You can change most watch batteries yourself in under five minutes

A watch battery dies like any other battery — it runs out of charge and the watch stops. The good news is that replacing it does not require a jeweler or a trip to the mall. Most watches use a standard battery you can buy at a drugstore or hardware store for two to ten dollars, and the tools you need cost less than that. The whole job takes longer to find your watch than to fix it.

The catch is that some watches are sealed or water-resistant, and opening those requires either a special tool or a trip to someone who has one. But if your watch is not a dive watch or a luxury brand, you can almost certainly do this yourself at your kitchen table.

Key Takeaways

  • Most watch batteries are coin-shaped and cost between two and ten dollars at any drugstore or hardware store.
  • You need a case opener (a flat tool that costs three to five dollars) and a small flathead screwdriver to open the back of the watch.
  • Write down the battery number printed on the old battery before you remove it, so you buy the exact same one.
  • If your watch is labeled water-resistant or has a sealed back, take it to a watch repair shop instead of forcing it open.

Find out what battery your watch uses

Open the back of the watch first. Most watches have a case back that screws off or pops off with a flat tool. Look for a small slot or groove around the edge of the back panel. If you see one, use a flathead screwdriver to gently pry it open. If the back is smooth with no groove, you may need a watch case opener — a flat metal tool shaped like a bottle opener that costs three to five dollars at any hardware store.

Once the back is open, look at the battery inside. It will be a small, round, silver or gold disc. On one side of the battery, you will see a number printed on it — something like SR626W or LR44. Write this number down exactly. This is the battery model, and you need to buy the same one. Do not guess or buy something close. The wrong battery will not fit or will not power your watch correctly.

Buy the correct replacement battery

Take the battery number to any drugstore, hardware store, or big-box retailer with a pharmacy or watch section. CVS, Walgreens, Home Depot, and Walmart all stock watch batteries. You can also order online from Amazon or eBay if you know the number. A single battery costs between two and ten dollars depending on the brand and where you buy it.

When you buy the battery, ask the cashier or check the package to make sure it is the exact model number you wrote down. Some batteries look identical but have different numbers and will not work in your watch. If you cannot find the exact model, do not buy a substitute — go to a different store or order online instead.

Remove the old battery and install the new one

With the watch back still open, look at how the old battery sits inside. Most batteries rest flat in a small metal cup or holder. Some watches have a tiny metal clip or spring that holds the battery down. If there is a clip, gently lift it up with your fingernail or a plastic tool — never use a metal screwdriver, which can scratch the inside of the watch or damage the clip.

Lift the old battery straight up and out. If it is stuck, do not force it. A tiny drop of rubbing alcohol on the edge can help loosen it. Once the old battery is out, drop the new battery into the same spot, making sure it sits flat and level. If there was a clip, gently press it back down over the battery until it clicks or sits snugly. The battery should not move when you tilt the watch.

Close the watch back and test it

Before you screw the back on, hold the watch to your ear and listen. You should hear a faint ticking sound. If you hear nothing, the battery may not be seated correctly. Lift the clip again and make sure the battery is sitting flat in the center of the cup. Try again.

Once you hear ticking, screw or snap the back panel closed. If it screws, turn it clockwise until it is snug — do not force it or you may strip the threads. If it pops on, press it down firmly until you hear or feel a click. Your watch should now be running. If it is not, the battery may have been defective, or the old battery may have damaged the contacts inside the watch. In that case, take it to a watch repair shop.

When to take your watch to a professional instead

Some watches should not be opened at home. If your watch is labeled water-resistant, water-proof, or dive-rated, the back is sealed and opening it will break the seal. Water will get inside and damage the movement. If the back has no visible groove or slot and you cannot pry it open gently, stop trying. Forcing it can crack the case or break the seal.

Luxury watches — brands like Rolex, Omega, or Cartier — often have sealed backs that require a special tool and training to open safely. The cost of a professional battery change at a jeweler or watch repair shop is usually between fifteen and forty dollars, which is worth it to avoid damaging a watch that costs hundreds or thousands of dollars. A local jeweler or watch repair shop can change the battery while you wait, usually in under an hour.

What to do with the old battery

Do not throw the old battery in the trash. Watch batteries contain mercury or other chemicals that can harm the environment. Most drugstores and hardware stores have a battery recycling bin near the checkout or customer service desk. Drop the old battery in there on your way out.

If your store does not have one, ask where the nearest battery recycling center is. Many towns have hazardous waste collection days where you can drop off batteries for free. Some retailers like Best Buy also accept watch batteries at their customer service desk. Taking two minutes to recycle the old battery keeps it out of landfills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different battery if I cannot find the exact model?

No. Watch batteries that look the same can have different voltages or sizes that will not work in your watch. Using the wrong battery can damage the movement or drain quickly. If you cannot find the exact model, order it online or take the watch to a jeweler.

How long does a watch battery last?

Most watch batteries last between two and five years, depending on how often you wear the watch and what features it has. A watch with a second hand, a light, or an alarm will drain the battery faster than a straightforward watch. When the battery dies, the watch will straightforward stop running.

What if I drop the battery inside the watch and cannot find it?

Stop and tilt the watch gently until the battery slides back into view. If it is truly lost, take the watch to a jeweler. Trying to force the back closed with a missing battery inside can damage the movement.

Do I need any special tools besides a screwdriver?

A case opener (a flat metal tool that looks like a bottle opener) makes opening the back much easier and safer than using a screwdriver. They cost three to five dollars at any hardware store. For most watches, a case opener and a small flathead screwdriver are all you need.

What if the watch still does not work after I put in a new battery?

The battery contacts inside the watch may be dirty or corroded. Try removing the battery, cleaning both sides with a dry cloth, and reinstalling it. If that does not work, the watch movement may be damaged and needs professional repair.