how to change a watch battery

How To Change A Watch Battery: Everything You Need To Know

When you splurge on an expensive watch, the last thing on your mind is when the battery will need changing. However, knowing when and how to change a watch battery is essential. 

Experts recommend that you change your watch battery around every 1-3 years for new watches, and more frequently for older ones. This prevents the battery from leaking and damaging the watch movement. Evidently, it’s an important precautionary measure.

For detailed information on how to change a battery in a wrist watch, read our advice below.

When Should I Replace My Watch Battery?

how to change a watch battery

As mentioned, replacing the battery in your wristwatch is essential and should be done around every 2 years on average. 

However, there are some key signs to look out for that suggest the battery in your timepiece needs changing immediately. If the display is malfunctioning, the time is incorrect or the second hand is jumping, your watch is telling you it needs a new battery.

Whilst all battery-operated watches require regular battery replacement, certain products are needier than others. 

If your timepiece features a chronograph or an LED display, the likelihood is that the battery will need replacing more frequently than every 2 years.

Can I Have My Watch Battery Changed Professionally?

how to change a watch battery

Before we jump in to giving our best DIY advice, it’s important to note that you can visit a jeweller to get your watch battery replaced by a professional. 

We would recommend this if you’re short on time as it’s a speedy process. 

Moreover, it is usually affordable considering it only has to be done every couple of years.

How Much Does It Cost To Change A Watch Battery?

how to change a watch battery

If you decide you’d prefer to leave the labour to the professionals, you may be wondering what the cost will be. 

The quote is dependent on a wide range of factors, including the jeweller’s, the type of watch, and the age of the watch. A cheap, old, non-water-resistant watch will be on the lower end of the scale. 

In contrast, a brand new, expensive, water-resistant watch needs more care and therefore jewelers will tend to demand a higher price.

Overall, professional watch battery replacement tends to cost anywhere between £5-£50. 

It can be a budget-friendly option if you have owned your watch for several years. To get the best deal, make sure you do your research as the price does vary depending on which jeweller’s you go to.

How Long Does It Take To Change A Watch Battery?

Fortunately, changing your watch battery isn’t usually a long-winded process. The exact time depends on your particular watch. However, we predict that it would only take you around 5-20 minutes.

How To Replace A Watch Battery (DIY)

how to change a watch battery

For those of you who would rather save your money, we are here to explain how to remove a watch battery yourself.

Firstly, we must mention that there are different methods of watch battery replacement depending on the watch back we are dealing with. We will cover all bases throughout this article.

Snap-On Watch Backs

For this type of watch, you will need to place a knife under the lip, found on the back of the watch. Then, twist the knife to detach the watch back. 

Now that the back is removed, check which battery you are dealing with; even watches from the same brand can differ. 

For example, for those of you who want to know how to change a citizen quartz watch battery, you will need to open your watch and check which type of battery is inside. 

Next, use tweezers to pull the battery out and to insert the new battery. 

Finally, place the watch back onto the watch and push down until it clicks into place. 

For owners of relic watches, you will be interested to know that this applies to how to open a relic watch to change the battery.

Screws

For watches with screws, use a small screwdriver to twist the screws and detach the watch back. 

Again, check which battery you’re dealing with and use tweezers to replace it. Finally, add the screws back with the screwdriver. 

This is how to change a rotary watch battery, as well as many other types of watches, so it’s important to learn this simple process.

Slot Cases

Many people wonder how to change a watch battery without tools. With a slot case, it’s simple! 

Take a coin and insert it into the groove of the watch back. 

Then, turn the coin anticlockwise and wait for the groove to open. Finally, reverse the process to close the case; twist the coin clockwise until it closes.

How To Change a Pocket Watch Battery (DIY)

pocket watch battery

Now that we know how to replace a watch battery, you may be left wondering how to change a pocket watch battery.

Good news: the same methods apply to pocket watches!

Simply check which type of pocket watch you own (snap-off back, screw-off back, or slot back) and consult the advice under the previous subheading.

Our Final Thoughts

how to change a watch battery

Now that you know how to replace the battery of three types of watches, you can call yourself an expert! 

We hope our advice has been useful and will save your watch from any potential damage. After all, 10 minutes of DIY every two years is worth it for a long-lasting timepiece!

If you don’t want to worry about battery replacement for another couple of years, why not browse our website and treat yourself to a brand-new Uniform Wares creation? 

We boast a variety of watches for men and women, all Swiss-made with diamond-cut hands and traditional pad printed dial indexing. We provide the quality you deserve.

Browse our website for some more stunning pieces and find your perfect match.

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