Finding the right size watch batteries can be a pain. Changing the watch battery is another challenge, especially on a high end luxury watch. In this article we will discuss where to find watch batteries, different battery types, and who can change one for you. I will also share my experience with the place where I buy watch batteries near me.
Where to Buy Watch Batteries Near Me
If you are looking for “watch batteries near me”, the map below displays your options. Use the map controls to fine tune your listings…
Who Sells Watch Batteries Near Me…
Watch batteries are available in more places then you may realize. The market, petrol stations, convenient stores, toy stores, watch repair shops, and jewelers. While you may find watch batteries here, you may not find the brand, size, type, and voltage you need.
Why I Only Deal With Watch Repair Shops or Jewelers…
When I need a watch battery replacement I go either straight to a watch repair shop or my local jeweler. They carry an array of batteries for different makes and models of quartz watches. They will know and have in stock the exact battery I need for my model. Additionally they will follow the proper battery replacement process to ensure the case gets sealed properly. These places also tend to use the best batteries and not cheap off the shelf knock offs.
If Your Watch is Vintage or Under Warranty…
Know if you have vintage watch or a luxury watch under warranty, then don’t go to a local repair or jeweler. You should contact the manufacturer and use the authorized service center for battery replacement. For a vintage watch you should follow this advise for the protection of the watch. For a watch under warranty, you should do this because going anywhere else may void the warranty. Similar to repair shops and jewelers you will get a high quality battery.
Buying Batteries to Change it Yourself…
You can change a watch battery yourself with a few simple tools. You need a case holder, a case knife, a pair of tweezers, and sometimes a mini screwdriver.
For this though I don’t just buy batteries from the market or off the shelf. If I was changing a battery myself I would first look at a conversion chart and then buy the best brand I could for my watch. If you are having a hard time figuring out what battery size you need, measure the width of the battery and then the height. You can look up most batteries by dimension.
You can also order watch batteries online. It’s important to know the expiration date to make sure you don’t order dead batteries.
Before You Purchase a Watch Battery in a Store
If you are buying watch batteries in a store you need to check the expiration date. Some batteries may be sitting on the shelf for years and already expire or near the expiration date. At the small store that sells watch batteries near me, I found batteries that are 2 years past the expiration.
The longer a battery sits, then the more it loses it’s electrical charge, even if not used. You can buy a battery with a very short life in these instances. If the battery dies in the watch and it goes unnoticed, it can leak and cause internal damage.
How Much is a Battery Replacement Near Me?
A battery swap is a common service and costs between 7 and 11 pounds. If you take your watch back to the store you bought it at, you may find that they will do it for free.
What Kind of Battery Do I Need?
If you have the owners manual you can find your battery size in it. You can look your watch model up on the internet and see if you can find the battery type. Manufacturer forums are also good places to find your battery size.
There are different kinds of watch batteries, but the most common is a button cell, also called a coin cell. These come in different shapes, sizes, and voltage, but have the same characteristics of looking like a button or a coin.
How Long Does It Take to Replace a Watch Battery?
In most cases, a watch battery swap will take between 15 to 20 minutes. It will depend on of your watch is waterproof or not. A water proof watch requires an extra test to ensure that it is resealed correctly.
Is a Watch Battery Covered Under Warranty?
In my experience there is no manufacturer who covers the battery or it’s replacement under warranty. Most warranty language specifically calls out that the battery is not covered.
How Often Does it Need to Be Replaced?
We recommend changing your watch battery every one to three years. I advise that even if the battery is not drained. Although you should let it have a good run. The more you open up the case, the more you run the risk of doing damage to your timepiece. Never let it die in the watch though.If the battery dies in the watch it can leak and cause damage to other internal components. Just wait till you think the watch is starting to lose time and then change the battery.
Watch Batteries Near Me Conclusion
There are a lot of places that sell watch batteries, but that doesn’t mean you should purchase from them. Authorized service centers, Watch repair shops, and jewelers are your best places for purchase and replacement. Taking your watch back to where you bought it may even get you a free battery replacement. This is why I have learned from buying watch batteries near me.
