You can change a Timex watch battery yourself with basic tools in about 10 minutes
Most Timex watches use a snap-off or screw-off caseback that you can open without special equipment. Inside, you'll find a battery (usually a CR2032, CR2016, or similar coin cell) held in place by a small metal clip or battery holder. The whole job requires only a coin, a plastic pry tool, or a flathead screwdriver — nothing you don't already have at home. If your Timex has a screw caseback, you'll need a screwdriver that fits the slot; if it has a snap caseback, a coin works fine.
The risk is small but real: you can scratch the caseback, lose the tiny battery clip, or accidentally damage the gasket that keeps the watch water-resistant. If your watch is expensive, valuable, or still under warranty, a jeweler or Timex service center will do it for $10 to $25 and may provide the seal. If you're comfortable with small, fiddly work and your watch is a few years old anyway, doing it yourself saves money and takes less time than a trip to the mall.
Key Takeaways
- Timex watches with snap caseback open with a coin; those with screw caseback need a flathead screwdriver that fits the slot.
- The battery sits under a metal clip or in a plastic holder — note which way it faces before you remove it, because the new one must go in the same way.
- Common Timex batteries are CR2032, CR2016, and SR626, all available at drugstores and hardware stores for $3 to $8.
- Opening the caseback may break the water-resistance seal, so this method works best for watches you don't wear while swimming or showering.
- If you drop the battery clip, lose the gasket, or strip the caseback threads, a jeweler can fix it but the repair may cost more than the battery itself.
Identify your caseback type before you start
Look at the back of your watch. If you see a smooth metal circle with a thin groove or lip around the edge, it's a snap caseback — you open it by wedging a coin or flat tool into the groove and twisting counterclockwise. If you see a circle with a slot or cross-shaped indentation in the center, it's a screw caseback — you'll need a screwdriver.
Snap caseback watches are easier and faster. Screw caseback watches are more find but require the right screwdriver size. A screwdriver that's too large will slip and strip the slot; one that's too small won't grip. If you don't have a screwdriver that fits snugly, this is a good moment to stop and take the watch to a jeweler instead.
Open a snap caseback with a coin or plastic tool
Place the watch face-down on a clean, soft surface — a towel or cloth napkin works well. This protects the crystal and keeps the watch from sliding around. Find the groove or lip on the caseback edge. Insert a coin (a dime or penny works) or a plastic pry tool into the groove, angling it so the edge of the coin sits in the groove and the flat part of the coin rests against the caseback.
Turn the coin counterclockwise — the same direction you'd unscrew a jar lid. You don't need force; the caseback should turn smoothly after a quarter-turn or so. Once it's loose, lift it off by hand. Set it down in a safe place where you won't lose it. The gasket (a thin rubber or silicone ring) may stick to the caseback or stay on the watch body — either way, don't touch it or remove it unless it's visibly damaged.
Open a screw caseback with the right screwdriver
Place the watch face-down on a soft surface. Choose a screwdriver that fits the slot snugly — the blade should fill the slot without wiggling. Press down gently on the screwdriver handle while turning counterclockwise. The screw should turn smoothly; if it doesn't budge after light pressure, stop. Forcing it will strip the slot and make the watch unusable without professional repair.
Once the screw is loose, remove it by hand and set it in a small container so you don't lose it. Lift the caseback straight up. The gasket will likely stay attached to the caseback; if it falls off, pick it up and set it aside — you'll need to put it back in the same spot when you close the watch.
Remove the old battery and note its position
Look inside the watch. You'll see the battery — a small, flat, coin-shaped disc, usually silver or gold. It sits under a metal clip or in a plastic battery holder. Before you touch anything, note which side faces up. The positive side (marked with a + or a flat surface) and the negative side (marked with a − or a slightly domed surface) matter. The battery must go back in the same direction, or the watch won't work.
Gently lift the metal clip or pry the battery out of its holder. If the clip is tight, use a plastic pry tool or the edge of a coin — don't use your fingernail, which can slip and scratch the inside of the watch. Once the battery is out, set it aside. If the battery holder is plastic and looks cracked or loose, note that now; you may need a jeweler to find it before you put the new battery in.
Install the new battery and close the caseback
Buy a replacement battery that matches the original — the battery type is usually printed on the old battery (CR2032, CR2016, SR626, and similar). You can find these at any drugstore, supermarket, or hardware store in the watch or electronics section. They cost $3 to $8 and come in packs of one or more.
Slide the new battery into the holder with the positive side facing the same direction as the old battery faced. If there's a metal clip, make sure it sits on top of the battery and holds it snug — the battery should not rattle or move. Close the caseback by reversing the opening steps: for a snap caseback, align it with the watch body and turn clockwise until it clicks; for a screw caseback, insert the screw and turn clockwise until it's snug (don't over-tighten). Press the watch button or move the hands to confirm it's working.
What to do if something goes wrong
If the caseback won't open, stop. Forcing it risks cracking the caseback or stripping the threads. Take the watch to a jeweler or Timex service center. If you drop the battery clip inside the watch, you can try to fish it out with tweezers, but if you can't retrieve it without bending it, a jeweler will need to do it. If the gasket tears or the caseback no longer seals tightly, the watch may no longer be water-resistant — you can still wear it, but avoid water and humidity.
If the watch doesn't work after you close it, open the caseback again and check that the battery is facing the right direction and sitting snugly under the clip. If it still doesn't work, the battery may be defective (rare but possible) — try a fresh one from a different pack. If the watch still doesn't work after that, the problem is likely inside the watch mechanism, not the battery, and a jeweler should look at it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the battery if my Timex is waterproof?
Opening the caseback breaks the water-resistance seal. You can still wear the watch, but it's no longer safe for swimming or showering. If your watch is rated for water resistance and you want to keep that protection, take it to a jeweler or Timex service center — they'll have the right gasket and tools to reseal it properly.
What if I can't find the exact battery type?
Check the old battery for the type number (CR2032, SR626, etc.). Take a photo of it to the drugstore or hardware store and ask for a match. Most Timex watches use common types that are straightforward to find. If the type is unusual or the store doesn't stock it, order it online or ask a jeweler to source it for you.
How long does a Timex watch battery usually last?
Most Timex batteries last 2 to 5 years depending on the watch model and how often you use it. Watches with backlights, alarms, or constant digital displays drain batteries faster. If your battery dies much sooner than that, the watch may have a problem — a jeweler can check it.
Do I need to reset the time after changing the battery?
Analog Timex watches (with hands) will keep the correct time as long as the battery is in. Digital Timex watches usually reset to a default time when the battery is removed — you'll need to set the time and date again using the buttons on the watch. Check your watch manual for the exact steps.
What should I do with the old battery?
Most watch batteries are recyclable. Take them to a battery recycling program at your local hardware store, Best Buy, or municipal hazardous waste facility. Don't throw them in the trash or down the drain.