You can change most Timex watch batteries at home with a case opener and a fresh battery
Timex watches use standard coin-cell batteries — usually CR2032, CR2025, or SR626SW depending on the model — that you can buy at any drugstore or supermarket for two to five dollars. The entire job takes about five minutes once you have the right tool. You need a watch case opener (a flat tool with a notch, under ten dollars) and the correct replacement battery. The hardest part is not losing the tiny screws.
If your Timex has a screw-down caseback, you will need the case opener. If it has a snap-back (no screws visible), you can often pry it open with a flathead screwdriver, though a case opener works better. Either way, the battery sits in a small metal holder that you lift out, and the old battery pops out of that holder with gentle pressure.
Key Takeaways
- Most Timex watches use CR2032, CR2025, or SR626SW batteries, which cost two to five dollars and are sold at any pharmacy or grocery store.
- A watch case opener is the correct tool and costs under ten dollars; a flathead screwdriver can work on snap-back cases but risks scratching the watch.
- The battery sits in a metal holder inside the case; you lift the holder out, pop the old battery free, and slide the new one in with the positive side facing up.
- Write down which battery type your watch uses before you buy a replacement, because the wrong size will not fit or will not power the watch.
Finding your Timex battery type before you start
The easiest way is to look at the back of your watch. Many Timex models print the battery type directly on the caseback — you will see something like "CR2032" or "SR626SW" stamped or printed there. If nothing is printed, check the instruction booklet that came with the watch, or search the Timex website by your model number (usually on the back as well).
If you cannot find the model number or the battery type anywhere, you have two options: take the watch to a jeweler or pharmacy and ask them to open it and tell you the battery type, or order a case opener and open it yourself to look. Either way, do not guess. Installing the wrong battery can damage the watch or cause it to run incorrectly.
What you need to gather
Buy a watch case opener before you start. These are small flat tools, usually plastic or metal, with a notch or slot at one end. They cost between five and ten dollars and are sold at drugstores, hardware stores, and online. You can sometimes use a flathead screwdriver instead, but a case opener is gentler on the watch casing and worth the small cost.
Buy your replacement battery at the same time. Pharmacies, supermarkets, and dollar stores all stock common watch batteries in their pharmacy or health sections. If your watch uses an unusual battery type, order it online before you open the watch — you do not want to have the case open and waiting.
Gather a small dish or cup to hold the screws while you work. Timex watch casings usually have two to four tiny screws, and losing even one means the case will not close properly.
Opening a screw-down caseback
Place the watch face-down on a soft cloth or towel so you do not scratch the crystal. Locate the small slot or notch on the edge of the caseback — this is where the case opener fits. Insert the notch of the case opener into the slot and turn counterclockwise (to the left) slowly. You will feel resistance; keep turning gently until the caseback loosens and you can unscrew it by hand.
Once the caseback is loose, unscrew it the rest of the way by hand and set it aside. You will now see the battery holder — a small metal disc or clip in the center of the watch. Do not touch the watch movement (the gears and springs around the battery). Lift the battery holder straight up and out of the case.
Opening a snap-back caseback
A snap-back has no visible screws. Place the watch face-down on a soft cloth. Slide the notch of your case opener into the seam between the caseback and the watch body, near the edge. Gently twist or pry to create a small gap, then work your way around the edge, lifting slightly as you go. The caseback will pop off suddenly, so be ready to catch it.
If you do not have a case opener, a thin flathead screwdriver works, but be careful not to slip and scratch the casing. Once the back is off, lift out the battery holder the same way as with a screw-back: straight up and out.
Removing the old battery and installing the new one
The battery sits in a small metal holder with a clip or spring on one side. Look at how the old battery is positioned — the flat side (positive terminal) usually faces up. Press gently on the clip or spring to release the old battery, and it will pop out. Do not force it; if it does not move, you are pressing the wrong spot.
Slide the new battery into the holder with the positive side (the flat side with the + symbol) facing up, the same way the old one was oriented. The battery should sit flat and snug. If it falls out when you tilt the holder, the clip is not holding it — remove it and try again, making sure the positive side is up.
Closing the watch and testing it
Lower the battery holder back into the watch case, making sure it sits flat. If your watch has a screw-back, screw the caseback back on by hand first, then use the case opener to tighten it clockwise (to the right). Tighten it firmly but do not over-tighten, which can strip the threads. If your watch has a snap-back, press the caseback down around the edges until it clicks into place all the way around.
Once the case is closed, hold the watch to your ear. You should hear a faint ticking. If the watch has a second hand, watch it move. If nothing happens, the battery may be installed upside down — open the case again and flip it. If the watch still does not work after you flip the battery, the battery itself may be dead, or the watch may need service.
When to take your Timex to a professional
If the caseback will not open after gentle turning, or if you hear a crack or feel something break, stop and take the watch to a jeweler. Forcing a stuck caseback can damage the threads or crack the casing. If the watch still does not work after you install a fresh battery the correct way, the movement may need cleaning or repair — a jeweler can do this, though it usually costs thirty to sixty dollars.
If your watch is very old or valuable, consider having a professional change the battery instead. The cost is usually ten to twenty dollars, and you avoid the risk of damaging the casing or losing screws.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I cannot find the battery type printed on my watch?
Check the instruction booklet or the Timex website using your model number. If neither works, take the watch to a pharmacy or jeweler and ask them to open it and tell you the battery type. Do not install a battery you are not sure about — the wrong size can damage the watch.
Can I use a different brand of battery if I cannot find the exact Timex brand?
Yes. The battery type (CR2032, for example) is the standard, not a Timex-specific part. Any CR2032 from any brand will work as long as it is the correct type for your watch. Buy from a pharmacy or supermarket to make sure you get a fresh battery.
How long does a Timex watch battery usually last?
Most Timex batteries last two to three years with normal wear. If your watch stops after a few months, the battery may be defective, or the watch may have a problem that drains the battery faster. Try a fresh battery first; if it dies quickly again, the watch may need service.
What should I do with the old battery?
Take it to a pharmacy, supermarket, or electronics store that has a battery recycling bin. Many accept old watch batteries for free. Do not throw it in the trash — batteries contain materials that should not go to landfills.
Is it safe to change the battery myself if my watch is waterproof?
Yes, but be careful when closing the caseback. Waterproof watches have a rubber gasket or seal around the caseback that keeps water out. Make sure the gasket is clean and sits properly before you close the case. If the gasket looks cracked or dried out, have a jeweler replace it at the same time.