good” replacement band on E-bay that didn’t cost a fortune.

The main “thing” with this watch is just making sure it sees enough daylight to keep the power system healthy. Just wearing the watch on a regular basis should do the trick for most users. However, if you typically wear your watch under the cuff of a long-sleeved shirt or jacket, you’ll probably want to take it off and put it under direct sunlight for a few hours once a week or so, just to make sure the power cell is regularly getting enough good back-up charges.

TMK, Citizen was the first watch maker to mass produce a solar-powered wristwatch, and I’m guessing that by this time, they’ve made and sold more of them than any other manufacturer on planet Earth, so their “Eco-drive” system is probably as good as it gets for this price. It’s a “gimmicky” technology, with the same set of quirks/issues found in all “solar” stuff, but I still like it, and I’m glad I got this watch. It looks sharp, keeps good time; I can now brag that MY watch is “greener” than YOURS; I like the fact that it’ll run a VERY long time without needing a battery replacement, and I’m sure it will provide more than enough years of trouble-free service to justify its relatively modest cost.

[P.S. to original review ... after about a week of checking the watch against the clock on my computer, I noted that it's creeping a little faster, probably around a half-second every 24 hours. So after a month of running, it should be around 15 seconds faster than the original set time ... within the published margin of error for Citizen "Miyota" quartz movements: +/- 20 seconds per month. Works for me ... still love the watch, and don't mind having to occasionally re-synchronize it. Anyone who wants/needs a timepiece more exact than that should spend the extra $$ on one of those atomic/radio-controlled jobs ...]
37 people found this helpful
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Lisa
5.0 out of 5 stars Does what's it's supposed to
Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2024
Color: Black Strap/Stainless SteelVerified Purchase
I recently forked out some bucks for a "fine Swiss watch." But it had issues from the beginning; rather than exchanging it I opted to return it and buy a Citizen Eco-Drive for less than half the price. Unlike the Swiss watch, the Citizen's hands could be precisely synchronized to the dial markers when setting the time to the internet time signal. After that, it has chugged along accurately.

Technology is good when it does what it's supposed to do, reliably and inconspicuously. I would recommend this watch.

ADDENDUM: three weeks after I synced it and left it alone, it was one second off the Fort Collins time signal. That's pretty commendable performance.
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Andrew
5.0 out of 5 stars Looks Great Works Great
Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2024
Color: Brown Strap/ StainlessVerified Purchase
Looks even better in person and feels great on my wrist
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful. Accurate. Affordable.
Reviewed in Canada on January 10, 2024
Color: Black Strap/Stainless SteelVerified Purchase
My first Citizen watch and I am impressed. If you’re a fan of the John Wick movies like me but aren’t yet ready to shell out for a real CFB Manero Autodate, this affordable and accurate timepiece should be enough to hold you over. Great movement, eco-drive so you never have to worry about batteries, and cmon, she’s a looker! Also fantastic warranty, 5 years + 1 if you register. Need I say more?
The band is a little stiff out of the box but will soften with time so I have no concerns with it. Definitely 5 stars from me.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful. Accurate. Affordable.
Reviewed in Canada on January 10, 2024
My first Citizen watch and I am impressed. If you’re a fan of the John Wick movies like me but aren’t yet ready to shell out for a real CFB Manero Autodate, this affordable and accurate timepiece should be enough to hold you over. Great movement, eco-drive so you never have to worry about batteries, and cmon, she’s a looker! Also fantastic warranty, 5 years + 1 if you register. Need I say more?
The band is a little stiff out of the box but will soften with time so I have no concerns with it. Definitely 5 stars from me.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars I enjoy wearing it.
Reviewed in Canada on December 4, 2023
Color: Brown Strap/ Gold ToneVerified Purchase
I am pleased with the watch.
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Malú Cueva
5.0 out of 5 stars Recomendado
Reviewed in Mexico on March 13, 2020
Color: Brown Strap/ Gold ToneVerified Purchase
Excelente, está muy bonito y no ha fallado
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G. Pisotti
5.0 out of 5 stars Estetica, precisione, prezzo
Reviewed in Italy on March 11, 2020
Color: Black Strap/Stainless SteelVerified Purchase
Esteticamente piacevole, assolutamente esatto nella misura dell’ora. Buon rapporto qualità-prezzo
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みっきー
5.0 out of 5 stars コスパ高い時計だと思います
Reviewed in Japan on May 1, 2024
Color: Black Strap/Stainless SteelVerified Purchase
シチズンやカシオなどこの価格帯のメーカーで仕事用に使える革ベルトの時計を探していました。国内の店舗をいくつも周りましたが、どうしても安っぽい作りの時計ばかりで購入を見送っていました。その後、海外のYouTubeのレビューなどを観て海外限定のこのモデルを見つけ、Amazonで購入。作りも高級感があり個人的に大満足で、購入後2、３人から良い時計してるねと声をかけられました。海外からの配送なので時間もかかり、箱に少しだけ傷がついていましたが、箱が頑丈な作りなので中身には何の問題もありませんでした。
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