How to change watch batteries in 7 easy steps
If you would like to avoid a trip to the watchmaker to have your dead battery replaced, you can take matters into your own hands. It's actually quite easy to change the battery on your watch as long as you have the right tools. You just need the right caseback opener - At Ditur.com we sell a tool set where you get two different caseback openers, so you should be well covered. If your watch has small screws that need to be removed in order to open the case back, you will also find a small screwdriver in the tool kit. You can buy our tool kit for watch repair here.
How long does a watch battery last?
As a rule of thumb, a battery lasts for approx. 2 years, so if you have built up a small or large collection of watches, it is inevitable that they sometimes need to have the battery changed - Then it is best that you can do it yourself.
In the video here, Mikkel guides you through the entire process - from removing the watch's caseback to inserting the new battery. In addition, he also gives some good advice along the way regarding battery replacement and recommends which tool to use.
1. Buy a new battery - How to choose the right battery for your watch
The first thing you need to do is buy a new battery for your watch. These are usually not that expensive and usually cost around 2-10 € for a high quality battery. If you don't know which battery fits your watch, you can find it on the internet by searching for your watch model + battery. If nothing comes up, you can try again, but this time in Spanish. If you have an unusual watch that can't be found on the internet, there is only one way to find out which watch battery you need: open the watch caseback and remove the battery.
You can read more about how to open casebacks further down this page.
2. Open the caseback - you need this to change the battery in a watch yourself
To be able to replace a watch battery, you need some tools . The type of tool you need depends on the type of caseback your watch has. Here are the three most common types of watch cases:
Snap-on casebacks: To open this type of caseback, you need a caseback opener . Other guides on the web say that you can just as easily use a flat screwdriver or a knife. We strongly advise against this, as knives and screwdrivers can easily cause ugly scratches on the watch.
Screw-in caseback: A caseback of this type has small recesses that screw onto the watch. If you have a watch with this type of caseback, you need a special watch tool that attaches to two points on the tool at the same time.
Caseback with screws: Most people probably think that the procedure for opening a caseback with screws is pretty obvious. Use a small screwdriver and unscrew all the screws. Be sure to put them somewhere they won't get lost. Also remember not to use the wrong type of screwdriver as this can damage the screw threads.
Other tools that can be used for changing the battery on a watch:
- Tweezers
- pressing tool (applies only to watches where the back plate must be pressed)
- A cloth
- Chemical cleaning kit
- Screwdrivers
How to open the caseback of a wristwatch with a link strap
Does your watch have a closed link strap? To make it easier to access the battery when you open the watch, you may need to open one of the joints by loosening the pin on the side. You do this best with the help of specially adapted link tools. If you don't have a link tool at home, you can try, for example, a paper clip or a needle.
Check in which direction the pin should be pushed out. Then push the splinter out with your tool so it falls out the other side. Be sure to place the splint in a safe place so that it does not get lost. Violà, now the closed strap is no longer closed.
3. Clean the watch (and your hands)
When replacing a watch battery yourself, it is very important to clean the watch first. Otherwise, there is a chance that dirt, sand and dust will end up inside the movement and destroy it. Clean the watch thoroughly with a soft cloth moistened with alcohol. Don't forget to wash your hands before you start cleaning the watch. Also make sure your workbench is free of sand, dust and other particles.
4. Keep the ground connection to avoid shock to the watch
The fact that you need to replace the watch battery means that your watch contains electrical components. It is therefore important that you ensure an earth connection before opening the clock. This is to avoid transferring power from your hands (via metal tools) to the watch's electronics and thus risk damaging it. Grounding is most easily achieved by, for example, touching an element, as this resets your electrical charge. You can also choose to use rubber gloves or wear a so-called ESD bracelet when changing the battery on the watch.
5. Open your watch
As previously mentioned, there are a few different types of casebacks, which are opened in different ways.
To open a caseback without screws, find the small ridge on the side of the lid. It can be difficult to find, but is found on all watches with this type of caseback. Once you've found the bump, carefully open the lid with a boot opener. If you are not careful, you risk damaging the watch's gasket, which in turn leads to reduced water resistance. Also remember the direction of the rear cap before removing it.
Screw-in casebacks are opened with a caseback opener or box key, as they are also called. Adjust the tool so that it is held by the two recesses at the same time. Then turn counter-clockwise until the cover comes off. Tighten the last piece with your fingers and then loosen the lid.
Does your watch look like this on the back? Then you just take a small screwdriver and unscrew all the screws. When the screws are out, pry the lid open carefully with a fingernail.
6. Change the watch battery
Now that the watch is open, the watch battery is usually visible. In most watches, the battery is attached by one or two steel or plastic hooks.
To replace the battery in the watch, you must first open this hook. Sometimes you just have to lift a catch for the battery to come up. Other times it is a small screw that needs to be loosened to release the battery. Before touching the movement with a screwdriver or tweezers, for safety reasons, you should ground yourself once more to ensure that your electrical charge is zeroed out.
In some watches, a small protective disc is hidden under the battery. Leave this one alone.
Replace the used battery with your new watch battery. Make sure the battery is facing up. Then fasten the hook/buckle over the battery in the same way as the old one. If you skip this step, there is a chance that the battery will move and damage other parts of the watch.
7. Put the caseback on the watch
Now you just have to put the watch back together. Place any protective rings and gaskets as they were when you opened the rear case. If your watch has a screw case, simply screw it on so the lid is secure. Make sure the cap snaps onto the watch thread so it closes tightly again.
If you have a watch where the caseback is pushed in, you can use a caseback press or do the following:
Press with your fingers until you hear the lid click in. This method works on most watches with a pressed case back. However, make sure you have an even pressure so that the back box stays tight all the way around.
Now your watch should be working again
Your new watch battery is in place and the watch case is closed. Assuming you've done everything right and nothing else is wrong with it, your watch should now be working normally again.