How Long Do Watch Batteries Last? Let's Find Out Here!

A quartz watch requires a battery to power its mechanism. Contrary to the classic mechanical watches, quartz watches are highly regarded for accuracy. However, one watch battery cannot keep the timekeeping mechanism running forever. So, how long do watch batteries last?

Every quartz watch wearer understands the procedure for battery replacement. Even the most accurate quartz watches need to replace their batteries to keep operating the way they do as functional time-telling devices.

There are telltale signs when a watch battery runs out. From a slight delay to an incorrect time-telling, a quartz watch that lacks accuracy may require a battery replacement. To understand a watch battery’s longevity better, take your time to read the following explanation.

Types of Batteries

Commonly, there are three types of watch batteries, namely silver oxide, alkaline, and lithium. However, most quartz watches typically use lithium batteries. A lithium battery has a large size and a flat shape. When drained, the battery needs to be replaced with a new one of the same size and depth as the one removed. The size and the depth are indicated by the number on the battery.

Which Battery Fits Your Watch?

Before planning when to replace a watch battery, understand the type of specific battery it needs. Generally, a quartz watch needs a button cell battery or a lithium battery. When it’s time for battery replacement, the two types of batteries become the standard.

Other than quartz watches, lithium and button cell batteries are used to power kinetic watches and smartwatches. A kinetic watch runs with a battery but is also powered up by a movement. The movement produces electricity in a tiny generator. It will be then used to recharge the battery.

On the other hand, a smartwatch typically uses a lithium battery. It’s rechargeable, but the running time before recharge will vary depending on the manufacturer. Some brands can last longer than others.

As for watch batteries that last the longest, will be the ones for solar watches. The rechargeable batteries can last up to 12 years. Some examples of solar watch collections you may commonly find in the market are Citizen Eco-Drive and Seiko Eco-Drive.

A solar watch battery often looks similar to the button cell type but functions differently. For example, if you wear a Citizen Eco-Drive Sunray, you should look for a specific battery for solar watches instead of a standard battery for quartz watches.

Read also: How to Measure Watch Durability for Everyday Wear and Tear 

Watch Battery Codes

As mentioned earlier, lithium batteries have codes. The code refers to the specific type of battery a watch requires. Here are the ways to read battery codes on lithium batteries and button cell batteries:

Lithium Batteries

Compared to button or coin cell batteries, lithium batteries are much smaller. Still, these tiny batteries have different sizes, varying in width and depth. The code for lithium batteries usually starts with either CR or BR, followed by the four-digit number. For example, a battery with code CR2016 means it’s 20 mm wide and 1.6 mm deep.

Button/Coin Cell Batteries

Silver oxide and alkaline usually come in the form of button cell batteries with 1.5 volts. Silver oxide batteries tend to be the most stable out of the three types, as they manage to maintain a constant output. On the other hand, alkaline batteries’ voltage tend to drop quickly once used. For this reason, it’s not recommended to use alkaline batteries to power up watches with a constant need for energy.

In a similar fashion to lithium batteries, the button or coin cell batteries have prefix letters followed by a number indicating their width and depth. Additionally, they have two codes on the surface—a 6-7 digit code of letters and numbers with another 2-3 number code. Prefixed in silver oxide or alkaline batteries are as follows:

• SR: Silver oxide.
• SG: Silver oxide.
• AG: Alkaline.
• LR: Alkaline
• L: Alkaline.

The code consists of a prefix, a number, and a suffix. As for the suffix, the silver oxide and alkaline batteries usually have either SW or W. SW means the battery is suited for low-draining timepieces, while W fits the high-drain timepieces. Batteries with the suffix W are commonly found in chronographs as they require extra power to operate.

For instance, SR626SW refers to a silver oxide watch with a 2.6 mm depth and 6.8 mm width. The measurement allows the battery to fit into tight spaces of small electronic devices, making it particularly fitting for wristwatches. Some manufacturers also add the number 377 to the SR626SW battery. The 377 number means a non-rechargeable silver-oxide low-drain battery.

Read also: How to Authenticate a Watch with a Serial Number Properly 

How Long Do Watch Batteries Last?

Newly purchased watches with active batteries typically last 2 years. As for an older timepiece, the lifespan may be shorter, ranging from 18 months to 2 years. The difference in battery lifespan differs depending on various factors, such as:

• Usage frequency: The battery will drain faster when the watch is worn regularly more than occasionally.
• Functionality: More features, such as LED displays and chronographs, will consume more energies, affecting the battery lifespan. Turn off unused features to preserve the battery life.
• Quality: High-quality batteries often outlast low-quality ones.
• Temperature: Extreme heat or cold can significantly affect a battery’s lifespan and effectiveness.
• Water: Constant moisture or water exposure may have hurt a watch’s performance and shorten its lifespan.
• Watch condition: Regular maintenance may reduce the risk of additional strain on the battery.

When to Change Watch Batteries

To change a quartz watch battery, you must pay attention to several indicators. Some of the signs that tell a watch battery may need replacement are as follows:

1. The Watch Runs Too Slow or Too Fast

A watch battery assures timekeeping accuracy. If a watch doesn’t show the time accurately, the problem probably lies in the battery lifespan. When a timepiece runs too slow, the battery needs a change. On the other hand, a watch operating too quickly could suggest a compromised or potentially damaged battery.

In the case of a digital watch, changing the battery may help resolve the issue immediately. However, a quartz watch may warrant a closer inspection. When the problem doesn’t resolve after a watch battery replacement, it may be because of other mechanism malfunctions, such as worn-out gears or dirt that prevents certain parts from operating properly.

2. The Watch Stops Working Altogether

Perhaps you’re too busy to notice when your watch runs too slow or too fast until it’s too late. When a watch stops running altogether, it suggests that a battery replacement is imminent. Once you notice a battery dies out, you should remove it immediately. A dead battery ruptures and may leak over corrosive chemicals. If the battery stays in a watch, the chemicals may hurt the internal parts and risks further damages.

3. The Case Bloats

Another part that indicates an immediate battery replacement is the case. A watch’s case may bloat or look swollen if there’s an apparent problem with the battery inside. Usually, this is caused by a faulty battery that increases the pressure inside the watch.

Read also: How Does a Quartz Watch Work? The Mechanics & Advantages 

4. The Watch Dial Dims

The watch face can indicate what goes wrong with your battery. In the case of a digital watch, a dimmed dial may suggest that the battery runs low. This problem should be resolved once you change the battery.

5. The Second Hand Doesn’t Move As Smoothly

In an analog watch, the second hand moves constantly with a smooth, sweeping motion. When it starts ticking in short, jerky movements, the problem may derive from the battery. The second hand jerks because there may not be enough power to move the mechanism inside the watch. As a result, the watch may perform poorly.

6. The Watch Suffers from Water Damage

The watch’s delicate inner mechanism may be severely impacted because of water seepage. Though some waterproof or water-resistant timepieces are built differently, most watches are still exposed to the risk of water damage which may directly affect the battery. Some of the indications of water damage are as follows:

• The second hand doesn’t move as smoothly as it normally does.
• Foggy appearance of the dial due to the build-up condensation.
• The dial’s color starts changing due to the water entering the inner part of the watch.
• Internal parts of the watch slowly corrode after being exposed to water.
• The watch may stop working altogether if the damage is serious.

If your watch experiences a lack of performance or apparent damage after engaging in water sports, bring it to a repair shop immediately. The inner delicate components may be affected by the water seeping into the mechanism. 

In Summary

A watch battery lifespan is affected by many factors, one of which is how often a watch is worn. So, the answer to “how long do watch batteries last?” varies depending on the condition the watch is put into. Sometimes, a watch battery may last longer than the other even though they’re from the same brand.

An active watch wearer must understand how to change a watch battery to avoid the problem that comes from the dead battery’s chemical leak. Once a battery dies, a replacement procedure should be done immediately. It can help protect the watch’s inner components from the potential battery’s corrosive chemical leakage.

Read also: How to Reset a Citizen Eco-Drive Watch the Right Way