When is the best time to change the battery in a quartz watch?

Battery-powered quartz watches require battery replacement every few years as the battery deteriorates. While it's common to think that you should only replace the battery once it stops working, it's actually best to replace it before the battery dies. This article explains why.

The timing of battery replacement is important to prolong the life of your quartz watch

　Even watch enthusiasts tend to forget about replacing the battery in their quartz watches. It's especially important for users to be aware that if the battery dies and is left unused for a long period of time, it can explode or leak, damaging the watch itself.

　When is the appropriate time to replace the battery in a quartz watch? Common sense would dictate that you should replace it when the battery dies and the watch stops working completely. With the exception of complicated watches with many moving hands, such as perpetual calendars and special chronographs, most quartz watches will continue to function for three to four years after a battery change.

The clock will tell you when it's time to replace it

　However, the important thing here is that it is best to replace the battery before it dies. This is because if a certain amount of time has passed since the battery died, it will begin to over-discharge and could leak at any time.

　So how can you tell when the battery is about to run out? The key is to observe the movement of the watch's second hand. The second hand of most quartz watches moves in steps every second, but if it moves in 3-4 second increments instead of every second, you can assume that it's time to change the battery.

　Watch button batteries have the property of maintaining a constant voltage for several years, then dropping just before they run out. The IC inside a quartz movement uses this property to detect a drop in voltage from a certain level, and changes the rhythm of the electrical signals it sends to the rotor. How this happens varies depending on the type of movement, but they all have one thing in common: they will no longer behave normally.

Replace the packing at the same time as replacing the battery.

　While it's possible to simply replace the battery, it's also a good idea to check the condition of the gasket inside the case. The timing varies depending on the watch, but it's recommended to do so about once every two to four years. Rubber and resin gaskets deteriorate over time, so regular replacement is necessary to maintain the watch's water resistance.

　Additionally, unless you are familiar with watch repairs, it is not recommended to try to change the battery yourself. While most quartz watch batteries can be replaced with a case back opening tool, tweezers, and a screwdriver, it is safer to ask the manufacturer or a specialist store to do the job, as the watch may lose water resistance after the battery replacement and the warranty may be voided.