Replacing batteries

Keano

So my watch collections is growing - thanks 893bet :P

However, I have a number of watches that need batteries replacing and I would like to do it myself rather than drop them into a shop and pay too much.

So what do you guys suggest I purchase to get be able to do this the right way?

MarcusP12

Hi, i know you are looking to do this yourself but i was in the same boat recently in terms of needing to replace batteries in a few watches and got 4 done in that small jewellers beside the dawson lounge for 7 quid each. Seemed good value for city centre so might be worth considering...

art

Keano wrote: »

So what do you guys suggest I purchase to get be able to do this the right way?

Different watch backs require different tools - there's no one fits all unfortunately! I can think of three types off the top of my head: screw in back which has notches (which can be different per model) and you need a "jaxa" type opener (prices varying from a couple of euros to several hundred for those), pop off where you need a good stiff short blade (couple of quid), standard screws (typical eye glass type screw drivers - another couple of quid). (A watch case vice can also be a useful thing to grip the watch securely without damaging it whilst variously trying to stab yourself with that blade or tearing scratch marks across the back with the jaxa...!!)

Wibbs

art wrote: »

Different watch backs require different tools - there's no one fits all unfortunately!

There is one Art that covers nearly all screwbacks
.



Basically a kids toy rubber ball. The only ones it won't open are the casebacks where the back is held in by a retaining ring(Vostoks some Bulovas etc). And of course pressfit and cases with screws. Indeed I had a particularly buggered caseback, where the threads were near welded together and other "proper" metal tools of the right kind couldn't shift it, but the cheap arse rubber ball did.

For about twenty quid on the Bay, you can get the rubber ball, a screwdriver set and rubber/plastic tipped tweezers(very important that, don't use metal tweezers anywhere near batteries). That should cover most of the basics to swap out batteries. The batteries you can get on the bay too, for little money.

The only issue will be the caseback rubber seals. If you want to retain water resistance these need to be changed. That's not an issue for me(all vintage quartz so...), but it might be for you? That said most jewelers won't replace gaskets either, unless they're an official dealer in a brand(and even then).

DavyD_83

I'm planning to replace batteries in all my dead watches (7?)
The plan is top open each, record details of the battery, order a replacement and then replace myself I'm fully aware of doing at my own risk etc etc.

So the realquestion is where do people buy batteries? I'm looking for a reliable and reasonably priced source, online or in Dublin.
Otherwise, I'll end up using batteries from those cheap multipacks, which is probably not ideal even though most of my watches aren't very expensive

Wibbs

Ebay. That's where I get mine. I look for the Renata brand. Most sellers seem to be French.

funkyouup

I use ebay aswell, think the same brand Wibbs mentioned.


The case back removal tool and tweezers are decent in this kit to be fair, its just the push pins and screwdrivers are dog ****.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00BVG3JMS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

DavyD_83

Cheers, will check eBay, good to know where to start at least. Wasn't finding much on Amazon, Ali etc.
I got a basic kit from Amazon a while back that I think should work for job.

fret_wimp2

Wibbs wrote: »

That said most jewelers won't replace gaskets either, unless they're an official dealer in a brand(and even then).

Never mind not replacing them, ive had jewellers neglect to put the gaskets back in as they can be a little bothersome, ive had a watch ruined because of this. It was a relatively cheap quartz but still, i paid for a job to be done and it wasnt done.

Brought it back and they said id tampered with it by opening it after it got soaked so wouldnt even look at it.

Similar more recently with a small jeweller in town, brought the Mrs Fret's quartz seiko in for a battery, making sure to ask him to put the seal back in correctly & he said he cant guarantee that so wouldnt change the battery for me at all.

Now id only get it done by someone who has been recommended by a trustworthy person in the know. Im happier to send it away rather than drop it into most jewellers.