Published on: June 16, 2022
Written by Liam Jaxon / Fact-checked by David Rowan
The question above is a hard one, and one that we hear a lot at TimesTicking. It’s also not unusual for a watch’s original battery to outlast its replacements. So, to assist clarify the air, we’re going to break down this issue. Quartz and battery-operated watches each have their own distinct identity and narrative to tell, but there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing (or owning) a battery-operated movement.
A watch battery’s life is determined by a variety of factors. It’s easy to forget that our favorite wearable time-keepers include a slew of little pieces that keep us on track every day. These components are all lubricated to minimize friction and, as a result, the amount of energy required to run them. A brand-new watch with freshly greased gears uses the least amount of electricity to operate, thus the battery might last several years.
As the watch becomes older, the lubricants dry out, requiring more energy to power the gears. A battery in a regular watch will last around one year on average. If you need to replace your battery more than once a year, it’s time to get your watch repaired; during a watch service, the movement is cleansed of old lubricant and re-oiled.
Tips on Extending Your Watch Battery Life
Try the suggestions below to extend the life of your watch’s battery.
Allow your screen to shut off
- Instead of continually showing the time, you may configure the display to switch off when not in use.
From the top of the screen, swipe down
- Select Display from the drop-down menu under Settings.
- Toggle the Always-on screen on or off at the bottom of the screen.
- You may also temporarily disable the display and notifications.
Attempt a new watch face
- Some watch faces consume more battery life than others, particularly those with animations or interactive features.
Boost the screen’s brightness
- The faster your watch’s battery drains, the brighter the screen. Learn how to reduce the brightness of your screen.
Turn off any alerts that you don’t wish to receive
- Open the Wear OS app Wear OS by Google on your phone.
- Scroll down to “Settings,” then hit Notifications. App notifications should be turned off.
- Tap Add more Plus to add another app to the block list.
- To ban an app, simply tap it.
- Apps should be removed.
- If you’ve recently installed an app and your battery is draining quicker than usual, consider removing it.
To remove a watch app from your device, follow these steps
- To wake up your watch if the screen is dark, touch it.
- Press and hold the Power button to access your app list.
- Tap Play Store Google Play at the bottom of the screen.
- My App is accessible by swiping down from the top of the screen.
- To remove an app, first, tap it, then scroll to the bottom and tap Uninstall.
Examine the battery life and use
You can access more extensive battery information with the Wear OS app, including:
- The applications that use your watch’s battery power
- The projected life of your battery
- When your battery is connected to electricity, how long it will take to charge.
- A graph showing how long your battery lasts.
Here’s how to get battery information from the app:
- Check to see if your watch is linked to your phone.
- Open the Wear OS by Google app on your phone.
- Scroll down to “Options,” then to “Advanced settings,” then to “Watch battery.”
How Long Does It Take for a Watch to Run Out of Battery?
Everyone who owns a battery-powered watch asks this question, and properly so. As a general rule, the battery on a new watch should last up to two years; for older watches, we predict 14-18 months. Find out why your battery doesn’t last this long in the section below.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Battery in a Watch?
This is dependent on the battery and the watch.
A battery change can cost anywhere from $15 to $60, depending on how much work is involved in resealing and pressure testing a water-resistant watch after the battery has been replaced. A battery change for certain sophisticated watches with hybrid quartz and chronograph movements might cost anywhere from $65 to $95.
You may get a power cell for as little as 20 cents or as much as $2.75. This is the most expensive power cell available.
A battery for a cheap watch may be replaced for as low as $1.50, but I’ve paid as much as $140.00 for a battery for a Patek Philippe or Audemars Piguet watch. The power cells in all three watches were similar, however, the PP and AP both required waterproof testing and case refinishing, which were not required on the less priced watch. The fact is that fitting an inexpensive watch takes 2 minutes and 35 minutes, but you know that these consumers can afford to pay more for your time.
How Do I Know if My Watch Needs a New Battery?
While we are occupied with our everyday routines, watches continue to function, keeping us on track. Quartz watch movements rely on tiny batteries that wear out over time and must be replaced. You may discover that your watch has ceased working properly or that the hands have become erratic. Below are various indicators that the watch’s battery needs to be replaced.
Signs that your watch battery needs to be replaced include:
Your Timepiece Has Recently Ceased Operating
Your watch has come to a complete stop. Changing the watch battery every 1–3 years will guarantee that your watch performs at its best. If your watch has ceased working, the battery has most likely been fully depleted. If your watch’s battery is replaced but the problem remains, it’s likely that the movement is faulty. Postal repairs may evaluate your watch and correct the problem for you.
The Second-hand Jumps Every 5 Seconds
No, your timepiece isn’t broken. Some manufacturers make the second-hand leap in intervals to indicate a low battery alert (5s). This function is set to a low-power setting. If your watch is in low-power mode, have the battery changed as soon as possible by a reputable watch repair shop.
Moisture Is Trapped Under the Glass of Your Watch
If your watch displays symptoms of moisture inside it, you should have it professionally examined right away. Chemicals and humidity may be quite harmful to all sorts of watch movements. Humidity or moisture signal that your watch’s seals have failed or that your watch was not resealed following a battery change.
How Often Do You Need to Replace a Watch Battery?
The watch battery should be replaced every one to two years, according to most watchmakers. However, depending on how old the watch is, the battery life lifetime varies. As a watch becomes older, it loses part of its efficiency and requires more power to operate.
Final Thoughts
The battery life of a watch varies depending on the model. Individuals, too, have distinct demands that aren’t usually met by the larger population.
If you or someone you know is constantly changing batteries (in their watch, of course), it’s time to think about the movement’s age and if it needs to be replaced. A watchmaker equipped with a battery testing instrument can readily examine this.
When a watch battery is fully charged, it may indicate that the beloved timepiece needs further TLC to keep ticking. Whatever the case may be, it’s crucial to keep in mind that fresh batteries don’t last as long as old ones. Hopefully, today’s post was both educational and beneficial.
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About This Writer
Hi, I am responsible for the 'Homeowners Power Solutions' category. My name is Liam Jaxon and a licensed technician with 7 years of experience in vehicle batteries, electrical gadgets, and home appliances. My working experience in different residential & light commercial electrical sectors and the automobile industry helped to acquire vast knowledge in this industry.