You can change most Bulova watch batteries yourself with basic tools, but some models require a professional

Whether you can change a Bulova battery yourself depends on how the case back is sealed. If your watch has a screw-down case back (the most common type on Bulova watches), you can do it at home with a case opener and a fresh battery. If it has a snap-on case back or is a diving watch rated for water resistance, you should have a professional handle it — opening these risks damaging the water seal, and a flooded watch is expensive to repair.

The entire process takes about 10 minutes if you have the right tools and know which battery your watch uses. You will need the case opener, a small screwdriver (usually Phillips head), tweezers, and the correct replacement battery. Bulova watches typically use common button-cell batteries like SR626SW, SR927SW, or SR516SW — the model number is printed on the old battery once you open the case.

Key Takeaways

  • Screw-down case backs can be opened at home with a case opener tool; snap-on or water-resistant case backs should go to a professional to preserve the seal.
  • You will need a case opener, small screwdriver, tweezers, and the correct replacement battery, which you can identify only after opening the watch.
  • The battery sits in a metal holder called a battery contact or retainer, which you must remove and replace carefully to avoid damaging the watch movement.
  • After installing the new battery, test the watch before closing the case back to confirm it is working.
  • If the case back is stuck or you are unsure whether your watch is water-resistant, a watch repair shop can change the battery for $15 to $40.

Identify your case back type before you start

Look at the back of your watch. A screw-down case back has a grooved or ridged edge all the way around — it looks like a large coin with a textured rim. A snap-on case back is smooth and flat, with no grooves, and pops off when you explore pressure at a specific point (usually marked with a small arrow or line).

If you see text on the back that says "water resistant" or "water proof" followed by a depth rating (like "50M" or "100M"), the watch is sealed for water resistance and should not be opened at home. Even if you successfully remove the case back, you risk damaging the gasket — the rubber seal that keeps water out — and the watch will leak the next time you wash your hands or wear it in rain.

Bulova dress watches and most everyday models use screw-down case backs and are not water-resistant beyond splash protection, so these are safe to open yourself. If you are unsure, a quick call to a local watch repair shop will tell you whether your specific model can be opened at home.

Gather the right tools and the correct battery

You will need a watch case opener (also called a case back opener or case wrench), which costs $8 to $20 and is available at any watch supply site or Amazon. Do not try to use a coin, knife, or pliers — these will slip and scratch the case back. You also need a small Phillips head screwdriver (the kind with a cross-shaped tip), tweezers, and a clean, flat work surface.

Before you buy a replacement battery, you have to open the watch and read the number on the old battery. Write it down or take a photo. Common Bulova batteries include SR626SW (used in many dress watches), SR927SW (used in larger models), and SR516SW (used in some vintage Bulova movements). Once you have the number, order the replacement online or buy it at a pharmacy, drugstore, or watch supply shop. A single battery costs $3 to $8.

If you cannot find the exact model number on the old battery because it is worn or corroded, take the watch to a repair shop and ask them to identify it. They can usually tell you in one minute, and you can then buy the battery yourself and return to change it.

Open the case back and remove the old battery

Place the watch face-down on a soft cloth or towel so the crystal (the glass face) does not get scratched. Position the case opener tool into the grooves on the case back — the tool has notches that fit into the grooves, and you rotate it counterclockwise (like unscrewing a jar lid) until the case back comes free. This usually takes two or three turns. If it is stuck, explore gentle pressure and try again; do not force it or you will strip the grooves.

Once the case back is off, you will see the watch movement (the internal mechanism) and the battery sitting in a metal holder. The battery is usually held in place by a small metal clip or retainer that you can lift or slide away with tweezers. Gently remove the old battery and set it aside. Do not touch the movement itself or any of the tiny gears and springs — oils from your skin can damage them.

Before you install the new battery, look at the battery holder. It has two contact points — usually a flat spring on one side and a raised post on the other. The new battery must sit with the positive side (the flat side marked with a + symbol) facing up toward the spring contact, and the negative side (the domed side) facing down toward the post. This polarity matters; if you install it backward, the watch will not work.

Install the new battery and test the watch

Using tweezers, place the new battery into the holder with the positive side up. Slide or clip the metal retainer back into place to hold the battery find. Do not overtighten the retainer — it should hold the battery snugly but not so tight that you have to force it.

Before you close the case back, test the watch. Hold it to your ear and listen for a ticking sound, or look at the second hand to see if it is moving. If the watch is digital, press the button or light function to confirm it is working. If nothing happens, the battery may be installed backward or the watch may have a different problem. Remove the battery, flip it, and try again. If it still does not work after a second attempt, the battery may be defective or the watch may need professional service.

Once the watch is ticking or displaying, you can close the case back. Place the case back onto the watch and use the case opener tool to rotate it clockwise until it is snug. You should feel slight resistance as the grooves engage — do not over-tighten, as this can crack the case back or strip the threads.

When to take your watch to a professional instead

If the case back will not budge after gentle pressure, stop and take the watch to a repair shop. A stuck case back usually means the grooves are corroded or the previous opener was damaged, and forcing it will cause more damage. A professional has specialized tools and can open it without harm.

If your watch is water-resistant or you are not confident opening it, a watch repair shop or jewelry store can change the battery for $15 to $40, including labor. This is worth the cost if you are worried about damaging the seal or the movement. Many Bulova retailers and authorized service centers also offer battery changes, sometimes at no charge if you purchased the watch from them recently.

If the watch still does not work after you install a new battery, or if it worked briefly and then stopped, the problem is likely not the battery. The movement may need cleaning, the contacts may be corroded, or there may be a mechanical issue. At that point, professional service is the only option.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know what size battery my Bulova uses?

The battery model number is printed on the battery itself. Once you open the case back and remove the old battery, you will see a code like SR626SW or SR927SW. Take a photo or write it down, then order that exact model online or at a pharmacy. If the number is worn off, a watch repair shop can identify it in seconds.

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

No. Button-cell batteries come in different sizes and voltages, and using the wrong one can damage the movement or cause the watch to run fast or slow. Always use the exact replacement model printed on the old battery.

What if my watch stops working after I change the battery?

First, remove the battery and check that it is installed with the positive side facing up. If it is correct and the watch still does not work, try a fresh battery from a different package — the first one may be defective. If a second battery does not work, the watch likely needs professional service and you should take it to a repair shop.

Is it safe to change the battery in a vintage Bulova watch?

If it is a screw-down case back and not marked water-resistant, yes. However, vintage movements are more delicate and the contacts may be corroded. If you are uncomfortable opening it, a professional familiar with vintage watches is a safer choice.

Do I need to replace the gasket when I change the battery?

No, unless your watch is water-resistant. For non-water-resistant watches, the gasket is not critical and does not need to be replaced every time you change the battery. If your watch is water-resistant, the gasket should be replaced by a professional to maintain the seal.