Watch batteries

[silverc4s]

Having this service performed has gone from a bit costly to a bit outrageous around here of late. Any of you change your own batteries? Is there a battery assortment that makes sense for men's watches? Any good tips other than use the right tools? Thanks.

[Embraer]

I just changed the battery on my Tag. took all of 2 minutes.

I bought one of those watch case openers on ebay for like $3. totally worth it.

I replaced the seal last time I did it, and it looked perfect, so it stayed put. believe the battery I used was a 395/399. battery was a couple of bucks.

here's the tool to open the back...

[masraum]

Can't you get the batteries at Walmart, Radio Shack, etc...?

I've replaced several watch batteries over the years, it's pretty darn easy depending upon the style of the watch back. Yes, the screw off casebacks to require a tool.

I've got one of this style that I think I got from Amazon for between $10-15.

[kanadary]

I pretty well have just swatches so battery replacement is easy, just need a quarter or nickel. I get my batteries in bulk from swatchbattery.com. Not sure they will have the size you need but they have a ton of them

[aschen]

Sure just get a cheapo watch service kit on amazon.


Aschen prefers his watches without batteries though!

[dienstuhr]

Automatic or hand-winders = never change a battery again!

d.

[Embraer]

I have automatic watches, but still prefer my quartz units. the quartz is more accurate...plus, I hate the annoying feeling of the counterweight swinging around inside while I wear them. I do appreciate the technical aspect of them, though.

[silverc4s]

Thanks to all responders. I also have both automatic & quartz watches. It seems as tho every time I decide to wear a quartz watch, it's needing a battery soon after, if not immediately. I have taken to popping the stem out, stopping the movement which I think then makes the battery life close to shelf life. My problem is I have a number of different watches, some cheap, some not so cheap and I have no idea what battery Is needed in each case.
So, I guess it's a two step process. I will carry on, thanks again to all.

BTW, I do have the tools.

[LeeH]

Many times the battery type in listed on the back of the watch. If not, a Google search will reveal what you need. When I need a battery, I usually order 5 or so from eBay. It will cost the same or less as buying one battery from your local drug store.

I have auto winders and quartz. The quartz watches get way more wear since they're always ready to go.

Anybody want to buy a watch???

[MBAtarga]

Lee - what watch is in the upper right corner - gold face with leather band.
I'm looking to replace my Seiko chrono.

[HarryD]

I do all of mine.

Bought a tool kit from Harbor Freight (8 Piece Watch Repair Kit). I found, depending on which watch, I either the tool to unscrew the back and the one to open the press together cases. The magnifying glass and tweezers are handy. The screwdrivers suck

I buy the batteries in packs of 5 from e-bay for less than $1 each.

[HarryD]

Originally Posted by silverc4s

Thanks to all responders. I also have both automatic & quartz watches. It seems as tho every time I decide to wear a quartz watch, it's needing a battery soon after, if not immediately. I have taken to popping the stem out, stopping the movement which I think then makes the battery life close to shelf life. My problem is I have a number of different watches, some cheap, some not so cheap and I have no idea what battery Is needed in each case.
So, I guess it's a two step process. I will carry on, thanks again to all.

BTW, I do have the tools.

It turns out that most watches call for only 3-4 different sizes. Once you get stocked with those sizes, you will be fine.

As noted above, I get them off e-bay. It only takes a few days to get them.

[LeeH]

Originally Posted by MBAtarga

Lee - what watch is in the upper right corner - gold face with leather band.
I'm looking to replace my Seiko chrono.

That's a women's watch. Pretty much like this one:

[quattrorunner]

I own a jewelry store and replace them all day long.
First of all, there are some watches that are over your head. And it doesn't take long to realize that.
But yeah, most watches use one of five or six batteries. 377 364 371 395 399 362 are the order I find most popular.
Just for fun. I find that many people choose watches that have the same battery inside without knowing. Maybe a price point thing I don't know. And also maybe you guys can confirm but many times the batteries die around the same time. One more observation, old people go through more batteries quicker. This is observation over time changing thousands of batteries. Odd eh?
Some pointers, if your going to do it yourself, use a clean cloth to do it on, while the back is off, why not clean the mating surfaces, it makes it easier to remote the case to the back. make sure your work surface is clear of everything, take your time, make sure you don't have to pee, and last but not least.......relax and go slow. If you get aggravated easily leave it to a pro, it's not worth saving a few bucks if your just going to ham fist it. I see that all the time. People think their smart then come in to my store only for me to quote $80 to fix the botched job.

[HarryD]

Originally Posted by quattrorunner

I own a jewelry store and replace them all day long.
First of all, there are some watches that are over your head. And it doesn't take long to realize that.
But yeah, most watches use one of five or six batteries. 377 364 371 395 399 362 are the order I find most popular.
Just for fun. I find that many people choose watches that have the same battery inside without knowing. Maybe a price point thing I don't know. And also maybe you guys can confirm but many times the batteries die around the same time. One more observation, old people go through more batteries quicker. This is observation over time changing thousands of batteries. Odd eh?
Some pointers, if your going to do it yourself, use a clean cloth to do it on, while the back is off, why not clean the mating surfaces, it makes it easier to remote the case to the back. make sure your work surface is clear of everything, take your time, make sure you don't have to pee, and last but not least.......relax and go slow. If you get aggravated easily leave it to a pro, it's not worth saving a few bucks if your just going to ham fist it. I see that all the time. People think their smart then come in to my store only for me to quote $80 to fix the botched job.

Thanks for the tips.

[sc_rufctr]

Originally Posted by quattrorunner

I own a jewelry store...

Snip... old people go through more batteries quicker. This is observation over time changing thousands of batteries. Odd eh?

Why the difference?

Maybe they look at the time more so the watch is "moved" more??? Could that affect battery life?

[silverc4s]

Originally Posted by quattrorunner

I own a jewelry store and replace them all day long.
First of all, there are some watches that are over your head. And it doesn't take long to realize that.
But yeah, most watches use one of five or six batteries. 377 364 371 395 399 362 are the order I find most popular.
Just for fun. I find that many people choose watches that have the same battery inside without knowing. Maybe a price point thing I don't know. And also maybe you guys can confirm but many times the batteries die around the same time. One more observation, old people go through more batteries quicker. This is observation over time changing thousands of batteries. Odd eh?
Some pointers, if your going to do it yourself, use a clean cloth to do it on, while the back is off, why not clean the mating surfaces, it makes it easier to remote the case to the back. make sure your work surface is clear of everything, take your time, make sure you don't have to pee, and last but not least.......relax and go slow. If you get aggravated easily leave it to a pro, it's not worth saving a few bucks if your just going to ham fist it. I see that all the time. People think their smart then come in to my store only for me to quote $80 to fix the botched job.

Quattrorunner: Thank You!!

You have provided me with the "insider secret" that I was looking for. What a fantastic place this board is! Not only can you get help with any difficulties you are having with your Porsche, a very complex and very precise machine - you can probably get this quality level answer regarding all the other machines in your life.

This section periodically attempts to solve the secrets of life itself, which is always interesting to follow...

Thanks to all, and all the best to everyone this Christmas season. Good will to all men, everywhere.

[Chocaholic]

If you have a Batteries-Plus store nearby, they'll do it for you for about $8, while you wait.

[1990C4S]

They have lots of spare time. When the watch dies they get it fixed same day. Lots of people wait months because they are busy.

[Head416]

^ that's what I was thinking. I have four watches in a drawer that have been dead for over a year.