How to change watch batteries and straps
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Summary
Most watch batteries are easy to replace. This guide is for watches with a snap fit back and not a screw-on back. A snap fit back is the commonest type.
Safe
- To do this task you need a watch press otherwise you will either be unable to replace the back, or you might break the glass
- Do dispose of the old battery properly. Keep batteries out of the way of children as they can be fatal if swallowed.
Main section
Equipment
For a snap fit back you need a watch press. They are not expensive and can be bought on eBay or Amazon.
Watch maker's screwdriver. You need a flat ended screw driver with a fine end to prise off the back
Battery. Ideally you should use the internet to find out the battery that fits your watch. There are many different types of watch battery
and they can be bought at a good hardware store, or Amazon or eBay. Of course if you cannot find out that battery that is required, you can open the watch and see the battery that is in place.
A bright light or a head torch
If you use reading glasses, you will need to use them. Magnifying glasses are helpful
Isopropyl alcohol and tissues
Removing the back
Clean the back of the watch with isopropyl alcohol giving particular attention to the join between the back and the body of the watch.
Examine the edge of the back piece to find the small raised area where you will insert your screwdriver.Make a note or take a photograph of the back. Note the position of the winder when the writing is the right way up.
Carefully insert the screwdriver into the gap in the lift off area.
Twist and the back should pop off.
Examine the back. Look at the O ring and check it is undamaged. Identify the notch on the back for the winder. You will need to orientate the back so that the notch is over the winder when you re-assemble the watch.
You should now see the inside of your watch. If you do not know what battery is needed, you can see the number on the old battery. In the photograph the battery number is 364. Renata is the make, but there are many other makes of battery.
If you have the replacement battery, you can remove the old battery. The battery is held by retaining clips on edge of the battery. Sometimes it helps to use a sewing needle to push the battery out, starting from the outer edge.
Here you can see the watch after the battery has been removed.
You can now insert the new battery with the writing on the top as it was with the old battery. It should not require force to get the battery back in position.
Replacing the back
Your watch press should come with a selection of dies that screw into place. You need to select the underside die that supports/contacts the metal case only. Too small means that the edge of the die is pressing on the glass. Too big means that the main part of the die is in contact with the glass and the outer ring is not on the metal case. The choice is crucial to avoiding damage to the glass.
