How long does a quartz watch battery last?
A typical quartz watch battery lasts between two and five years. Simple three-hand watches are at the longer end; watches with chronographs, alarms, lights or other functions use more power and need changing sooner. Some quartz watches are designed for ten years or more, and solar-powered watches can run for many years without a battery change.
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Signs the battery is running out
- The seconds hand jumps in four-second steps. Many quartz watches do this deliberately as a low-battery warning.
- The watch starts losing time, or stops and restarts.
- Functions stop working, such as a chronograph or a light, before the timekeeping fails.
Don't leave a dead battery in
A dead battery left in a watch for months can leak, and the chemicals can damage the movement. If a quartz watch stops and you're not ready to replace the battery, have it removed.
Getting the battery changed
- Water resistance matters. Opening the caseback disturbs the seal. If the watch is water-resistant, ask for the gasket to be checked and the case pressure-tested after the change.
- Use the right battery. The correct type is usually given in the manual or printed on the old battery.
- Ask for a check-up. A battery change is a good moment to clean the case and check the seals.
Keep a record
Note the date of every battery change. After one or two changes you'll know how long a battery lasts in that watch, and roughly when the next one is due. WristLog.app tracks battery changes for quartz watches alongside their service history, so the answer is always on your phone.
Common questions
Can I change a watch battery myself?
It's possible with the right tools, but it's easy to scratch the caseback or damage the seal, which affects water resistance. For a watch you care about, a watchmaker is the safer choice.
Why does my quartz watch tick every four seconds?
On many quartz watches, that's the end-of-life indicator: the movement saves power by moving the seconds hand in four-second jumps, telling you the battery needs changing soon.
Do solar watches need batteries?
Solar watches use a rechargeable cell that's charged by light. It lasts many years, but it can eventually need replacing.
WristLog.app
See it for your own collection.
WristLog.app catalogues your watches from a photo and shows you how you really wear them. Free on iPhone and Android.
