How to change watch batteries

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Summary

Most watch batteries are easy to replace. This guide is for watches with a snap fit back and not a screw-on back. A snap fit back is the commonest type.

Safe

To do this task you need a watch press otherwise you will either be unable to replace the back, or you might break the glass

Do dispose of the old battery properly. Keep batteries out of the way of children as they can be fatal if swallowed.

Main section

Equipment

For a snap fit back you need a watch press. They are not expensive and can be bought on eBay or Amazon.

Watch maker's screwdriver. You need a flat ended screw driver with a fine end to prise off the back

Battery. Ideally you should use the internet to find out the battery that fits your watch. There are many different types of watch battery

A watch press with a watch in place face down

and they can be bought at a good hardware store, or Amazon or eBay. Of course if you cannot find out that battery that is required, you can open the watch and see the battery that is in place.

A bright light or a head torch

If you use reading glasses, you will need to use them. Magnifying glasses are helpful

Isopropyl alcohol and tissues

Removing the back

Clean the back of the watch with isopropyl alcohol giving particular attention to the join between the back and the body of the watch.

Lift off area on the watch back

Examine the edge of the back piece to find the small raised area where you will insert your screwdriver.Make a note or take a photograph of the back. Note the position of the winder when the writing is the right way up.

Carefully insert the screwdriver into the gap in the lift off area.

The lift off area is bottom left on this watch, but it is not always in this position

Watch back showing O ring and also the notch for winder.

Twist and the back should pop off. Examine the back. Look at the O ring and check it is undamaged. Identify the notch on the back for the winder. You will need to orientate the back so that the notch is over the winder when you re-assemble the watch.

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