When a clock stops ticking, it is often telling us that the battery needs to be changed; instead of spending money to hire a goldsmith, you can do it yourself. The method to follow depends on the make and model; if you follow the correct technique and take the necessary precautions, you can replace the dead or damaged battery of your favorite watch yourself.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Unfold a Snap Case
Step 1. Find a small notch on the back of the watch
Turn it over and look for a hole or indentation along the edge, between the case and the caseback. This item is specially made to insert a small tool and pry to open the watch.
- If you don't find any notches, carefully inspect the back with the help of a magnifying glass.
- Wear a pair of powder-free latex gloves for this step.
Step 2. Insert a sharp tool into the recess
Find an object small enough to fit into the hole you found; a flat eyeglass screwdriver or thin blade should be fine.
Step 3. Rotate the tool to snap open the case back
Use the blade or the tip of the screwdriver as a lever to open the watch case; once loosened, you can carefully remove the cover with your hands.
Step 4. Insert the caseback back into the case
After replacing the battery, align the marks on the side of the watch with the notches on the case back and apply firm pressure on the case to reinsert the cover until you hear a click.
- It is important to align the back of the watch perfectly, otherwise you run the risk of damaging the internal components.
- For some models a specific press is required to insert the caseback.
Method 2 of 5: Open a Case Back with Screws
Step 1. Remove the screws located on the back of the case
There should be some small hardware on the back of the watch that holds the caseback in place. To unscrew it you need a small screwdriver for glasses; turn it counterclockwise until you can pull it out of the crate.
Store the screws in a safe place, such as a zip lock bag, to avoid losing them
Step 2. Remove the case back
Once the screws have been removed, the portion that closes the box should lift without difficulty; this way you can see the battery and other internal parts of the watch.
Step 3. Insert the screws in their place
Once the battery has been replaced, rest the case back on the case and take the small parts you removed earlier, inserting them into their respective holes.
Method 3 of 5: Remove the Back of a Swatch
Step 1. Locate the notches on the back of the case
There should be slots, near the caseback, large enough to fit the edge of a coin. These recesses are specially created to open the case with ease.
Step 2. Insert a 10 cent coin into the slot
Rest the edge and, if it doesn't fit properly, switch to a smaller coin, like the 5 cent coin.
Step 3. Rotate it counterclockwise
By doing so, you also unscrew the cap located on the bottom of the case by releasing it from the rest of the watch.
Step 4. Remove the case back
Carefully lift it with your hands, but check that you have turned the coin one full turn, otherwise you have not loosened the lid sufficiently.
Method 4 of 5: Remove a Screw Back
Step 1. Get a ball of Patafix (or similar product) or sticky pins
You need a sticky object that can adhere to the caseback to be able to rotate it; you can buy these products in any stationery or online.
There are also gummy balls that are specially produced to open the cases of this kind of watch
Step 2. Press the ball onto the chamois
Once you have kneaded it to make it soft and sticky, press it on the back of the case with a little force.
Step 3. Turn it counterclockwise and unscrew the case back
Once a good fit is ensured, you can loosen the lid until it no longer fits into the rest of the watch.
Method 5 of 5: Replace the Battery
Step 1. Open the strap and turn the watch over
If there are no elements hindering the movements, it is easier to work; open the strap or take it apart completely before turning the case upside down.
Step 2. Remove the case back
There are four different models: snap-on, with screws, Swatch-type and screw-type.
- The screw-down cases have notches along the edges of the case.
- Snap-on ones are completely smooth and show a hole or recess where the case meets the caseback itself.
- Swatches have a large slot in which you can insert the edge of a coin.
Step 3. Remove any clips holding the battery
Once the caseback is lifted, you can see the internal mechanisms; there is often an element that holds the battery in place and prevents it from sliding out of its housing. This could be a clip, a retaining bar, or a plastic cover. Look at the base of the clip for a hole, insert the tip of a small screwdriver and press to detach the clip; by doing so you should have access to the battery.
- Wear a pair of powder-free latex gloves for this step.
- In some models the battery is free, without any component that blocks it; if so, you can skip this step.
Step 4. Note the location of the battery
Before taking it out, look at it paying attention to which face is facing up. Read the writing on the battery to find out which spare part to buy; typically these are button cell batteries with a diameter of 9.5mm.
Step 5. Lift it out of its housing
Use a pair of plastic tweezers and slide one side under the battery, prying to lift it.
Step 6. Insert the replacement
Take the new battery and fit it into the housing of the old one; always use plastic tweezers to push it into place, avoiding hitting or damaging other internal components.
Step 7. Check that the watch is working before putting the case back on
If the hands do not move, you may have inserted the battery backwards or it may be damaged; inspect it carefully to make sure it is installed the right way. If that doesn't solve the problem, take your watch to a goldsmith's shop for professional repair.
