Every watch, no matter how well-crafted or expensive, will eventually need a new battery. While it’s possible to take your watch to a jeweler or watchmaker to have the battery replaced, it’s also a relatively simple task that you can do yourself with the right tools and a little bit of know-how. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to change a watch battery, so you can keep your timepiece ticking without having to spend a lot of money.
Before you start, you’ll need to gather a few tools. These include a small screwdriver (usually a Phillips head), a pair of tweezers, and a new watch battery. You can usually find these items at your local hardware store or online. Once you have your tools, you’re ready to get started.
The first step is to open the back of the watch. This can be done by unscrewing the small screws that hold the back in place. Be careful not to overtighten the screws when you’re putting the back on. Once the back is open, you’ll see the battery. Use the tweezers to remove the old battery and replace it with the new one. Make sure that the positive (+) terminal of the battery is facing up. Once the new battery is in place, you can close the back of the watch and tighten the screws.
Identifying the Battery Type
Determining the correct replacement battery for your watch is crucial. Watches use various battery types, each with its unique specifications. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you identify the type of battery your watch requires:
**By Watch Model:** Refer to your watch’s user manual or consult the manufacturer’s website. The battery type is often clearly stated in the specifications or technical documentation.
**By Battery Size and Shape:**If you don’t have access to the user manual, you can measure the dimensions and shape of the old battery. Use a caliper or ruler to determine the diameter and thickness, and compare it to standard battery sizes.
**By Battery Number:**Look for a series of numbers printed on the old battery casing. These numbers typically indicate the battery type and capacity. Refer to a battery type chart to decode the number and identify the correct replacement.
**By Voltage:**The voltage required for your watch’s battery can vary. Check the specifications on the old battery or consult the watch manufacturer for the recommended voltage. Common watch battery voltages include 1.5V, 3V, and 4.5V.
| #### Battery Type #### | #### Voltage #### |
|---|---|
| Silver Oxide | 1.5V |
| Alkaline | 1.5V |
| Lithium | 3V |
| Mercury | 1.35V |
Gathering Necessary Tools
Before embarking on your watch battery replacement journey, it’s essential to gather the right tools for the job. These tools will ensure a smooth and safe process, minimizing the risk of any damage to your watch.
Choosing the Correct Screwdriver
When it comes to watch batteries, the screwdriver you need will depend on the type of watch you have. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the correct screwdriver:
| Watch Type | Screwdriver Type |
|---|---|
| Wristwatches | Small Phillips-head screwdriver (1.4-2.0mm) |
| Pocket watches | Small flat-head screwdriver (1.0-1.4mm) |
| Remember, using the wrong screwdriver can damage the watch screws, so be sure to choose the correct one for your watch type. Additionally, If you don’t have a suitable screwdriver, you may want to consider taking your watch to a jewelry or watch repair shop for professional assistance. |
Removing the Back Case
The method for removing the back case of a watch depends on the type of case it has. Here are the most common types and how to remove them:
Screw-on Back Case
- Locate the small notch on the back of the case.
- Insert the tip of a watchmaker’s knife or a small screwdriver into the notch.
- Gently twist the knife or screwdriver counterclockwise to unscrew the back case.
Snap-on Back Case
- Place the watch face down on a soft surface.
- Press down on the back of the case with your thumbs and push it in toward the center of the watch.
- As you press down, slide your thumbs around the edge of the case to unclip it from the watch.
Pressure-Fit Back Case
- Open the watch face up.
- Insert the pointed tip of a watchmaker’s knife or a small screwdriver into the gap between the back case and the watch face.
- Gently pry the back case away from the watch face.
| Back Case Type | Removal Method |
|---|---|
| Screw-on | Unscrew with a watchmaker’s knife or screwdriver |
| Snap-on | Press and slide thumbs to unclip |
| Pressure-Fit | Pry apart with a watchmaker’s knife or screwdriver |
Locating the Battery
To change the battery in a watch, you must first locate the battery. The battery is typically located in one of three places:
1. Under the watch face: The battery may be located under the watch face, behind the dial. To access the battery, you will need to remove the watch face. This can be done by unscrewing the screws that hold the watch face in place or by prying it off with a thin object.
2. In the watch case: The battery may be located inside the watch case, behind the watch movement. To access the battery, you will need to remove the watch back. This can be done by unscrewing the screws that hold the watch back in place or by prying it off with a thin object.
3. In the watch band: The battery may be located inside the watch band. To access the battery, you will need to remove the watch band. This can be done by sliding the watch band out of the watch case or by unscrewing the screws that hold the watch band in place.
Once you have located the battery, you can remove it by gently prying it out with a thin object. Be careful not to damage the battery or the watch movement when removing the battery.
Types of Watch Batteries
There are many different types of watch batteries, but the most common type is the button battery. Button batteries are small, round batteries that are typically used in watches, calculators, and other small electronic devices. Button batteries come in a variety of sizes, so it is important to choose the correct size battery for your watch.
| Battery Size | Diameter (mm) | Height (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| CR2016 | 20.0 | 1.6 |
| CR2025 | 20.0 | 2.5 |
| CR2032 | 20.0 | 3.2 |
| CR1220 | 12.0 | 2.0 |
| CR1225 | 12.0 | 2.5 |
To find the correct size battery for your watch, consult the watch manual or look for the battery size engraved on the back of the watch case.
Removing the Old Battery
Before replacing the battery, it is important to identify the type of battery used in your watch. This information can be found on the battery cover or in the watch’s manual. With the correct replacement battery in hand, you can begin the removal process:
- Secure the watch: Place the watch on a stable surface to prevent it from moving during the process.
- Open the battery cover: Using a small flat-head screwdriver or a watchmaker’s knife, carefully pry open the battery cover. If the cover is screw-on, use a small Phillips screwdriver to unscrew it.
- Remove the old battery: Once the battery cover is open, gently lift the old battery out using a pair of tweezers or a watchmaker’s tool. Avoid touching the battery with your bare hands, as this can damage it.
- Clean the battery compartment: If there is any corrosion or debris in the battery compartment, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean it out. This will ensure good contact between the new battery and the watch’s terminals.
- Inspect the battery terminals: Before installing the new battery, inspect the watch’s terminals for any dirt or debris. If present, clean them using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. This will ensure a good connection between the battery and the watch.
| Battery Type | Size | Voltage |
|---|---|---|
| CR2016 | 20mm x 1.6mm | 3V |
| CR2025 | 20mm x 2.5mm | 3V |
| CR2032 | 20mm x 3.2mm | 3V |
Inserting the New Battery
Now that you’ve removed the old battery, it’s time to insert the new one. Here are the steps to follow:
-
Locate the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals on both the new battery and the watch movement. These terminals may be marked with small symbols (+ and -), or the positive terminal may be slightly larger than the negative one.
-
Orient the new battery so that the positive terminal is facing the positive terminal on the watch movement and the negative terminal is facing the negative terminal.
-
Carefully insert the new battery into the watch movement, pressing it gently until it snaps into place.
-
Ensure that the battery is firmly seated and does not move around when you shake the watch.
-
If the battery is not the correct size or is not properly positioned, it may short-circuit or damage the watch movement.
-
Once the new battery is inserted, cover it with the dust cover or battery holder, securing it in place.
-
Replace the back plate of the watch, tightening it securely to ensure water resistance.
-
Set the time and date on the watch, and you’re all set!
Cautions
When inserting the battery, be sure not to touch the terminals with your fingers, as this can leave oils or residues that may affect the battery’s performance.
Additionally, avoid overtightening the back plate, as this can also damage the watch.
Battery Types
Different watches may require different types of batteries. The most common watch battery types are:
| Battery Type | Diameter (mm) | Height (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| SR626SW | 6.8 | 2.6 |
| CR2016 | 20 | 1.6 |
| CR2025 | 20 | 2.5 |
| CR2032 | 20 | 3.2 |
Waterproofing the Watch
Once you have replaced the battery, it is important to waterproof the watch properly to ensure its longevity and performance. Here’s a step-by-step guide to waterproofing your watch:
- Inspect the Gaskets: Examine the gaskets located on the case back, crown, and any other openings on the watch for any damage or wear. If they appear damaged or worn, replace them with new gaskets to maintain their sealing ability.
- Lubricate the Gaskets: Apply a thin layer of silicone grease to the gaskets to lubricate them and enhance their sealing properties. This will prevent water from seeping through the gaps.
- Tighten the Case Back: Using a watchmaker’s screwdriver, carefully tighten the case back screws to the manufacturer’s specified torque. Overtightening can strip the threads, but ensure they are sufficiently tightened to create a watertight seal.
- Pressurize the Watch: If you have access to a pressurizing tool or a watchmaker, have the watch pressurized to the recommended pressure level. This will simulate the conditions of being submerged underwater and ensure that there are no leaks.
- Dry the Watch: Use a clean cloth to gently dry the watch’s exterior and remove any excess moisture that may have accumulated during the process.
- Run a Water Resistance Test: Place the watch in a container of water at the manufacturer’s specified depth for the watch’s water resistance rating. Leave it there for the recommended time and check for any signs of water intrusion.
- Store the Watch Properly: Once the watch has been successfully waterproofed, store it in a dry and cool environment to maintain its water resistance over time.
Reassembling the Watch
Once the battery has been replaced, it’s time to reassemble the watch. This process is generally the reverse of disassembly, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a proper fit.
Align the Gasket
Before placing the case back on the watch, make sure the gasket is properly aligned. The gasket should be seated evenly around the edge of the case, with no gaps or tears. If the gasket is not properly aligned, it can cause water to leak into the watch, damaging the movement.
Use the Correct Tools
When reassembling the watch, it’s important to use the correct tools. Using the wrong tools can damage the watch or make it difficult to reassemble. For example, you should use a watchmaker’s screwdriver to tighten the screws, and a case press to close the case back.
Apply Pressure Evenly
When closing the case back, it’s important to apply pressure evenly around the edges. This will help to ensure that the case back is properly sealed and that the gasket is not damaged. You can use a case press or a watchmaker’s hammer to close the case back.
Check the Water Resistance
Once the watch has been reassembled, it’s important to check the water resistance. This can be done by placing the watch in a glass of water for 30 minutes. If the watch does not leak, it is water resistant.
Resetting the Time and Date
Once the new battery is installed, you’ll need to reset the time and date. Here’s how:
Digital Watches
- Locate the buttons used to set the time and date (usually labeled “Mode,” “Set,” and “Adj”).
- Press the “Mode” button to enter the time-setting mode.
- Use the “Set” and “Adj” buttons to adjust the hours, minutes, seconds, month, day, and year.
- Press “Mode” again to save the settings.
Analog Watches
- Pull the crown out to the first position (usually halfway out).
- Turn the crown clockwise to advance the hour hand.
- Turn the crown counterclockwise to advance the minute hand.
- If the watch has a date function, pull the crown out to the second position to set the date.
- Push the crown back in to save the settings.
Watches with Date and Day Functions
| Function | How to Set |
|---|---|
| Date | Pull the crown out to the first position and turn it counterclockwise to advance the date. Push the crown back in to save. |
| Day | Pull the crown out to the second position and turn it clockwise to advance the day. Push the crown back in to save. |
Troubleshooting Common Issues
1. The watch is not responding
The battery may be dead. Replace the battery with a new one.
2. The watch is losing time
The battery may be weak. Replace the battery with a new one.
3. The watch is gaining time
The watch may be magnetized. Demagnetize the watch by using a demagnetizer.
4. The watch is stopping
The watch may be dirty. Clean the watch by using a soft, dry cloth.
5. The watch is not waterproof
The watch may have a damaged seal. Take the watch to a jeweler to have the seal replaced.
6. The watch is not keeping time
The watch may be damaged. Take the watch to a jeweler to have it repaired.
7. The watch is not accurate
The watch may need to be calibrated. Take the watch to a jeweler to have it calibrated.
8. The watch is not working
The watch may be broken. Take the watch to a jeweler to have it repaired.
9. The watch is not readable
The watch may have a damaged crystal. Take the watch to a jeweler to have the crystal replaced.
10. The watch is not comfortable to wear
The watch may be too tight or too loose.
| Too tight | Too loose |
|---|---|
| The watch is cutting into your skin. | The watch is falling off your wrist. |
| Adjust the band by removing a link. | Adjust the band by adding a link. |
How To Change A Watch Battery
Changing a watch battery is a simple task that can be done in a few minutes with the right tools. Here are the steps on how to change a watch battery:
- Gather your tools. You will need a small screwdriver, a watch battery, and a pair of tweezers.
- Open the watch case. The back of the watch case is usually held in place by four screws. Use the screwdriver to remove the screws.
- Remove the old battery. Use the tweezers to gently pry the old battery out of the watch case.
- Insert the new battery. Make sure that the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals of the battery are facing the correct way.
- Close the watch case. Replace the screws that you removed earlier.
- Test the watch. Make sure that the watch is working properly by setting the time and date.
People Also Ask About How To Change A Watch Battery
Do I need to take my watch to a professional to change the battery?
No, you do not need to take your watch to a professional to change the battery. It is a simple task that can be done at home with the right tools.
What type of battery do I need for my watch?
The type of battery you need for your watch will depend on the model of watch. You can find the type of battery that you need by looking in the watch’s manual or by searching online.
How often should I change the battery in my watch?
The battery in your watch should be changed every 2-3 years. However, this will vary depending on the type of watch and how often you wear it.
Where can I buy a watch battery?
You can buy a watch battery at most hardware stores, drug stores, and online retailers.