How much to replace a watch battery?
How much to replace a watch battery?
How much should I expect to pay to have a watch battery replaced. The old battery seems to have used up all its charge. This would be for both the battery and replacing it successfully in the watch/
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Re: How much to replace a watch battery?
Depends on the type of battery and ease of replacing it. It should be somewhere between USD 6-9. My experience has been pretty bad with this though. I have done this 3 different watches and the new batteries died within couple of months. Hopefully, you will get the right person that use good battery.
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Re: How much to replace a watch battery?
I replaced 2 batteries 18 months ago. One was $12.95 and the other $15.95. One is still working and the other needs to be replaced.
Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered you will never grow. (Ralph Waldo Emerson)
Re: How much to replace a watch battery?
A local jeweler does them for $5. He has been doing this for years, and they work fine.
Jeff
Jeff
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Re: How much to replace a watch battery?
The last time I think the jeweler charged about $15. The batteries themselves you can often get from a well-stocked battery rack--locally, at CVS or Radio Shack--for about $4-$5 apiece but it's hard enough to replace them that I feel it's well worth paying to have the jeweler do it.
Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure nineteen nineteen and six, result happiness; Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure twenty pounds ought and six, result misery.
Re: How much to replace a watch battery?
Depends on the type of watch too. Some of them are dead easy, others like dive watches require special tools and should be pressure tested after being opened.
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Re: How much to replace a watch battery?
Last time I paid $10 (including the battery) from a watch shop where they guy actually made clocks and watches.
Re: How much to replace a watch battery?
In the rural area where I live, I have to drive 15 miles each way to the one and only place that replaces watch batteries for $20. (Waterproof watches cost more).
True Confession: I have many watches.
So I bought myself an inexpensive watch battery replacement kit from amazon, as well as sample sets of batteries. Through time, I've had to buy a new special tool for some different watch, and I've also ordered a few special batteries. Always less than the $20 (and, of course, I don't have to drive anywhere). My arsenal is now quite complete.
I now change all of my own watch batteries, except for my dive watch. It's easy.
True Confession: I have many watches.
So I bought myself an inexpensive watch battery replacement kit from amazon, as well as sample sets of batteries. Through time, I've had to buy a new special tool for some different watch, and I've also ordered a few special batteries. Always less than the $20 (and, of course, I don't have to drive anywhere). My arsenal is now quite complete.
I now change all of my own watch batteries, except for my dive watch. It's easy.
Re: How much to replace a watch battery?
I just paid $14 each for 2 watches and one stopwatch.
Re: How much to replace a watch battery?
or invest in a kenetic seiko watch. they last forever.
Re: How much to replace a watch battery?
i just paid $15 for a local jeweler doing a Rado. took him <20 mins.
Re: How much to replace a watch battery?
For the last 20 yrs I've worn watches that look like this:
http://www.amazon.com/Timex-T5J571-Spor ... roduct_top
$16 is a little steep for a watch. Usually I try to pay less. I assume the battery lasts forever or at least outlives the watch. I guess if a battery ever died on me (and it hasn't) - I'd throw the watch out and buy a new one.
http://www.amazon.com/Timex-T5J571-Spor ... roduct_top
$16 is a little steep for a watch. Usually I try to pay less. I assume the battery lasts forever or at least outlives the watch. I guess if a battery ever died on me (and it hasn't) - I'd throw the watch out and buy a new one.
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Re: How much to replace a watch battery?
My whole life I've bought my own batteries (latest from Amazon, 5 for <$5) and replaced them myself. Also replaced a friend's watch battery last year.
Pieces of cake.
Pieces of cake.
Re: How much to replace a watch battery?
'
Chinatown price for battery + labor: Five dollar.
Chinatown price for battery + labor: Five dollar.
Re: How much to replace a watch battery?
Or a solar powered watch by Citizen (and others).magicmom wrote:or invest in a kenetic seiko watch. they last forever.
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Re: How much to replace a watch battery?
8-10 dollars is what my local jeweler charges.
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Re: How much to replace a watch battery?
Agree. I tried changing one myself once and broke the watch face. I took my 2 watches recently to a Fossil store, and my watches are not Fossil, and they replaced them for $10 each. Not bad.nisiprius wrote:The last time I think the jeweler charged about $15. The batteries themselves you can often get from a well-stocked battery rack--locally, at CVS or Radio Shack--for about $4-$5 apiece but it's hard enough to replace them that I feel it's well worth paying to have the jeweler do it.
“If you think nobody cares if you're alive, try missing a couple of car payments.” – Earl Wilson
Re: How much to replace a watch battery?
I go to the diamond district in NY and bring 4-6 watches at a time and it usually costs $5 per watch.
Re: How much to replace a watch battery?
Same here. I did pay $18 for my last watch because I liked the styling. If it is worthwhile to get the batteries changed, I tend to do it abroad. I had it done in both Colombia and Thailand, total cost about $3 each time.lmpmd wrote:For the last 20 yrs I've worn watches that look like this:
http://www.amazon.com/Timex-T5J571-Spor ... roduct_top
$16 is a little steep for a watch. Usually I try to pay less. I assume the battery lasts forever or at least outlives the watch. I guess if a battery ever died on me (and it hasn't) - I'd throw the watch out and buy a new one.
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Re: How much to replace a watch battery?
My barber can also change watch batteries. A few years ago I brought my watch in when I needed a haricut. Took him 5 minutes to change the battery then he cut my hair. One stop shopping at its best, huh? The watch battery cost about $5 or $6. The haircut was about $16 including tip.
Re: How much to replace a watch battery?
I have had this very inexpensive Casio watch for years, and I never have had to replace the battery.
Gordon
Re: How much to replace a watch battery?
Casio watch batteries can last a very long time I have had some go 12 years.gkaplan wrote:I have had this very inexpensive Casio watch for years, and I never have had to replace the battery.
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Re: How much to replace a watch battery?
$5 where I go, including labor.
PJW
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Re: How much to replace a watch battery?
I've spent $10...not happy about it tho
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Re: How much to replace a watch battery?
Radio Shack installs it for me.
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Re: How much to replace a watch battery?
Suggestion: Get rid of your watches.
A few years ago, I had read that the younger generation no longer wears watches, since everyone already has cellphones, which have the date & time automatically updated. Cellphone date & time automatically updates for daylight savings time, and it automatically updates for timezones when you travel.
So I donated all my analog watches to goodwill for a tax deduction. Less clutter to worry about. Less stuff that I have to deal with. No more worrying about replacing watch batteries or watch straps. At first, it felt weird not wearing a watch. But now, years later, I'm glad I made the switch, and I'm never going back. It's like when I first cut my phone landline, and went cellphone only. It takes a few months to get used to the switch, but once people make the switch, they rarely switch back.
(Note: I still have a digital watch in my gym bag, for timing my workouts, and keeping time during armageddon blackout situations, like when Hurricane Sandy knocked out power for nearly a week)
A few years ago, I had read that the younger generation no longer wears watches, since everyone already has cellphones, which have the date & time automatically updated. Cellphone date & time automatically updates for daylight savings time, and it automatically updates for timezones when you travel.
So I donated all my analog watches to goodwill for a tax deduction. Less clutter to worry about. Less stuff that I have to deal with. No more worrying about replacing watch batteries or watch straps. At first, it felt weird not wearing a watch. But now, years later, I'm glad I made the switch, and I'm never going back. It's like when I first cut my phone landline, and went cellphone only. It takes a few months to get used to the switch, but once people make the switch, they rarely switch back.
(Note: I still have a digital watch in my gym bag, for timing my workouts, and keeping time during armageddon blackout situations, like when Hurricane Sandy knocked out power for nearly a week)
Re: How much to replace a watch battery?
I've never had a mobile phone.normaldude wrote:Suggestion: Get rid of your watches.
A few years ago, I had read that the younger generation no longer wears watches, since everyone already has cellphones, which have the date & time automatically updated. Cellphone date & time automatically updates for daylight savings time, and it automatically updates for timezones when you travel.
So I donated all my analog watches to goodwill for a tax deduction. Less clutter to worry about. Less stuff that I have to deal with. No more worrying about replacing watch batteries or watch straps. At first, it felt weird not wearing a watch. But now, years later, I'm glad I made the switch, and I'm never going back. It's like when I first cut my phone landline, and went cellphone only. It takes a few months to get used to the switch, but once people make the switch, they rarely switch back.
(Note: I still have a digital watch in my gym bag, for timing my workouts, and keeping time during armageddon blackout situations, like when Hurricane Sandy knocked out power for nearly a week)
Gordon
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Re: How much to replace a watch battery?
I do not carry a relatively heavy cell phone around. Usually all I need is the time on the radio of the car. In case I need the time like at a sports event, I wear a very light weight Timex watch, battery change costs $5. For some 'jewelery' at a place I need time, I wear a heavy Swiss Army watch, battery costs at a jewelry store was over $12, what a waste, but I got that watch for free from my former conglomerate employer.
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Re: How much to replace a watch battery?
Nix on the solar-powered watches. My wife got herself a pretty nice one, a Citizen Eco-Drive, about $300 I think. It turned out to be somewhat finicky--it didn't just stay charged in normal use, she had to be careful to give it quality time on a sunlit windowsill or under a turned-on room light to keep it going. And after about three years, the rechargeable battery crapped out and had to be replaced. Yes, that's right, the rechargeable battery didn't actually last any longer than the throwaways. And it cost something like $50 or $60 to have the battery replaced. And, you guessed it, after about three years the new rechargeable battery crapped out again.
My cheap mobile phone--cheapest clamshell-design TracFone had when I bought it--shows date and time on a little extra "outside" screen when you press an easy-to-find button provided for the purpose. But I notice that, unbelievable as it seems, my colleagues' spiffy, expensive, new smartphones DO NOT. There's no "external" screen, and they need to go through some rigamarole of swipes and magic passes to get to whatever it is that shows them the time. My own computer screen shows the time continuously in the Mac menu bar, and my wife's old XP machine did, too--but her spiffy new Windows 8 machine, amazing as it seems, DOES NOT. It shows the weather, the news headlines, ads, the date--but not the time.
So there may be some use for a traditional wristwatch since all the digital gadgets that show the time continuously.... don't any more.
My cheap mobile phone--cheapest clamshell-design TracFone had when I bought it--shows date and time on a little extra "outside" screen when you press an easy-to-find button provided for the purpose. But I notice that, unbelievable as it seems, my colleagues' spiffy, expensive, new smartphones DO NOT. There's no "external" screen, and they need to go through some rigamarole of swipes and magic passes to get to whatever it is that shows them the time. My own computer screen shows the time continuously in the Mac menu bar, and my wife's old XP machine did, too--but her spiffy new Windows 8 machine, amazing as it seems, DOES NOT. It shows the weather, the news headlines, ads, the date--but not the time.
So there may be some use for a traditional wristwatch since all the digital gadgets that show the time continuously.... don't any more.
Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure nineteen nineteen and six, result happiness; Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure twenty pounds ought and six, result misery.
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Re: How much to replace a watch battery?
I am of the younger generation. I wear a watch. In fact, I wear a sweet looking analog watch. It completes a look.normaldude wrote:Suggestion: Get rid of your watches.
A few years ago, I had read that the younger generation no longer wears watches, since everyone already has cellphones, which have the date & time automatically updated. Cellphone date & time automatically updates for daylight savings time, and it automatically updates for timezones when you travel.
So I donated all my analog watches to goodwill for a tax deduction. Less clutter to worry about. Less stuff that I have to deal with. No more worrying about replacing watch batteries or watch straps. At first, it felt weird not wearing a watch. But now, years later, I'm glad I made the switch, and I'm never going back. It's like when I first cut my phone landline, and went cellphone only. It takes a few months to get used to the switch, but once people make the switch, they rarely switch back.
(Note: I still have a digital watch in my gym bag, for timing my workouts, and keeping time during armageddon blackout situations, like when Hurricane Sandy knocked out power for nearly a week)
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Re: How much to replace a watch battery?
Buy a Rolex. You'll never have to change a battery or strap ever again!
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Re: How much to replace a watch battery?
I have a Polar heart monitor watch. It needs a battery change every few years. First time I went to the authorized Polar service guy. He charged about $10 to change the battery. The next time I checked YouTube and there was a video on how to change the battery for my exact model. I ordered batteries on eBay @ 4 batteries for 99 cents with free shipping. Actually received 8 batteries. Changing the battery was easy with the help of the video and the proper screwdrivers for the small screws. Total cost $0.99 with the next 7 changes free.
Re: How much to replace a watch battery?
My jeweler charges $25. and gives a three year warranty. Don't lose the receipt and you have a good deal.
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Re: How much to replace a watch battery?
My wife has done enough jewelry business with a local pawn store that they have changed ours for free.
Re: How much to replace a watch battery?
I just looked at Quicken and it seems the last Watch Battery I purchased (in 2012) cost me $2.13 (plus sales taxes) at Kroger's battery kiosk. I put it in myself so total cost was just that plus maybe 5 minutes to open the watch extract old batter insert new one and close up the watch. I do have a Lifetime Warranty on the whole operation (less cost of batteries).
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Re: How much to replace a watch battery?
+1gkaplan wrote:I've never had a mobile phone.
Would like to own a simple, conservative, bullet-proof, zero-maintenance watch.
Nisi, thanks for the heads-up on the solar watch battery problem. Was not aware of that. Sounds like the NiCd battery memory problem. Wonder if any digital solar watches use a capacitor for energy storage? (RQ)
Rolex (kinetic watches) never needing repair/replacement parts? I wish it were true, but is not. Once the first ham-fisted certified watch repairer opens the case, all bets are off on everything (waterproofness, reliability, continued trouble-free operation...). Now when I wear mine, I must first manually wind it as the self-winding mechanism I paid $150 in the last '80s for the Rolex factory repair only worked for 6 months afterwards. I'm tempted to fix it again and sell it as soon as possible afterwards.
My Timex Indiglo battery recently died. I kept the box that came with it. According to the instructions, if I send it back to Timex they will change the battery and service it for free. Should only required postage, so maybe $5.
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Re: How much to replace a watch battery?
No cell phone here, either. And until my ladyfriend bought me a watch in early 2008, I had not worn a watch in about 20 years.gkaplan wrote:I've never had a mobile phone.normaldude wrote:Suggestion: Get rid of your watches.
A few years ago, I had read that the younger generation no longer wears watches, since everyone already has cellphones, which have the date & time automatically updated. Cellphone date & time automatically updates for daylight savings time, and it automatically updates for timezones when you travel.
So I donated all my analog watches to goodwill for a tax deduction. Less clutter to worry about. Less stuff that I have to deal with. No more worrying about replacing watch batteries or watch straps. At first, it felt weird not wearing a watch. But now, years later, I'm glad I made the switch, and I'm never going back. It's like when I first cut my phone landline, and went cellphone only. It takes a few months to get used to the switch, but once people make the switch, they rarely switch back.
(Note: I still have a digital watch in my gym bag, for timing my workouts, and keeping time during armageddon blackout situations, like when Hurricane Sandy knocked out power for nearly a week)
Re: How much to replace a watch battery?
Just as another data point regarding solar powered watches, I've owned two Citizen eco-drives for the last few years and never had any problem with either of them holding a charge. They even stay charged throughout the long gloomy winters here, mostly just on office light. One is radio controlled and so is 100% accurate. Don't even need to manually change daylight time. According to the internet these watches use a lithium-titanate power cell. Eco-drives are generally well reviewed on Amazon and elsewhere.
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Re: How much to replace a watch battery?
I remember the cost to be $10 - $15 depending on where. Most jewelers can do it for relatively cheap without damaging the watch. The biggest chain shop I know that does it is the Macy's in Herald Sq NY.
Re: How much to replace a watch battery?
Where I live Walmart will replace the battery free if you buy it from them.
Slow and steady wins the race.
Re: How much to replace a watch battery?
Our Walmart use to do this but I guess they messed up some watches. They did several for us with no problems before this happened. Of course I don't show up with a Rolex.Abe wrote:Where I live Walmart will replace the battery free if you buy it from them.
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Re: How much to replace a watch battery?
Swiss Army Watch: Local antique clock shop, $15. Shoe repair shop $5.
Brietling: $45. Jewelers -- the local shops wouldn't touch it. "Too risky".
Brietling: $45. Jewelers -- the local shops wouldn't touch it. "Too risky".
Re: How much to replace a watch battery?
I only have two pieces of jewelry. My wedding band and my watch. To me it dresses up my look, especially when wearing a suit.normaldude wrote:Suggestion: Get rid of your watches.
A few years ago, I had read that the younger generation no longer wears watches, since everyone already has cellphones, which have the date & time automatically updated. Cellphone date & time automatically updates for daylight savings time, and it automatically updates for timezones when you travel.
So I donated all my analog watches to goodwill for a tax deduction. Less clutter to worry about. Less stuff that I have to deal with. No more worrying about replacing watch batteries or watch straps. At first, it felt weird not wearing a watch. But now, years later, I'm glad I made the switch, and I'm never going back. It's like when I first cut my phone landline, and went cellphone only. It takes a few months to get used to the switch, but once people make the switch, they rarely switch back.
(Note: I still have a digital watch in my gym bag, for timing my workouts, and keeping time during armageddon blackout situations, like when Hurricane Sandy knocked out power for nearly a week)
- Cell Phone: battery lasts about 24 hours, relatively fragile
- Watch: Battery lasts for 5 years and waterproof
Re: How much to replace a watch battery?
I had exact opposite experience of Citizen Eco Drive. My watch is more than 10 years old and to date, never had a problem. I do wear full sleeves shirt many times, so watch is hiding behind the sleeves. If I need to check the time, I have seen seconds hand trying to do catch up when it dozes off to save power when light is not enough. But it has never died on me and always maintains time. It also seems to equally happy in office lights or home lighting. Even 14 hours flights where they switch off the lights and force all passengers to take a nap and did not create problems.nisiprius wrote:Nix on the solar-powered watches. My wife got herself a pretty nice one, a Citizen Eco-Drive, about $300 I think. It turned out to be somewhat finicky--it didn't just stay charged in normal use, she had to be careful to give it quality time on a sunlit windowsill or under a turned-on room light to keep it going. And after about three years, the rechargeable battery crapped out and had to be replaced. Yes, that's right, the rechargeable battery didn't actually last any longer than the throwaways. And it cost something like $50 or $60 to have the battery replaced. And, you guessed it, after about three years the new rechargeable battery crapped out again.
Re: How much to replace a watch battery?
The last time I had watch batteries changed it was $25 a watch supposedly because they would clean it and replace the gasket. I did that because the time before, a watch was ruined when I took it to have the battery changed.
So this last time, I changed them myself. I ordered a watch crab set and two sizes of batteries needed from Amazon for under $12 and changed three watch batteries myself and have enough batteries left over to change them again when these run out.
It took a few minutes to do it but was worth it.
So this last time, I changed them myself. I ordered a watch crab set and two sizes of batteries needed from Amazon for under $12 and changed three watch batteries myself and have enough batteries left over to change them again when these run out.
It took a few minutes to do it but was worth it.
Re: How much to replace a watch battery?
I have two Citizen Eco Drives. The first one I bought in 2003, still works perfectly. Very nice watch which I wore every day for 9 years. I set the time on it twice a year when doing the savings time switch. It has never stopped due to lack of charge.
Last year I decided I wanted a little variety and ordered an Eco Drive that has a radio receiver that synchronizes with WWVB each night. This gives it perfect time as well. I wear this one more often than the first watch now. It handles DST changing on it's own.
I only carry my smart phone when going on a trip. Horrible things. They disturb my serenity. Plus I'm an INTJ who doesn't need a lot of external stimulation to keep my mind going.
Last year I decided I wanted a little variety and ordered an Eco Drive that has a radio receiver that synchronizes with WWVB each night. This gives it perfect time as well. I wear this one more often than the first watch now. It handles DST changing on it's own.
I only carry my smart phone when going on a trip. Horrible things. They disturb my serenity. Plus I'm an INTJ who doesn't need a lot of external stimulation to keep my mind going.
Re: How much to replace a watch battery?
I just replaced two batteries in two days. $9.95 plus tax. The lady next to me today was charged $7.95 each for three and when I asked why mine was higher, I was told "different batteries."
Re: How much to replace a watch battery?
Pop cover off, take old battery out note number, go to Kroger buy new battery (last one was $4), put new battery in, replace cover. Total cost $4. DIY.
OAG=Old Army Guy. Retired CW4 USA (US Army) in 1979 21 years of service @ 38.
Re: How much to replace a watch battery?
I bought a watch toolkit off ebay and do it myself. Now I wear a Seiko Kinetic so no batteries for me.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_nr_p_72_ ... 2661617011
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_nr_p_72_ ... 2661617011
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