You can change most Bulova watch batteries at home with a case opener and a fresh battery

Most Bulova watches use a standard coin-cell battery that you can replace yourself in ten minutes without tools beyond a case opener. The battery sits in a compartment on the back of the watch, held in place by a metal clip or a small screw. You do not need to send the watch to a jeweler unless the case is sealed or the battery compartment is damaged.

The steps are the same for nearly all Bulova models: open the case back, note the battery type printed inside, buy a replacement, swap it out, and close the case. The hardest part is usually opening the case back without scratching it. A case opener costs three to eight dollars and makes the job much easier than trying to pry with a coin or knife.

Key Takeaways

  • Most Bulova watches have a removable case back held by a clip or a single screw, which you can open with a case opener tool.
  • The battery type is printed on the inside of the case back or on a label inside the watch, and you must buy the exact same type.
  • A case opener costs a few dollars and prevents damage to the watch case; a coin or knife will scratch the back.
  • After you insert the new battery, close the case back firmly until you hear or feel a click, then test the watch to confirm it works.

What you need before you start

Gather a case opener (also called a case back remover), the correct replacement battery, and a clean, flat work surface. A case opener is a small metal tool with a slot or notch that fits into the groove on the watch case back. You can buy one at any drugstore, jewelry supply shop, or online for three to eight dollars. Do not use a coin, knife, or flathead screwdriver — these will scratch or dent the case back.

Find out what battery your Bulova uses by looking at the case back itself. Most Bulova watches print the battery type directly on the inside of the case back — it will be a code like SR626SW, SR927SW, or CR2032. If you cannot see it, open the case back carefully and look for a label or marking inside the watch. Write down the exact code before you buy a replacement, because using the wrong battery can damage the watch or cause it to stop working.

Buy the replacement battery from a drugstore, supermarket, or online retailer. Bulova watches almost always use silver-oxide or lithium coin-cell batteries, which cost one to four dollars each. Make sure the code on the package matches the code on your watch exactly.

How to open the case back

Place the watch face-down on a soft cloth or towel so the case back faces up. This protects the crystal (the glass face) from scratches. Look at the edge of the case back for a small notch or groove — this is where the case opener fits.

Insert the slot on the case opener into the notch on the case back. You may need to try two or three angles to find the one that fits snugly. Once it is seated, turn the case opener counterclockwise (to the left) slowly and steadily. Do not force it — if it does not turn easily, you may have the wrong angle. The case back will unscrew and come free after a quarter turn or a half turn, depending on the watch model.

If the case back is held by a clip instead of a screw, the case opener has a different end with a small hook or lever. Fit this end under the edge of the case back and gently pry upward. The clip will release and the case back will pop off. Again, work slowly and do not force it, or you may bend the clip.

Removing and replacing the battery

Once the case back is open, you will see the battery held in place by a metal clip or a small plastic holder. The clip usually has a small tab or lip that you can lift with your fingernail or a plastic tool. Lift the clip gently and the battery will come free. Do not touch the battery surface with your bare fingers — the oils on your skin can affect how it works. If you must touch it, hold it by the edge only.

Before you insert the new battery, check the polarity. Most coin-cell batteries have a flat side (negative) and a domed side (positive). Look at how the old battery was positioned — the domed side should face up, toward the watch movement. Insert the new battery the same way, then lower the clip back down over it. The clip should hold the battery firmly in place without being so tight that you have to force it.

If the battery is held by a plastic holder or a screw instead of a clip, follow the same principle: note which way the old battery faced, insert the new one the same way, and find it the way it was secured before. Some Bulova models have a small screw that holds the battery holder in place — if yours does, use a small screwdriver to tighten it, but do not over-tighten or you may strip the screw.

Closing the case back and testing the watch

Place the case back on the watch and align the notch or clip with the opening. If it is a screw-on case back, insert the case opener into the notch and turn clockwise (to the right) until the case back is snug. You should feel a slight resistance as the threads engage. Do not over-tighten — a firm, snug fit is all you need. If you turn too hard, you may strip the threads.

If the case back is held by a clip, press it down firmly until you hear or feel a click. The clip should seat fully and the case back should be flush with the watch body. If there is a gap, the clip is not fully engaged — press down again until it clicks into place.

Once the case back is closed, test the watch. Hold it to your ear and listen for the tick of the movement. If you hear it, the battery is working. If the watch has a second hand, watch it move smoothly around the dial. If the watch does not work, open the case back again, check that the battery is seated correctly and facing the right way, and try again. If it still does not work after a second attempt, the battery may be defective or the watch may have another problem — in that case, take it to a jeweler.

When to take your Bulova to a professional

Some Bulova watches have sealed case backs that cannot be opened at home. These are usually sports watches or dive watches designed to be waterproof. If you cannot find a notch or groove on the case back, or if the case opener does not fit, the case back is sealed and you should not force it. Take the watch to a jeweler or an authorized Bulova service center instead.

If the case back is cracked, dented, or damaged, or if the clip or threads are bent, do not attempt to open it yourself. A damaged case back can be difficult to close properly and may let water or dust into the watch. A jeweler can replace the case back or repair the damage.

If you open the case back and find that the battery compartment is corroded, flooded, or contains visible damage, the watch may have a deeper problem. Stop and take it to a professional — continuing to use it could cause more damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I cannot find the battery type on my Bulova?

Open the case back and look inside the watch movement itself — sometimes the battery type is printed on a small label or stamped into the metal. If you still cannot find it, take a photo of the inside of the watch and bring it to a jewelry store or drugstore that sells watch batteries. They can usually identify the battery type by looking at the compartment size and shape.

Can I use a different battery type if it fits in the compartment?

No. Using the wrong battery can cause the watch to run too fast or too slow, or to stop working altogether. Some battery types have different voltages or discharge rates, and using the wrong one can damage the watch movement. Always use the exact battery type printed on your watch.

How often do Bulova watch batteries need to be changed?

Most Bulova watch batteries last two to three years with normal use. If you wear the watch every day, the battery may last closer to two years. If you wear it occasionally, it may last three years or longer. When the watch stops, the battery is dead and needs to be replaced.

Is it safe to change the battery myself if my watch is waterproof?

Yes, as long as the case back is not sealed. If you can open it with a case opener, you can change the battery safely. After you close the case back, the watch will remain waterproof as long as the seal is intact. If you are worried about water damage, you can take the watch to a jeweler to have them test the seal after you close it.

What should I do with the old battery?

Do not throw it in the trash. Most coin-cell batteries contain mercury or other materials that should not go into landfills. Take the old battery to a drugstore, supermarket, or recycling center that accepts batteries. Many places that sell watch batteries will also take old ones for free.