You can change most Timex watch batteries yourself with a case opener, a small screwdriver, and about ten minutes

Most Timex watches use a snap-off or screw-off case back that you can open without special tools beyond what you probably have at home. The battery itself costs between $3 and $8, and the whole job takes longer to set up than to do. If your watch is waterproof or has a sealed case, or if you are uncomfortable working with small parts, a jeweler or watch repair shop can do it for $15 to $40 including the battery.

The steps are the same whether your Timex is digital, analog, or a combination: locate the case back, open it, note the battery type, swap in a fresh one, and close it again. The trickiest part is usually just getting the case back off without scratching the watch.

Key Takeaways

  • Most Timex watches have a snap-off or screw-off case back that opens from the back of the watch, not the front.
  • You need to know your battery type before you buy a replacement — it is printed on the old battery or listed in your watch manual.
  • A case opener tool (also called a case wrench or case knife) costs $5 to $15 and makes opening the back much easier without damaging the watch.
  • If your watch is labeled water-resistant or waterproof, have a professional open it to avoid breaking the seal.
  • After you install the new battery, test the watch for a few seconds before closing the case back permanently.

Gather the right tools before you start

You will need a case opener (sometimes called a case wrench, case knife, or watch case opener tool). This is a flat metal tool with notches or slots that grip the grooves on the case back. You can buy one at any drugstore, hardware store, or online for $5 to $15. Do not try to pry the case back open with a flathead screwdriver or butter knife — you will scratch or dent the watch.

You will also need a small Phillips or flathead screwdriver (whichever matches the screws inside your watch), a clean flat surface to work on, and ideally a small container or piece of paper to keep the screws from rolling away. If your watch has a snap-off back rather than a screw-off back, you may not need the screwdriver at all.

Before you open anything, write down or photograph the battery type printed on the old battery. Common Timex batteries are SR626SW, SR927SW, CR2032, and LR44. If you cannot read the old battery clearly, check your watch manual or search for your specific Timex model online — the manual usually lists the battery type.

Open the case back without damaging the watch

Lay the watch face-down on a soft cloth or towel so the back is facing up. Locate the grooves or notches around the edge of the case back — these are where the case opener grips. Position the case opener tool so its notches align with the grooves on the case back, then turn it counterclockwise (to the left) with steady, even pressure. Do not force it — if it does not turn easily, make sure the notches are seated properly in the grooves.

Once the case back is loose, you can usually unscrew it the rest of the way by hand. Set the case back and any screws in a safe place where they will not roll away. If your Timex has a snap-off back instead of a screw-off back, the case opener will pop it off rather than unscrew it — you may hear a small click when it releases.

If the case back is stuck or will not budge after a minute of gentle turning, stop. Forcing it risks stripping the grooves or cracking the case. A jeweler can open it safely, and the cost is usually less than the cost of replacing a damaged watch.

Remove the old battery and install the new one

Inside the case, you will see the battery held in place by a metal clip or spring. The battery is usually a small silver or gold disc. Gently lift or slide the clip away from the battery, then lift the old battery out. Do not touch the flat surfaces of the new battery with your bare fingers — oils from your skin can reduce its lifespan. Handle it by the edges only.

Slide the new battery into the same position as the old one, with the positive side (marked with a + or the shiny side) facing up. The metal clip or spring should hold it in place automatically. Before you close the case back, press the crown (the button on the side of the watch) or the button on the face to test that the watch still works. You should see the second hand move or the display light up, depending on your watch type.

If the watch does not respond, remove the new battery and check that it is seated correctly and facing the right direction. If it still does not work, the battery may be defective, or there may be a problem with the watch itself — in that case, take it to a jeweler.

Close the case back and check the seal

Once the watch is working, replace the case back by turning it clockwise (to the right) with the case opener tool. Tighten it firmly but do not over-tighten — you want it snug enough that it will not come loose, but not so tight that you crack the case or strip the threads. If your watch has a snap-off back, it should click into place when fully seated.

After you close the case back, press the crown or a button again to make sure the watch still works. Wear it for a few minutes and check that the time is advancing normally. If your Timex is water-resistant, you may want to test it in a sink or shower to make sure the seal is still good — water should not get inside.

When to take your watch to a professional instead

If your watch is labeled water-resistant, water-proof, or has a depth rating (like "30m" or "100m"), do not open it yourself. The case back is sealed with a gasket or rubber ring that keeps water out, and opening it breaks that seal. A jeweler can replace the battery and re-seal the watch properly for $20 to $40. The cost is worth it to avoid water damage.

If your Timex is very old, has sentimental value, or is a luxury model, consider having a professional do the work. The same goes if you are uncomfortable working with small parts or if the case back will not open easily after a minute of gentle turning. A jeweler has the right tools and experience to avoid damage, and the peace of mind is often worth the cost.

Where to buy replacement batteries

Once you know your battery type, you can buy a replacement at a drugstore (CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid), a hardware store, a jewelry store, or online. Drugstores and hardware stores usually stock common types like CR2032, SR626SW, and LR44 for $3 to $8. Online retailers like Amazon have a wider selection and sometimes lower prices, but you will have to wait for shipping.

Buy a name-brand battery (Energizer, Duracell, Panasonic, or Seiko) rather than a generic one — the extra dollar or two is worth it for reliability. If you cannot find your specific battery type locally, a jewelry store can order it for you or sell you one on the spot, usually for $5 to $10 plus labor if they install it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any battery that fits, or does it have to be the exact type?

It has to be the exact type. Different batteries have different voltages and sizes, and using the wrong one can damage the watch or cause it to malfunction. The battery type is printed on the old battery — look for a code like SR626SW or CR2032. If you cannot read it, check your watch manual or search online for your model number.

How long does a Timex watch battery usually last?

Most Timex batteries last between two and five years, depending on the watch type and how often you use it. Digital watches and watches with a backlight drain batteries faster than straightforward analog watches. If your battery dies much sooner than that, the watch may have a problem — a jeweler can test it.

What should I do with the old battery?

Do not throw it in the trash. Most batteries contain materials that can harm the environment. Take the old battery to a drugstore, hardware store, or recycling center that accepts batteries — most do, and it is free. Some jewelry stores will also take old batteries when you buy a replacement.

Will opening the case back void my warranty?

If your Timex is still under warranty, opening it yourself may void the warranty. Check your warranty paperwork or contact Timex customer service before you open the case. If the watch is out of warranty, you are free to change the battery yourself.

What if I lose a screw when I open the case back?

If you lose a screw, a jeweler can usually replace it for a few dollars. To avoid losing screws in the first place, work over a small container or a piece of paper with raised edges, and keep screws in a small dish or envelope as soon as you remove them.