You can replace a Timex watch battery yourself with basic tools in about 10 minutes

Most Timex watches use a standard coin-cell battery that you can swap out at home without special training. You'll need a small flathead screwdriver, a plastic pry tool or old credit card, and the correct replacement battery model for your watch. The whole process takes longer to find your tools than to do the work itself.

The hardest part is usually opening the case back without scratching it. Timex watches typically have either a screw-down case back (held by four to six small screws) or a snap-fit case back (pried open with a flat tool). Once you know which type yours is, the rest is straightforward.

Key Takeaways

  • Timex watches use standard coin-cell batteries like SR626SW, SR927SW, or CR2032, which cost $3 to $8 and are sold at drugstores, hardware stores, and online retailers.
  • Screw-down case backs require a small Phillips or flathead screwdriver; snap-fit case backs need only a plastic pry tool or the edge of a credit card.
  • The battery sits in a metal holder called a battery contact, and you lift it out by gently prying the contact tab upward with your screwdriver.
  • Always note the battery model number printed on the old battery before you remove it, because Timex uses different models for different watch sizes and styles.
  • If the case back won't budge or the battery contact is stuck, stop and take the watch to a jeweler rather than risk cracking the crystal or stripping screws.

Find your watch's battery model number

Before you open the watch, you need to know which battery it uses. Look at the case back (the solid metal or plastic panel on the back of the watch). If you can see through a small window or transparent section, you may be able to read the battery model number directly—it's usually printed on the battery itself or on a label inside.

If you can't see the battery from outside, open the case back first (see the next section), and once it's open, look at the battery sitting in its metal holder. The model number is stamped or printed on the top of the battery. Common Timex battery models include SR626SW (silver oxide, used in many analog watches), SR927SW (silver oxide, used in some digital models), and CR2032 (lithium, used in larger watches). Write down this number before you remove the old battery.

If you can't read the number clearly, take a photo of the battery with your phone's camera and zoom in. You can also search online for "Timex [your watch model] battery" if you know the watch model number, which is often printed on the back of the case or in the original paperwork.

Open a screw-down case back

If your watch has four to six small screws around the edge of the case back, you have a screw-down model. Use a small Phillips screwdriver (size #0 or #00) or a flathead screwdriver, depending on which type of screw your watch has. Turn counterclockwise slowly and gently—these screws are tiny and strip easily if you force them.

Remove each screw and place it in a small cup or on a piece of tape so you don't lose it. Once all screws are out, the case back should lift straight off. If it's stuck, try gently wiggling it side to side rather than prying, which can crack the gasket seal underneath. Set the case back and screws aside on a clean, flat surface where they won't roll away.

Open a snap-fit case back

If your watch has no visible screws on the back, it has a snap-fit case back held in place by small tabs or a groove. Use a plastic pry tool, a butter knife, or the edge of an old credit card—never use a metal screwdriver on the watch itself, as it will scratch the finish. Slide the tool into the small gap between the case back and the watch body, usually near the bottom or side.

explore steady, gentle pressure and work your way around the edge, lifting slightly as you go. You'll feel the case back start to pop free. Once you've loosened it all the way around, it should lift off cleanly. If it's very tight, try running warm (not hot) water over the watch for 30 seconds to expand the metal slightly, then try again.

Remove the old battery and install the new one

Inside the watch, you'll see the battery sitting in a metal holder with a small tab or contact point. The battery is held in place by a metal spring or contact that you can lift. Use your small flathead screwdriver to gently pry up the metal contact tab—it should lift away from the battery easily. Once the contact is raised, the battery will slide out.

Before you install the new battery, check that the metal contact and the inside of the battery holder are clean and dry. If you see any corrosion (a white or green crusty buildup), gently wipe it away with a dry cloth or a cotton swab. Corrosion can prevent the battery from making good contact and cause the watch to stop working.

Slide the new battery into the holder with the positive side (marked with a + or the shiny side) facing up toward the contact. Press the metal contact tab back down gently until it sits flat on top of the battery. The battery should be snug but not forced. If the watch has a gasket (a thin rubber ring) under the case back, make sure it's still in place and not damaged before you close the watch.

Close the case back and test the watch

For a screw-down case back, align the case back with the screw holes and press it gently into place. Insert each screw and turn clockwise slowly until snug—do not over-tighten, as this can crack the gasket or strip the screw holes. A good rule is to stop as soon as you feel resistance; you should not need to explore heavy pressure.

For a snap-fit case back, align it with the watch body and press down firmly around the edges until you hear or feel a click. Work your way around the entire edge to make sure all the tabs are seated. The case back should sit flush with no gaps.

Once the case back is closed, press the watch button or move the hands to see if it's working. If the watch doesn't turn on or the display is blank, open the case back again and check that the battery contact is pressing firmly on the battery. If it still doesn't work, the battery may be defective, or the watch may need professional service.

Where to buy replacement batteries

Timex watch batteries are inexpensive and widely available. You can find them at drugstores like CVS and Walgreens, hardware stores like Home Depot and Lowe's, and online at Amazon, eBay, and specialty watch retailers. Prices typically range from $3 to $8 per battery depending on the model and where you shop.

When you buy, make sure you're ordering the exact model number you found on your old battery. A SR626SW is not the same as a SR927SW, and using the wrong battery can cause the watch to run too fast or too slow, or not work at all. If you're unsure, show the battery model number to a store employee or paste it into an online search to confirm you have the right one.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the case back is stuck and won't open?

Try running warm water over the watch for 30 seconds to expand the metal, then dry it completely and try again. If it's still stuck, stop and take the watch to a jeweler or watch repair shop. Forcing a stuck case back can crack the crystal or damage the gasket seal, which is expensive to fix.

Can I use any coin-cell battery, or does it have to be the exact model?

You should use the exact model number. Different batteries have different voltages and sizes, and using the wrong one can damage the watch's circuit or cause it to run incorrectly. The model number is printed on the old battery, so write it down before you remove it.

How often do Timex watch batteries need to be replaced?

Most Timex watch batteries last two to five years depending on the watch model and how often you use it. Digital watches and watches with backlights drain batteries faster than straightforward analog watches. When the watch stops or the display fades, it's time for a new battery.

What should I do with the old battery?

Take the old battery to a battery recycling program. Many drugstores, hardware stores, and electronics retailers have battery recycling bins near the checkout. You can also search for a local recycling center at Call2Recycle.org or your city's waste management website.

Is it safe to replace the battery myself, or should I go to a jeweler?

It's safe to do it yourself if you work slowly and carefully. The main risks are scratching the watch case, stripping the screws, or damaging the gasket seal. If you're uncomfortable opening the watch or if it has a screw-down case back that's very tight, a jeweler can do it for $10 to $25, which is still cheaper than buying a new watch.