You can change most Bulova watch batteries yourself with basic tools

Most Bulova watches use a standard battery that you can replace at home without special training. You will need a case opener (a small flat tool), tweezers, and a fresh battery in the correct size for your model. The whole job takes about 10 to 15 minutes once you have the right battery on hand.

The hardest part is usually finding out which battery your watch needs. Bulova makes hundreds of models, and the battery size varies. You can find this information on the back of your watch case, in your owner's manual, or by contacting Bulova directly with your model number.

Key Takeaways

  • Most Bulova watches have a removable case back held by four small screws or a snap-fit design that opens with a case opener tool.
  • The battery size is printed on the back of your watch case or in the manual — common sizes are SR626SW, SR927SW, and SR920SW.
  • You will need a case opener, tweezers, and a replacement battery before you start; attempting to pry the case open with a knife or coin risks damaging the watch.
  • After you install the new battery, test the watch for 24 hours before closing the case permanently to make sure it is working.

Find your Bulova model number and battery size

Look at the back of your watch case. Most Bulova watches have the model number and sometimes the battery size printed there. The battery size will be a code like SR626SW, SR927SW, or SR920SW — these are standard silver-oxide batteries sold at drugstores, supermarkets, and online retailers.

If the back of your case is blank or worn, check your owner's manual. If you do not have the manual, you can contact Bulova customer service with your model number and they will tell you the correct battery. You can also take the watch to a jewelry store or pharmacy — many will identify the battery size for free.

Do not guess at the battery size. Installing the wrong size can damage the watch movement or prevent it from working correctly.

Gather your tools and materials

You will need three things: a case opener tool, tweezers, and the correct replacement battery. A case opener is a small flat tool with a notch or slot at the end, designed to fit into the groove on the watch case back. You can buy one for $5 to $15 at jewelry supply stores, online retailers, or some pharmacies.

Tweezers are useful for handling the small battery without touching it with your bare fingers — oils from your skin can interfere with the battery contact. A regular pair of fine-point tweezers works fine.

Buy your replacement battery before you open the watch. Having it on hand means you can test the watch when ready and catch any problems while the case is still open. Batteries cost $3 to $8 depending on the size and where you buy them.

Open the watch case back

Place the watch face-down on a clean, soft cloth or towel. This protects the crystal and dial if you slip. Look for a small groove or slot around the edge of the case back — this is where the case opener fits.

Insert the case opener into the groove and gently twist or pry upward. Do not force it. If the case back does not budge after light pressure, you may have a screw-back case instead. Look for four tiny screws around the edge of the case back. If you see screws, use a small screwdriver (usually a #0 or #00 Phillips head) to remove them. Keep the screws in a small cup or on a piece of tape so you do not lose them.

Once the case back is loose, lift it away carefully. You will see the watch movement — the gears and springs inside — and the battery, which is usually a small silver disc sitting in a metal holder or clip.

Remove the old battery and install the new one

Use your tweezers to gently lift the old battery out of its holder. It should come free with light upward pressure. Do not pry hard or bend the metal contacts around it.

Before you install the new battery, check that the metal contacts inside the case are clean and shiny. If they look dark or corroded, gently wipe them with a clean, dry cloth. Corrosion can prevent the battery from making good contact and cause the watch to stop working.

Place the new battery into the holder with the positive side (marked with a + or the shiny side) facing up. The battery should sit flat and level in the holder. Use your tweezers to position it if needed, but do not force it.

Test the watch before closing the case

Before you seal the case back, hold the watch to your ear and listen for a ticking sound. If you hear it, the watch is running. If you do not hear anything, remove the battery and check that it is sitting correctly in the holder. Make sure the positive side is facing up.

If the watch still does not tick after you reseat the battery, the battery may be dead (rare for a new battery, but it happens), or the watch movement may have a problem that a new battery will not fix. Try a different battery if you have one, or contact Bulova or a watch repair shop.

Once you confirm the watch is ticking, let it run for 24 hours before you close the case permanently. This gives you time to notice if the watch stops or if there are any other problems.

Close the case back and finish

If your watch has a snap-fit case back, align it with the case and press down firmly until you hear or feel a click. The case back should sit flush with the rest of the watch body with no gaps.

If your watch has screws, replace them one at a time in a crisscross pattern (like tightening a car wheel) to keep the case back even. Tighten them snugly but not so hard that you strip the threads. They should feel firm but not require heavy force.

Wipe the outside of the watch with a soft cloth to remove any fingerprints or dust. Your watch is now ready to wear.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I cannot get the case back open?

Do not force it. If the case opener is not working, you may have a screw-back case and need a screwdriver instead. If you have tried both and the case still will not open, take the watch to a jewelry store or Bulova service center. Forcing it risks cracking the case back or damaging the seal that keeps moisture out.

How long does a Bulova watch battery last?

Most Bulova batteries last two to three years under normal wear. If your watch stops after only a few months, the battery may be defective, or the watch movement may have a problem. Try a fresh battery first. If that does not work, contact Bulova or a watch repair shop.

Can I use a different battery size if I cannot find the exact one?

No. Using the wrong battery size can damage the watch or cause it to stop working. The battery size is matched to the watch movement and the holder inside the case. Always use the exact size listed on the back of your watch or in the manual.

Do I need to take my watch to a professional if I am nervous about opening it?

You do not have to do it yourself. A jewelry store, pharmacy, or Bulova service center can change the battery for you, usually for $10 to $25 plus the cost of the battery. This is a good choice if you are uncomfortable working with small tools or if your watch is very old or valuable.

What should I do with the old battery?

Do not throw it in the trash. Most pharmacies and supermarkets have battery recycling bins near the checkout or customer service desk. Some jewelry stores also take old batteries. Batteries contain materials that can harm the environment if they end up in a landfill.