5 Signs Your Watch Battery Needs Replacing

August 6, 2025

5 Signs Your Watch Battery Needs Replacing

A Free Watch Care Guide by Chrono Care UK

At Chrono Care UK, we believe every watch deserves care – whether it’s a daily essential or a sentimental heirloom. A failing battery may seem like a minor issue, but ignoring it can lead to expensive repairs. This free guide helps you recognise the early warning signs of battery failure and gives you clear next steps.

Sign 1: Your Watch Has Completely Stopped

If your watch has suddenly stopped ticking or the screen is blank, the most likely reason is a completely dead battery. While other issues can cause this too, battery failure is by far the most common – and the easiest to fix.

Quick Tip: Don’t leave a dead battery inside your watch. It can leak, corrode the internal movement and cause permanent damage.

Sign 2: The Second Hand Is Jumping in 2–5 Second Intervals

Many quartz watches have an End-of-Life (EOL) indicator. The second hand starts jumping several seconds at a time instead of ticking normally – a built-in warning system that tells you the battery is about to die.

Brands with EOL features include:
Seiko, Citizen, Casio, Pulsar, Lorus and many Swiss quartz models.

Sign 3: Digital Features Are Fading or Glitching

If your watch has a digital display, signs like fading numbers, a dim backlight, or unresponsive buttons often mean the battery is losing power. It’s a clear signal to get the battery changed before full failure.

Sign 4: The Watch Loses Time or Runs Slow

Even if your watch is still ticking, it may be lagging behind. If it’s losing time daily or resetting itself, your battery likely isn’t delivering enough voltage to the movement. A simple battery swap will often fix this immediately.

Sign 5: You Can’t Remember the Last Time It Was Replaced

Most watch batteries last between 12 and 36 months. If you don’t know when yours was last changed – especially if the watch was second-hand or a gift – it’s smart to replace it pre-emptively.

BONUS: How to Extend Your Watch Battery Life

Avoid exposing your watch to extreme temperatures.
Don’t leave chronograph features running unnecessarily.
Turn off alarms and lights when not needed.
Pull out the crown if storing your watch long-term.
Keep your watch away from magnetic devices.

What Happens If You Leave a Dead Battery Inside?

Delaying replacement can lead to:

Battery leakage
Rust or corrosion on internal parts
Loss of water resistance
Costly movement repairs or full replacement

A dead battery is small. The damage it can cause isn’t.

Why Customers Trust Chrono Care UK

With over two decades of experience in watch repairs and servicing, Chrono Care UK is trusted across the country for its safe, efficient and transparent service.

What we offer: