You can replace most Timex watch batteries yourself with a battery, a small screwdriver, and about ten minutes

Most Timex watches use a standard coin-cell battery that you can buy at any drugstore or hardware store for two to five dollars. The hardest part is opening the case back without scratching it. You do not need special tools or training—just a flathead screwdriver small enough to fit the slot, steady hands, and patience.

If your watch is water-resistant or has a screw-down case back, a jeweler or watch repair shop can do it for fifteen to thirty dollars, which is worth it to avoid damaging the seal. This guide covers pry-open case backs, which are the most common on Timex watches.

Key Takeaways

  • Most Timex watches use a CR2032, CR2016, or SR626 battery, which you can buy at any pharmacy or hardware store for a few dollars.
  • The case back is either pried open with a flathead screwdriver or unscrewed—check your watch manual or the back of the case to see which type you have.
  • Once the case is open, note which direction the battery sits, remove it, and drop in the new one the same way.
  • If your watch is labeled water-resistant or has a screw-down case back, take it to a jeweler instead to preserve the seal.
  • After you close the case, test the watch to make sure it is working before you put it away.

Find out what battery your Timex uses

The easiest way is to check your watch manual—it will list the battery type by model number. If you do not have the manual, look at the back of the watch case. Many Timex watches print the battery type right there: CR2032, CR2016, SR626, or SR927 are the most common. If nothing is printed on the back, you can open the case and look at the old battery itself, which will have the type stamped on it.

Once you know the type, buy a replacement at a pharmacy, grocery store, or hardware store. These batteries cost between two and five dollars. Do not buy a used or refurbished battery—always use a new one. If you cannot find the exact type, bring the old battery to the store and match it by size and shape.

Decide whether to open the case yourself or take it to a jeweler

Look at the back of your watch. If it has a small slot or notch around the edge, it is a pry-open case back and you can do this yourself. If it has a screw in the center or around the edges, it is a screw-down case back—take it to a jeweler. If your watch says "water-resistant" or "water-proof" anywhere on the face or back, a jeweler should open it, because prying it open will break the seal and water will get inside.

A jeweler will charge fifteen to thirty dollars and will have the right tools to open it without scratching the case. They will also replace the battery while they have it open. This is the safest choice if you are not confident or if the watch is valuable to you.

Open a pry-open case back with a flathead screwdriver

Lay the watch face-down on a soft surface like a towel or cloth—this protects the crystal and keeps the watch from rolling. Find the small slot or notch on the edge of the case back. Insert a small flathead screwdriver into the slot and gently twist or pry upward. The case back should pop off. If it does not move after light pressure, stop and take it to a jeweler—forcing it can crack the case.

Once the case back is off, set it aside somewhere safe. You will see the battery sitting in a small metal holder or compartment. Note which side is facing up—the positive side (marked with a + or the shiny side) should face up in most Timex watches. Some watches have a small metal clip holding the battery in place. If yours does, gently lift the clip up and away from the battery.

Remove the old battery and install the new one

Gently pry the old battery out with the edge of your screwdriver or a plastic tool. Do not use your fingernail or a sharp object that could slip and damage the watch interior. Once the old battery is out, drop the new battery into the same spot, with the same side facing up as the old one was. If there was a metal clip, gently press it back down over the new battery until it clicks or sits flat.

Do not touch the battery with your bare fingers any more than necessary—skin oils can reduce battery life. If you do touch it, wipe it clean with a dry cloth before installing it.

Close the case back and test the watch

Line up the case back with the watch body so the notch or slot aligns. Press down firmly and evenly around the edge until you hear or feel a click. The case back should sit flush with the body—if there is a gap, it is not seated properly and you should press again. Do not force it or you will crack the case.

Once the case back is closed, press the crown (the knob on the side) to make sure the watch is running. You should feel or hear the second hand ticking. If the watch does not start, open the case back again and check that the battery is sitting the right way and that the clip (if there is one) is holding it down. If the watch still does not work after you reseat the battery, the problem may be something other than the battery—take it to a jeweler.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I cannot get the case back off?

Stop and take the watch to a jeweler. Forcing a stuck case back can crack the crystal or damage the case. A jeweler has the right tools and experience to open it without harm. It is worth the fifteen to thirty dollars to avoid breaking your watch.

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

Use the exact type listed on your watch or the old battery. CR2032 and CR2016 look similar but have different thicknesses and voltages. Using the wrong type can damage the watch movement or cause it to run fast or slow. When in doubt, bring the old battery to the store and match it.

How long does a new battery last in a Timex watch?

Most Timex batteries last two to five years, depending on the watch model and how often you use it. Watches with a light or alarm drain the battery faster. When the battery dies, you straightforward replace it again using the same steps.

What should I do with the old battery?

Take it to a pharmacy, hardware store, or recycling center. Many stores have a battery recycling bin near the checkout. Do not throw it in the trash—batteries contain materials that should not go to a landfill.

Will replacing the battery myself void my warranty?

Most Timex watches are no longer under warranty by the time the battery dies. If your watch is still under warranty and you are unsure, contact Timex or take it to an authorized dealer. For watches out of warranty, replacing the battery yourself is safe and will not cause problems if you follow these steps.