Few things are more frustrating than glancing at your wrist to check the time, only to find your watch has stopped ticking. Most of the time, this silent shutdown is nothing serious. It’s just a dead battery.
The good news is, you don’t always need to visit a jeweler or spend a fortune to bring your watch back to life. Changing a watch battery is a surprisingly simple task.
This guide breaks down the process step by step, so even beginners can handle it with confidence.
Along the way, we’ll also cover how long batteries typically last, the most common battery types, and how to know when it’s time for a replacement. We’ll even throw in a few tips on how to make your battery last longer and explore watch styles that don’t need batteries at all. Let’s get that watch ticking again.
How Long Do Watch Batteries Last
Most standard watch batteries last 1 to 3 years. In practical terms, a battery's energy storage depends on the type of battery, the brand of watch, and its functions. Simple analog watches with no added features tend to have longer battery life. Digital watches, chronographs, or those with lights and alarms may drain the battery faster.
Some high-end quartz watches come with long-life batteries that can last up to 5 to 10 years, especially models designed for extended battery life or energy efficiency.
Additionally, some watches feature low battery indicators, like the second hand jumping in 2-second intervals, to alert you when it’s time for a replacement.
Most Common Watch Battery Sizes
Watch batteries—also called button cell batteries—come in a variety of sizes and types, but a handful are especially common in wristwatches. These are usually labeled by a 3- to 4-digit code, sometimes with a prefix like SR (silver oxide) or LR (alkaline).
Here are some of the most common watch battery sizes:
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SR626SW (377) – One of the most widely used in analog watches
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SR621SW (364) – Common in smaller or ladies’ watches
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SR920SW (371) – Found in medium-sized analog watches
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SR927W (395/399) – Often used in chronograph and multifunction watches
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CR2016, CR2025, CR2032 – Lithium coin batteries, commonly found in digital watches, fitness watches, and some smartwatches
Note that the same battery may have multiple names depending on the brand. For instance, an SR626SW is also known as 377 in Energizer or Renata labeling.
When Should You Change Batteries
While battery life varies, most watches show warning signs before the battery completely runs out.
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The watch stops working – The most obvious sign. If the watch hands aren’t moving and you haven’t dropped or damaged it, the battery is likely dead.
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Second hand jumping – Many quartz watches have a built-in battery alert. When the second hand jumps in 2- or 4-second intervals instead of ticking smoothly, it's signaling low power.
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Dim display – On digital watches, a fading or flickering display is often caused by a weakening battery.
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Inconsistent timekeeping – If your watch keeps losing time or occasionally stops and starts, the battery may be failing.
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Malfunctioning features – On watches with extra features (chronographs, alarms, backlights), those functions may stop working first as battery power declines.
Pro tip: If your watch is sitting unused in a drawer for over a year, it's smart to check the battery. Old batteries can leak and cause internal damage if left too long after dying.
How To Change a Watch Battery: Step by Step
Changing wrist watch batteries can be a simple DIY task—just make sure you have the right tools and take your time. Here’s how to do it safely:
Tools Needed For a Watch Battery Replacement
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Small flathead screwdriver or case knife
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Watch case back opener
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Plastic tweezers or non-metallic tool
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New battery (matched by size/code)
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Soft cloth or pad to work on
Instructions
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Lay the watch face down: Place your watch on a soft cloth to prevent scratching the face or case.
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Open the case back.
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Snap-back case: Use a small flathead or case knife to gently pry it open at the notch.
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Screw-back case: Use a case wrench or a rubber ball opener to unscrew it.
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With screws: Remove the small screws using a precision screwdriver.
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Remove the old battery: Use plastic tweezers or a toothpick to gently lift the battery out. Avoid metal tweezers to prevent short-circuiting.
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Identify and insert the new battery. Match the code on the old battery (e.g., SR626SW or 377). Insert the new battery in the same orientation—positive side facing up in most cases.
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Check the watch: Before closing it up, check if the watch starts ticking or the digital screen activates. If not, make sure the battery is properly seated.
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Close the case back: Press the case back down evenly until it snaps in place. For screw-back types, tighten gently but securely.
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Reset the time and date: Set your watch using the crown or digital buttons.
Tip: If your watch is water-resistant, it’s best to have the battery changed professionally to maintain the water seal.
How to Keep Your Watch Ticking Longer
Want to squeeze every bit of life out of your watch battery? With a few simple habits, you can extend battery life and keep your timepiece running smoothly for years.
1. Store it properly: If you’re not wearing your watch regularly, store it in a cool, dry place. Heat, humidity, and direct sunlight can degrade both the battery and the internal components.
2. Pull out the crown if you're not using it: For analog watches, gently pulling out the crown (the little knob you use to set the time) can stop the hands from moving. This reduces battery drain while the watch is in storage. Just don’t forget to push it back in before wearing it.
3. Avoid using extra functions constantly: Features such as alarms, backlights, chronographs, and date changes use extra power. Use them sparingly if you want to conserve battery life.
4. Keep it clean: Dust and grime can interfere with the battery contacts or buttons. Wipe down your watch occasionally with a soft cloth to keep it running clean and smooth.
5. Replace dead batteries promptly: Leaving a dead battery for watches inside a timepiece for too long can lead to leakage and corrosion. Always replace the battery as soon as it dies to avoid long-term damage.
Watches That Don't Need Batteries
Do watches need batteries? Not all watches rely on batteries—some are powered by motion, light, or even springs. If you’re tired of replacing batteries, here are the main types of watches that don’t need them:
1. Automatic watches: These mechanical watches are powered by the natural movement of your wrist. As long as you wear it regularly, it stays wound and ticking. If you stop wearing it for a few days, it may pause. However, you can manually wind it or shake it to restart. Alternatively, you can use a watch winder.
Most Rolex, Omega, Seiko, and other luxury watches are powered by an automatic movement.
2. Solar-powered watches: These watches use a solar cell to convert light (sunlight or artificial) into energy, storing it in a rechargeable battery or capacitor. Brands like Citizen Eco-Drive and Seiko Solar are leaders in this tech.
3. Manual mechanical watches: Similar to automatics, but instead of winding themselves with motion, you wind them by hand. Once fully wound, they typically run for 36 to 48 hours before needing to be wound again.
Conclusion
With just a few basic tools and some careful handling, watch battery replacement can be a piece of cake. You can restore your watch to working order in no time at all. Whether you're dealing with a classic analog timepiece or a modern digital model, knowing how to change the battery yourself is a useful skill that saves time and money.
