The three places that replace watch batteries
You can get a watch battery replaced at a jewelry store, a watch repair shop, or a big-box retailer with a jewelry counter. Jewelry stores are the most common choice and usually charge $10 to $25 for the replacement, including labor. Watch repair specialists cost more — typically $15 to $40 — but they handle unusual or vintage watches that jewelry stores won't touch. Big-box retailers like Walmart, Target, and Costco have jewelry counters that replace batteries for $5 to $15, making them the cheapest option, though they may turn away watches with sealed cases or unusual movements.
The speed varies by location. A jewelry store or big-box counter can often replace a battery while you wait, sometimes in under 15 minutes. A dedicated watch repair shop may take a few days if they're busy, but they're more likely to have the exact battery your watch needs in stock. If you go to a place that doesn't have your battery type on hand, they'll order it, which adds a week or more to the timeline.
Key Takeaways
- Jewelry stores are the fastest and most accessible option for standard watch battery replacements, usually costing $10 to $25 and taking 15 minutes or less.
- Big-box retailers with jewelry counters offer the lowest price, typically $5 to $15, but may refuse watches with sealed cases or unusual movements.
- Watch repair specialists handle difficult or vintage watches that other places won't work on, though they charge more and may take several days.
- Bring your watch in its original case or a small box to prevent damage during transport, and ask the shop to test the battery before you leave.
How to find a jewelry store near you
Search "jewelry store near me" or "watch repair near me" on Google Maps. Look for places with at least a 4-star rating and read the reviews to see whether customers mention battery replacement specifically. Call ahead before you go — some jewelry stores only replace batteries on certain days, and some have a backlog during busy seasons like holidays.
If you live in a small town with no dedicated jewelry store, check whether your local Walmart, Target, or Costco has a jewelry counter. Not every location does, so a quick phone call saves a wasted trip. Ask whether they replace batteries for your type of watch — some counters refuse quartz watches or digital watches, or watches with waterproof seals.
What to bring and what to expect
Bring your watch and nothing else. You don't need the original box, the manual, or proof of purchase. The shop will open the case, remove the old battery, and install a new one. This takes 5 to 20 minutes depending on how tight the case back is and whether the shop has to order a battery.
Before you leave, ask the shop to test the watch to make sure it's running. A good shop will do this automatically, but confirming takes 30 seconds and catches problems before you walk out the door. If the watch still doesn't work after the battery is replaced, the problem is something else — a broken movement, a corroded contact, or a damaged case seal — and the shop should tell you that before charging you.
When a jewelry store won't replace your battery
Jewelry stores refuse batteries for three main reasons: the watch has a sealed case they can't open without damaging it, the watch is too old or unusual to work on safely, or the watch is a smartwatch or digital sports watch that requires special tools. If this happens, your next option is a dedicated watch repair shop, which has more specialized equipment and experience with difficult cases.
Some watches — particularly dive watches and some luxury brands — have cases that are glued or welded shut rather than screwed. Opening them risks breaking the seal and ruining the waterproofing. A watch repair specialist has the right tools to open these cases without damage, but you'll pay $30 to $60 for the service instead of $15. If the watch is valuable or sentimental, this is worth the cost.
Doing it yourself versus paying someone
You can buy a watch battery and a case opener online for $10 to $20 total and replace the battery yourself. This works if your watch has a screw-back case — you can see the seams around the edge and it looks like it unscrews. If you're comfortable using small tools and don't mind the risk of scratching the case, this saves money.
Don't attempt it yourself if the case is glued, if you can't see a seam, or if the watch is waterproof. You'll likely break the seal or damage the case back, which costs $50 to $200 to repair. For watches worth more than $100 or watches you care about, paying $15 to $25 for a professional replacement is cheaper than fixing a mistake.
Cost breakdown by location type
| Location Type | Typical Cost | Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big-box retailer (Walmart, Target, Costco) | $5–$15 | 15–30 minutes | Budget-conscious, standard watches |
| Jewelry store | $10–$25 | 15–30 minutes | Most common watches, fast service |
| Watch repair specialist | $15–$40 | Same day to 3 days | Sealed cases, vintage, luxury watches |
| DIY with online battery and tools | $10–$20 | 30 minutes | Screw-back cases, low-value watches |
What happens if the battery replacement doesn't work
If your watch still doesn't run after the battery is replaced, the problem is inside the movement, not the battery. Common causes are a corroded battery contact, a broken spring, or a damaged circuit. A watch repair shop can diagnose this, usually for a $20 to $50 inspection fee. If the repair is possible, it typically costs $50 to $150 depending on what's broken.
If the repair cost is more than the watch is worth, you have two choices: replace the watch or accept that it's broken. Some people keep broken watches as keepsakes, especially if they're sentimental. If you decide to replace it, donate the broken watch to a thrift store or a recycling program rather than throwing it in the trash — watches contain small amounts of mercury and other materials that shouldn't go to a landfill.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a watch battery last?
Most quartz watch batteries last 2 to 5 years depending on the watch model and how often you use it. Some batteries last only 1 year; others last 7 years or more. The shop that replaces your battery can tell you the expected lifespan for your specific watch model.
Can I replace the battery myself if I've never done it before?
Yes, if your watch has a screw-back case and you're willing to risk scratching it. Buy a case opener and a battery online, watch a video for your specific watch model, and follow the steps carefully. If the case is glued or sealed, don't attempt it — you'll likely damage the waterproofing or the case itself.
Do I need to bring the original battery or the watch manual?
No. The shop will open your watch, see what battery is inside, and replace it with a new one of the same type. You only need to bring the watch itself.
What if my watch is waterproof — will replacing the battery ruin it?
A professional shop will reseal the case after replacing the battery, so waterproofing stays intact. If you do it yourself or go to an inexperienced shop, you risk breaking the seal. For waterproof watches, always use a professional.
Is it cheaper to buy a new watch than to replace the battery?
Almost never. A battery replacement costs $5 to $40. A new watch costs at least $50 to $100 for a basic model. Even if the repair cost is $50, you're only paying for one battery replacement — the next one will be cheaper. Replace the battery unless the watch is broken in a way that costs more than $100 to fix.