How to Change Timex Batteries

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: September 15, 2021

If your Timex watch has stopped working, you probably need to change the battery. While the task can seem complicated, changing a battery is a simple process. If your watch has screws, you'll need a tiny screwdriver. If your watch doesn't have screws, you can change the battery using a knife. The process only takes a few minutes and, when you're done, your watch will be good as new.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Changing the Battery in a Watch with Screws

1
Slide out the strap. If your watch is buckled, unbuckle it. Then, slide the strap out of the slots on the side of the watch. Set the strap aside for now.^{[1]
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2
Unscrew the screws. Use a small screwdriver, specifically designed for watches, to unscrew all the small screws on the side of the watch. Make sure to set the screws in a safe place. As they are small, they're easy to misplace.^{[2]
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- Some drugstores sell screwdrivers you can use on watches. You can also buy one online.
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3
Remove the back of the watch. Once the screws are removed, you can use your fingers to remove the back of the watch. Simply lift the back off the watch and set it aside somewhere safe for now.^{[3]
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4
Replace the battery. Use a small knife or a similar tool to pry the battery out of the watch. Batteries are not stuck in tightly, so it should come out easily with minimal force. Put a new battery in the old battery's place.^{[4]
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5
Reassemble the watch. Place the back of the watch back in place. Use your screwdriver to screw the screws back in place. Then, slide the strap back on. Your watch is now ready to use again.^{[5]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Changing the Battery in a Watch without Screws

1
Remove the strap. If your watch is buckled, unbuckle it and slide off the strap. It's easy to do. Just slip the strap out of the slots on either side of the watch. Set the strap aside for now.^{[6]
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2
Push the crown into the case. The crown refers to the tiny knob on the corner of the watch, used to wind the watch and set it to the right time. If the crown is not already pushed in all the way, push it into the watch before taking apart the watch head.^{[7]
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3
Locate the slot on the case back. Turn the watch head on its side and look closely along the edges. You should notice a tiny slot somewhere along the edge of the watch. You insert a thin tool into this slot to pry off the back of the watch.^{[8]
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4
Hold the watch face down on a soft cloth. A soft cloth protects the glass on the watch. Use one hand to place the watch face down on the cloth, securing the edges of the watch with your fingers. Press the watch firmly onto the cloth.^{[9]
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5
Pry off the back of the watch using a knife. Use the tip of a sharp knife. Insert the tip into the slot you located earlier. Use the knife to gently push the back of the watch upward until you hear a popping noise. The back of the watch should then pop off, so it can be easily removed and set aside for now.^{[10]
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6
Pry out the battery with your knife. A watch battery is a round, metallic disc found in the center of the watch. The battery should come out easily. Simply insert the tip of the knife along the edge of the battery and pry it out. You do not need to use a lot of force, as the battery is only loosely inserted in the watch and pops out easily.^{[11]
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7
Add the new battery. Take your replacement battery out of its case. Press it into the center of the watch until you hear a small snapping noise. This means the battery is in place.^{[12]
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8
Place the watch on the floor. Set your watch face down on the floor. If your floor does not have carpeting, place a piece of cardboard under the watch. Put the back of the watch back in place.^{[13]
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9
Reassemble the watch. Take a bottle cap and set it on the back of the watch. Gently press down on the bottle cap using your foot until you hear a snapping noise. This means the watch back has snapped back into place and you can now put your strap back on the watch.^{[14]
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- It's very important you only use gentle weight when pressing down with your foot. If you use your full body weight, you'll break the watch.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Avoiding Common Mistakes

1
Read your instruction manual first. You should always read your instruction's manual first, if you still have it. It may give you some tips and tricks on how to effectively remove the battery. It may also include some precautions, such as not using certain types of tools or materials on the watch.
2
Wear goggles while removing a watch's battery. No matter how gentle you are with your watch, there's always a chance the glass will break. Wear a pair of safety goggles while you work to prevent accidents.
3
Make sure you have the right type of battery. Watch batteries have letters and numbers written on them, indicating the battery type. When picking a replacement battery, get a battery with the same code. If you get the wrong battery, your watch will not work.^{[15]
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- If you still have your instruction's manual, that should tell you the battery type as well.
4
Be gentle with your watch. Watches are very delicate and can be expensive to replace. Go very slowly when using your tools and always use light, gentle motions. This reduces the risk of damage.