Change a watch battery yourself – step-by-step guide

What do you need to change a watch battery?

Before you begin, 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 contact surfaces in the movement.

• New watch battery – the most common types are SR626SW, SR621SW, and CR2032. The battery type is embossed on the old battery or listed in the watch manual.
• Case opener (case knife) – for snap-on case backs, or a screw tool for screw-down case backs. A thin kitchen knife works for snap-on backs but risks scratching the watch.
• Anti-static tweezers – to lift the battery out and put it in without statically discharging it.
• Soft cloth – to place the watch on so the crystal doesn't get scratched.

You can buy watch batteries in grocery stores, electronics stores, and online. To avoid buying the wrong battery: remove the old one first and bring it with you when you shop.

How do you know which battery fits your watch?

The battery type is usually embossed on the old battery once you have opened the watch. Alternatively, the information can be found in the watch's included manual or from 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 mix up 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.

1. Identify the case type

   There are three common types of watch case backs:

   • Snap-on case back – the most common. The cover is pressed into place and pried open with a case knife along the edge.
   • Screw-down case back – the cover is unscrewed clockwise. Often used on more durable sports and dive watches.
   • Case back 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 likely a snap-on back. If you see a grooved mount around the edge, it is a screw-down back.

2. Clean the watch and ground yourself

   Clean the outside of the watch with a soft cloth before opening it, so that dirt does not end up inside the movement. If the case and bracelet need a more thorough cleaning, there is a separate guide for how to clean your watch at home.

   Then ground yourself by touching a metal object connected to the ground, such as a radiator or a metal faucet. This resets static electricity that could otherwise damage the movement's electronics.

3. Open the case

   Place the watch on the soft cloth with the crystal facing down. Find a small notch on the edge of the back plate (snap-on back). Insert the tip of the case knife into the notch and pry up the cover with a gentle but firm pressure. Keep a finger on the cover so it doesn't fly off.

   For a screw-down back: unscrew counter-clockwise with the case tool or a screwdriver of the correct size. Press down lightly while unscrewing so you don't slip and scratch the watch.

   Note: If the watch is water-resistant, there is a rubber seal (gasket) inside the cover. Check that it doesn't get stuck or lost when you open it. Set it aside on a clean surface.

4. Replace the battery

   Use the tweezers to carefully lift out the old battery. Note which way it is facing – the plus side (+) should normally be facing upwards. Many battery holders have a small tab or a locking clip that holds the battery; pry gently if this is the case. Never touch other parts of the movement. Check the battery designation, for example SR626SW, by laying the battery on its side and reading the embossed text.

   Then place the new battery with the correct side up (+ facing up, unless otherwise specified). Press it down gently with the tweezers until it snaps into place in the holder. Avoid pressing hard – it should only require a light touch. Check immediately that the second hand starts moving; if it does, the battery works and the contact is good.

5. Replace the rubber seal (if a water-resistant watch)

   If the watch has a rubber seal: check that it is intact and not damaged. Place it back in its groove in the cover before closing. A damaged seal means the watch is no longer water-resistant – how much it can withstand in water depends on its water resistance (ATM). Replace the seal or have a watchmaker do it before exposing the watch to water.

6. Close the case

   Snap-on back: put 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-down back: screw clockwise and tighten without overdoing it – no more force than finger pressure provides should be needed. Then set the time and date if the watch was reset during the battery change.

When should you take the watch to a watchmaker instead?

Not all watches are suitable for a home battery change. Take the watch to a professional if any of the following apply: it has high water resistance and must withstand swimming or diving, the seal is worn or difficult to put in place, the back is extremely tight, or it is a more expensive or older watch with a delicate movement. If you have a watch with high water resistance – for example, a dive watch – the seal should be checked by a watchmaker afterward, otherwise you risk water getting in.

What does it cost to change a watch battery – and where can you do it?

A battery change in a store costs from about 200 SEK. Ur&Penn, which is one of the larger chains that publishes a price openly, specifies from 199 SEK for most watch types and from 229 SEK when the change is done together with a pressure test. If you change it at home, you instead 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 specifying any price on their website, and Stjärnurmakarna similarly refers to their stores and workshops. If you want to know what your specific watch will cost at a certain chain – for example, Guldfynd, Klockmaster, or Stjärnurmakarna – the fastest way is to ask in the store before handing it in. You can also contact an independent watchmaker and simultaneously ask for an assessment of the seal, which is worth a lot if the watch is supposed to withstand water.

Calculate it this way when choosing between doing it yourself and handing it in:

• Do it yourself – when the watch is a simpler quartz watch with a snap-on back, is not to be used for swimming or diving, and you expect to change the battery more times. You buy the tool once and use it again.
• Hand it in – when the watch must withstand water and needs a pressure test afterward, when the case is screwed on 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 issue arises 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 particular watch is suitable for it – for example, if it has deeper water resistance or a more delicate 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 determining this.

Do you want to avoid battery changes altogether? Automatic watches are powered by kinetic energy, and Citizen Eco-Drive models are charged by light instead of by a replaceable battery.

Can I change the battery on any watch at home?

Most simpler quartz watches with a snap-on or screw-down back 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 afterward, or watches with screws that require special tools should be taken to a watchmaker to avoid damage.

How do I know which battery fits my watch?

The battery type is embossed on the old battery when you open the watch. It may also be in the watch manual. Common designations are SR626SW, SR621SW, and CR2032. Bring 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 of the movement. If you happen to touch anything: 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 verify that the second hand is moving. Some watches save the settings for a short time thanks to a capacitor, but expect to have to reset it.

How often do you need to change the battery on a watch?

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 capacity. Watches with illuminated displays, alarms, and pedometers drain the battery faster.

Does the watch lose its water resistance when changing the battery at home?

That depends on whether the rubber seal is intact and correctly installed. If the seal is whole and put back correctly, the watch retains its water resistance for 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.