Replacing a watch battery: Step-by-step guide

Replacing a watch battery can seem complicated, especially if you've never done it before. However, with the right tools and a little patience, you can easily complete this task yourself. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the steps necessary to successfully complete this replacement.

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Finding the right type of battery

Before you begin, it's essential to know what type of battery your watch needs. This information is usually indicated on the housing cover or in the user manual of the watch. Once you find the right type of battery, get a new one of the same make and model.

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Open watch case

To access the battery, you will need to open the watch case. Depending on the type of watch, this can be done in different ways:

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  • Screwed bottom housing: If your watch has a screw-down caseback, you will need a tool called box key to unscrew the cover. Place the key in the notches on the cover and turn counterclockwise to open it.
  • Snap-on case: For watches with a clipped case back, use a small flathead screwdriver or thin knife to gently pry the cover off. Be careful not to scratch the surface of the watch.
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Once you have successfully opened the case, place it on a clean, soft surface to avoid damaging the watch.

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Remove the old battery

Now that you have access to the inside of the watch, it's time to remove the old battery. You may need a few additional tools to complete this step:

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  1. Tweezer: A pair of tweezers is very useful for grabbing and removing the battery without damaging other components of the watch.
  2. Tweezers: If you don't have tweezers, tweezers may also work to safely remove the battery.
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Before removing the battery, be sure to identify its exact location in the watch and how it is held in place. Some batteries are simply placed on a support, while others are held by a nesting circle plastic or metal. In the latter case, you will have to unclip the locking ring before you can remove the battery.

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Remove the nesting circle

If your watch is equipped with a casing ring, follow these steps to remove it:

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  1. Locate the small tabs that hold the circle in place. They are usually located on the edge of the circle.
  2. Using a small flathead screwdriver or tweezers, gently lift the tab while slightly lifting the circle.
  3. Repeat this operation with the other lugs until the circle can be removed.
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Once you have successfully removed the casing circle, set it aside, taking care to note how it fits into the watch.

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Install the new battery

You are now ready to install the new battery into the watch. Here's how to do it:

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  1. Insert the new battery into the battery compartment in the same orientation as the old battery. Be careful not to touch the flat side of the battery with your fingers, as this may shorten its life.
  2. Replace the casing circle if there is one, making sure to align the lugs with the corresponding notches in the watch.
  3. Check that the watch is working properly by adjusting the time and observing whether the hands move as expected.
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Close the watch case

Once you have verified that the watch is working properly with the new battery, it is time to close the case. Depending on the type of watch, here is how to proceed:

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  • Screwed bottom housing: Place the cover back on the case, making sure to align the notches with those on the case. Then use the box wrench to screw the cover clockwise until it is snug.
  • Snap-on case: Position the cover onto the case and press firmly until you hear a click indicating the cover is clipped into place.
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Congratulations! You have successfully replaced the battery in your watch. Remember to store the old battery safely and responsibly, as it contains chemicals that are harmful to the environment.

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