The Watch Blog

Many people bring their timepieces to the jewelry store whenever they need to have a battery replaced, but like most things, you can save money if you install your watch battery yourself. All you need are a few basic tools and a couple of minutes.

For tools, you’re going to need pairs of needle-nosed pliers and tweezers, in addition to the screwdriver from an eyeglass kit. You can buy find these things individually, or purchase them as a set as part of a watch repair kit (which makes a great present, by the way).

Your first step is to check the back of your watch’s case. If there is a depression around the edge of the case then you can pry it off with your pliers. Alternatively, if you see holes for screws, you’ll have to unscrew each of these and then lift off the case. Next, you need to remove the watch’s rubber gasket, which sits along the rim of the case back.

The battery itself will be a small metallic circular disc fastened either by a cover and screw or spring clip. If there is a cover, you’ll have to unscrew it with your eyeglass screwdriver. For a spring clip, you can pull the battery out with your tweezers or pliers (whichever fits best).

Do not throw out the battery! You need to pay attention to its exact make so that you can buy the same kind as a replacement. After you’ve found your new battery, simply reverse the above instructions to put everything back where it belongs.

Pretty simple, huh?

Tags: batteries, repair, saving money, tips, tools