How to Change a Watch Battery

Depending on the watch, changing the battery to get it ticking again is often a simple task that you can do at home with a few tools and the proper techniques. Going to a watch repair shop and having a specialist change the battery is expensive and time-consuming, but you most likely can do it yourself. The method for changing the battery will change based on the brand, type, and style of your particular watch. By taking the proper precautions and carefully following the correct methods, you can quickly and easily replace a faulty or dead battery in your favorite watch.

Things You Should Know

If you have a snap back or Swatch watch, insert a small flathead screwdriver or coin into the indentation and twist to pop off the watch back.
If your watch back has screws, use a small screwdriver (like an eyeglasses screwdriver) to remove each screw and pull off the back plate.
Use tweezers to gently remove the old battery. Stick the replacement battery into the empty slot and push it into place with the tweezers.

Method 1

Method 1 of 5:

Opening a Snap Back Watch

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1
Find the small indentation on the back of the watch. Turn the watch over and find the small hole or indentation that's on the side of the watch, between the watch back and the watch itself. This indentation is created specifically to help you pry off the back of the watch.
- If you can't find the indentation, scan the backside of your watch with a magnifying glass.
- Wear a pair of dust free latex gloves when replacing your battery.
Find a tool that's small enough to fit into the indentation you discovered. Tools like a small flathead screwdriver created for eyeglasses or a small blade may fit it into the indentation.^{[1]XResearch source}
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Use the blade or the screwdriver like a lever to pry up one side of the watch back. Once it comes loose, you can grab onto it with your hand to carefully remove the back of the watch.^{[2]XResearch source}
Follow safety steps when prying open watch backs. "I used to think I could pop open any watch back by just jamming in a knife. After reading this, I realized there are important safety steps, like finding the right tools and indentations so you don't end up damaging the watch. The guide showed me how to properly open different watch backs without just blindly prying wherever. Really useful info for a novice like me!" - Misael R.
Consult diagrams before tackling tricky watch repairs. "As a new watch owner, I struggled so much to open the back and swap out the battery. The step-by-step diagrams in this article were a lifesaver! They showed me exactly where I needed to place tools on the different watch backs. I could really visualize the whole process before attempting any repairs on my expensive new watch. Super helpful for a total beginner!" - Amy C.
Attempt watch battery changes carefully. "I'll admit, I used to just force watch backs open with whatever random thing was close by, often wrecking the watch in the process. This guide convinced me I needed to slow down, use the right specialized tools, and fully understand each watch style's opening method before attempting to open it. Now I can actually change batteries without ruining watches!" - Eliza V.
Gain confidence in changing watch batteries. "I bought this really cool vintage watch but was too nervous to even try opening it up and repairing it myself. The clear instructions in this article, like wearing gloves and noting the battery's position, gave me the knowledge I needed to confidently change the battery in my precious vintage watch for the first time. Now, I have the skills to maintain my entire watch collection myself!" - Cara S.
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4
Snap the back of the watch back into the casing. After you replace the battery, align the dials on the side of the watch with the indentations on the back of the watch. Press down heavily on the watch back until it snaps back into place.^{[3]XResearch source}
- It's important to line up the back of the watch perfectly or you run the risk of damaging the watch's internal parts.
- Some watches require a watch press to reattach the back to the watch.

Method 2

Method 2 of 5:

Removing a Watch Back with Screws

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1
Unscrew the screws from the back. There should be small screws on the backside of your watch. These screws keep the back in place. To remove them, use a small screwdriver that you would use for eyeglasses and turn the screws until you can remove them from the watch.^{[4]XResearch source}
- Make sure to put the small screws in a safe place, like a ziplock bag, so that you don't lose them.
Once you remove all of the screws from the back of the watch, the back should easily lift up. This will expose the watch battery and other internal parts in the watch.^{[5]XResearch source}
Once you replace the battery, press the back of the watch back onto the watch and take the small screws that you removed earlier and screw them back into their holes.^{[6]XResearch source}

Method 3

Method 3 of 5:

Removing the Back of a Swatch Watch

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There should be slots on the back of the watch that are big enough to fit the edge of a coin. These are created intentionally for easy opening of the watch back.^{[7]XResearch source}
Place the edge of the quarter into the indentation on the back of the watch. If it doesn't fit, use a smaller coin like a penny or dime.^{[8]XResearch source}
As you rotate the coin, the small screw on the back of the watch should come up and the back should disengage from the watch.^{[9]XResearch source}
Use your hands to carefully lift up the backside of the watch. Make sure that you rotated the coin slots a full turn or the back won't come loose.^{[10]XResearch source}

Method 4

Method 4 of 5:

Removing the Back of a Screw Off Watch

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1
Get a ball of thumb tack or glue tack. You'll need to get a ball of a sticky thumb tack or glue that will adhere to the back of the watch and help you rotate it. You can purchase this at most arts and crafts stores or online.^{[11]XResearch source}
- There are also grip-balls that are made specifically to open the back of a screw off watch.
Knead the tack until it's soft and sticky. Press it hard against the back of the watch.^{[12]XResearch source}
Once the tack is attached to the back, twisting it counterclockwise should loosen the back of the watch until it's not attached.^{[13]XResearch source}

Method 5

Method 5 of 5:

Replacing the Battery

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It's easier to work with the watch if you're unobstructed. Undo the strap or remove the band completely and turn the watch over.^{[14]XResearch source}
2
Remove the back of the watch. Four types of watch backs include snap offs, screw-off backs, swatches, and backs with screws holding them together. Examine the back of your watch to determine what kind of watch you have.^{[15]XResearch source}
- Screw off backs will have notches around the edges on the back of the watch.
- Snap offs will have a completely smooth back with a small cut or indentation where the back of the watch meet and watch meet.
- Swatches will have a slot on the back where you can fit a coin.
3
Remove any clip that may be holding the battery in place. Once you remove the back, you'll be able to see the internal components of the watch. Often, there will be a something blocking the battery from slipping out. This could be a clip, retaining bar, and plastic cover.^{[16]XResearch source} Look at the bottom of the clip to find the small hole near the bottom of the clip. Insert a small screwdriver into the hole and press up with your screwdriver to disengage the clip. This should make your battery accessible.^{[17]XResearch source}
- Wear a pair of dust free latex gloves when replacing your battery.
- Some watches won't have anything covering up the battery. In this case, you can skip this step.
Before removing the battery, take note of its position and which side is facing up. Take a look at the writing on the battery so that you know which kind you should get to replace it. The battery will be round disc that's around 3/8 of an inch (9.5 mm).^{[18]XResearch source}
Using plastic tweezers, position one side of the tweezers under the battery. Pry up with the tweezers to remove the battery from its casing.
Take your replacement battery and stick it in the spot where your old battery was. Use the plastic tweezers to press it back into place. Avoid hitting or disrupting the other internal parts of the watch.^{[19]XResearch source}
If the watch is not working, you may have put the battery in backward, or it could be damaged. Double check that the battery is incorrectly installed. If it still doesn't work, consider taking it to a professional for repair.^{[20]XResearch source}

Expert Q&A

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Question
How do I open a screw-back watch?
Bill Green
Jewelry & Watch Expert, Designer, Gold, Silver, and Platinum Smith.
Bill Green is an Expert Jeweler and Appraiser. He is also the Founder & Creative Director of Jewelry & Timepiece Mechanix, and the Founder and Designer of Amaroo Handmade Opal Jewelry, based in Haddonfield, New Jersey. With over 40 years of industry knowledge, he and his team are known for restoring everything from new watches to vintage jewels and being one of the few shops that still design and make jewelry and watches. Jewelry & Timepiece Mechanix is part of the American Society of Jewelers and Gemologists and Ethical Metalsmiths. Bill studied at the Miami Jewelry Institute and the Gemological Institute of America as well as apprenticed with many accomplished craftspeople.
Bill Green
Jewelry & Watch Expert, Designer, Gold, Silver, and Platinum Smith.
Expert Answer
To open a screw-back watch, first assess the type of watch and its specific requirements. For older pocket watches, like those from the 1920s, grip the watch firmly and use a piece of firm rubber or rubberized fabric under the case back. Apply gentle pressure with your palm to turn and unscrew the case back. Exercise caution to avoid damaging the threads. For other watches, look for small cutouts around the outer edge of the case back. These are designed to accommodate a wrench. Use an adjustable wrench, such as a Jaxa wrench, to fit the bits into the cutouts. Once positioned correctly, turn the wrench anticlockwise to release the case back. Remember, opening a watch exposes it to dust and moisture, potentially compromising its integrity. Proceed with care to avoid damaging any gaskets, which may need replacement after being decompressed from years of use. If unsure, seek assistance from a professional watchmaker to avoid costly mistakes.
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Question
Do I need a special tool to remove the back of my watch?
Community Answer
Usually, a very fine tip flat head screwdriver is what you need. You can get a set of fine Philips and flat drivers in what is often referred to as a "jeweler's" screwdriver set, usually for under $5.00 (US).
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I have a timex that I replaced the battery in, however, now I can't get the back piece to snap back on.
Community Answer
Make sure that you're properly lining up the dials on the watch before applying a lot of pressure with your fingers onto the back of the watch. You might need a special tool to apply more pressure if it's not properly snapping back on.
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