Does the FE1242-78D need a battery?

No. It uses Citizen's Eco-Drive solar movement, which charges from any light source and stores power in a rechargeable cell. Regular light exposure keeps it running.

The case is 29mm across and round, a small size aimed at women's wrists. The gold-tone bracelet is stainless steel.

Is it safe to wear in water?

It is water resistant, which covers handwashing and rain. It is not a dive watch, so do not swim or shower with it.

What comes in the box?

The box contains the watch only, on its gold-tone bracelet. No extra strap or travel case is listed.

Does it have a date display?

No. The dial is analog with no date window, so it shows time only.

How does it compare with a Seiko solar watch?

Both are solar quartz, so neither needs a battery change. This Citizen is a 29mm gold-tone dress piece with a mother-of-pearl dial; many Seiko solar women's models are larger and sportier, and some add a date window.