You can replace a Fossil watch battery yourself with basic tools, or take it to a jeweler or Fossil store for $15 to $50
A Fossil watch battery typically lasts two to three years before it stops holding a charge. When your watch stops, the battery is usually the problem. You have two routes: open the case yourself with a case opener and tweezers, or pay someone else to do it. The DIY route costs $5 to $15 for a replacement battery. A jeweler or Fossil store charges $15 to $50 depending on the watch model and your location.
The hardest part is not damaging the case back or the gasket (the rubber seal that keeps water out). If your watch is water-resistant, opening it yourself can void that protection until you reseal it properly. If you are not confident with small tools, a professional replacement is worth the cost.
Key Takeaways
- Fossil watch batteries cost $5 to $15 to buy online, but you need a case opener tool and tweezers to install one yourself.
- Taking your watch to a jeweler or Fossil store costs $15 to $50 but preserves water resistance and comes with a warranty.
- The battery type varies by model — common sizes are SR626SW, SR927SW, and SR920SW — so you must know your watch model before buying a replacement.
- Opening the case yourself can damage the gasket and void water resistance if you do not reseat it correctly.
- Fossil stores and most jewelry shops can replace the battery in 10 minutes to one hour while you wait.
Finding your Fossil watch battery type
The battery size is printed on the case back or in your watch manual. Common Fossil battery types include SR626SW, SR927SW, SR920SW, and SR936SW. If you cannot find it on the case back, search your watch model number on the Fossil website or call a Fossil store with your model number and they will tell you the battery type.
Once you know the type, you can buy a replacement battery from Amazon, eBay, or a local pharmacy for $5 to $15. Make sure you are buying the exact model — a wrong battery will not fit or will not power the watch. Some batteries are silver oxide (the most common type in Fossil watches) and some are alkaline; silver oxide lasts longer and is worth the small price difference.
Tools you need to open the case yourself
A case opener (also called a case back opener or watch opener) is the only tool that will not damage your watch. It costs $8 to $20 on Amazon and looks like a small wrench with two prongs that fit into the notches on the case back. A flathead screwdriver can slip and scratch the case. A coin or knife will damage the notches and make future openings harder.
You also need tweezers to lift the battery out without touching it with your fingers (skin oils can corrode the battery contacts). A small bowl or cup to hold the tiny screws if your watch has them, and a clean, flat surface to work on. Some Fossil watches have a screw-on case back; others have a snap-on back that twists off. Check your manual to see which type yours is.
Steps to replace the battery yourself
First, lay the watch face-down on a clean cloth so you do not scratch the crystal. Use the case opener to turn the case back counterclockwise (or unscrew it if it has a screw-on back). Turn slowly — the gasket is fragile and you do not want to strip the threads.
Once the case back is off, you will see the battery held in place by a metal clip or sitting loose in a small compartment. Use tweezers to lift the battery straight up and out. Do not bend the clip. Slide the new battery in with the positive side (marked with a +) facing up, then press down gently until the clip holds it in place.
Before you close the case, check that the gasket is clean and sitting flat in its groove. If it is cracked or dried out, the watch will no longer be water-resistant. Screw or twist the case back on clockwise until it is snug — do not force it. The watch should power on when ready; if it does not, the battery may be installed upside down or the watch may have a different problem.
When to take your watch to a professional
A Fossil store or jewelry shop is the safer choice if your watch is water-resistant and you want that protection to last. Professionals have the right tools to reseal the gasket and can test the water resistance after they close the case. They also know which Fossil models have common problems (some older models have weak battery contacts that need cleaning).
Take your watch to a professional if the case back is stuck, if you see corrosion inside the case, or if the gasket looks damaged. A stuck case back can crack if you force it, and corrosion usually means the battery has been leaking — a professional can clean the contacts before installing a new battery. Most Fossil stores and jewelry shops can do the work while you wait, usually in 10 to 30 minutes.
Cost comparison: DIY versus professional
| Route | Battery cost | Tools | Labor | Total | Water resistance preserved |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DIY | $5–$15 | $8–$20 (one-time) | None | $13–$35 first time | Only if gasket is reseated correctly |
| Fossil store | Included | None | $15–$30 | $15–$30 | Yes, tested |
| Jewelry shop | Included | None | $20–$50 | $20–$50 | Yes, tested |
If you plan to replace the battery more than once, the DIY tools pay for themselves after the second replacement. If this is your first time and you are not confident, a professional replacement is cheaper and safer.
What to do if the watch still does not work
If you installed a new battery and the watch still does not power on, the battery may be installed upside down — remove it and flip it so the + side faces up. If that does not work, the battery contacts inside the case may be corroded or bent. A professional can clean the contacts or bend them back into place.
If the watch worked before and stopped suddenly, the problem might not be the battery. Fossil watches can stop if the movement (the internal mechanism) is damaged, if the crown (the knob you use to wind it) is stuck, or if water got inside the case. These problems require professional repair and are usually not worth fixing on watches under $200. A jeweler can tell you whether repair is worth the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any battery that fits in the case?
No. The battery type matters because different types have different voltages and sizes. A SR626SW and a SR927SW look similar but are different thicknesses. Using the wrong battery will not power the watch or will damage the contacts. Always buy the exact type listed on your case back or in your manual.
Will opening the case back void my warranty?
Yes, if your watch is still under warranty. Opening the case yourself voids the manufacturer's warranty on water resistance and any defects. If your watch is still under warranty, take it to a Fossil store for a free or low-cost battery replacement. If the warranty has expired, DIY is safe.
How do I know if my watch is water-resistant?
Check the case back or your manual for a marking like "3 ATM", "5 ATM", or "water resistant". If you see this marking, the watch is water-resistant and opening it yourself risks losing that protection. A professional replacement is worth the cost to keep the seal intact.
What if the battery is leaking inside the case?
Do not touch the leaked battery fluid — it can burn skin. Take the watch to a jeweler or Fossil store and tell them the battery has leaked. They can clean the contacts and case before installing a new battery. A leaking battery usually means the old battery was left in too long and should have been replaced sooner.
How long does a new Fossil watch battery last?
Most Fossil watch batteries last two to three years with normal daily wear. Quartz watches use very little power, so the battery life depends mainly on the battery type and how often you wear the watch. A watch worn every day will drain the battery faster than one worn a few times a week.