Watch Batteries Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some of the most common Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about watch batteries and button/coin cell batteries in general:

Are all watch batteries the same?

No, watch batteries differ in size and chemistry. When replacing the watch battery, always use a battery of the same physical size and type/chemistry.

What size battery does my watch take?

In order to find out which battery your watch uses, check the Owner's Guide of the watch, or try to find the manual on the watch manufacturer's official website, or simply Google it.

Also, one of the options is to open the watch, but if the watch is under warranty, that would render the warranty void.

Personally, if You are not a DIY person, take the watch to the local watch shop (or jewelry shop - they also often repair watches, or at least replace the batteries) or send it using mail to the manufacturer, if they offer such service, of course.

What kind of batteries are used in a watch?

Button/coin cell batteries are the most common batteries found in the wrist and similar small watches.

Can I replace the watch battery myself?

In most situations, it is possible to replace the watch battery at home. However, when the battery is replaced by certified personnel, they can also check the seals and other parts of the watch that tend to wear out over time.

Are watch batteries lithium? What kind of battery do watches use?

Some of the watch batteries are lithium and even they feature several different lithium battery chemistries. Other batteries may feature different chemistries including alkaline (LR) and silver-oxide (SR).

Are all CR2032 batteries lithium?

Yes, all CR2032 batteries are Lithium Manganese Dioxide (Li-Mn02) batteries. If the 20 x 3.2 mm button/coin cell is not a Li-MnO2 battery, then it is not a CR2032 battery, but perhaps BR2032, ML2032, VL2032, LiR2032, etc.

For more about this topic, feel free to check our Types of Lithium Battery Chemistries article.

What is the standard battery for a watch? What is the most common battery for watches?

There is no such thing as a "standard watch battery" - the most common watch batteries include SR626SW (377), SR920SW, CR1216, CR2016, CTL920, MT621, etc.

But, there is no "standard watch battery".

How long does it take to get a watch battery replaced?

If everything is alright with the rest of the watch, it takes just a few minutes in order to replace a watch battery.

What is the average life of a watch battery? How often do watches need a new battery?

A good watch battery should last a few years. If the watch features LED lights and an alarm, the use of such features may shorten the battery life significantly.

Are 370 and 371 batteries the same?

Generally speaking, yes, 370 and 371 are both silver-oxide 9.5 x 2.1 mm batteries.

However, the 370 battery is generally a high-drain battery used for digital watches with alarms and LEDs, while 371 battery is a low-drain battery.

But, with the development of chemistry and technology in general, most modern silver-oxide 9.5 x 2.1 mm batteries are multi-drain batteries and feature labels like "370/371" or similar. Also, they are labeled as SR920 and/or SR920SW batteries.