You can change a Timex watch battery yourself with basic tools in about 10 minutes
Most Timex watches use a standard coin-cell battery that you can replace at home without special training. You'll need a small flathead screwdriver, a plastic pry tool or old credit card, and a replacement battery in the correct size for your model. The whole job takes longer to find your tools than to do the work itself.
The process is the same whether your Timex is digital, analog, or a combination: open the case back, note which battery is inside, buy an identical one, swap it out, and close the case. The hardest part is usually opening the case back without scratching the watch, which is why a plastic tool beats a metal one.
Key Takeaways
- Timex watches almost always use a CR2032, CR2016, or SR626 coin-cell battery that costs $3 to $8 and is sold at drugstores, supermarkets, and online.
- You need only a small flathead screwdriver and a plastic pry tool—a butter knife or old credit card works—to open and close the case back.
- The battery model number is printed on the old battery itself, so you know exactly what to buy before you leave home.
- If the case back is glued rather than screwed, or if the watch is water-resistant, you may need a professional to open it without damaging the seal.
Find out what battery your Timex uses
The easiest way is to open the case back and look at the battery itself. The model number—usually CR2032, CR2016, or SR626—is printed right on it. Write this number down or take a photo before you close the case back again.
If you can't open the case back or don't want to yet, check the Timex website or your watch manual. Some Timex models also have the battery type printed on the back of the case itself, though this is less common. Once you have the number, you can buy the replacement battery at any pharmacy, grocery store, or online retailer.
Gather your tools and the replacement battery
You need three things: a small flathead screwdriver (the kind used for eyeglasses works perfectly), a plastic pry tool, and the correct replacement battery. For the pry tool, an old credit card, butter knife, or plastic spoon handle will do the job. Avoid metal tools because they can scratch the watch case.
Buy the replacement battery before you start. A CR2032 costs about $3 to $8 depending on where you shop. Pharmacies, grocery stores, and big-box retailers all stock common Timex batteries in their watch or battery sections. Online retailers ship them quickly if you prefer to order ahead.
Open the case back without damaging the watch
Look at the back of your watch. If you see a small slot or notch, your case back is screwed on. If the back is smooth with no visible seam, it may be glued or pressed on, which requires professional tools to open safely.
For a screwed case back, insert your small flathead screwdriver into the slot and turn counterclockwise slowly. The screw is tiny and straightforward to lose, so work over a small bowl or piece of paper. Once the screw is out, use your plastic pry tool to gently lift the edge of the case back. Work your way around the edge rather than forcing one spot, which can bend the case. The back should pop off with light pressure.
If you feel strong resistance, stop. Forcing a glued or sealed case back will damage the watch and void any water resistance. Take it to a watch repair shop instead.
Remove the old battery and install the new one
Once the case back is open, you'll see the battery sitting in a small metal holder or clip. Note which side faces up—the positive side, marked with a plus sign, should face toward you. Use your plastic tool or a fingernail to gently lift the battery out of its holder. Don't touch the battery surface with your bare fingers if you can help it, because skin oils can affect performance.
Place the new battery into the holder with the positive side facing the same direction as the old one. It should sit flat and click into place. If it doesn't sit flush, you may have the wrong battery size—double-check the model number on the old battery against what you bought.
Close the case back and test the watch
Align the case back with the watch body so the screw hole lines up. Press down gently and insert your screwdriver into the slot. Turn clockwise until snug, but don't overtighten—you'll strip the tiny screw. The case back should sit flush against the watch body with no gap.
Test your watch right away. If it's digital, the display should light up or show the time. If it's analog, the second hand should move smoothly. If nothing happens, open the case back and check that the battery is seated correctly and facing the right direction. If the watch still doesn't work after you've reseated the battery, the problem may be something other than the battery itself, and a repair shop can diagnose it.
When to take your Timex to a professional instead
If your watch case back is glued rather than screwed, don't try to pry it open yourself. Timex watches with water resistance ratings of 50 meters or higher often have sealed case backs that require special tools and a new gasket to reseal properly. Opening one at home will destroy the water resistance.
Similarly, if you open the case back and see corrosion, a cracked battery holder, or liquid inside the case, the watch needs professional service. A watch repair shop can clean the inside, replace the gasket, and test the seal. This costs more than a battery replacement but protects your watch from further damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different battery size if I can't find the exact model?
No. Battery sizes matter because they affect how the watch runs and how long it lasts. A CR2032 and CR2016 look similar but have different thicknesses and voltage. Using the wrong size can damage the watch circuit or cause it to stop working. Stick with the exact model number printed on your old battery.
How long does a new Timex watch battery last?
Most Timex batteries last two to five years depending on the watch type and how often you use it. Digital watches with backlights drain batteries faster than straightforward analog watches. If your battery dies much sooner than expected, the watch may have a short circuit, and a repair shop should look at it.
What should I do with the old battery?
Don't throw it in the trash. Coin-cell batteries contain metals and should be recycled. Most pharmacies and electronics retailers have battery recycling bins near the checkout or customer service desk. Some communities also have hazardous waste collection days where you can drop off old batteries for free.
Will changing the battery myself void my Timex warranty?
Timex warranties typically cover defects in the watch itself, not battery replacement. Changing the battery yourself won't void the warranty as long as you don't damage the watch in the process. If you crack the case back or strip the screw, that damage is yours to pay for. If you're unsure, contact Timex customer service before you open the case.
My watch case back won't budge. What do I do?
Stop turning the screwdriver. If the screw won't move after gentle pressure, it may be stuck with corrosion or over-tightened from the factory. Forcing it will strip the screw and make the problem worse. Take the watch to a repair shop where they have tools to remove stuck screws without damaging the case.