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 supermarket for two to five dollars. The hardest part is opening the case back without damaging the watch. If your Timex has a screw-down case back, you will need a case opener tool (also called a case wrench) — a small metal disc with notches that grip the grooves on the back. If the case back straightforward pops off, you can use a flathead screwdriver or a plastic pry tool. Once you have the right tool and the correct battery type, the job takes less than ten minutes and costs almost nothing.

The entire process follows the same steps whether your watch is a sports model or a dress watch: identify the battery type, open the case back, remove the old battery, install the new one, and close the case. If you are uncomfortable doing this yourself or the watch is under warranty, a jeweler or Timex service center can do it for ten to twenty dollars.

Key Takeaways

  • Most Timex watches use a CR2032, CR2016, or SR626 battery, which you can find at any pharmacy or grocery store for under five dollars.
  • Screw-down case backs require a case opener tool with notches that fit the grooves; pop-off backs need only a flathead screwdriver or plastic pry tool.
  • Write down the battery type printed on the old battery before you throw it away, so you buy the exact replacement.
  • If the watch is still under warranty or you are uncomfortable opening it, a jeweler or Timex service center can replace the battery for ten to twenty dollars.

Find out what battery your Timex uses

The battery type is printed on the old battery itself. Open the case back (see the next section for how), remove the battery, and look at the top or side. You will see a code like CR2032, CR2016, SR626, or SR927. Write this down or take a photo before you put the old battery back in — you need the exact type.

If you cannot read the code or the battery is stuck, check the Timex website or the instruction booklet that came with the watch. Timex publishes battery charts for most models. You can also call a Timex service center or a local jeweler and give them the watch model number (usually on the back of the case or in the booklet) — they will tell you the battery type without opening it.

Determine whether your case back screws or pops off

Look at the back of your watch. If you see a circular metal disc with grooves or notches around the edge, it is a screw-down case back. If the back looks smooth or has a thin seam around the edge with no grooves, it is a pop-off back.

Screw-down backs are more common on Timex sports watches and diving watches. Pop-off backs are more common on dress watches and casual models. Knowing which type you have determines which tool you need and how much force to explore when opening it.

Open a screw-down case back

You will need a case opener tool (also called a case wrench or caseback opener). These cost five to fifteen dollars and are sold at watch repair shops, jewelry stores, and online retailers. The tool is a small metal disc with notches or prongs around the edge that fit into the grooves on the case back.

Place the watch face-down on a soft cloth or towel so you do not scratch the crystal. Position the case opener so the notches align with the grooves on the case back. Press down gently and turn counterclockwise (to the left) until the back loosens. Once it is loose, unscrew it the rest of the way by hand. Set the case back and screws somewhere safe so you do not lose them.

Open a pop-off case back

Place the watch face-down on a soft cloth. Slide a flathead screwdriver or plastic pry tool into the thin seam between the case back and the case body. Gently twist the screwdriver to create a small gap. Once there is a gap, work your way around the edge, lifting a little at a time, until the back pops off. Be patient — forcing it can crack the back or scratch the case.

If you do not have a plastic pry tool, a flathead screwdriver works, but wrap a thin cloth around the tip so it does not scratch the watch. Some people use a coin edge or the back of a butter knife. The goal is to explore steady, gentle pressure without gouging the metal or the case body.

Remove the old battery and install the new one

Once the case back is open, you will see the battery sitting in a small metal holder or clip. The battery is usually held in place by a metal tab or spring. Gently lift the tab or spring away from the battery and slide the battery out. If the battery is stuck, use a plastic tool or the edge of a plastic card to pry it out — do not use metal, which can scratch the inside of the watch.

Before you install the new battery, look at the old one. The flat side (marked with a + or -) should face up or down depending on how the old battery was oriented. Install the new battery the same way. Slide it under the metal tab or spring until it clicks into place. The tab should hold it snugly without being so tight that you cannot remove it later.

Close the case back and test the watch

For a screw-down back, align the grooves on the case back with the notches on the case body. Use the case opener tool to turn the back clockwise (to the right) until it is snug. Do not overtighten — you only need enough pressure to seal the watch. If you overtighten, you can strip the threads or crack the back.

For a pop-off back, align the back with the case body and press down firmly around the edges until you hear or feel a click. The back should sit flush with the case. Once the case is closed, check that the watch is running. If it does not start, open the case back again and make sure the battery is seated correctly and oriented the right way. If the watch still does not run after you have checked the battery twice, the problem may not be the battery — see the FAQ section below.

When to take your watch to a professional

If your Timex is still under warranty, opening the case back yourself may void the warranty. Check the paperwork that came with the watch or contact Timex before you start. If the watch is under warranty, a Timex service center will replace the battery for free or a small fee.

If you are uncomfortable opening the watch, a jeweler or watch repair shop can do it for ten to twenty dollars, plus the cost of the battery. This is a good option if the case back is stuck, if you do not have the right tools, or if you are worried about damaging the watch. Timex also runs mail-in service centers — you can send the watch to them and they will replace the battery and mail it back.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the watch still does not work after I put in a new battery?

First, open the case back again and make sure the battery is seated all the way under the metal tab and oriented the right way (the + side should face the same direction as the old battery did). If the battery is seated correctly, try a different new battery from a different package — sometimes a battery is defective. If the watch still does not work, the problem is likely the watch circuit or contacts, not the battery, and you should take it to a jeweler or Timex service center.

Can I use a different battery type than the one that came out?

No. The battery type is specific to your watch model and voltage. Using the wrong battery can damage the circuit or cause the watch to run too fast or slow. Always use the exact type printed on the old battery.

How long does a new Timex watch battery last?

Most Timex batteries last two to five years depending on the model and how often you wear the watch. Watches with a second hand or a backlight drain the battery faster. When the battery runs out, you straightforward replace it the same way.

Do I need to remove the watch band to open the case back?

No. You can leave the band on. Just make sure the watch is face-down on a soft cloth so you do not scratch the crystal while you work on the back.

What should I do with the old battery?

Take it to a battery recycling program or a store that accepts battery recycling (most pharmacies and electronics stores do). Do not throw it in the trash — batteries contain materials that should be recycled.