How to Change a Watch Battery

If you’re a do-it-yourself-er you’ll find these basic instructions for replacing a watch battery useful.

1. Get a replacement battery for your watch. Some watches have the battery information stamped on the back plate. If yours doesn’t, you’ll have to wait until you’ve removed the old battery to see what kind of replacement watch battery you’ll need.
2. Put the watch face down on a non-scratching, non-skid surface. It may help to clamp the watch to the surface.
3. Remove the back from the watch. You will probably need to use a tool like a knife or screwdriver to pry the back open. You can also buy watch repair kits, which have the perfect tools for the job. Check the watch back for a small notch to insert your tool, but not all watches have these.
4. Remove the battery from the watch. You might need to tip the watch over to let the battery fall out.
5. Insert the new watch battery into the proper space. Press lightly into place.
6. Replace the back on your watch. Make sure you press firmly to get the back seated snugly.

If that doesn’t work for you, i.e. you can’t remove the watch back, most department stores that sell watches and watch batteries will have someone who can do it for you rather inexpensively, if not for free.