You can change a Michael Kors watch battery yourself with basic tools, or take it to a jeweler or Michael Kors store
Most Michael Kors watches use a standard coin-cell battery that you can replace at home if you have a case opener and a steady hand. The battery type varies by model — some use CR2032, others use SR626SW or different sizes — so you'll need to check your specific watch first. If you're uncomfortable opening the case or your watch is water-resistant, a jeweler or Michael Kors store can do it for $10 to $30, usually in under an hour.
The at-home method takes about 10 to 15 minutes once you have the right tools and know which battery your watch needs. This guide covers both routes: how to do it yourself and what to expect if you go to a professional.
Key Takeaways
- Michael Kors watches typically use CR2032, SR626SW, or similar coin-cell batteries that you can identify by checking your watch manual or the case back.
- Opening the case yourself requires a watch case opener tool (under $10) and a small flathead screwdriver; attempting it with a knife or coin risks damaging the watch.
- If your watch is water-resistant or you're unsure about the battery type, a jeweler or Michael Kors store is safer and costs $10 to $30 including labor.
- After inserting a new battery, test the watch for 24 hours before assuming the replacement worked, since a dead battery can sometimes mask other problems.
Find out what battery your Michael Kors watch uses
The first step is identifying the exact battery model. Check your watch manual or the original packaging — the battery type is usually listed there. If you don't have the manual, look at the case back (the side facing your wrist). Many Michael Kors watches have the model number printed on the back; you can search that number online with "Michael Kors [model number] battery" to find the correct size.
Common Michael Kors battery types include CR2032 (the most frequent), SR626SW, SR927SW, and SR920SW. Write down the exact type before you buy a replacement. Batteries cost $3 to $8 at drugstores, supermarkets, or online retailers. Buy a fresh battery from a reputable source — old stock or counterfeit batteries can fail quickly or damage the watch.
Gather the tools you need for a home battery change
You will need a watch case opener (also called a case back remover), a small flathead screwdriver, and a clean, flat work surface. A case opener is a metal tool with a slot or notch designed to grip the grooves on the watch case back without slipping. You can buy one for $5 to $15 at jewelry supply stores, pharmacies, or online. Do not use a knife, coin, or regular screwdriver — these will slip and scratch or crack the case.
Set up your workspace under good light. Lay down a soft cloth or paper towel to catch the small screws and battery if they fall. Have your new battery ready and keep the old battery separate so you don't mix them up. If your watch has a screw-down case back (less common on Michael Kors), you'll also need tweezers to handle the battery without touching the contacts.
Open the case back and remove the old battery
Position the watch face-down on your work surface. Locate the grooves or notches on the case back — these are where the case opener grips. Insert the case opener into the groove and turn it counterclockwise (like unscrewing a jar lid) until the case back lifts free. This usually takes a quarter to half turn. If it doesn't budge, explore steady pressure rather than force — forcing it risks stripping the grooves.
Once the case back is off, look inside. You'll see the battery sitting in a small compartment, usually held in place by a metal clip or spring. If there's a clip, gently lift it away from the battery. If the battery is loose, carefully pick it up with your fingers or tweezers. Set the old battery aside and note which side was facing up — the positive (+) side usually faces outward.
Insert the new battery and close the case
Before you touch the new battery, wash your hands or wear cotton gloves. Oils from your skin can corrode the battery contacts and cause it to fail. Place the new battery into the compartment with the positive side facing the same direction as the old one was. If there's a metal clip, gently press it back over the battery to hold it in place.
Align the case back with the watch body and press it down gently. Insert the case opener into the groove again and turn it clockwise (like tightening a jar lid) until you feel resistance. Stop when the case back sits flush with the body — over-tightening can crack the case or strip the grooves. The case back should not wiggle or have gaps around the edge.
Test the watch and know when to see a professional instead
Press the crown (the knob on the side) or any buttons to see if the watch responds. The second hand should move or the display should light up, depending on your model. Let the watch run for 24 hours before deciding the battery change worked. Sometimes a watch that hasn't run in months needs time to "wake up," and occasionally the movement itself is stuck rather than the battery being dead.
If the watch still doesn't work after 24 hours, the problem may not be the battery. The movement could be damaged, the contacts could be corroded, or the old battery may have leaked inside the case. In this case, take the watch to a jeweler or Michael Kors store. They have tools to test the movement, clean corroded contacts, and replace the battery under controlled conditions. This costs $15 to $30 and is worth it if you're unsure or if the watch is valuable to you.
When to take your Michael Kors watch to a professional
If your watch is water-resistant or has a screw-down case back, a professional should handle the battery change. Opening these cases at home risks breaking the water seal, which means the watch will no longer be water-resistant and moisture can damage the movement. A jeweler or Michael Kors store has the equipment to open and reseal these watches properly.
You should also go to a professional if you're uncomfortable with small mechanical work, if the case back won't budge after gentle pressure, or if you've already tried and the watch still doesn't work. Michael Kors stores offer battery changes during regular business hours, and most jewelry stores (including chain stores like Zales or Helzberg) do the same. Call ahead to confirm they service Michael Kors watches and ask about the cost and turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Michael Kors watch battery last?
Most Michael Kors watch batteries last two to three years with normal daily wear. If you wear the watch constantly, the battery may drain faster. If you store it unworn for months, the battery may last longer but can also corrode inside the case.
Can I use any CR2032 battery, or does it have to be a specific brand?
Any quality CR2032 battery will work as long as it's the correct type for your watch. Stick to well-known brands like Energizer, Duracell, or Panasonic rather than no-name batteries, which may be old stock or counterfeit and can fail quickly or leak.
What if I drop the battery or screw inside the watch while changing it?
If you drop a small part inside the case, do not shake the watch or try to fish it out — you may damage the movement. Take the watch to a jeweler, who can open it safely and retrieve the part without causing further damage.
Will changing the battery void my Michael Kors watch warranty?
Most Michael Kors watches are no longer under warranty after purchase, but if yours is, opening the case yourself may void it. Check your warranty paperwork or contact Michael Kors customer service before you open the case. If the watch is still under warranty, have the battery changed at a Michael Kors store instead.
Why is my new battery not working?
The most common reasons are that the battery is installed upside down (positive side facing the wrong direction), the contacts are dirty or corroded, or the movement is damaged. Try removing the battery, cleaning the contacts with a dry cloth, and reinstalling it with the positive side facing outward. If it still doesn't work, the movement may need professional repair.