You can replace most Bulova watch batteries at home with basic tools
Most Bulova watches use a standard battery that you can swap out yourself in under ten minutes. You will need a case opener (a flat tool that pries the back off), tweezers, and a replacement battery in the correct size — usually a CR2032, SR626SW, or similar coin cell. The exact battery type is printed on the old one once you open the case, so you can buy the right replacement before you start.
The process is straightforward: open the back of the watch, note which battery is inside, remove it, insert the new one with the positive side facing up, and close the case. Most people pay a jeweler $15 to $40 for this work, but the battery itself costs $3 to $8 and the tools are reusable, so doing it yourself saves money if you own more than one watch.
Key Takeaways
- Bulova watches typically use common coin-cell batteries like CR2032 or SR626SW that are sold at drugstores and online for under $10.
- You need only three things: a case opener tool, tweezers, and the correct replacement battery — all available as a kit for $10 to $15.
- The battery type is stamped on the old battery itself, so open the case first, check the number, then buy the exact replacement.
- The positive side of the battery must face up when you insert it, and the case must close flush with no gaps or the watch will not be water-resistant.
What tools and batteries you need to buy
A case opener is a thin metal tool with a flat blade or notch designed to slip under the back of the watch and pry it open without damaging the case. You can buy one for $5 to $10 at any jewelry supply store, on Amazon, or at some drugstores in the watch section. Do not use a knife or screwdriver — they will scratch the case and may slip and cut you.
Tweezers help you lift the old battery out and position the new one without touching it with your fingers, which can leave oils that interfere with the connection. Any tweezers work; you may already have a pair at home.
The replacement battery is the part you cannot guess. Open the back of the watch and look at the old battery — a number like CR2032, SR626SW, or SR927W is printed on it. Write that number down and buy an exact replacement. Drugstores, supermarkets, and online retailers all stock common sizes for $3 to $8. If you are not sure which size your watch uses, bring the watch to a drugstore and ask them to open it and check for you — most will do this for free.
Step-by-step: opening the case and removing the old battery
Lay the watch face-down on a clean, soft surface like a cloth or towel so you do not scratch the crystal. Look at the back of the case for a small notch or groove — this is where the case opener blade goes. Slide the blade into the notch and explore steady, gentle pressure to pry the back up. If the back does not budge, try a different spot on the edge; some watches have multiple notches.
Once the back is loose, use your fingers to lift it off completely. Set it aside where you will not lose it. You will now see the battery, usually held in place by a small metal clip or spring contact on one side. Use the tweezers to gently lift the edge of the battery that is not held down, then slide it out from under the clip. Do not force it — if it is stuck, wiggle it gently side to side.
Before you throw the old battery away, check the number stamped on it and write it down. This is the size you need to buy. If you have not already purchased the replacement, do that now.
Installing the new battery and closing the case
Hold the new battery with tweezers and orient it so the positive side (marked with a +) faces up toward the watch face. This is critical — if you insert it upside down, the watch will not work. Slide the battery under the metal clip or spring contact on the same side where the old one was. The clip should hold it in place without you having to force it.
Before you close the case, press the battery gently with the tweezers to make sure it is seated properly and the clip is holding it. The battery should not move when you press it lightly. If it does, reposition it under the clip.
Now align the back of the case with the body of the watch. The back should fit flush — no gaps, no overlap. Press down firmly and evenly around the edges until you hear or feel a small click. The case is now sealed. If there are visible gaps, open it again and check that the battery is not sitting too high or that nothing is blocking the seal.
Testing the watch and when to see a jeweler instead
Once the case is closed, press the crown (the knob on the side) or any button to see if the watch powers on. If it has a second hand, it should start moving. If the watch has a digital display, it should light up. If nothing happens, open the case again and check that the battery is inserted with the positive side up and is fully seated under the clip.
Some Bulova watches are sealed with a gasket or require a special tool to open without damaging the seal. If the back does not have a notch, or if you cannot pry it open without feeling like you are going to break something, stop and take the watch to a jeweler. The same applies if the watch is very old or has sentimental value — a jeweler's $20 to $40 fee is worth the peace of mind.
If you do replace the battery yourself and the watch stops working after a few days, the battery may be defective. Buy a new one and try again. If the watch still does not work, the problem is likely inside the movement, and a jeweler will need to service it.
How long a new Bulova battery lasts
A standard coin-cell battery in a Bulova watch typically lasts 2 to 3 years with normal daily wear. Quartz watches use very little power, so the battery life is predictable. When the watch slows down, stops, or the second hand starts ticking in two-second jumps instead of one-second ticks, the battery is dead and needs replacing.
Some Bulova models with additional features — a date window, a chronograph, or a light — may drain the battery faster, sometimes in 18 to 24 months. If you wear the watch every day, you will notice the slowdown before it stops completely, giving you time to buy a replacement battery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different battery size if I cannot find the exact one?
No. Different battery sizes have different voltages and dimensions. Using the wrong size can damage the watch or cause it to malfunction. Always match the number printed on the old battery exactly. If you cannot find it in stock locally, order it online — most arrive within two days.
What if the case back is glued or sealed shut?
Some Bulova watches, especially older or waterproof models, have case backs that are glued or sealed with a gasket. If you cannot pry it open with gentle pressure, stop. Forcing it will damage the case or the seal. Take the watch to a jeweler; they have the right tools and can reseal it properly afterward.
Does replacing the battery myself void the warranty?
Most Bulova watches are no longer under warranty after the first year or two. If your watch is still under warranty, check the paperwork or contact Bulova directly before opening it. Some warranties cover battery replacement, and opening the case yourself may void that coverage.
Is it safe to touch the battery with my bare hands?
It is safe, but not ideal. Skin oils can leave a residue on the battery contacts, which may interfere with the electrical connection over time. Using tweezers is a better habit, but if you do touch it, wipe it gently with a clean, dry cloth before inserting it.
Why does my watch stop working after I replace the battery?
The most common reason is that the battery is inserted upside down — the positive side must face up. Open the case and check. If the battery is correct, make sure it is fully seated under the metal clip and not sitting crooked. If it is still not working, the battery may be defective; try a new one from a different package or store.