You can replace a Timex watch battery yourself with basic tools in about 10 minutes
Most Timex watches use a snap-off or screw-off case back that you can open without special equipment. Inside, you'll find a small coin-cell battery (usually CR2032, CR2016, or SR626W depending on your model) held in place by a metal clip or plastic holder. Once you remove the old battery and slide in the new one, the watch will start running again. The entire process takes longer to gather your tools than to do the work.
Before you start, check your watch's instruction manual or the back of the case to see which battery type it uses. You can buy replacement batteries at drugstores, supermarkets, electronics retailers, or online for $3 to $8. If your Timex is under warranty or you're uncomfortable opening it, a jeweler or Timex service center can do this for you in a few days, usually for $10 to $25 plus the battery cost.
Key Takeaways
- Timex watches typically have either a snap-off or screw-off case back that opens without special tools.
- Most Timex models use a CR2032 or CR2016 coin-cell battery, which you can find at any drugstore or supermarket.
- The battery sits under a metal clip or plastic holder and takes 30 seconds to swap once the case is open.
- Avoid touching the battery's flat surfaces with bare fingers, as oils can reduce its lifespan.
- If the watch still doesn't run after you install a new battery, the movement may need professional service.
Gather your tools and identify your battery type
You need very little to change a Timex battery. Lay out a soft cloth or paper towel on a clean, flat surface—this prevents the small parts from rolling away and protects the watch face from scratches. Have a coin (dime or penny works) or a small flathead screwdriver ready, depending on whether your case back is snap-off or screw-off. A magnifying glass or your phone's camera on macro mode helps you see the battery type stamped inside the case.
Look at the back of your watch. If you see a thin seam all the way around the edge with no visible screws, it's a snap-off case. If you see three to four small slots or indentations around the edge, it's a screw-off case. Check your watch's instruction manual or Timex's website for your specific model number (usually printed on the case back) to confirm the battery type. Write down the battery code—CR2032, CR2016, SR626W, or SR927W are the most common—before you go to the store.
Open a snap-off case back
Place the watch face-down on your cloth. Locate the thin seam around the edge of the case back. Insert a coin (a dime works best) or the tip of a small flathead screwdriver into the seam at the point where you see a small notch or indent. This notch is your entry point—the case is designed to open there.
explore steady, gentle pressure and twist the coin or screwdriver counterclockwise about a quarter turn. You should feel the case back pop up slightly. Once it lifts, you can usually pry it off by hand or with your fingernail. Do not force it—if it won't budge after light pressure, you may have the wrong tool or the wrong starting point. Try the opposite side of the case or use a slightly larger coin.
Open a screw-off case back
Place the watch face-down on your cloth. Look for the small slots or indentations around the edge of the case back. These are designed to hold a case-opening tool, but a coin works in most cases. Insert a dime or penny into one of the slots and turn it counterclockwise slowly. You may need to explore firm pressure, but do not force it so hard that you slip and scratch the case.
After two or three full turns, the case back will loosen. Continue turning until it comes free by hand. If you have a Timex case-opening tool (a small metal disc with notches), it will grip better than a coin and reduce the risk of slipping. These tools cost $5 to $10 and are worth buying if you plan to change batteries regularly.
Remove the old battery and install the new one
With the case open, look inside. You'll see a small round battery sitting in a metal clip or plastic holder. The clip usually has a small lip or tab on one side. Gently lift this tab or the edge of the clip with your fingernail or a plastic spoon to release the battery. It will pop out easily—do not pry hard or you may bend the clip and make it harder to hold the new battery.
Before you touch the new battery, wash your hands or wipe them on a clean cloth. Oils from your skin can reduce battery lifespan. Hold the new battery by its edges only, never the flat top or bottom surface. Slide it into the holder with the positive side (the + symbol or flat side) facing up, then press the clip back down over it. The battery should sit flat and not wobble. If the clip doesn't hold it firmly, lift the clip again and reseat the battery.
Close the case back and test the watch
For a snap-off case, align the case back with the watch body so the seam lines up evenly all the way around. Press down firmly and twist clockwise until you feel it click into place. You should hear or feel a small snap. The case back should sit flush with the body with no gaps.
For a screw-off case, align the case back and turn it clockwise by hand until it's snug. Do not over-tighten—stop as soon as you feel resistance. If you have a case-opening tool, use it to tighten the final quarter turn, but do not force it.
Once the case is closed, check that the watch is running. Look at the second hand—it should be moving. If it's not, open the case again and make sure the battery is seated properly under the clip. If the watch still doesn't run after you reseat the battery, the movement may need professional service and the battery change alone won't fix it.
Common mistakes to avoid
The most common error is installing the battery upside down. The positive side (marked with a + or the flat side) must face up toward the watch face. If the watch doesn't run after you close it, this is usually why. Open the case and flip the battery over.
Another mistake is touching the flat surfaces of the battery with your bare fingers. Skin oils can create a thin film that reduces electrical contact. If you've already touched it, wipe it gently on a clean, dry cloth before installing it. Do not use water or alcohol—just a dry cloth.
Forcing the case open or closed is the third common problem. If the snap-off case won't pop after light pressure, try a different spot on the seam. If the screw-off case won't turn, make sure the coin or tool is fully seated in the slot. Forcing either type can crack the case or strip the threads.
When to take your watch to a professional
If your watch is still under warranty, contact Timex before opening it. Timex offers mail-in battery service for watches still covered, and opening the case yourself may void the warranty. You can find the warranty information in your instruction manual or on the Timex website.
If the watch still doesn't run after you install a new battery and reseat it, the movement (the internal mechanism) may be damaged or the battery contacts may be corroded. A jeweler or Timex service center can diagnose this. Bring the watch and the battery you installed so they can test both. If the movement needs repair, the cost is usually $30 to $60 depending on the damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I can't find the right battery type?
Check your watch's instruction manual or the Timex website with your model number. If you can't find it, take the watch to a drugstore or jewelry counter and ask them to open it and tell you the battery code. Once you know the code, you can order it online or buy it locally. Most common Timex batteries (CR2032, CR2016, SR626W) are stocked everywhere.
Can I use a different battery type if I can't find the exact one?
No. Different battery types have different voltages and sizes. Using the wrong battery can damage the watch's movement or not fit in the holder at all. Always use the exact type listed in your manual or stamped inside the case back.
How long does a Timex watch battery usually last?
Most Timex batteries last two to five years depending on the watch model and how often you use it. Watches with backlights, alarms, or timers drain batteries faster. If your battery dies much sooner, the movement may have a short circuit and should be checked by a professional.
Do I need to reset the time after changing the battery?
No. Timex watches have a separate internal battery or capacitor that keeps the time and date stored even when the main battery is removed. Your watch should show the correct time as soon as the new battery is installed. If the time is wrong, adjust it using the crown (the small knob on the side of the watch).
What should I do with the old battery?
Most drugstores and electronics retailers have battery recycling bins near the checkout or customer service desk. You can also take old batteries to a local hazardous waste collection site. Do not throw batteries in the trash—they contain materials that should be recycled.