Unless something has changed over the past thirteen years, which is how long I have had my Citizen, the Eco-Drive is not a hoax.  In fact, this has been the most accurate and reliable watch I've ever owned.  The only thing that I have had to do over that time is to replace the pins in the titanium band.  The gold on the band and face of the watch has even remained, which is no small accomplishment because I almost never take it off.

To clarify, I don't have this specific model.  I don't remember the name of my model but it has a rotating dial with various cities around the world plus the ability to select those cities in the small digital display.  I would absolutely buy my watch again.