A watch battery can cost as little as $4, but you can often buy multipacks for $10-$20. The cheapest way to replace a watch battery is to do it yourself, but you should only replace it if you know what you’re doing. You can buy a watch battery online or in retail stores like Walmart.
The rest of this article will discuss how much a watch battery costs and where to one in greater detail.
Where To Get Watch Batteries
There are plenty of places you can purchase watch batteries from, so it shouldn’t be difficult to find what you need. Below, I’ll discuss some of the best and most convenient places to buy watch batteries:
Amazon
Amazon is an excellent place to purchase watch batteries because you don’t even have to leave your home to make an order! You can find multipacks of watch batteries for under $20 or single batteries for as little as $4 or $5, making it easy to find a good deal.
Plus, Amazon has a wide range of battery types, so you’ll likely find precisely what you’re looking for. An example of a watch battery you can purchase on Amazon is this Duracell Silver Oxide 2 Pack. It’s designed for watches and other compact products and provides extremely reliable performance.
So if you’re willing to replace the old watch battery yourself, consider buying the replacement on Amazon for a low price.
Jewelers
Another place to consider getting a watch battery from is at a jeweler. Not only will you get the new battery here, but they’ll also replace the old one for you so that you don’t have to worry about it.
While replacing the battery at a jeweler may turn out to be more expensive than doing it yourself, it ensures the battery is replaced carefully by a professional. Generally, a battery replacement at a jeweler only takes a few minutes, meaning you can often wait there while they get the job done.
There are a few factors affecting how much it costs for a watch battery replacement at a jeweler:
- The watch brand
- The watch model
- Whether or not the watch is waterproof
On the lower end, you’re looking at spending approximately $10 for a new battery. However, if the watch is luxurious, complex, or has waterproof properties, be prepared to spend more than this.
To find out how much it might cost, the best thing to do is to go to the jeweler of your choice (with the watch) and ask them how much it would be. You might notice one jeweler gives you a lower price than the other, so it’s good to shop around.
However, if the watch is costly, it might be worth bringing it to the jeweler who is most qualified for the job rather than the jeweler who will give you the cheapest deal.
Standard Retail Stores
Consider a standard retail store if you want to replace the watch battery yourself but aren’t interested in shipping on Amazon or other online stores. Examples include:
- Walmart
- Home Depot
- Target
You should easily find an array of watch batteries in these stores, and the prices will be similar to what you’d find on Amazon. You’ll likely find a single battery in a retail store for around $4 or $5. Like with Amazon, it’s also possible to purchase multipacks for reasonable prices at retail stores like Walmart.
It’s good to visit one of these stores to purchase watch batteries if you don’t want to wait around for an Amazon delivery, as it can sometimes take a few days.
Electronics Stores
While standard retail stores like Walmart and Target sell different types of watch batteries, electronics stores like Best Buy also sell them at reasonable prices. As you may have guessed, the prices are similar to what you’d find at other stores, so there’s not much variation to look out for.
If there’s an electronics store close to your home and you don’t want to travel far, consider visiting that one to see if you can find the battery you’re looking for. Once you find the one you need, you can immediately bring it home and replace the old battery.
What Is the Cheapest Way To Replace a Watch Battery?
The cheapest way to replace a watch battery is to do it yourself. Since watch batteries are inexpensive, the entire process should only cost $5. Plus, it’s quick and easy to replace most batteries, so you don’t have to worry about wasting time.
The main cost you need to worry about is the battery cost. Since you can generally find a battery for $4 or $5, this method is the cheapest.
However, be sure to purchase the correct battery type. Purchasing the incorrect one will be a waste of money. It will also be a waste if you buy a battery but can’t figure out how to replace the old one. If you’re really not sure, it might be best to get it replaced by a professional, as it can sometimes save you time and money.
However, if you want to avoid bringing the watch to a professional, be sure to do some research and watch a few video tutorials before replacing the battery. That way, you can decrease the chances of damage and ensure you know what to expect when you open the watch.
What Type of Battery Does a Watch Need?
The type of battery a watch needs depends on the specific model. Most use lithium or silver oxide batteries, but you must know the exact type before making a purchase. Otherwise, you may purchase the wrong battery, which is a waste of money.
If you’re unsure what battery you need, open the watch and check the battery casing. The code should be written somewhere on the battery, so you should take note of it and look for that code in a store or online if buying on Amazon.
For example, if you see “CR1216” (manganese lithium battery) on the battery, you’ll need to purchase a battery with that code name. An example is this Panasonic Lithium Coin Battery, available on Amazon. This battery is made specifically for use in watches and should work effortlessly with yours.
Thankfully, these types of batteries are cheap and commonly found in watches.
However, no matter what type of battery your watch needs, you’re unlikely to spend much when buying it from a retail store or online. Often, it’s better to purchase multipacks because you get better value for money. With that said, since most watch batteries don’t need to be replaced very often (usually once every few years), buying a multipack might only be worth it if you have multiple watches to attend to.
Here are some other common battery types used by watches:
- CR2032, a lithium battery.
- CR2025, another lithium battery.
- CR1632, another lithium battery also used in car key remotes and toys.
- SR626SW, a silver oxide battery.
- LR41, an alkaline battery.
- LR44, which is also an alkaline battery.
For example, many Swatch watches use CR1632 and CR2025 batteries. As mentioned, always check the old battery type to ensure you purchase the right one for your watch.
When Should I Have My Watch Battery Replaced at a Jeweler?
You should have your watch battery replaced at a jeweler if you don’t know how to do it yourself or if the watch is relatively expensive. You may also want the battery replaced at a jeweler if the watch is waterproof because replacing the battery yourself can affect the waterproofness.
A professional will know precisely how to ensure your watch remains waterproof even after the battery replacement, making it more likely that no future water damage can occur. For example, a professional watch repairer will carry out a pressure test to ensure the watch is sealed.
A professional is also a better choice if your watch is luxurious because they’ll know how to replace its battery carefully without causing any damage.
Having your watch replaced by a jeweler may be slightly more costly than doing it yourself at home, but at least you’ll have peace of mind that it’ll be done correctly.
In some cases, you may need to have the battery replaced at an official brand boutique, especially if the watch is expensive (like a Cartier, for example). You’re likely to spend at least a few hundred dollars in these instances.
How Long Does a Watch Battery Last?
A watch battery can last anywhere from one to five years, depending on the battery’s quality and the watch’s model. For example, a watch with added features will likely drain the battery faster than a watch with only basic features. Generally, expect a watch battery to last for at least two years.
In some cases, a watch battery will only last one year. In others, it may last up to five years. Watch batteries have a typical lifespan of at least two years, meaning that maintaining them is not too costly. You’re looking at spending anywhere from $5 to $20 every second year on a battery replacement, which certainly doesn’t break the bank.
For example, if your watch has an alarm or stopwatch (chronograph) as an added feature, the battery will drain faster because it needs to power these extra functions.
Related Why Do Batteries Leak? (And How to Keep Them From Leaking).
How To Replace a Watch Battery
Now that you know where to get a watch battery and how much it costs, you might wonder how to replace it to save some money (rather than getting it done by a professional). Thankfully, the process is simple and quick, so you won’t need much time to complete it.
Here are the tools you’ll need:
- A flat screwdriver or knife for prying the watch open
- A flat surface to work on
- Mini pliers or a tweezer to remove the rubber band
- A new battery to replace the old one
Once you have all the tools you need, you can replace the watch. Below are the main steps.
1. Prepare the Watch
Firstly, you want to prepare the watch by placing it face down on a flat surface. If you don’t use a flat surface, prying the watch open and replacing the battery will be more challenging. Any worktop or table should be OK. Examine the watch to see how it’s made and where you’ll need to pry it open.
In most cases, there’ll be a circular line going around the outer edge of the back of the watch. This is where you must pry it open.
2. Pry the Back Off
Place your flat screwdriver or knife into the line and start prying it open. If you do it correctly, you should notice the back comes off relatively easily. When using a knife or other sharp object to open the back of the watch, be extra cautious because you don’t want to harm yourself.
Once the back of the watch is off, you can move to the next step.
3. Remove the Rubber Band
In most watches, you’ll find a rubber band inside. You must remove this rubber band if you want to remove the battery, so take it out carefully using tweezers or a mini plier. It’s essential to be careful when removing the rubber band, ensuring you don’t rip or damage it. Place the band to the side in a safe spot until you need to put it back in.
4. Remove the Battery and Add the New One
Next, it’s time to remove the battery. Generally, it will be a small circular shape, and the code should be written on it. Check the battery code to make sure you bought the correct replacement.
The battery should come out quickly, and you can use your fingers to take it out. Once it’s out, you can put the new battery in its place, ensuring it’s in the correct position. Always recycle the old watch battery responsibly, as this decreases the amount of toxic waste in landfills and is generally safer.
5. Put the Watch Back Together
Once you’ve put the new battery into the watch, you can put everything back together. Start by placing the rubber band carefully inside, pressing it down, so it’s securely in place. Then, you can press the back of the case back on by using your hands. You may need to press down hard until the case clicks back into place.
Conclusion
A watch battery can cost as little as $4 if you buy one from an online or retail store (like Amazon or Walmart). You can also purchase multipacks for $10 to $20. You may have to spend more on a battery replacement if you get it done by a professional, but the price largely depends on the watch brand and the place you buy the battery from.
For more, check out What Is the Shelf Life of a Lithium-Ion Battery?
Jim James is a published author and expert on the outdoors and survivalism. Through avid research and hands-on experience, he has gained expertise on a wide variety of topics. His time spent at college taught him to become really good at figuring out answers to common problems. Often through extensive trial and error, Jim has continued to learn and increase his knowledge of a vast array of topics related to firearms, hunting, fishing, medical topics, cooking, games/gaming, and other subjects too numerous to name.
Jim has been teaching people a wide variety of survivalism topics for over five years and has a lifetime of experience fishing, camping, general survivalism, and anything in nature. In fact, while growing up, he often spent more time on the water than on land! He has degrees in History, Anthropology, and Music from the University of Southern Mississippi. He extensively studied Southern History, nutrition, geopolitics, the Cold War, and nuclear policy strategies and safety as well as numerous other topics related to the content on survivalfreedom.com.