You can change most watch batteries yourself with a small screwdriver and a few minutes

Changing a watch battery is straightforward if you have the right tool and know which battery your watch uses. Most watches use a coin-cell battery — usually a CR2032, SR626, or similar — that you can buy at any drugstore or hardware store for two to five dollars. The whole job takes about five minutes once you have the battery in hand.

The hardest part is usually opening the case back without scratching it. A watch case opener — a small tool with a slot that fits into the groove on the back — costs three to eight dollars and makes the job much easier than trying a flathead screwdriver. If you do not want to buy one, a jeweler or watch repair shop will change the battery for you for ten to twenty dollars, usually while you wait.

Key Takeaways

  • Most watch batteries cost two to five dollars and are sold at drugstores, hardware stores, and online retailers.
  • You need to know your watch model or the battery type number before you buy a replacement, because different watches use different sizes.
  • A watch case opener tool costs three to eight dollars and prevents scratches better than a screwdriver.
  • If you are not comfortable opening the case yourself, a jeweler can change the battery for ten to twenty dollars while you wait.

Find out what battery your watch uses

Check the back of your watch case for a model number or battery type printed on it. Many watches list the battery size directly — you might see "CR2032" or "SR626W" stamped into the metal. If you cannot read it clearly, take a photo with good lighting and zoom in on your phone.

If the case back is blank, look up your watch brand and model number online, or search "[watch brand] [model] battery type" to find the right size. You can also take the watch to a jeweler or drugstore pharmacy and ask them to identify it — they usually do this for free.

Buy the correct replacement battery

Once you know the battery type, buy one at a drugstore, hardware store, supermarket, or online. Walgreens, CVS, and Walmart all stock common watch batteries in their pharmacy or electronics sections. Amazon and eBay sell them too, though you will have to wait for shipping.

Buy the exact type number — do not guess or buy a "close enough" battery. A CR2032 is not the same as a CR2025, and using the wrong one can damage the watch or not work at all. Most batteries cost between two and five dollars. Buy a fresh one, not an old stock item, because watch batteries lose power over time even if they have never been used.

Gather your tools and prepare your workspace

You need a case opener tool (three to eight dollars) or a very thin flathead screwdriver, a clean flat surface, and good lighting. A case opener is worth buying if you plan to change batteries more than once — it fits into the groove on the case back and turns smoothly without slipping and scratching the watch.

Work on a clean cloth or towel so you do not lose small parts. If your watch has a leather or fabric band, you may want to remove it first to keep it dry, though this is not always necessary. Lay out your new battery and the old one in front of you so you can see which side faces up.

Open the case back and remove the old battery

Fit your case opener into the groove on the back of the watch and turn it counterclockwise — the same direction you would unscrew a jar lid. Turn slowly and steadily; do not force it. The case back should pop off after a quarter to half turn. If it does not budge after gentle pressure, stop and take the watch to a jeweler instead of risking damage.

Once the back is off, you will see the battery held in place by a metal clip or sitting loose in a small compartment. If it is held by a clip, gently lift the clip up and away from the battery. If it is loose, straightforward pick it out with your fingernail or a plastic tool. Set the old battery aside — you can throw it away or recycle it at a drugstore or electronics store.

Insert the new battery and close the case

Slide the new battery into the compartment with the positive side (marked with a + or the shiny side) facing up, unless your watch has a diagram showing otherwise. If there is a metal clip, lower it gently over the battery to hold it in place. Make sure the battery sits flat and does not tilt.

Align the case back with the watch body and press it down firmly until you hear or feel a click. You can also use the case opener to turn it clockwise until it is snug, but hand pressure is usually enough. Do not over-tighten — you only need it tight enough that the back does not fall off. Your watch should start working when ready if the battery was the problem.

Test your watch and handle the old battery

Put the watch on and check that it is keeping time. If the second hand is moving, the battery is working. If the watch is still dead, the problem may not have been the battery — the movement itself could be damaged, or the battery contacts may be corroded. In that case, take it to a jeweler.

Dispose of the old battery responsibly. Most drugstores and electronics retailers (Best Buy, for example) have battery recycling bins near the checkout or customer service desk. You can also check Earth911.com or Call2Recycle.org to find a drop-off location near you. Do not throw watch batteries in the trash — they contain materials that should not go to a landfill.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I cannot get the case back open?

Stop trying and take the watch to a jeweler. Forcing it risks scratching the case or cracking the crystal. A jeweler will open it for you and change the battery at the same time, usually for ten to twenty dollars and while you wait.

Can I use any battery that is close to the right size?

No. Watch batteries are sized precisely, and using the wrong one can damage the watch or not work at all. Always buy the exact type number printed on the case back or in your watch manual. If you are unsure, ask a jeweler or drugstore pharmacist to confirm the right battery before you buy.

How long does a watch battery last?

Most watch batteries last two to five years depending on the watch type and how often you wear it. Watches with backlights, alarms, or other features drain batteries faster. If your watch stops working again within a few months of a new battery, the problem may be the watch itself, not the battery.

Do I need to reset the time after changing the battery?

No. A quartz watch will keep the correct time as soon as the new battery is in place. If your watch has a date window, it may show the wrong date because the watch stopped — you can adjust it by turning the crown, but the time itself will be correct.

What if the battery compartment looks corroded or dirty?

If you see green or white crusty buildup around the battery contacts, the watch may have water damage or an old battery that leaked. Clean it gently with a dry cotton swab before inserting the new battery. If the corrosion is heavy or the watch still does not work, take it to a jeweler for inspection.