How To Replace a Watch Battery: An Easy Step-by-Step Guide
Watches come with two different types of movements: mechanical and quartz. However, between these two engines, the battery-operated quartz movement bears the most user-friendly reputation.
This is because quartz movements are low-maintenance and can show the time more accurately. Furthermore, quartz watches also tend to be cheaper and more accessible to folks. This is especially convenient for folks who are just at the beginning of their watch-collecting journey.
Given that a quartz movement is powered by a battery, there will come a time when it eventually runs out of power. As such, we have prepared an easy, step-by-step guide on how to replace a watch battery. Like most parts of a timepiece, learning how to replace a watch battery is very easy and can even be done at home, as long as you have the right tools.
Without further ado, let us walk you through the necessary steps on how to replace a watch battery.
Materials Needed To Replace a Watch Battery
To properly replace a watch battery, we have listed below the right set of tools that you need. You can find many of these items within the confines of your home, making the whole process extra easy and convenient.
1. A pair of needle-nose pliers or a flat screwdriver or a case knife
Depending on the type of caseback your timepiece has, you will need either a pair of needle-nose pliers, a flat screwdriver, or a case knife.
Casebacks contain and protect both the watch’s movement and the battery. They are usually made from tough metals like stainless steel, which is why you need a robust tool to pry them open.
2. A pair of tweezers
A watch battery is usually placed on a gasket. You need a tool with a thin and sharp tip to be able to reach it. A pair of tweezers is the perfect tool to use in a situation like this. Using a pair of tweezers also prevents any damage to the exposed parts of the watch’s inner mechanisms that might occur if you try to use your fingers.
3. Replacement battery
Lastly, the most important item you need is the right type of watch battery. Make sure to pick the correct replacement battery that your watch can use so that the whole process goes smoothly and without any delay.
How to Replace a Watch Battery: An Easy Step-by-Step Guide
1. Remove the caseback of the watch using the tool of your choice
If your watch has a screw-in caseback, use a pair of needle-nose pliers. Open the jaws of the pliers and match their tips onto the notches of the steel caseback. Apply pressure and twist in a counter-clockwise direction. Continue doing this until the caseback is finally open.
If your watch has a solid snap-on caseback, use a flat screwdriver or a case knife. Insert the sharp tip of your tool into one of the small openings on the caseback. Apply pressure and push in an upwards manner until the caseback pops out.
2. Remove the drained-out battery equipped on the watch
Now that you have removed the caseback, it is time to take out the drained-out battery. Use the pair of tweezers to pick up and remove the battery from the gasket. Set it aside and remember to dispose of it properly.
3. Pick up the brand-new battery using the tweezers and align it properly on the empty gasket
Once you have opened the new battery from its packaging, pick it up using a pair of tweezers. Make sure it is properly aligned on the gasket, in the same way that the previous battery was arranged. This is to guarantee that the new battery is set in the correct way.
4. Replace the empty battery gasket with your brand-new battery using the tweezers
Once the battery is aligned correctly, insert it onto the now-empty gasket. Push the battery downwards until it is properly fitted in place. Make sure that you do not graze the inner mechanisms of the watch, so as to avoid doing any damage to it.
5. Grab the caseback and shut it tightly using your fingers
At this point, you now know how to replace a watch battery properly. As the last step in the whole process, all you need to do is return your watch’s caseback to its original place.
For a watch with a screw-in caseback: using your hands, place the caseback on top of the back of the watch. Twist in a clockwise direction until it is sealed tightly. You can also use the needle-nose pliers to lock it further.
For a watch with a snap-on caseback: using your hands, place the caseback on top of the back of the watch. Align it properly so that the notch for the crown stem is in place. Apply pressure when pushing the caseback downwards. When you hear a click, that means the caseback is now snapped shut.
Common Types of Watch Batteries
1. Silver-oxide
Silver-oxide is the most common type of watch battery. It is used in analog watches by popular watch brands like Emporio Armani and Fossil. This type of watch battery also has an excellent lifespan that lasts from three to five years.
2. Lithium
A lithium battery is usually used in watches with a digital display. You will typically see this battery in digital watches from Casio and Timex. It has a lifespan of one to two years.
3. Alkaline
Alkaline is the cheapest type of watch battery available, but it also has the shortest lifespan. It lasts for only about one year. This can be a hassle, as you would need to replace your battery in a short period of time.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to replace a watch battery is extremely easy and can be done in under 30 minutes. All you need is the right set of tools and the correct type of watch battery, and you are good to go. We hope that through our step-by-step guide, we have helped you to learn how to replace a watch battery whenever you need it.
Photo credits: User 11754907 on Pixabay and Wikimedia Commons.
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