Watch battery change in Exeter

Professional watch battery change services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.

Price Guide

£60

Typical Duration

10-15 mins

Location

Exeter, Devon

Watch battery changed quickly and case closed properly. Get your watch ticking again in 15 minutes.

Your Watch Stopped

Your watch is sitting in a drawer because the battery died and you keep meaning to get it sorted but never quite get round to it.

💡 Pro tip: If a watch has been sitting dead for months, sometimes it just needs a battery and a shake to get going again. Worth trying before assuming it's broken.


Why Not Just DIY It?

✅ Done Right❌ DIY Disaster
Case opened without scratchingKnife marks on the back
Correct battery fittedWrong size rattling around
Case sealed properlyWon't close flush
Watch working when you get it backStill dead (probably broke something)

Watch cases are fiddly little things. Easy to scratch, easy to force, easy to drop tiny parts down the sofa.


What You Get

🔧 The Full Service

StageWhat Happens
OpenCase opened with proper tools, no scratching
ReplaceOld battery out, new one in, check terminals clean
CloseCase snapped or screwed back carefully

📦 You're Left With

  • Working watch
  • New battery fitted
  • Case closed neatly
  • Ticking away again

Pricing Guide

ServiceEstimated TimeYou'll Pay
Battery change (standard watch)10-15 mins£60

Based on £60 minimum. Battery included. For expensive/complicated watches, I'll recommend a jeweller instead.


Perfect For You If...

Watch stopped - just needs a battery

No watchmaker nearby - or can't be bothered to go into town

Simple watch - not Rolex, not a diver, just a regular watch

Quick fix needed - want to wear it today

Why Choose Us for Watch battery change in Exeter?

Battery swapped out

Case opened and closed carefully

Working watch tested

Done in 15 minutes

What to Expect

Step 1: Open The Case

Use a case knife or small screwdriver to pop the back off without scratching it.

Step 2: Replace Battery

Note which way the old battery sits, remove it, fit new one same way round. Check terminals are clean.

Step 3: Test and Close

Watch should start ticking immediately. Snap or screw the case back on neatly.

🔧 DIY Tips

If you're confident, here's how to do it yourself:

🔧 What you'll need

  • Case opening knife or small flat screwdriver
  • Tweezers
  • New battery (check old one for number)
  • Soft cloth to work on

📐 For snap-back cases:

  1. Look for small notch in case back edge
  2. Slide case knife into notch, gentle leverage to pop back off
  3. Note which way battery sits (usually + side up)
  4. Lift old battery out with tweezers
  5. Drop new battery in same orientation
  6. Press back firmly around the edge until it clicks

📐 For screw-back cases:

  1. Look for slots around case back edge
  2. Use case opening tool or small screwdriver
  3. Turn anti-clockwise to unscrew (might be tight)
  4. Lift out old battery, fit new one
  5. Screw back clockwise until snug (not over-tight)

⚠️ Common DIY mistakes

  • Forcing the back (scratches or bends it)
  • Battery in backwards (won't work)
  • Touching battery terminals with fingers (oils cause issues)
  • Dropping tiny screws (gone forever)
  • Over-tightening screw-backs (cracks the case)

💡 Pro trick: Before you remove the old battery, take a photo with your phone showing which way round it sits. Sounds obvious but when you're holding a tiny battery with tweezers, it's easy to forget which way was up.

Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.

Good to Know

🎨 Got a drawer full of dead watches? Bring them all - I'll go through them and tell you which ones just need batteries and which might need actual repair.

Expensive watches: If it's worth more than £100 or is sentimental, take it to a proper jeweller. They'll have the right tools, replacement seals, and insurance if something goes wrong.

Really old watches: Vintage mechanical watches don't have batteries - they're wind-up. If yours has stopped, it might need cleaning and oiling by a watchmaker, not a battery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you change any type of watch battery?

Most standard watches, yes - the kind with a snap-back or screw-back case. Expensive watches, diving watches with sealed cases, or really old complicated ones I'd recommend taking to a proper watchmaker.

Do you supply the battery or do I need to buy it?

I bring common sizes but if it's an unusual one I might need to pick it up - I'll let you know. Battery cost is minimal, it's included in the price.

Will changing the battery affect the waterproof seal?

On a cheap watch, doesn't matter. On a diving watch or expensive waterproof one, take it to a jeweller - they'll have the proper seals and pressure testing kit.

How long will the new battery last?

Typically 2-3 years for a standard watch. Depends on the watch and how many features it has - chronographs and backlights drain batteries faster.

What if you open it and it's not just the battery?

Then I'll tell you honestly - might be corroded terminals, water damage, or the mechanism itself. I'll close it back up and suggest taking it to a watch repairer if it's worth fixing.

Get a Free Quote in Exeter

Call us today for a free, no-obligation quote for your watch battery change job in Exeter.

01392 964094Request Online Quote

Our Rates

Minimum charge£60
Includes callout + first hour
Additional time£50/hr
This Job£60

Got multiple jobs?

Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!

Why Trust Us

Fully Insured
Local Exeter Business
30 Mile Coverage
No Hidden Costs

Need Watch battery change in Exeter?

Get a free quote for your watch battery change job in Exeter today.