Mastering the basics of care and repair is necessary for watch lovers. Sometimes, you will save tens of dollars if you can complete these tasks at home.
If you have had mechanical ones, replacing the battery is a maintenance step you will need to do periodically. However, button cells also come in many different types and sizes. How do you find the most suitable one?
A watch battery replacement sizes chart could help. This will show you as detailed as possible to choose one. But, where can you find it? Keep reading to know more!
What Is The Button Cell In Watches?
Have you ever wondered what the watch battery looks like? This is quite curious because the item is small in size, so its battery must also be different from common batteries.
Instead of using long cylindrical batteries like those for TV remotes or other electronic devices, button cells are smaller and have a flat, rounded shape.
This type of battery typically has a diameter between 0.197 and 0.984 in and a height that falls between 0.039 and 0.236 in. It is also because of this shape that people often call it a button cell or coin cell.
Typically, this type of battery can provide between 1 and 5 volts. It can work well for one year if used under normal conditions and properly stored. The materials commonly used to make them are silver, Alkaline, zinc-air, lithium, and so on.
Button cells have low discharge and long storage capacity, so they won’t fall into complete discharging even if you don’t use them for a long time. In addition to watches, this battery is also used for small electronic devices such as pocket computers.
Due to this small size, it is extremely dangerous for children. It can lead to severe burns inside the intestines and stomach or even death if swallowed.
Do All Watches Use the Same Battery?
The answer is NO.
Many people often assume that all models use the same battery. If that’s the case, choosing a battery for a watch is no longer difficult!
But, of course, things won’t be that easy. This is understandable because the manufacturing process, texture, and design of the models are different.
First, consider the issue of size. There are over ten different watch face sizes you can choose from. And obviously, the smallest size one cannot share the same battery with the largest size watch face.
Even with the same diameter size, the thickness of the batteries can be different. It will be selected to fit the thickness of the face.
In case you hold two batteries of the same size and thickness, it is impossible to confirm that they are the same. As mentioned above, many materials are used to make batteries, and chemical reactions can occur if the right type of battery is not selected with the material of the watch.
This is not very common, but some countries have standard regulations on the type of battery used, like the United States. As a result, some models require replacement batteries if sold in these countries.
Watch Battery Replacement Sizes Chart
Type Of Watch Battery
What types of button cells are the most common? Contrary to what people will assume that all watches use the same battery, button cells are much more than that.
The batteries are made with an interior consisting of chemicals. These substances will create certain chemical reactions to create energy, and the battery cell transmits this energy to the watch’s engine to work smoothly.
This same element also classifies button cell types. Based on the main ingredients, it is divided into the following common categories:
- Silver-oxide batteries: This is the most common type and is often used for watches, cameras, calculators, etc. This type is capable of maintaining voltage stability gradually during use.
- Alkaline: If you are looking for a battery for children’s toys, Alkaline batteries are suitable. Its price is also relatively much cheaper than other types.
- Lithium can last for ten years before the chemicals inside run out. This one costs more than others because it can work well in a wider temperature range than other types.
- Zinc-air: Zinc-air is often used in tests or experiments because it has a short life and dries quickly after a few weeks.
Mercury-oxide: The current it generates is relatively stable. However, it is not popular because it is banned in some regions and countries.
How To Determine Battery Size For Your Watch
Is there a way to find the right battery size for your watch at home? Based on the most common watch battery size, you can do a few things to determine the most suitable button batteries.
- Step 1: Read the pin code in the back. Most items will note the pin code on the back to make it easier to choose a replacement button cell.
- Step 2: If you can’t find the information on the back, look up the user manual that came with your item when you bought it, it will have detailed information on this one.
- Step 3: Have you lost the user manual? Search for more information on the brand’s website or any review posts.
- Step 4: If all of the above methods do not apply, the last way is to remove the back of it and see the type of battery inside. This method is recommended only for experienced workers.
Battery Size Chart
For a more general overview of it, you can take a look at the watch battery sizes chart below. This table is for reference only and provides you with an overview of them
| Type | Size (In.) Diameter x Height | Size (mm) Diameter x Height | Voltage (V) | Battery Codes |
| Silver Oxide | 0.457 x 0.213 | 11.6 x 5.4 | 1.55 | 357, SR44, SR44W, D357, J, SB-S9, V357, 228 |
| Silver Oxide | 0.457 x 0.165 | 11.6 x 4.2 | 1.55 | 386, V386, SR43W, D386, H, 260, 280-41, SR43, |
| Silver Oxide | 0.457 x 0.120 | 11.6 x 3.05 | 1.55 | 389, SB-B8, SR1130W, D389, M, SB-BU, V389, 626, 280-15, SR54 |
| Silver Oxide | 0.457 x 0.081 | 11.6 x 2.05 | 1.55 | 391, SR55, SR1120W, L, V391, D391, 609, 280-30, SB-BS |
| Silver Oxide | 0.457 x 0.065 | 11.6 x 1.65 | 1.55 | 365, V365, SR1116W, ZA |
| Silver Oxide | 0.374 x 0.142 | 9.5 x 3.6 | 1.55 | 394, 380, SR936W, 280-74, V380, SR45 |
| Silver Oxide | 0.374 x 0.107 | 9.5 x 2.73 | 1.55 | 399, SR927W, V399, D399, W, 613, SR57, SB-BP |
| Silver Oxide | 0.374 x 0.081 | 9.5 x 2.05 | 1.55 | 370, SR920W, D370, ZA, V370, 620, SB-BN, SR69 |
| Silver Oxide | 0.374 x 0.065 | 9.5 x 1.65 | 1.55 | 372, SR916W, D372, V372, 280-61 |
| Silver Oxide | 0.311 x 0.142 | 7.9 x 3.6 | 1.55 | 392, SR41W, D392, K, V392, 247B, SB-B1, SR41 |
| Silver Oxide | 0.311 x 0.102 | 7.9 x 2.6 | 1.55 | 396, SR726W, D396, V, V396, 612, SB-BL, SR59 |
| Silver Oxide | 0.311 x 0.083 | 7.9 x 2.1 | 1.55 | 361, SR721W, D361, X, V361, SB-BK, SR58 |
| Silver Oxide | 0.311 x 0.065 | 7.9 x 1.65 | 1.55 | SR716W |
| Silver Oxide | 0.268 x 0.102 | 6.8 x 2.6 | 1.55 | 376, SR626W, MA, V376, 619, SB-BW, 280-72, SR66 |
| Silver Oxide | 0.268 x 0.085 | 6.8 x 2.15 | 1.55 | SR621W, SR60, SR60 |
| Silver Oxide | 0.457 x 0.213 | 11.6 x 5.4 | 1.55 | 303, SR44SW, D303, A, V303, SB-A9, SR44 |
| Silver Oxide | 0.457 x 0.165 | 11.6 x 4.2 | 1.55 | 301, SR43SW, D301, D, V301, 226, SB-A8, 280-01, SR43 |
| Silver Oxide | 0.457 x 0.142 | 11.6 x 3.6 | 1.55 | 344, SR1136SW, D344, V344, 242, SR42 |
| Silver Oxide | 0.457 x 0.120 | 11.6 x 3.05 | 1.55 | 390, SR1130SW, D390, V390, 603, SB-AU, 280-24, SR54 |
| Silver Oxide | 0.457 x 0.081 | 11.6 x 2.05 | 1.55 | 381, SR1120SW, D381, V381, 317, SB-AS, 280-27, SR55 |
| Silver Oxide | 0.457 x 0.065 | 11.6 x 1.65 | 1.55 | 366, SR1116SW, D366, V366, 608, 280-46 |
| Silver Oxide | 0.374 x 0.142 | 9.5 x 3.6 | 1.55 | 394, SR936SW, D394, LA, V394, 625, AB-A4, 280-17, SR45 |
| Silver Oxide | 0.374 x 0.107 | 9.5 x 2.73 | 1.55 | 395, SR927SW, D395, V395, 610, AB-AP, 280-48, SR57 |
| Silver Oxide | 0.374 x 0.081 | 9.5 x 2.05 | 1.55 | 371, SR920SW, D371, V371, 605, SB-AN, 280-31, SR69 |
| Silver Oxide | 0.374 x 0.057 | 9.5 x 1.45 | 1.55 | SR914SW, 280-76 |
| Silver Oxide | 0.374 x 0.065 | 9.5 x 1.65 | 1.55 | 373, SR916SW, D373, WA, V373, 617, SB-AJ, 280-45, SR68 |
| Silver Oxide | 0.311 x 0.142 | 7.9 x 3.6 | 1.55 | 384, SR41SW, D384, V384, 247, SB-A1, 280-18, SR41 |
| Silver Oxide | 0.311 x 0.122 | 7.9 x 3.1 | 1.55 | 329, SR731SW, D329, V329 |
| Silver Oxide | 0.311 x 0.102 | 7.9 x 2.6 | 1.55 | 397, SR726SW, D397, N, V397, 607, SB-AL, 280-28, SR59 |
| Silver Oxide | 0.311 x 0.083 | 7.9 x 2.1 | 1.55 | 362, SR721SW, D362, S, V362, 601, SB-AK, 280-29, SR58 |
| Silver Oxide | 0.311 x 0.066 | 7.9 x 1.68 | 1.55 | 315, SR716SW, D315, HA, V315, 614, SB-AT, 280-56, SR67 |
| Silver Oxide | 0.311 x 0.051 | 7.9 x 1.29 | 1.55 | 346, SR712SW, V346, 628, SB-AH, 280-66 |
| Silver Oxide | 0.268 x 0.102 | 6.8 x 2.6 | 1.55 | 377, SR626SW, D377, BA, V377, 606, AB-AW, 280-39, SR66 |
| Silver Oxide | 0.268 x 0.085 | 6.8 x 2.15 | 1.55 | 364, SR621SW, D364, T, V364, 602, AB-AG, 280-34, SR60 |
| Silver Oxide | 0.268 x 0.065 | 6.8 x 1.65 | 1.55 | 321, SR616SW, D321, DA, V321, 611, AB-AF, 280-73, SR65 |
| Silver Oxide | 0.228 x 0.106 | 5.8 x 2.7 | 1.55 | 319, SR527SW, D319, V319, 615, AB-AE, 280-60, SR64 |
| Silver Oxide | 0.228 x 0.085 | 5.8 x 2.15 | 1.55 | 379, SR521SW, D379, JA, V379, 618, SB-AC, 280-59, SR63 |
| Silver Oxide | 0.228 x 0.065 | 5.8 x 1.65 | 1.55 | 317, SR516SW, D317, CA, V317, 616, SB-AR, 280-58, SR62 |
| Silver Oxide | 0.228 x 0.049 | 5.8 x 1.25 | 1.55 | 355, SR512SW, V355, 622, SB-AB, 280-68 |
| Silver Oxide | 0.189 x 0.085 | 4.8 x 2.15 | 1.55 | 348, SR421SW, V348, AB-A6, 280-77 |
| Silver Oxide | 0.189 x 0.065 | 4.8 x 1.65 | 1.55 | 337, SR416SW, V337, 623, AB-A5, 280-75 |
| Silver Oxide | 0.457 x 0.213 | 11.6 x 5.4 | 1.55 | EPX76, SR44(G13), VEPX76, SR44 |
| Silver Oxide | 0.457 x 0.165 | 11.6 x 4.2 | 1.55 | 386, SR43(G12), V386, SR43 |
| Silver Oxide | 0.457 x 0.120 | 11.6 x 3.05 | 1.55 | 389, SR1130, V389, SR54 |
| Silver Oxide | 0.457 x 0.081 | 11.6 x 2.05 | 1.55 | 391, SR1120, V391, SR55 |
| Silver Oxide | 0.311 x 0.142 | 7.9 x 3.6 | 1.55 | 392, SR41, V392, SR41 |
| Lithium | 0.787 x 0.126 | 20.0 x 3.2 | 3.0 | ECR2032, CR2032, DL2032, CR2032, CR2032, SB-T51 |
| Lithium | 0.787 x 0.098 | 20.0 x 2.5 | 3.0 | ECR2025, CR2025, DL2025, CR2025, CR2025, SB-T14, 280-205 |
| Lithium | 0.787 x 0.063 | 20.0 x 1.6 | 3.0 | ECR2016, CR2016, DL2016, CR2016, CR2016, SB-T11, 280-206 |
| Lithium | 0.630 x 0.126 | 16.0 x 3.2 | 3.0 | ECR1632, CR1632, DL1632, CR1632, CR1632 |
| Lithium | 0.630 x 0.079 | 16.0 x 2.0 | 3.0 | ECR1620, CR1620, DL1620, CR1620, CR1620, SB-T17, 280-208 |
| Lithium | 0.630 x 0.063 | 16.0 x 1.6 | 3.0 | ECR1616, CR1616, DL1616, CR1616, CR1616, 280-209 |
| Lithium | 0.492 x 0.079 | 12.5 x 2.0 | 3.0 | ECR1220, CR1220, DL1220, CR1220, CR1220, SB-T13 |
| Lithium | 0.492 x 0.063 | 12.5 x 1.6 | 3.0 | ECR1216, CR1216, DL1216, CR1216, CR1216 |
How To Replace The Watch Battery
To assess the difficulty level, replacing a mechanical battery cell is one of the easiest tasks to perform. It only takes a short time, about 5 to 10 minutes, and you can do it.
During the battery replacement process, you can also take advantage of the time to clean the machines inside to clear the dust and make them work more smoothly.
Now, jump into the step-by-step guidelines to know-how!
What You Need To Prepare
Before embarking on a button cell replacement, prepare some of the following tools to make the process quick and uninterrupted:
- New coin battery
- Screwdrivers
- Glue tack
- Coin
- Zip pocket
- Tweezer
- Clean, dry cloth, brush
You may be wondering why you need tweezers? Removing the battery seems quite easy, even if its size is small; however, we cannot confirm this when inserting it.
Tweezers will become extremely useful in this case. With extremely small batteries, it will be easier to put them in the right place when using tweezers.
Step-by-step Guideline
Step 1: Remove The Back Panel
The first thing you need to do is disassemble the back of the watch. However, it is important to determine your watch’s back design. Below are instructions for the most common types.
- Screw-down (screw-off) back: This design may initially feel a bit confusing. Because it doesn’t have any hints on how to remove it.
You can also use a thumb tack or glue tack. Prepare a piece large enough based on your watch size. They can be easily found in craft stores.
Stick the task to the back of the clock. Don’t forget to knead so that the mixture is soft and sticky. Using this same tack, turn the panel counterclockwise. Continue until you get it out of the watch.
- Screw-on back: Screw-on back is different from basic, and it is quite popular with models that have been around for some time. With this type of back, you have to have a screwdriver of the right size.
It will usually have 3 or 4 screws; all you need to do is remove them. Don’t forget to store these screws in a small zip bag or somewhere safe to ensure you won’t lose them. Open the panel and go to the next step.
- Snap-on back: With the snap-on back, you’ll need to find a small hole or dent on the back of the watch face. This indent is designed so that you can easily remove this panel. If you can’t find the hole, clean the backside as dirt may have covered it.
Once you’ve found it, you’ll need a sharp tool like a screwdriver or a knife to pry it open. This tool is used as a lever, and you won’t need too much force.
- Swatch back: The Swatch back will also have a recess on the back, but that’s different from the snap-on one. You can imagine it like a small round lid, and the top has a large and quite deep indentation.
With this type, you can use a coin or a flat screwdriver with a large edge to open it. Place it on the slot and rotate it slightly counterclockwise until opening the back.
Step 2: Take Out The Back Gasket
The rubber gasket will not appear on all watches and if yours does, remove it before replacing the coin battery. You can use a screwdriver to remove it, but be careful to do it gently to avoid breaking or tearing it.
It’s just a thin rubber pad that sits between the back of the movement and the internals. It has the role of preventing dirt and foreign particles from entering the inside of the watch and, at the same time, balancing the internal pressure.
Step 3: Remove The Old Battery
Now you can see the inner movement and battery surface. But don’t rush! Keep in mind the way the battery is placed inside to ensure you put a new one back in the right place.
Again, check the internals of the machine. Make sure you choose the right type of battery to avoid the watch not working or damaging.
Some models will have a battery holder; just use a screwdriver to lift your battery slightly. In case you have trouble getting the battery, try tweezers.
After removing the battery, use a clean cloth to wipe away dirt in the battery slot. This helps extend the battery life and ensures contact for it to work smoothly.
Step 4: Replace With The New One
Based on the watch battery replacement chart, you have had a new suitable battery. Start to Install it according to the position you observed when you opened the back.
Try to place it, so it fits in and does not wobble. For small batteries, it’s easier to use tweezers to complete this step.
Step 5: Check To Ensure Your Watch Is Working Well
Flip the watch face over and see whether the hands are working. If not, you may have installed it wrong and repositioned it. If you have replaced many batteries but your item still doesn’t work, it’s advisable to bring it to the store for further inspection.
Step 6: Reassemble The Watch Back
Great, your item is up and running! Assemble the back in the reverse order of when you removed it.
Signs That Your Watch Battery Needs Replacing
Your Watch Stopped
During normal use, your item dies, and the hands stop working. There are two main causes of this condition: battery problem or moment fault.
If it comes from the battery, it’s easy to fix. Most of the time, after replacing it with a new battery, the clocks will run smoothly.
On the other hand, moment fault becomes relatively complicated. The watch will have dozens of small details with intricate gears and transmissions. As a novice, your only way is to bring it to the service store.
Obviously, in any case, a professional watchmaker’s help is always the best bet. Taking your watch apart at home to check it out can cost you more money than buying a new one.
Watch Can’t Keep Correct Time
The second most common symptom is the time difference. If your watch runs faster or slower than the correct time, it’s time to double-check. Quartz watches are often appreciated for their extremely high accuracy. Therefore, even if it is only a few minutes from reality, this is a sign of instability.
The most common cause is still the battery problem. Alternatively, it may come from dry gears or need to be balanced. When seeing this situation, many people often have the habit of adjusting the time and then using it again. However, when you have fallen into this situation, the longer you leave it, the more damaged the watch will be. So it’s best to fix it as soon as possible.
The Moisture Inside The Case
There are cases where the watch still works as usual and runs on time, but under the face, there is a layer of fog on the glass. This indicates that the clock hands are also about to stop or can no longer keep the correct time.
Even a small amount of moisture can cause parts to corrode. Most of the watch’s internals are metal; if this liquid is chemical, it will destroy your item faster.
The rubber gaskets do not work well or have been corrupted, leading to moisture entering the inside of the watch. And it requires disassembly to replace the new mattress. If you are short on time, try to warm the back of the watch to help the steam evaporate faster, then bring it to the service center quickly.
Trouble In Adjusting Date Or Time
With the design of a regular watch, the watch crown is connected to the internals to allow you to adjust the hands. If you find that the crown is somewhat loose or unbalanced, there is something wrong with the inside.
This situation will often happen when batteries are almost empty or of poor quality. And of course, like the above cases, it can also come from the internal mechanism. The fastest way, as you know, is to seek help from experts.
The Second Hand Jumps (or is Frozen)
Some models have a low battery warning mechanism, especially older models. This signal is the second hand jumping from 2 to 5 seconds, instead of jumping every 1 second.
This can be frustrating, and it’s worth noting. Because with a warning, you can change the battery in time. It helps prevent the battery from completely draining and starting to leak, affecting the internal movement.
Pay Attention To The Watch Battery LifeTime
Theoretically, the battery should have an average lifespan of 18 and 36 months. This is the average time you use it. If you have a battery to reserve and not use, its life will last between 1 and 5 years. Some more advanced batteries can last up to 10 years.
However, this is just an average and is for reference only. Because the life of a battery used for a watch will be affected by many factors:
- Battery materials: Each material will have a fixed effective lifetime and react to different environmental conditions.
- Age: The older the watch, the faster the battery drain. Some of its parts and machinery were unable to operate efficiently, requiring more energy.
- Watch features: various functions such as alarm, date indicator, led light, etc., will cause the watch to drain the battery 20 to 40% more.
Usage and maintenance: If you let your watch be constantly soaked in water or corroded by solutions, battery replacements will need to be done more often.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Watch Battery?
If you change the watch battery yourself at home, the cost will be quite cheap and economical because the part of the cost you have to pay the most is for a new battery.
Just search for it on Amazon; you can find button cells for a few dozen cents to more than 15 dollars for a battery. This is a relatively large difference; why?
Size, quality, brand, etc., are the factors that determine the price of the product. It would be better if you choose some items that cost more than 2 dollars to ensure the quality.
For those who do not have much experience, you can refer to the products of some reputable brands like DURACELL, SKOANBE, and Panasonic, to name a few.
What Happens If I Don’t Change My Watch Battery?
This information is for reference only; you do not need to verify it! Either way, remember to change the battery periodically or when it’s exhausted.
- Break the provisions of the watch warranty: If you look carefully, you will notice that the manufacturers require the watch to be taken to a service center for battery replacement and maintenance. Some brands will not be responsible if the watch is damaged because the battery is not replaced or the official store does not do the replacement.
- Degrade performance: Some watches, after being stalled for a while, will not be able to operate smoothly after being restarted. It could be a problem of the internal machinery breaking down after a period of downtime.
- Warp the back: Bulging batteries are one of the most common problems with watches. It comes from poor quality products or improper use.
- Lead to the explosion: Some batteries can explode when exposed to excessive heat. In this case, it will not only cause damage to your watch but also affect your health.
Conclusion
The watch battery replacement sizes chart and all that you have read above are the most basic and important information for every watch lover. Expectedly, this post is understandable for you to apply in choosing the most suitable one or even replacing the button cell yourself at home.
To choose the right battery for your watch, pay attention to the battery type (based on the chemistry inside) and its size. This is essential to maintain your watch and its stable operation.
Whatever the problem, our advice is to bring your watch to the service center. Inspection and support from experts or skilled jewelers will reduce possible risks.
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