01684 574077
It's one of the questions we hear most often across the counter here at Parrys of Malvern. Someone pops in with a watch that's stopped, or one that's started losing time, and they want to know whether it's just the battery or something more serious. Usually they also ask, "Wasn't it only replaced a little while ago?"
So let's answer it properly. How long should a watch battery last, what affects it, and how do you know when it's time for a new one?
For most standard quartz watches, a battery will last somewhere between two and three years. Some go longer, some go a bit less, but that's a fair rule of thumb for an everyday analogue watch from brands like Sekonda or Rotary.
Some watches are built with long-life batteries that can run for five years or more, and a few high-end quartz models are designed to go for up to ten. On the other hand, a watch packed with features may need a fresh battery every year or so.
Not all watches use power in the same way. Here are the main things that make a difference.
The type of watch. A simple three-hand quartz watch is very efficient. A chronograph (a watch with a stopwatch function) uses more power, especially if you leave the stopwatch running. Digital watches with backlights, alarms and chimes also drain batteries faster.
The size of the battery. Smaller, slimmer watches, particularly ladies' dress watches, often use tiny cells that simply can't hold as much power as the larger batteries found in chunkier men's watches.
The quality of the battery. This one matters more than people think. A cheap battery bought online or fitted in a hurry might only last a year. At Parrys, we use quality silver oxide cells suited to your particular movement, so you get the full life out of every replacement.
How long the battery sat on a shelf. Batteries slowly lose charge even before they're fitted. A battery that's been sitting in a drawer for years won't last as long once it's in your watch.
Temperature. Very hot or very cold conditions can shorten battery life, so leaving a watch on a sunny windowsill or in a cold car isn't ideal.
We hear this a lot too. A quartz watch keeps running whether it's on your wrist or tucked away in a jewellery box, so the battery is being used all the time. If you have a watch you only wear on special occasions, it's worth bringing it in to be checked every couple of years so it's ready when you need it.
Many quartz watches give you a helpful warning before they stop altogether. Look out for:
If you notice any of these, it's a good idea to get the battery replaced sooner rather than later.
This is the bit we really want people to know. A flat battery left inside a watch for months or years can leak. When that happens, it can corrode the movement and cause damage that costs far more to fix than a simple battery change.
If a watch has stopped and you don't plan to wear it for a while, we'd always recommend having the old battery removed or replaced. It's a small job that can save a treasured watch.
It's worth mentioning that not every watch needs a battery change in the usual way.
Automatic and mechanical watches don't have batteries at all. They're powered by the movement of your wrist or by winding. If one of these stops, it may need winding or a service rather than a battery.
Solar watches use a rechargeable cell that's topped up by light. These cells can last many years, often ten or more, but they do eventually wear out and need replacing.
Kinetic watches also use a rechargeable cell or capacitor, which can lose its ability to hold charge over time.
If you're not sure what kind of watch you have, just bring it in and we'll take a look.
Not always. Sometimes a watch stops because of dirt or dried oil in the movement, a problem with the hands, or moisture getting inside. That's why it's worth having your battery changed by an experienced jeweller rather than simply swapping it yourself. When we open a watch here at Parrys of Malvern, we can spot other issues early and let you know honestly whether it's the battery or something that needs a closer look.
It's also important to think about water resistance. Opening a watch case can disturb the seals, so if your watch is water resistant, it's worth asking about having the seals checked at the same time.
At Parrys of Malvern, we've been looking after the watches and jewellery of local people since 1952. As an independent, family-run jeweller at 115 Church Street, in the heart of Great Malvern, we offer friendly, professional watch battery replacements alongside our full range of watch and jewellery repairs.
Whether it's an everyday watch, a much-loved family heirloom or a special piece you only wear now and again, we'll treat it with the same care. And if your watch needs more than a battery, we'll talk you through the options so you can decide what's best.
We're also happy to help with strap adjustments, links added or removed, and general advice on keeping your watch in good condition. If you're thinking of treating yourself to something new, have a browse of our watch collection too.
If your watch has stopped or is starting to struggle, come and visit us at Parrys of Malvern, 115 Church Street, Malvern, WR14 2AJ. We're open Tuesday to Saturday, 9.30am to 4.15pm. You can also give us a call on 01684 574077 or get in touch online.
We'll have you back on time in no time.
