Even in a world dominated by smartphones, the classic wristwatch remains a stylish and practical accessory. But what powers these time-telling companions? The answer, more often than not, is a small but mighty battery.
This article is your comprehensive guide to understanding how long watch batteries last. We’ll explore the various types of watches, the batteries they use, and the factors that influence battery lifespan. Whether you own a classic quartz timepiece or a modern solar-powered watch, knowing how long your watch battery should last is key to proper maintenance and ensuring your watch keeps ticking.
From quartz to solar, here’s your guide to everything you need to know about watch batteries.
Factors Affecting Watch Battery Lifespan
How long your watch battery lasts depends on a few things, including the type of watch you own, the features you use, and the age and condition of the watch itself.
Watch Type
- Quartz watches: These watches usually run on button cell batteries that last from one to five years, depending on how you use the watch, what features it has, and the quality of the battery itself.
- Solar watches: Solar-powered watches use rechargeable batteries that can last up to 12 years. Citizen Eco-Drive and Seiko Eco-Drive are popular examples.
- Kinetic watches: These watches use a hybrid charging system powered by movement. With consistent use, the batteries can last six to 10 years. Wrist movement charges supercapacitors within the watch.
- Smartwatches: Smartwatches run on rechargeable lithium batteries, so you’ll need to charge them frequently.
Watch Features and Usage
Watches with a lot of bells and whistles (alarms, LED displays, chronographs) need more power to run, which shortens the battery life. If you turn off the features you’re not using, you can save power.
If you use features like backlights and alarms a lot, your battery will drain faster.
Watch Age and Maintenance
Older watches that haven’t been serviced regularly may drain batteries faster than newer watches.
Regular maintenance can help prevent problems before they affect the battery or the movement of the watch.
Water damage can also cause performance problems and potentially severe damage, so it’s important to keep your watch clean and dry.
Types of watch batteries
Watch batteries come in a few different varieties, each with its own characteristics:
Silver oxide batteries
These are the batteries most commonly used in watches because they’re stable and have a relatively constant voltage during discharge. Silver oxide batteries are typically marked with codes starting with “SR” or “SG.”
Alkaline batteries
Alkaline batteries aren’t usually recommended for watches because their voltage tends to drop over time. They’re marked with codes starting with “AG” or “LR.”
Lithium batteries
You’ll often find lithium batteries in quartz watches because they tend to last longer than other types. They deliver a 3-volt power supply and are typically marked with codes starting with “CR” or “BR.”
Understanding Watch Battery Codes
Watch battery codes tell you about a battery’s size, including its diameter and thickness. Here’s how to read them:
Lithium Batteries (CR/BR)
- The first two numbers are the diameter in millimeters.
- The second two are the thickness, measured in tenths of a millimeter.
For example, a CR2016 battery is lithium, 20mm in diameter, and 1.6mm thick.
Silver Oxide/Alkaline Batteries (SR/AG)
These batteries typically have a three-digit code that matches a standard size. Common sizes are 377 and 364.
Why Battery Size Matters
Using the wrong battery size can damage your watch or prevent it from working properly. Always use the size recommended by the manufacturer.
Signs your watch battery needs replacing
How do you know when your watch’s battery is about to die?
- Complete stoppage. This is the most obvious sign. If your watch has stopped working altogether, the battery is almost certainly dead.
- Skipping seconds. If you have a quartz watch, you may see the second hand moving erratically or skipping multiple seconds at a time. This means the battery doesn’t have enough power to move the hand smoothly.
- Losing time. A watch that’s gradually losing accuracy probably isn’t getting enough power to keep accurate time.
- Fading display. Digital watches may show a faint or dim display when the battery is low.
DIY vs. professional watch battery replacement
Replacing a watch battery yourself can save you money, but there are risks.
Risks of DIY battery replacement
- It’s easy to damage the delicate components of the watch. Using the wrong tools or techniques can scratch the crystal, damage the movement, or break tiny parts.
- You might use the wrong battery type or size, which can cause leaks, corrosion, or other damage.
- You might compromise the watch’s water resistance if you don’t reseal it properly after the replacement.
Benefits of professional watch battery replacement
- Expert technicians make sure the watch is properly inspected, the battery is replaced, and the watch is resealed. Professionals use specialized tools and techniques to avoid damage.
- Proper sealing maintains the watch’s water resistance, which is crucial for protecting the watch’s mechanisms from water damage.
- The technician will make sure the correct battery type and size are used, which prevents damage and keeps the watch running smoothly.
How to extend your watch battery life
- Avoid extreme temperatures. Heat and cold can drain a battery faster than normal. Try to keep your watch at room temperature when you aren’t wearing it.
- Store your watch correctly. When you aren’t using your watch, put it in a cool, dry place. For quartz watches, pull the crown to stop the movement, which can save battery power.
- Maintain your watch. Routine maintenance can catch small problems before they damage the movement or drain the battery.
Wrapping Up
As you’ve learned, the lifespan of a watch battery depends on several factors, including the type of watch you have, how often you use its features, the age of the watch, and how well you maintain it.
Choosing the right battery and having it replaced properly are essential to keeping your watch in good working order. When in doubt, it’s always best to seek professional help to avoid damaging your timepiece.
By following the tips in this guide, such as keeping your watch clean and dry, storing it properly, and avoiding extreme temperatures, you can extend the life of your watch battery and keep your favorite accessory ticking for years to come. A little proactive maintenance can go a long way!