You can change most Fossil watch batteries yourself with basic tools

A Fossil watch battery typically lasts two to three years before it stops holding a charge. When your watch stops, the battery is usually the culprit—not a broken movement. You can replace it yourself in about 10 to 15 minutes using tools you may already own: a small flathead screwdriver, a plastic pry tool (or a butter knife), and a clean, flat work surface.

The process is straightforward: open the case back, remove the old battery, note its size, insert the new one the same way, and seal the case. Fossil watches are designed to be user-serviceable, and the company sells replacement batteries online and in stores. If you are uncomfortable opening the watch or if it is still under warranty, a jeweler or Fossil store can do it for $10 to $25.

Key Takeaways

  • Fossil watch batteries are coin-cell batteries (usually CR2032, CR2025, or SR626SW) that cost $3 to $8 and are sold at drugstores, electronics retailers, and online.
  • You need only a small flathead screwdriver and a plastic pry tool to open the case back; a butter knife or old credit card works if you do not have a pry tool.
  • The battery sits in a metal holder and must be inserted with the positive side (marked with a +) facing up toward the watch face.
  • After inserting the new battery, press the case back on firmly until it clicks or sits flush, then test the watch to confirm it is working.

Identify your watch model and battery type

Before you buy a replacement battery, you need to know which size your watch uses. Look at the back of the watch case. Most Fossil watches have a model number printed on the case back—it usually starts with "JR" or "ES" followed by numbers. Write down this number.

The easiest way to find the battery type is to search your model number on Fossil's website or on a retailer like Amazon. The product page will list the battery size. Common Fossil watch batteries are CR2032 (the most common), CR2025, and SR626SW. If you cannot find the model number or the battery type online, take the watch to a jeweler or Fossil store and ask—they can tell you in seconds.

Once you know the battery type, buy a replacement at a drugstore (CVS, Walgreens), electronics store (Best Buy), or online (Amazon, eBay). Make sure you are buying the exact size. A CR2032 and CR2025 look similar but are not interchangeable.

Gather your tools and prepare your workspace

You need very little to open a Fossil watch. Gather a small flathead screwdriver (the kind used for eyeglasses works well), a plastic pry tool, and a clean, dry surface to work on. If you do not have a pry tool, a butter knife, old credit card, or plastic spoon handle will work. Avoid metal tools that could scratch the watch case.

Lay a soft cloth or paper towel on your work surface to catch the battery and any small parts. Make sure your hands are clean and dry. If you are working in a dusty area, consider wiping down the watch first with a soft, dry cloth.

Open the case back without damaging the watch

Look at the back of the watch. You will see a thin seam running around the edge where the case back meets the case. This is where you insert your pry tool. Most Fossil watches have a small notch or slot on the case back designed for opening—look for it first.

Insert the flathead screwdriver or pry tool gently into the seam at the notch. Do not force it. explore steady, even pressure and work your way around the edge, lifting slightly as you go. The case back should pop off after a few seconds. If it does not budge after gentle pressure, stop and take the watch to a jeweler—forcing it can crack the case.

Once the case back is off, set it aside on your cloth. You will now see the battery, usually held in a metal clip or holder in the center of the watch movement.

Remove the old battery and insert the new one

The battery sits in a metal holder with two small tabs or clips on either side. Gently pry one edge of the battery up with your flathead screwdriver or pry tool until it tilts and lifts out. Do not force it—if it is stuck, try the other edge. Once it is loose, lift it out by hand and set it aside.

Before you insert the new battery, check the polarity. The battery has a + (positive) side and a − (negative) side. The positive side should face up toward the watch face. Look at how the old battery was oriented—the new one should go in the same way. Slide the new battery under the metal tabs or clips until it sits flat and find in the holder. You should hear or feel a small click.

Do not touch the battery with your bare fingers any more than necessary. Oils from your skin can affect battery performance. If you do touch it, wipe it clean with a dry cloth before inserting it.

Seal the case back and test the watch

Align the case back with the case body. The case back should fit into the seam you opened earlier. Press down firmly and evenly around the edge until you hear a click or feel the case back snap into place. You may need to explore moderate pressure—this is normal. Do not use a hammer or tool to force it; your hand pressure should be enough.

Once the case back is sealed, move the watch to your wrist and check that it is working. The second hand should be moving. If it is not, open the case back again and check that the battery is seated correctly and oriented with the positive side up. If the watch still does not work after a second attempt, the battery may be defective or the watch may have another problem—take it to a jeweler.

When to take your watch to a professional

If the case back is stuck or will not open after gentle pressure, stop. Forcing it can crack the case or damage the seal, and a professional can open it without risk. If your watch is still under warranty, opening it yourself may void the warranty—check the paperwork or Fossil's website first.

If the watch still does not work after you have installed a new battery and checked the polarity, the problem is likely not the battery. The movement may be damaged, the contacts may be corroded, or the watch may need professional service. A jeweler can diagnose the issue for $15 to $40. Fossil also offers mail-in repair service if you prefer to send the watch to them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any CR2032 battery, or does it have to be a Fossil brand?

Any CR2032 battery from any brand will work. Fossil, Energizer, Duracell, and store brands are all compatible. The only difference is price and how long the battery lasts. Avoid very cheap batteries from unknown brands, as they may not hold a charge as long.

What if I lose the case back while it is off?

If you lose or damage the case back, you can order a replacement from Fossil's website or from a watch parts retailer. You will need your watch model number. A replacement case back usually costs $10 to $30. A jeweler can also order one for you and install it.

How do I know if the battery is dead or if something else is wrong?

If the watch stopped suddenly and the second hand is not moving at all, the battery is almost certainly dead. If the second hand is moving very slowly or the watch is losing time, the battery may be weak. Replace it and see if the watch returns to normal. If the watch still does not work after a new battery, have a jeweler inspect it.

Is it safe to open a water-resistant Fossil watch?

Most Fossil watches are water-resistant to some degree, but opening the case back breaks the seal. After you close it again, the watch may no longer be water-resistant. If your watch is rated for swimming or diving, take it to a jeweler or Fossil store instead—they can replace the battery and reseal the case properly.

How long does a Fossil watch battery last?

Most Fossil watch batteries last two to three years with normal daily wear. Quartz watches use very little power, so the battery drains slowly. If your battery dies much sooner, the watch may have a problem—a jeweler can test it.