Citizen Aqualand 2 model C500 flashing ER message

[drcolyn]

I have, up until now, been the very proud owner of a Citizen Aqualand 2 model C500 – just love the looks of it.

I bought it new in 2006 from a reputable dealer and has been wearing it everyday as well as diving with it.
In 2008 the water sensor stopped working (constant CHECK message) and the dealer initially gave me the “it is the battery which is not covered by the 3 year warranty” story but after more than one visit to them they agreed to send it to the Citizen agent as a warranty claim.
After being watch less for three months I got it back and all I know is that according to the dealer there was a problem and the agent fitted a new circuit.
At that stage I was not too unhappy since I scored the battery replacement fee (700 ZAR at $1=7.50 ZAR) that was due sometime anyway.
Now, in 2010 (see the 2 year pattern?), my watch started flashing ER in the mode window again and I definitely did not do any diving in the last month. (actually started using a Suunto Octopus 2 for diving since the stainless watch strap is too short to fit over my drysuit cuff seal)
The pressure sensor is clean and I tried resetting the watch as prescribed in the manual but only managed to reset all digital date and time settings which now could not be re adjusted anymore as none of the mode functions can be used anymore. The second and ER message keep flashing alternately and the water sensor does not sense any water.
After consulting another watch dealer who repairs these watches I learned that the circuit replacement will set me back 2000 ZAR and even then it cannot be guarranteed to last as he often have to do this type of repair.
Is the water/pressure sensor a known problem of this watch?
I work in the maintenance industry and electric components usually fail right away or last a very long time - must I face the fact that I bought a 4500 ZAR gimic and rather get a Suunto Vyper for 2000 ZAR or should the circuit replacement last longer than 2 years.

Regards David

 

[mddyver]

I have, up until now, been the very proud owner of a Citizen Aqualand 2 model C500 – just love the looks of it.

I've owned three. The first I flooded when I forgot to reset the crown. The second is my primary and works fine. The third I bought for my wife who is also an instructor.

Her's is exhibiting the same symptoms. Went through the same trouble shooting then searched the forum for this problem. Since the analog function still works well, she'll continue to use is as a backup in OW and her primary while teaching.

Incidentally we've owned three Suunto computers, Vytec, Vyper and Zoop. The Vytec pressure sensor failed after 280 dives and was out of warranty. The Vyper has 300 dives and the Zoop was recently purchased as a replacement to the Vytec and seems fine.

I work in the semiconductor industry and have the same understanding as you with respect to solid state component longevity. If it doesn't fail out of the box, it generally lasts indefinitely.

There is a parallel thread concerning Suunto computer depth sensor failures. While I'm not familiar with solid state pressure sensors, I'm beginning to wonder if a bad batch of components made its way into the supply chain of multiple makers of dive computer/watch makers.

I've been very satisfied with the Citizen and Suunto products when they work. My concern is 2/6 products have failed due to the pressure/depth sensor.

Mike

 

[drcolyn]

Hi Mike
Thanks for commiserating with my situation. Since I saw that looong post about Suunto problems it seems there is nothing to be done but pay the R2000 and have it repaired AGAIN. Spoke to a bloke the otherday who bought his one 10 years ago and not a single problem - you win some you loose some I guess. As far as dive computers go - I bought a suunto Octopus 2 last year with 4 dives on the clock as it is all I need for my kind of diving. Not a days problem with it since I figured out that it was my 73 model Datsun's starter motor that caused the time/date settings to reset all the time. Now I simply transport it to the dive site in a tin can.
David

 

[mddyver]

there is nothing to be done but pay the R2000

The last one I purchased was at a reputable duty free store in the Caribbean in 2007. Got it for $300 USD. I wear this watch every day and use it when I dive. Based on your exchange rate that would be 2,500 ZAR.

If my conversions are right maybe there is a lower risk alternative to repair.

Mike