Change a Watch Battery

When your watch stops keeping correct time, there is something obviously wrong. First, ensure that your watch is not an automatic watch, since an automatic watch never needs a battery. Before throwing it away, try to change the battery. Most of the time, when a battery starts going bad, it causes the time to run slow. After that, the watch stops running altogether.

Steps

  1. Before you begin, take a moment and using an old toothbrush remove all the detritus on the watch. You do not want to introduce dirt to the inside of the watch. Dirt in your micro miniaturized watch movement will cause it to stop working.
  2. Turn the watch over (see Things You'll Need). Place a soft pad under the crystal of the watch. A towel or dishcloth will work to prevent scratching the crystal of the watch.
  3. Remove the back cover. On some watches, the cover will pry off using a very small flat-bladed screwdriver or will have screws holding the cover on. On other brands the entire cover will unscrew. If you determine your watch case back unscrews them you will need to either purchase an expensive wrench or take your watch to a watchmaker for a battery change. Don't ruin or damage your watch by using the wrong tools to open the case back.
    • Examine the edge of the back cover. If there is one small depression along the edge of the cover then the cover will pry off. Use a watch case opener if you have one, or a blunt kitchen knife or a flat-faced screwdriver if you don't. Using a sharp knife can be dangerous if you slip and the knife cuts you.
    • If there are screws present, the cover will lift off after the screws are removed. Remove any screws that keep the back cover to the body.
    • If the cover has a raised edge with flat edges opposite one another, then the cover will also unscrew.
  4. Carefully remove the gasket. Many watches will have a rubber-like gasket around the edge of the back cover. Carefully remove the gasket and set it aside for reassembly. You may notice more dirt along the gasket. It is important to clean this area before reassembly.
  5. Locate the battery. The battery will be a round, shiny, metal pill-shaped object. It will vary in size but will most likely be less than 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) and larger than 1/4 inch (6 mm) in diameter. It will be held into the case with either a cover and screw or a clip.
  6. Remove the battery. If the battery is held with a cover and screw, remove the screw using a very small screwdriver. The head may be Phillips or slotted. Carefully set the screw and cover aside. Remove the battery and set it aside for identification.
    • Try to use plastic tweezers to remove the battery from its slot. Using plastic tweezers will ensure that you don't accidentally cause an electrical short, damaging the watch movement.
    • If the battery is held with a spring clip, pry the battery from under the clip with a small flat-bladed screwdriver.
    • Note very carefully which side of the battery is facing outward and which side of the battery is facing into the watch case prior to removal. You're going to need to put your new battery back in the exact same way
  7. Identify the battery. Watch batteries are identified with numbers located on the back of the battery. The numbers are generally 3 or 4 digits such as 323 or 2037. Notice that one side of the battery is marked with a large plus sign. This is the positive side.
  8. Purchase the replacement battery. Watch batteries may be purchased in the U.S. in drug stores, discount stores, electronics stores and jewelry stores. The number of the battery (not the watch model) is required to purchase the battery, as you want to buy the same model battery your watch took before you had to change it. Bring the old battery with you as you shop.
  9. Install the new battery. Remove the battery from its protective wrapper and wipe the battery to remove any film or fingerprints. Place the battery into the watch body in exactly the same position with the same side down as the old battery. Put the battery into the clip or replace the cover and screw.
  10. Check for operation. Turn the watch over and check to see that the second hand is advancing or that the seconds digital display is advancing, depending on the type of watch.
  11. Replace the gasket. Place the gasket onto the cover or into a groove provided for it in the case. Be very careful that the gasket is fully into the groove or around the cover evenly so that no part of the gasket will be pinched when the cover is installed on the watch body.
  12. Replace the cover. Be careful not to damage the gasket. The gasket may be impossible to replace if damaged. (Note: this probably will require a special device that you can either purchase yourself or (more likely) pay a watch shop or jeweler to use for you. There will usually be a small fee--around $10.)
  13. Recheck operation of the watch.



Tips

  • Be aware that some watches lose their water resistance after the backs are opened and you will want to have the watch pressurized. Watch repairmen will have the proper equipment to perform this task.
  • If you're still worried or uncertain about opening the case of your watch, consider taking it to either a jeweler or the watch/jewelry section of a department store. You can often have the work done cheaply or at no additional fee (other than buying the battery)
  • Be careful with the crystal. Pressing down on the case-back without cushioning the crystal may result in scratches or breaking the crystal
  • Use a magnifier and adequate lighting to prevent small part loss.
  • Check carefully the cost of watch versus the cost of the battery. Some inexpensive watches will cost less than the price of the battery.
  • Be careful with screwdrivers. The watch case and crystal or the insides can be easily damaged by lack of caution when prying or removing screws with small screwdrivers.
  • Use a black piece of construction paper to hold small parts. The contrast makes the parts easier to see.

Warnings

  • If you damage the watch trying to remove the battery, you may void the manufacturer's guarantee, and they will not pay to get it fixed again.

Things You'll Need

  • Jeweler's size screwdrivers
  • Plastic tweezers
  • Hand towel
  • Selvyt Lint free cloth
  • Work light
  • Watch tool to unscrew base
  • Optional magnifying glass

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

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