You can change a Fossil watch battery yourself with basic tools, or take it to a jeweler or Fossil store
A Fossil watch battery typically lasts two to three years before it stops holding a charge. When your watch stops or runs slow, the battery is usually the culprit. You have two paths: open the case yourself with a case opener tool and a fresh battery, or pay a jeweler or Fossil retailer to do it. The DIY route costs $5 to $15 for a battery and a case opener; the professional route runs $15 to $50 depending on where you go.
The deciding factor is whether your watch has a screw-back case or a snap-back case. Screw-back cases are harder to open without damaging the threads, so most people take those to a professional. Snap-back cases pop open with a flat tool and are much easier to handle at home. Either way, you'll need to know your watch model number to buy the correct battery size.
Key Takeaways
- Fossil watch batteries are standard sizes (usually CR2032, CR2025, or SR626SW) that you can buy at drugstores, electronics retailers, or online for $3 to $8.
- Snap-back cases open with a case opener tool (a flat metal wedge that costs $5 to $10) and require no special skill; screw-back cases risk thread damage and are better left to professionals.
- You need your watch model number to find the correct battery size—check the Fossil website, your receipt, or the back of the watch case.
- When you open the case, note which side of the battery faces up before you remove it, so you install the new one the same way.
- A jeweler or Fossil store can change the battery in 15 minutes to an hour and will usually warranty the work.
Find your watch model number and the correct battery size
Before you buy anything, you need to know what battery your watch uses. Fossil makes hundreds of models, and the battery size varies. Look for the model number on the back of the watch case—it's usually printed or engraved near the edge. It may look like "FS4656" or "ES3077" or similar. Write it down.
Go to the Fossil website and search for your model number in their product catalog. The product page will list the battery type, usually something like CR2032, CR2025, or SR626SW. If you can't find it online, call a Fossil store or a local jeweler with the model number and they'll tell you what battery you need. Once you know the size, you can buy it at a drugstore (CVS, Walgreens), an electronics store (Best Buy), or online (Amazon). The battery itself costs $3 to $8.
Determine whether your watch has a snap-back or screw-back case
Look at the back of your watch case. If you see a thin seam all the way around the edge with no visible screws, you have a snap-back case. If you see small screws around the edge or a large threaded ring in the center, you have a screw-back case.
Snap-back cases are the easier DIY option. Screw-back cases can be opened at home, but the threads are straightforward to strip if you turn the screws too hard or use the wrong tool, and then the case won't seal properly. Most people take screw-back watches to a jeweler or Fossil store instead. If you decide to do it yourself, use a screwdriver that fits the screw head exactly—too small and you'll strip the screw; too large and you'll damage the case.
Open a snap-back case with a case opener tool
Buy a watch case opener tool (also called a case back opener or case knife). It's a flat metal wedge with a handle, costs $5 to $10, and works on most snap-back watches. You can find them at jewelry supply stores, electronics retailers, or online.
Place the watch face-down on a soft cloth or towel so you don't scratch the crystal. Locate the small notch or groove on the edge of the case back—most Fossil watches have one. Slide the flat edge of the case opener into the notch and gently twist or pry upward. The case back should pop off. If it doesn't move, try a different notch or groove around the edge. Don't force it; if you feel strong resistance, stop and take the watch to a professional.
Once the case is open, you'll see the battery sitting in a small metal holder. Before you touch it, look at which side is facing up—the positive (+) side or the negative (−) side. This matters. Take a photo with your phone if it helps you remember.
Remove the old battery and install the new one
Use a plastic or wooden stick (not metal, which can short the battery) to gently pry the old battery out of its holder. If there's a small metal clip holding it in place, lift the clip first. Set the old battery aside.
Take your new battery and orient it the same way the old one was facing—positive side up or negative side up, whichever you noted. Slide it into the holder and press down gently until it sits flat. If there was a metal clip, fold it back over the battery to hold it in place. The battery should not move when you tilt the watch.
Before you close the case, press the crown (the knob on the side of the watch) and any buttons to make sure the watch powers on or the second hand ticks. If nothing happens, the battery may not be making contact. Lift the clip, remove the battery, and reseat it. If the watch still doesn't work, the battery may be dead or the watch may need professional repair.
Close the case and test the watch
Once the watch is running, place the case back on the watch, aligning the notches or grooves. Press down firmly around the entire edge until you hear or feel a click. The case should sit flush with the watch body with no gaps. If it doesn't close all the way, remove it and check that the battery is sitting flat and the clip (if there is one) is not in the way.
Let the watch run for a few minutes and check that the second hand is moving smoothly and the time is correct. If the watch stops again after a few minutes, the battery contact may be dirty. Open the case again, remove the battery, and gently wipe both the battery and the metal contacts in the holder with a clean, dry cloth. Reseat the battery and close the case.
When to take your watch to a professional
Take your watch to a jeweler or Fossil store if it has a screw-back case, if the case won't open after gentle pressure, if the watch doesn't run after you install a new battery, or if you're uncomfortable opening it yourself. A jeweler can usually change the battery in 15 minutes to an hour and will warranty the work. Fossil stores do the same, often while you wait.
If your watch is vintage, has sentimental value, or is water-resistant, a professional is the safer choice. Water-resistant watches have seals that can be damaged if the case isn't closed properly, and a jeweler has the tools to check the seal after closing. The cost is usually $15 to $50 depending on your location and the watch model.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I can't find my watch model number?
Call a Fossil store with a description of your watch (color, size, style) and they can often identify it. You can also take a photo to a local jeweler and ask what battery size they would use. If all else fails, bring the watch to a jeweler and they'll open it and tell you the battery size.
Can I use a different battery size if I can't find the exact one?
No. Battery size matters because it affects how the battery sits in the holder and whether it makes proper contact. Using the wrong size can cause the watch to stop working or the case to not close properly. Stick with the size listed for your model.
How long does a new battery last?
Most Fossil watch batteries last two to three years with normal wear. If you wear the watch every day and use any features like a backlight or chronograph, the battery may drain faster. Quartz watches (the most common type) use very little power, so the battery life is usually predictable.
Is it safe to open a water-resistant watch myself?
Water-resistant watches have rubber seals that keep moisture out. If you open the case yourself and don't reseal it properly, water can get inside and damage the movement. A jeweler has the tools to check the seal after closing. If your watch is water-resistant, take it to a professional.
What should I do with the old battery?
Don't throw it in the trash. Take it to a battery recycling program—most drugstores and electronics retailers have a bin near the checkout. Batteries contain materials that can harm the environment if they end up in a landfill.