What You Need Before You Start

Changing a Michael Kors watch battery yourself takes about 10 to 15 minutes and costs $5 to $15 for the battery itself. You will need a replacement battery (the correct model number for your watch), a small flathead screwdriver, and a soft cloth or watch cushion to protect the case while you work. Most Michael Kors watches use common battery sizes like SR626SW, SR927SW, or CR2032, which you can find at drugstores, electronics retailers, or online.

Before you begin, check your watch manual or the back of the case for the battery model number. If you cannot find it, take a photo of the case back and bring it to a battery retailer—they can often identify the correct size by looking at your watch. Having the right battery matters: installing the wrong size can damage the movement or prevent the watch from working.

Work on a clean, flat surface with good lighting. A small towel or watch repair mat underneath protects the watch from scratches and keeps tiny screws from rolling away. If your watch is water-resistant, you should know that opening the case can affect that seal, so consider having a jeweler or watch repair shop do this if your watch is expensive or you are uncomfortable working with small parts.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need the correct replacement battery (check your watch manual or case back for the model number), a small flathead screwdriver, and a soft work surface.
  • Most Michael Kors watch cases are held shut by three to five small screws around the edge—remove all of them before trying to pry the case open.
  • Lift the old battery straight up and out of its holder, then drop the new battery in with the positive side facing up (the side marked with a + or the shiny side).
  • Screw the case back on in a crisscross pattern (like tightening a car wheel) to avoid stripping the threads, and test the watch before you consider the job done.

Removing the Case Back

Lay your watch face-down on a soft cloth. Look at the back of the case for small screws around the edge—most Michael Kors watches have three to five. Use your flathead screwdriver to turn each screw counterclockwise. Work slowly and do not force the screwdriver; if it does not fit snugly in the screw head, you may have the wrong size and could strip the screw.

Once all screws are removed, set them aside in a small cup or on a piece of tape so you do not lose them. Gently pry the case back away from the watch body using the screwdriver or a plastic spoon—metal tools can scratch the case. The back should come free with light pressure. If it does not budge, you may have missed a screw or the case may be glued; stop and do not force it.

Taking Out the Old Battery and Installing the New One

Inside the case, you will see the watch movement (the internal mechanism) and a small battery sitting in a metal holder. The battery is usually round and flat, about the size of a dime or smaller. Using your fingernail or the tip of a plastic tool, gently lift the battery straight up and out of its holder. Do not pry it sideways, as this can damage the holder.

Before you insert the new battery, look at the holder to see which side faces up. Most watch batteries have a + symbol or marking on one side (the positive terminal). That side should face up, toward you, when the case is open. Drop the new battery into the holder with the positive side up. It should sit flat and snug without any wiggling. If it does not fit properly, you may have the wrong battery size—do not force it.

Closing the Case Back

Align the case back with the watch body so the screw holes line up. Press it down gently until it sits flush against the case. Insert all the screws by hand first, turning them clockwise just until they are snug—do not fully tighten them yet.

Once all screws are hand-tight, use your screwdriver to tighten them in a crisscross pattern: if you have four screws at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock, tighten 12, then 6, then 3, then 9. This distributes pressure evenly and prevents the case back from warping or the threads from stripping. Tighten each screw a quarter turn at a time until the case back is snug. The screws should be tight enough that the case does not move, but you should not need to force the screwdriver.

Testing Your Watch

Flip the watch over and look at the face. If the watch has a second hand, watch it for 10 to 15 seconds to confirm it is moving smoothly. If your watch is digital, press any buttons to make sure the display lights up and responds. If the watch does not start, the battery may not be seated correctly or you may have installed it upside down.

If the watch does not work, open the case back again and check that the battery is sitting flat in its holder with the positive side facing up. Make sure the battery contacts inside the case are clean and free of dirt or corrosion. If they look dark or discolored, gently wipe them with a clean, dry cloth. Reinstall the battery and test again.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common error is installing the battery upside down. The positive side (marked with + or the shiny side) must face up toward the open case. If your watch does not work after you close it, this is the first thing to check.

Another frequent mistake is forcing the case back open or closed. If the case back does not come off easily after you remove all screws, stop and do not pry harder—you may have missed a screw or the case may be sealed differently than you expected. Similarly, if the case back does not sit flush when you close it, do not force it shut; recheck that all screws are aligned and the battery is not sitting too high in its holder.

Overtightening the screws can strip the threads and make it impossible to open the case again. Tighten until snug, then stop. If a screw feels like it is getting harder to turn, you have probably reached the right tightness.

When to Take Your Watch to a Professional

If your watch is very expensive, has sentimental value, or is water-resistant, consider having a jeweler or watch repair shop change the battery instead. Opening the case can compromise water resistance, and a professional can reseal it properly. Many jewelry stores offer battery replacement for $10 to $25 and can usually do it while you wait.

If you open the case and the battery holder looks damaged, the contacts are corroded, or the movement appears wet or dirty, do not try to fix it yourself. Take the watch to a professional, as these issues require cleaning or repair beyond a straightforward battery swap.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know what battery my Michael Kors watch uses?

Check the back of the watch case for a printed model number or battery size. You can also check your watch manual or take a photo of the case back to a battery retailer or jeweler—they can identify the correct battery by sight. Common sizes for Michael Kors watches are SR626SW, SR927SW, and CR2032.

Can I use a different battery size if I cannot find the exact one?

No. Using the wrong battery size can prevent the watch from working or damage the movement. Always use the exact size specified for your watch. If you cannot find it locally, order it online—it usually arrives within a few days.

What if the case back is stuck and will not open?

Make sure you have removed all screws around the edge. If the case still will not budge, it may be glued or sealed. Do not force it, as you can crack the case or damage the movement. Take it to a jeweler or watch repair shop instead.

Will opening my watch ruin the water resistance?

Opening the case can affect water resistance, especially on watches rated for swimming or diving. If your watch is water-resistant, have a professional change the battery so they can reseal it properly. For basic splash resistance, a jeweler can usually restore the seal with a new gasket.

How long does a Michael Kors watch battery last?

Most watch batteries last two to three years with normal use. Battery life depends on the watch model, how often you use features like the backlight, and the battery capacity. When your watch stops, a new battery usually restarts it when ready.