Citizen Radio Controlled Watch: How to Set It

Introduction:
Citizen radio-controlled watches are renowned for their precision and convenience. These watches synchronize with atomic clocks, ensuring that they are always accurate. However, setting up the watch, especially if you are unfamiliar with radio-controlled technology, can be a bit complex. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of setting your Citizen radio-controlled watch step by step. Whether you are setting it for the first time or adjusting it after a battery change, this guide will help you ensure that your watch operates with the accuracy that Citizen promises.

Understanding Radio-Controlled Technology

Before diving into the setting process, it's important to understand what makes a Citizen radio-controlled watch unique. These watches use radio waves to receive time signals from an atomic clock. In most cases, the signal is received from one of the following locations:

• USA: Fort Collins, Colorado
• Germany: Mainflingen
• Japan: Fukushima or Kyushu
• China: Shangqiu

Depending on your location, your watch will automatically adjust itself to the correct time when it picks up the signal. However, there are times when you may need to manually set the watch, particularly if it does not pick up the signal due to interference or if you are traveling.

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting a Citizen Radio Controlled Watch

Step 1: Identify Your Watch Model

Citizen produces a variety of radio-controlled watches, and the setting process can vary slightly between models. Before proceeding, check your user manual or the back of your watch to identify your model number. You can also visit Citizen’s official website to find more information based on your model.

Step 2: Check the Time Zone

Most Citizen radio-controlled watches feature a world time function that allows you to select your time zone. This is crucial as the watch needs to know which time signal to receive. To set the time zone:

1. Pull the crown out to the first or second click (depending on your model).
2. Rotate the crown to select your time zone. Each time zone is typically marked by a city code (e.g., LAX for Los Angeles, NYC for New York, etc.).
3. Once you have selected the correct time zone, push the crown back in.

Note: Ensure that the daylight saving time (DST) setting is accurate if applicable.

Step 3: Manual Reception of Radio Signal

If your watch has not automatically updated, you can manually receive the radio signal:

1. Press and hold the lower right button for about 2 seconds (this may vary slightly by model). The second hand should move to a signal reception indicator.
2. The watch will begin searching for a signal. During this time, ensure that you are in an area with minimal interference (avoid electronics, metal objects, and buildings).
3. Once the signal is received, the second hand will move to a reception success indicator, and the time will automatically adjust.

If the signal reception fails, try moving to a different location and repeat the process.

Step 4: Setting the Time Manually (If Needed)

In some cases, you may need to set the time manually, especially if the watch is unable to receive the radio signal:

1. Pull the crown out to the second click (time setting mode).
2. Rotate the crown to set the time. Be sure to observe whether the time is AM or PM to avoid setting it incorrectly.
3. Push the crown back in to complete the process.

Step 5: Synchronizing the Date

Most radio-controlled Citizen watches will automatically set the date once the time is set. However, if the date is incorrect or you need to adjust it manually:

1. Pull the crown out to the first click (date setting mode).
2. Rotate the crown to set the date.
3. Push the crown back in once the correct date is selected.

Step 6: Power Saving Mode

Some Citizen radio-controlled watches come with a power-saving mode that helps conserve battery life. When the watch detects that it hasn’t been in use for an extended period, it may stop moving the hands to save power.
To reactivate the watch:

1. Press any button or expose the watch to light if it is solar-powered.
2. The hands should move back to the correct time once the watch is reactivated.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Problem 1: Watch is not receiving the radio signal
Solution: Ensure you are in an open area free from interference, such as away from buildings, electronics, or metal objects. Try changing your location or manually setting the time.

Problem 2: Time is off by a few seconds/minutes
Solution: This might occur if the watch has not received the signal in a while. Follow the manual reception steps above to resync the time.

Problem 3: Date is incorrect
Solution: Ensure that the time zone and DST settings are correct. If the problem persists, manually set the date following the steps in Step 5.

Problem 4: Watch has stopped working
Solution: Check if the watch is in power-saving mode. If it is solar-powered, ensure it is exposed to light to recharge the battery.

Maintaining Your Citizen Radio Controlled Watch

To ensure that your watch continues to function optimally:

• Keep it in an area with good signal reception: Avoid storing it in drawers or boxes for long periods.
• Regularly check the time zone and DST settings: Especially when traveling.
• Charge your solar-powered watch: If applicable, ensure your watch is exposed to sufficient light.
• Service your watch regularly: Like all precision instruments, regular maintenance can extend its life.

Data Overview: Radio Signal Reception Rates

Location	Signal Strength (High)	Signal Strength (Low)	Average Reception Time
USA	95%	5%	3 minutes
Germany	90%	10%	4 minutes
Japan	97%	3%	2 minutes
China	85%	15%	5 minutes

This table provides an overview of the reception rates for various regions. Reception times can vary depending on atmospheric conditions and interference, so it’s always good practice to check the signal strength in your specific area.

Conclusion

Setting a Citizen radio-controlled watch is relatively straightforward once you understand the process and technology behind it. The key is to ensure that you have selected the correct time zone and that you are in an area with good reception when syncing the time. With regular maintenance and proper usage, your Citizen radio-controlled watch will continue to provide you with exceptional accuracy and reliability for years to come.