Watch batteries come in many different forms in terms of size, power, type, brand and quality. Most quartz watches use 1.5V Silver Oxide batteries of which there are in excess of 40 different sizes in common use. LCD (liquid crystal display) or digital watches tend to use 3 volt lithium batteries. Some watches including one from Omega use an unusual 2 volt lithium battery.

Regarding quality, the watch repair marketplace is unregulated and thus many many inferior batteries are sold and fitted by both jewellers and ‘repairers’. In recent times there has been a flood of alkaline watch batteries entering this market. Alkaline batteries are completely useless for watches as their power reserve and performance dips from day 1. For example if a torch is left on for a number of hours, it will of course be considerably dimmer and if left the beam will just fade away. These batteries are unfortunately commonly fitted in watches too. After these cells have spent their energy, they are then are prone to leakage and will destroy a movement in a watch.

In terms of brands there are many used in the marketplace. Common ones are Maxell, Rayovac, Sony and Varta. The WATCH Lab uses Renata wherever possible. These tend to be the most expensive but are in our view the very best. Renata is a Swiss made battery manufacturing company owned by Swatch Group (Omega, Longines, Hamilton, Breguet etc). This brand is the most reliable and in our experience and lasts the longest. Renata is also the battery of choice fitted by all the Swiss premiere watch houses including Tag HEUER, Breitling, Chopard and indeed by Rolex for their quartz collections.

For further information or to discuss a replacement battery in your watch please fill out and send the quick Watch Repairs By Post Form

Everyday for the past 8 years The WATCH Lab has resealed and fitted many many thousands of:

Tag HEUER watch batteries

Omega watch batteries

Breitling watch batteries

Armani watch batteries

Longines watch batteries

Tissot watch batteries

Seiko watch batteries

Rotary watch batteries

Casio watch batteries

.. to name but just a few !