Change a watch battery yourself – step-by-step guide
A practical step-by-step guide to changing a watch battery yourself at home – which tools you need, how the six steps work, what a battery change costs in a store, and when it is better to take the watch to a watchmaker instead.
Short answer
Yes, you can change the battery on most quartz watches at home without leaving them for service. You need a new watch battery of the correct type, a case opener, and tweezers – it takes about five to ten minutes. Below we go through all six steps, from identifying the correct battery to closing the watch again, so that you can do it safely and without damaging the movement.
Innehåll · 6 avsnitt
- What do you need to change the battery in the watch?
- How do you know which battery fits your watch?
- How to change the battery – step by step
- When should you leave the watch with a watchmaker instead?
- How much does it cost to change the battery in a watch – and where can you do it?
- Do you have a quartz watch that needs a new battery?
What do you need to change the battery in the watch?
Before you start you need three things: a new battery that fits your watch model, a tool to open the case, and tweezers to handle the battery. You should never touch the battery with your bare fingers – skin oils can damage the contact surfaces in the movement.
- New watch battery – the most common types are SR626SW, SR621SW, and CR2032. The battery type is stamped on the old battery or in the watch manual.
- Case opener (case knife) – for snap-back cases, or a screwdriver for screw-back cases. A thin kitchen knife works for snap-back cases but risks scratching the watch.
- Antistatic tweezers – to lift out and insert the battery without discharging it statically.
- Soft cloth – to place the watch on so that the glass does not get scratched.
You can buy watch batteries in grocery stores, electronics stores, and online. If you want to avoid buying the wrong battery: take out the old battery first and take it with you when you shop.
Kronura
Watch tools – 24-piece tool set
€36,95
Se klockan
How do you know which battery fits your watch?
The battery type is usually stamped on the old battery once you have opened the watch. Alternatively, the information is in the watch's accompanying manual or with the watch manufacturer's support. The most common batteries in wristwatches are silver oxide batteries (SR series) and lithium cell batteries (CR series). Do not confuse the sizes – a battery that is half a millimeter too thick can damage the movement.
How to change the battery – step by step
Follow the steps in order. Take your time and work on a clean, well-lit surface.
-
Identify the case type
There are three common types of watch back covers:
- Snap-back case – the most common. The cover is pressed into place and pried open with a case knife along the edge.
- Screw-back case – the cover is unscrewed counterclockwise. Often used on more durable sports and diving watches.
- Screw-back case with screws – four to six visible screws on the back. Requires the correct screwdriver size.
Look at the back of the watch. If you see a smooth edge without screws, it is probably a snap-back case. If you see a grooved mount around the edge, it is a screw-back case.
-
Clean the watch and ground yourself
Clean the outside of the watch with a soft cloth before opening it, so that dirt does not get inside the movement. If the case and strap need a more thorough cleaning, there is a separate guide on how to clean the watch at home.
Then ground yourself by touching a metal object that is connected to the ground, such as a radiator or a metal faucet. This resets static electricity that could otherwise damage the electronics in the movement.
-
Open the case
Place the watch on the soft cloth with the glass facing down. Find a small notch in the edge of the backplate (snap-back case). Insert the tip of the case knife into the notch and pry open the cover with a soft but firm pressure. Hold a finger against the cover so it does not fly away.
For screw-back cases: unscrew counterclockwise with the case tool or screwdriver of the correct size. Press down lightly while unscrewing to avoid slipping and scratching the watch.
Note: If the watch is waterproof, there is a rubber seal (gasket) inside the cover. Check that it does not get stuck or disappear when you open it. Set it aside on a clean surface.
-
Change the battery
Use the tweezers to carefully lift out the old battery. Note which way it is sitting – the positive side (+) should normally be facing up. Many battery holders have a small tab or a locking clip that holds the battery; pry carefully if that is the case. Never touch other parts of the movement. Check the battery designation, for example SR626SW, by placing the battery on its side and reading the stamped text.
Then place the new battery with the correct side up (+ facing up, unless otherwise specified). Press it down carefully with the tweezers until it snaps into place in the holder. Avoid pressing hard – it should only need a light pressure. Check immediately that the second hand starts moving; if it does, the battery works and the contact is good.
-
Put the rubber seal back (if waterproof watch)
If the watch has a rubber seal: check that it is intact and undamaged. Put it back in its groove in the cover before closing. A damaged seal means that the watch is no longer waterproof – how much it can withstand in water is related to its water resistance (ATM). Replace the seal or let a watchmaker do it before exposing the watch to water.
-
Close the case
Snap-back case: place the cover in place and press evenly with your thumb around the entire edge until you hear a click. Check that there is no visible gap around the edge. Screw-back case: screw clockwise and tighten without overdoing it – it should not require more force than finger pressure. Then set the time and date if the watch was reset during the battery change.
When should you leave the watch with a watchmaker instead?
Not all watches are suitable for changing the battery at home. Leave the watch if any of the following apply: it has high water resistance and should withstand swimming or diving, the seal is worn or difficult to get into place, the back is extremely tight, or if it is a more expensive or older watch with a sensitive movement. If you have a watch with high water resistance – for example a diving watch – the seal should be checked by a watchmaker afterwards, otherwise you risk water getting in.
How much does it cost to change the battery in a watch – and where can you do it?
A battery change in a store costs from around 200 kronor. Ur&Penn, which is one of the larger chains that publicly publishes a price, states from 199 kronor for most watch types and from 229 kronor when the change is done together with a pressure test. If you change it at home, you only pay for the battery and, the first time, for the tool.
The price differs between chains and stores because it depends on the watch model, battery type, and whether a pressure test is included. Klockmaster describes battery changes and pressure tests in store without stating any price on their website, and Stjärnurmakarna similarly refers to store and workshop. If you want to know how much your specific watch costs at a certain chain – for example Guldfynd, Klockmaster, or Stjärnurmakarna – the fastest way is to ask in the store before you leave it. You can also turn to an independent watchmaker and at the same time ask for an assessment of the seal, which is worth a lot if the watch is to withstand water.
Think like this when choosing between doing it yourself and leaving it:
- Do it yourself – when the watch is a simpler quartz watch with a snap-back case, is not intended to be used for swimming or diving, and you expect to change the battery multiple times. You buy the tool once and use it again.
- Leave it – when the watch should withstand water and needs a pressure test afterwards, when the case is screwed and requires special tools, or when the watch is more expensive or older. If the watch still has a warranty, you should read the terms before opening it yourself.
How often the question becomes relevant depends on the watch. Our guide on how long a watch battery lasts shows what you can expect for different watch types.
Do you have a quartz watch that needs a new battery?
Most quartz watches are designed so that the battery change can be done at home. If you are unsure whether your specific watch is suitable for it – for example if it has deeper water resistance or a more sensitive movement – it may be worth letting a watchmaker do the job. Feel free to read our guide on when you need a battery change versus service if you want help deciding.
Want to avoid a battery change altogether? Automatic watches are powered by kinetic energy, and Citizen Eco-Drive is charged by light instead of a replaceable battery.
Featured watches
Watches without regular battery replacements
Eco-Drive and Tough Solar are powered by light, while an automatic watch is powered by the movement of the wrist.
Casio G-Shock GA-B2100-1AER
45 mm · 12 mm tjock
Citizen Eco-Drive CA4420-21X
43 mm · 12 mm tjock
Citizen Elegance Eco-Drive EG7073-16Y
31 mm · 6 mm tjock
Citizen Tsuyosa Automatic NJ0150-81Z
40 mm · 12 mm tjock
- ✓ 2 års garanti
- ✓ Äkta märkesklockor
- ✓ 30 dagars öppet köp
- ✓ Fri frakt
- ✓ 4,6/5 på Trustpilot
Can I change the battery on any watch at home?
Most simpler quartz watches with a snap-back or screw-back case are fine to change the battery on at home. Watches with high water resistance (100 meters or more), mechanical watches that need to be adjusted afterwards, or watches with screws that require special tools should be left to a watchmaker to avoid damage.
How do I know which battery fits my watch?
The battery type is stamped on the old battery when you open the watch. It can also be in the watch manual. Common designations are SR626SW, SR621SW, and CR2032. Take the old battery with you when you shop to avoid buying the wrong size.
What happens if I accidentally touch the movement with my fingers?
Skin oils can cause corrosion on contact surfaces and fine parts in the movement. If you accidentally touch something: wipe carefully with a soft, dry cloth. Always use tweezers to handle the battery and avoid touching more of the movement than necessary.
Does the watch lose time or date when I change the battery?
Yes, often the watch is reset during a battery change. Set the time and date immediately after you close the case and check that the second hand is moving. Some watches save the settings for a shorter time thanks to a capacitor, but expect to have to reset it.
How often does a watch need a battery change?
Most quartz watches need a new battery every two to five years depending on the watch type, how often the backlight and alarm are used, and the battery's capacity. Watches with a lit display, alarm, and step counter drain the battery faster.
Does the watch lose its water resistance when you change the battery at home?
It depends on whether the rubber seal is intact and correctly mounted. If the seal is whole and put back correctly, the watch retains its water resistance during normal use. Watches with higher water resistance (100 meters and up) should be tested by a watchmaker after a battery change if you plan to swim or dive with them.