Wrist Watch Battery Replacement-How To Replace The Batteries

“I am sure you’ve noticed that the time on your wristwatch is inaccurate. You do not imagine things; it’s because the watch battery needs to be replaced.” The big question is, do you know how to replace it properly?

If you require watch battery replacement, here’s the information you need for changing your wristwatch battery.

Watch Battery Sizes Chart

Size Cross Reference Voltage (V) Diameter (mm) Height (mm) Capacity (mAh)
LR1 N/A 1.5 10.5 2.6 210
LR41 192, 392, SR41, SR41SW 1.5 8.3 3.6 38
LR43 N/A 1.5 11.6 4.2 92
LR44 A76, G13A, L1154, PX76, V13GA 1.5 11.6 5.4 175
LR54 189, SR1130, SR54, SR1130W 1.5 11.6 3.05 70
LR1130 189, SR1130, SR54, SR1130W 1.5 11.6 3.05 70
LR936 391, SR936SW 1.5 8.3 3.1 30
LR626 AG4, 377, SR626SW 1.5 6.8 2.6 20
LR1154 A76, G13A, L1154, PX76, V13GA 1.5 11.6 5.4 175
LR626SW AG4, 377, SR626SW 1.5 6.8 2.6 20
LR41SW 192, 392, SR41, SR41SW 1.5 8.3 3.6 38
LR43SW N/A 1.5 11.6 4.2 92
LR44SW A76, G13A, L1154, PX76, V13GA 1.5 11.6 5.4 175
LR54SW 189, SR1130, SR54, SR1130W 1.5 11.6 3.05 70
LR1130SW 189, SR1130, SR54, SR1130W 1.5 11.6 3.05 70
LR936SW 391, SR936SW 1.5 8.3 3.1 30

Types of Wrist Watch Batteries

Watch batteries are small, round discs that fit into a special compartment in your watch. They provide power to the tiny electric motor that makes your watch tick.

For the most efficient use of your wristwatch battery, it is best to replace it with one that the manufacturer recommended. The labels on these products vary, though, so be careful not to get confused while browsing through them at local stores near you.

To assist you in deciding what kind of battery you need, here are some brands that are popular in the watch industry:

Silver-Oxide/Alkaline Button

Chemistry types are the key to what type of battery you’re using. These are alkaline and silver oxide batteries. The most common is an alkaline, which can power watches for years without replacing them every few days. They’re used mainly for hearing aids because their operating lifetime is limited.

Alkaline button or coin cell batteries

These Alkaline batteries are reliable and available if you’re looking for a cheap option. Their nominal voltage is 1.5 volts. The power quickly drops as they age or are used, but it’s an excellent option for people who often need to replace their batteries.

The output of the battery depends on how much voltage it can handle. If a device needs constant and relatively high voltage, its nominal capacity is low because you will often have to replace batteries. Alkaline batteries are suitable for devices that tolerate lower voltages since they last longer in those cases.

Alkaline batteries have a shelf life of about 3-5 years, but the age can vary depending on the manufacturer.

Silver-oxide button or coin cell batteries

Silver-oxide button/coin cells are perfect because they produce stable and constant voltages from the start of operation until their stop state, which can last up to 10 years. These batteries maintain a steady voltage (1.55 V vs. 1.50 V).

For the most part, silver-oxide batteries outshine alkaline ones in terms of battery life. For example, a typical SR626SW is around 25 – 27mAh, whereas an equivalent LR626 will be 15 to 17 mAh.

Silver-oxide batteries are the most popular of all watch battery types like the SR626SW.

The SR626SW watch battery is a perfect size and weight for a small, light-weight wristwatch. Its 1.55volt nominal voltage gives it 25-27 mAh of capacity, which lasts an appropriate amount of time. The SR626SW watch battery offers plenty of power for any timepiece. The capacity and runtime depend on the constant current drain, average temperature, maximum and minimum temperatures, and a cutoff voltage determined by your device’s needs.

For the most stable, reliable power and longer shelf life for your wristwatch, invest in SR626SW batteries. Determining the best battery for you can be a difficult task; however, if you want to make sure that your batteries are of good quality and will last as long as possible when in use, then I recommend buying from quality brands that have been tested by most.

Lithium button/coin cells

Lithium button/coin cells are the most cost-effective and efficient way to power small electronics like watch batteries. These batteries have negative electrode, which is the lithium and manganese-dioxide (carbon-monofluoride) for the positive electrode.

Manganese-dioxide lithium batteries are one of the types that start with ‘C. They have an operating temperature between -20°C (-4°F) and 70°C (158°F). The nominal voltage ranges from 3.0 to 2.5 V, while the cutoff voltage for most is at or below 2 volts when they become too discharge. One good example is the CR2032 battery.

The lithium-carbon monofluoride battery is a common type of battery with labels that start with ‘B’, and their operating temperature range has an upper limit at 185 degrees Fahrenheit. The nominal voltage for these batteries is 2.8 volts, and the cutoff voltage ranges from -30°C (22°F) to 85°C (185°F). One example of this kind of battery would be BR2032 which typically offers 190 milliamps per hour capacity.

Unlike other batteries, rechargeable lithium button/coin cell batteries can be charged and discharged many times (up to 1000), but their nominal capacity is lower than non-rechargeable CR or BR. They have a standard label of LiR#### with the most popular being 3.6 volts for various types.

There are different types of batteries, but the two most recommended for watches with lithium cells (BR#### and CR###) have vastly improved life spans. If you own a watch that uses lithium batteries, go for the CR#### battery since it has more power. The BR#### is also recommendable if you need to operate at high altitudes or during freezing conditions because they maintain their charge much better under these circumstances.

The CR1216 coin cell battery is the most commonly used lithium wristwatch battery. This has been used around for a long time, and it’s still one of the more popular options when choosing batteries to power your watch.

CR1216 watch battery is a non-rechargeable manganese lithium battery that stands out because of its physical dimensions, which are 12.5mm x 1.6 mm and 3 volts with an average capacity of 25 mAh. These batteries are made to do many different things, and the capacity can change depending on what they’re being used for. If you have an LED watch with alarms, those features will significantly shorten your battery life, so be mindful when using them.

Cobalt Titanium Lithium Button/Coin Cell Batteries

These types of batteries are one of the most popular types when it comes to watch batteries.

Cobalt Titanium Lithium button/coin cell batteries, short for “CTL” batteries, are the rechargeable type of watch batteries that come in many shapes and sizes. They can power wristwatches with some sort of recharging system, including automatic watches like the Rolex Submariner or solar-powered ones.

CTL batteries have a nominal voltage of 2.3 volts, which means that if you charge them with a constant voltage charging system, the battery’s cutoff point will be around 2.0v, so it doesn’t overcharge. CTL batteries are available with or without tabs. If you’re looking for a quick DIY fix, CTLs that don’t have tabs can be replaced at home; if not, it’s best to let the pros do it.

Lithium Titanium Button/Coin Cell Batteries (MT Batteries)

Lithium Titanium button/coin cell batteries, also known as MT cells, are a type of rechargeable watch battery that is similar to CTL and LiR. The most important difference between these types of batteries is the voltage: 1.5 volts for an MT Cell while 2.3 volts in CTLs or 3.6 volts on MLS & LIR’s.

There are a few different types of MT batteries, and one of these being very common is the MT621. These cells have an average cutoff voltage of around 1.2 volts, while their capacity varies depending on factors like battery size or drain conditions as well as how many times they’ve been charged/discharged.

MT batteries provide your device with a low voltage and offer you the chance to recharge it many times.

The Difference Between Battery and Capacitor

There are many ways to store the energy needed for watch operation.

Watch batteries, while being charged and discharged, convert electric energy into chemical energy. Watch capacitors store the charge onto two insulated electrodes to power your watch when it is not going through a process of conversion.

The watch capacitor is a small yet high-capacity battery that anyone can easily build. While they appear much more straightforward than batteries in watches, some drawbacks are primarily size capacity and longevity.

How To Replace a Watch Battery

Here are some excellent points to consider before you replace your watch battery:

Consider the size of the replacement or the battery for wrist watch. This is important because there are different sizes available and not all can be easily replaced with a new one. Watch batteries come in small, medium, and large sizes, so make sure that you get a replacement that will fit into your watch case or bracelet appropriately without making it too tight or too loose.

Consider the type of battery you need for your watch model and make sure that it is appropriate in size, voltage, capacity, or, more importantly, all three. Again, some batteries are not interchangeable so be mindful of these factors before purchasing because they can often vary greatly depending on what kind of watch you have.

If the watch is still under warranty, do not try to replace it on your own. The company may void your warranty if you open up the back and mess with any of its parts!

Find out how often battery replacements are needed for each type so that you can know when a replacement will be necessary to avoid being left without time after all.

If your old battery was an alkaline one and you are looking for a silver-oxide watch, then the choice is clear. The latter (silver oxide) will last longer than the former while also being more affordable in terms of cost peruse.

When replacing the watch battery, you should always be prepared. With some watches being opened and their batteries replaced with a toothpick, others requiring specialized repair kits or tools, so it’s best never to assume anything.

Watch maintenance should be done with care because the watch mechanism is as delicate as a flower. Do not even attempt to clean or lubricate your timepiece when replacing the battery. It’s best to handle this delicate process in a dust-free environment to protect these sensitive electronics from any particles entering its mechanism. Even just one drop of liquid could make such resistance as to destroy all parts of the device.

A friendly reminder that if you’re unsure what to do with a watch, don’t take it upon yourself and risk breaking the delicate machinery. Bring your timepiece in for a repair shop that can provide quick service so all of its parts are functioning as they should.

About the author, Phil Borges

Phil Borges is a battery aficionado. He's written extensively about batteries, and he loves nothing more than discussing the latest innovations in the industry. He has a deep understanding of how batteries work, and he's always on the lookout for new ways to improve their performance.