Watches
A stopped watch is one of those errands people put off for months, and then the fix takes five minutes. We replace watch batteries all day at our store in The Shoppes at Buckland Hills, so here's everything worth knowing: what it costs, how long batteries last, and why where you go matters more than people think.
At most jewelers, a standard battery replacement runs $10–$25 installed. Watches with screw-down casebacks, chronographs with multiple batteries, or watches needing a pressure reseal for water resistance run $25–$45. Luxury watches (TAG Heuer, Omega, Breitling quartz models) may cost more because they should be opened with the proper case tools and gaskets.
Compare that with mailing your watch to a service center: $50+ and two weeks without it. For everyday watches, a competent local jeweler is the obvious answer.
Opening a watch case wrong is the most common way watches get ruined outside of water damage. Snap-back cases scratch and dent when pried with the wrong tool; screw-backs get chewed threads; and cheap replacement batteries can leak and corrode the movement, a repair that costs more than the watch.
A jeweler uses case presses and proper wrenches, installs name-brand Swiss or Japanese cells, checks the gasket, and wipes the movement area clean. We also test the old battery first; sometimes the "dead battery" is actually a loose hand or a worn stem, and you shouldn't pay for a battery that won't fix the problem.
Most quartz watches run 2–4 years per battery; small ladies' watches and watches with chronograph functions drain faster, sometimes 12–18 months. If a fresh battery dies within months, the movement is drawing too much current, a sign it needs cleaning or service, not another battery.
One important habit: replace a dead battery promptly. Dead cells left in a watch for years are the ones that leak, and leaked electrolyte destroys circuit boards.
Whether it's an engagement ring, a five-minute battery, or a piece designed just for you, we take care of it personally. Stop by the store or send us a message.
Every time a watch case is opened, its factory water seal is compromised. If you swim or shower with your watch, ask for the gasket to be inspected or replaced and the caseback properly seated. Kiosks almost never do this; it's routine for a watch-savvy jeweler.
Bring your watch to King's Jeweler at The Shoppes at Buckland Hills and we'll replace the battery while you wait, usually in about five minutes with no appointment. We handle everything from Timex to TAG, plus watch repair, band sizing, and link adjustments. Multiple dead watches in the drawer? Bring them all; we'll sort out which need batteries and which need more. Find our hours and location here.
Written by
The King's Jeweler FamilyOwners & Master Jewelers
King's Jeweler is a family-run jewelry store inside The Shoppes at Buckland Hills in Manchester, Connecticut. From engagement rings and custom pieces to same-day watch batteries and expert repairs, every customer is helped personally by a jeweler who cares about getting it right. More about King's Jeweler
Bring it in and we'll take a look, explain your options, and give you an honest answer on the spot at The Shoppes at Buckland Hills in Manchester, CT.
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