Learn how to open the back of your watch. Can you change the battery yourself?

If your quartz watch is not performing accurately, it's likely that the battery is dead. You can have the battery replaced by a watch manufacturer or a specialist, or you can do it yourself if you have the tools and knowledge. Here we'll explain how to open the back of your watch, the replacement procedure, and what to be careful of when replacing the battery yourself.

Quartz watch battery replacement

Quartz watches require battery replacement every few years. If you leave your watch with a dead battery for a long time, it will not last long. If you notice any abnormalities in the behavior of your watch, consider replacing the battery.

When to replace the battery

The battery life of a quartz watch varies depending on the mechanism and model, but it is said to be 2 to 3 years for a three-hand watch. If you frequently use a chronograph, which consumes a lot of battery power, the battery life will be shorter than the standard.

If you notice symptoms such as the second hand skipping or the watch no longer showing the correct time, it is likely that the battery is dead. If the battery runs out, replace it as soon as possible. Leaving it as is could result in battery leakage and cause the watch to malfunction.

Battery replacement process

Battery replacement for quartz watches at watch manufacturers and repair shops generally follows the steps below.

• Check the exterior for any damage
• Use the special tool to open the back cover
• Replacing the battery with tweezers
• Close the back cover
• Inspect and clean

The battery replacement process begins and ends with an inspection. It is not just a matter of simply replacing the battery. Since the cause of the poor accuracy may not be due to a dead battery, it is important to check for any malfunctions in the watch itself or the crown before starting the work.

Where to request a battery replacement

Places to request battery replacement include manufacturers, watch repair shops, and electronics retailers.

If you value peace of mind and reliability, contact the manufacturer or the authorized retailer where you purchased the watch. In addition to battery replacement, you can receive comprehensive maintenance services only available through authorized service. If the watch is still within the warranty period, repairs will be free of charge.

You may be able to get your watch battery replaced cheaply at a watch repair shop or electronics retailer, but the level of skill varies depending on the person in charge. When choosing a place to go, make sure they have a watch repair technician on staff.

How to change the battery yourself

Unlike overhauling a mechanical watch, it is possible to replace the battery in a quartz watch yourself. If you insist on opening the back cover and replacing the battery yourself, check the procedure. However, keep in mind that there are risks involved in the process.

Case back type

The first thing you should check when changing the battery yourself is the type of case back. There are three types of case backs for watches: screw-in, snap-in, and screw-down.

Each type has a different way of opening, so be sure to check which type your watch belongs to.

How to open the back cover for each type

The method for opening the back cover varies depending on the type, but in all cases, you need to handle it gently and carefully. If you use too much force, you may scratch the case, so be careful when working with it.

For screw-in watches, you need to first firmly secure the watch body and then use a special tool called a "screw opener" to rotate and open the back cover. This can be quite difficult as you need to adjust the width of the opener's jaws.

If it is a snap-on type, insert the opener into the gap between the body and the back cover and gently press in to open the back cover. Be careful not to damage the back cover with too much force.

If it is a screw-type, remove it by loosening each screw with a screwdriver. Because it is a simple design, even beginners will find it easy to do.

Battery replacement procedure and how to close the back cover

Once you have opened the back of the watch, you can replace the battery by grasping it with tweezers. The movement is a precision machine, so please be careful not to touch it with your bare hands.

Once the replacement is complete, close the back cover and return the watch to its original state. It is important to be careful not to move the crown out of place when closing it. We also recommend greasing the waterproof gasket before closing the back cover.

Things to note when replacing the battery yourself

It is possible to change the battery in a quartz watch yourself without having to ask a watch manufacturer or a specialist. However, it is difficult to achieve the same level of quality as a professional. Here's why.

High risk of failure

Changing the battery requires opening the case back to expose the movement, but unless the correct environment is used, the results can only be ideal. If the tools are handled improperly, the plate can be scratched or the circuitry damaged.

There are many cases where malfunctions occur due to dust being trapped inside the case during work. The environment of the workbench also needs to be taken into consideration. Unless you are a manufacturer or a watch maintenance company, it is difficult to realistically prepare an environment suitable for battery replacement.

Requires initial costs and knowledge

It is possible to open the back cover using a special tool, but the process itself requires advanced skills. It is difficult for an amateur to master the techniques, such as how much force to use and which tool to use, without repeated practice.

Since the tools themselves are expensive, it will often be cheaper to simply request repairs from the manufacturer.

It is best to ask the manufacturer to replace the battery in your watch.

It is possible to change the battery in a quartz watch by opening the back cover yourself, but as mentioned above, there are issues that cannot be ignored, such as the risk of malfunction, the difficulty of the work, and the initial cost of special tools.

Unless there are special circumstances, do not change the battery yourself, but ask the manufacturer to do it for you. It is cheaper than overhauling or maintenance, so there is no need to take the risk of damaging your watch. If you are still interested in doing the work, it is a good idea to purchase a watch for practice.