You can replace most Timex batteries yourself with a case opener and a fresh battery

Timex watches use standard coin-cell batteries — usually CR2032, SR626SW, or SR927W depending on the model — that you can buy at drugstores, supermarkets, or online for $3 to $8. The replacement itself takes 10 to 15 minutes if you have a watch case opener (also called a case back remover), which costs $5 to $15. You do not need to send the watch away or visit a jeweler unless the case is sealed or the watch is under warranty.

The steps are the same for nearly all Timex models: open the case back, note which battery is inside, remove it, drop in the new one, and close the case. The hardest part is usually getting the case back off without scratching the watch.

Key Takeaways

  • Timex watches use standard coin-cell batteries that cost $3 to $8 and are sold at most drugstores and supermarkets.
  • A watch case opener costs $5 to $15 and is the only tool you really need; a jeweler's screwdriver set is optional but helpful.
  • Write down the battery number printed on the old battery before you throw it away, so you know exactly what to buy.
  • The entire replacement takes 10 to 15 minutes and does not require any special skill, though you should work on a clean, flat surface so you do not lose small parts.

What battery your Timex uses

The battery type is printed on the battery itself. Open your watch case (see the next section), take out the old battery, and look at the top or side. You will see a code like CR2032, SR626SW, SR927W, or SR920SW. Write this down or take a photo — this is the exact battery you need to buy.

If you cannot read the battery code or the battery is stuck, you can also look up your watch model on Timex's website or call Timex customer service at 1-800-448-4639. They will tell you the battery type and whether your watch is water-resistant (which affects how you close the case back afterward).

Do not guess or buy a "universal" battery. The wrong size will not fit, or it will fit but drain too fast. Coin-cell batteries are cheap enough that buying the right one is always worth it.

How to open the case back

Most Timex watches have a case back that screws off or pops off with a flat tool. Look at the back of your watch. If you see a thin groove or seam all the way around, the case back unscrews or pops off. If the back is completely smooth with no seam, it is likely sealed and you should take it to a jeweler or contact Timex.

For a screw-off or pop-off case back, use a watch case opener. Hold the watch face-down in your non-dominant hand and position the case opener's notch or slot into the groove on the case back. Turn counterclockwise slowly and steadily — do not force it. The case back will either unscrew or pop loose. Once it is loose, you can unscrew it the rest of the way by hand or lift it off.

If you do not have a case opener, a flathead screwdriver (the smallest one you have) or a coin can work in a pinch, but they are more likely to slip and scratch the watch. A case opener costs $5 to $15 on Amazon or at a watch repair supply site and is worth having if you plan to replace the battery more than once.

Removing and replacing the battery

Once the case back is off, you will see the battery sitting in a small metal holder or clip. The battery is usually held in place by a metal tab or spring on one side. Use a plastic or wooden stick (a toothpick, a plastic spoon handle, or the plastic end of a case opener) to gently pry the battery out from under the tab. Do not use a metal tool — metal can scratch the circuit board inside the watch.

Once the old battery is out, drop the new battery in with the positive side (the flat side with the number printed on it) facing up. The metal tab or spring should snap back over it automatically. If it does not, gently push the tab down until it holds the battery in place. Do not force it — the tab should move easily.

Before you close the case back, set the watch on a flat surface and make sure the battery is sitting flat and the tab is holding it securely. If the battery is tilted or loose, the watch will not work.

Closing the case back and testing

Line up the case back with the watch body so the seam is even all the way around. If it is a pop-off case, press down firmly and evenly until you hear or feel a click. If it is a screw-off case, screw it clockwise by hand until it is snug, then use the case opener to tighten it another quarter turn. Do not over-tighten — you only need it tight enough that the case back does not move when you twist it gently.

Once the case back is closed, press the crown (the knob on the side of the watch) or any buttons on the face to see if the watch responds. The second hand should start moving. If nothing happens, open the case back again, check that the battery is sitting flat and the tab is holding it, and try again.

If the watch still does not work after you have checked the battery twice, the problem is likely not the battery. The circuit board may be damaged, or the watch may need a jeweler's attention. Contact Timex or take the watch to a local jeweler.

Water-resistant watches and case sealant

If your Timex is water-resistant (usually marked on the dial or case back as "water resistant" or a depth rating like "30m" or "50m"), the case back may have a rubber gasket or O-ring underneath it. When you close the case back, this gasket creates a seal that keeps water out.

When you remove the case back, the gasket stays in place. When you close it again, make sure the gasket is still sitting in its groove all the way around — if it is pinched or twisted, water can leak in. If the gasket looks cracked or dried out, you can buy a replacement gasket kit for $5 to $10, but for most Timex watches a new gasket is not necessary unless the watch has been submerged.

Do not explore any sealant or grease to the gasket unless Timex specifically tells you to. The gasket works best dry.

Where to buy a Timex battery

Coin-cell batteries are sold at CVS, Walgreens, Target, Walmart, and most supermarkets in the watch or jewelry section. Amazon and eBay sell them in bulk (usually 5 to 10 for $8 to $15). Specialty watch repair sites like esslinger.com and ofrei.com also stock them. Prices are similar everywhere, so buy from wherever is most convenient.

If you cannot find the exact battery code at a local store, order it online — it will arrive in 2 to 5 days. In the meantime, you can keep wearing your watch if it still has some battery life left, or set it aside until the new battery arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace a Timex battery if the case back has no seam?

No. If the case back is completely smooth with no groove or seam, it is sealed and cannot be opened without special tools. Contact Timex or take the watch to a jeweler. Timex offers battery replacement by mail for $15 to $25 including return shipping.

What if the battery is stuck and I cannot pry it out?

Stop and do not force it. A stuck battery usually means the metal tab is bent or the battery is corroded. Use a plastic stick instead of metal, and pry gently from the side where the tab is loosest. If it still will not budge after two or three gentle tries, take the watch to a jeweler — forcing it can damage the circuit board.

How long does a Timex battery last?

Most Timex batteries last 2 to 5 years depending on the model and how often you use features like the backlight or alarm. Digital watches with alarms or backlights drain batteries faster than straightforward analog watches. When the battery dies, the watch will stop or the display will fade — that is when you replace it.

Do I need to reset my Timex after replacing the battery?

No. Once you close the case back and the watch starts running again, it will keep the time you set before the battery died. If the time is wrong, you can adjust it using the crown or buttons, but you do not need to do anything special after a battery replacement.

Is it safe to replace the battery myself, or should I go to a jeweler?

It is safe to do it yourself if you work carefully on a clean surface and use plastic tools instead of metal. The only real risk is scratching the watch or dropping a small part. If you are uncomfortable opening the watch or if it is a valuable or sentimental piece, a jeweler can do it for $10 to $25 and will may provide the work.