At the heart of this every timepiece is the battery, a silent powerhouse that keeps everything ticking smoothly.
So, how do you know when it’s time for a watch battery replacement? And what risks do you run by leaving a dead battery inside? Let’s dive into everything you need to know to keep your watch running at its best.
Why timely watch battery change is essential
Think of your watch’s battery as its heartbeat. When that heartbeat fades, the whole mechanism is affected. Leaving a dead battery in your watch for too long comes with serious risks.
Battery leaks: Over time, a dead battery may leak, allowing acid to corrode the delicate internal components of your watch. This can be tricky (and costly) to repair, as the extent of damage often depends on how much acid has seeped into the movement. When we encounter battery leakage, our approach is to clean out as much of the affected area as possible, install a fresh battery, and monitor the watch’s performance. If it lasts up to 18 months without issues, great! But if problems arise before then, it could indicate deeper damage caused by acid, requiring further servicing.
Loss of accuracy: A weakening battery can cause your watch to lose time or stop altogether, which is not ideal when you depend on it for punctuality.
Potential long-term damage: In some cases, a dead battery can cause a short circuit, affecting other internal parts. Timely replacement helps avoid these risks and keeps your watch running smoothly over time. If a leak is severe enough that a simple battery replacement doesn’t restore functionality, that’s when a full overhaul might be necessary to address internal issues and get your watch back in working order.
Steps involved in watch battery change or replacement
Replacing a watch battery may seem simple, but there’s more to it than just popping the back off and swapping out the old one.
Here’s what happens when you bring your watch to a trusted and reputable watch battery service (like us!):
Inspection: Before opening the watch, a skilled technician will inspect the case to ensure no other damage is present, such as scratches or water damage.
Careful removal: The case back is removed with specialised tools to prevent any accidental damage to the watch. The old battery is then carefully extracted.
Battery compatibility: A replacement battery isn’t just any random battery. Our professional specialised ensure the correct type and size are used for your specific watch model, ensuring it works optimally.
Resealing and testing: After installing the new battery, the case is securely resealed, and, if applicable, we check the water resistance to make sure your watch is protected. For quartz watches, a separate, specialised machine is used to test accuracy and power consumption—though this isn’t done as part of a standard battery replacement.
What are the different types of watch batteries that can be used for replacement?
Not all watch batteries are created equal—different watches require different types of batteries, depending on their mechanisms and features. Let's take a look at some types of watch batteries.
Silver oxide batteries | These are the most widely used watch batteries, known for their stable voltage and reliability. They are often found in quartz watches. |
Lithium batteries | Commonly used in digital watches or watches with multiple features, lithium batteries offer longer life and higher energy capacity, making them ideal for watches with backlighting, alarms, or chronographs. |
Alkaline batteries | While cheaper, alkaline batteries are less frequently used in watches due to their shorter lifespan and susceptibility to voltage drops, which can affect timekeeping accuracy. |
Solar-powered batteries | Some watches, especially eco-friendly or higher-end models, use solar-powered rechargeable batteries. |
How long can you expect new watch battery change or replacements to last?
The lifespan of a new watch battery depends on a few factors, including the type of watch and how it’s used. As a general guideline, it’s recommended to change batteries every 18 months to keep your watch running smoothly.
Quartz Watches: Battery life typically ranges from 1 to 3 years. Watches with additional features like chronographs may deplete the battery more quickly.
Digital Watches: These often require battery replacement every 2 to 3 years, especially if they have functions like alarms, lights, or timers.
Solar Watches: Eco-friendly solar watches use rechargeable batteries powered by light, which can last much longer—sometimes up to 10 years—before needing replacement. Just make sure to expose them regularly to light rather than keeping them stored away.
Regular maintenance and timely battery changes help prolong your watch’s life and ensure it stays as accurate as possible.
Need a watch battery change? We've got you covered.
Wondering if your battery needs a change? Bring your watch in for a free check-up and diagnosis! We’ll inspect it and let you know if it’s time for a battery replacement (pro tip: if it's no longer ticking, it probably does!), ensuring that your watch keeps perfect time for years to come.
 | Why Choose The Watch Specialist's Clinic?
 |
Comments