How long does a watch battery last?

Any battery-powered watch owner has asked themselves at one point how long a watch battery lasts. After all, replacing a timepiece’s battery doesn’t necessarily come cheap, especially if you have to frequently bring it to the jeweler. 

On average, a watch battery lasts for about two years. However, this can vary depending on multiple factors like its functions, age, how long it’s been stored at the manufacturer, etc. Some watch batteries last for about 14 to 24 months, while others can go up to 6 years. 

Different elements can impact the life of a watch battery. For example, does your timepiece have functions such as alarms or LED displays? If so, they will strain your battery over time, faster than a regular analog watch.

Natural wear and age will also impact how long your watch battery lasts. For example, suppose you have been wearing the same one for years. In that case, chances are it has been in contact with water and other natural elements, naturally affecting the battery and its capacity to provide power for an extended period. 

How do I know when to change my watch battery? 

There are many factors to be considered. So, it is difficult to predict accurately when a watch’s battery will stop working altogether. However, it is possible to know when to change your watch battery. So, while the easy answer to this question would be to change it when your watch stops working altogether, there are ways to prevent such a situation. 

Watches provide signs of wear or low power: you must pay close attention to your timepiece and specific indications, especially after the 14-month mark. 
Suppose you notice that your watch jumps a few seconds at a time or experiences delays to the point that it no longer keeps time correctly. In that case, it is time to see a specialist and get the battery replaced. 

How much does It cost to replace a battery in a watch?

The cost of replacing a watch battery depends on where you get it done and the type of services delivered. Specialist stores usually provide a battery replacement service anywhere from 20$ to 50$, depending on the watch’s brand and overall state.

If you want to get more than a simple battery replacement, prepare your wallet. Complete watch services can cost $500 per session, depending on the type of movement in the watch and brand.

Some brands also offer battery repairs and replacements in their flagship stores or other authorized service centers. While these options usually come at a higher price, they guarantee a battery that is up to the brand’s standards. Such services can cost around $50-$75 per battery replacement, but prices vary depending on the brand. 

How long will my replacement battery last?

Replacement watch batteries last anywhere from 14 months to 2 years. Of course, the actual lifetime depends on how old your watch is. The older your watch, the more its inside lubricants have dried as a rule of thumb. 

Therefore, your watch’s movement becomes slower and requires more energy to keep up. Since brand new timepieces come with freshly-lubricated components, less energy is needed to run smoothly, hence why it can take up to 2 or 3 years before changing the battery. 

How long does a quartz watch battery last?

The lifespan of a quartz watch battery depends on the type of movement used. Typical quartz watches run for one to two years before needing a battery change. However, if a lithium battery powers it, the lifespan jumps to five or six years. 

You’ll know it’s time to change the quartz battery when the watch display dims, and the digital display disappears with the appearance of an alarm function. Your watch will stop or slow down. 

The best alternative to typical quartz watches are solar powered watches; they can last for well over 25 years without needing any maintenance. 

How often should a quartz watch battery be replaced? 

Though it depends on the watch brand, there are rules of thumb to indicate when a quartz battery needs replacement. Of course, how often you change the quartz watch battery will also depend on how well you maintain it. 

As mentioned, you will know it’s time to replace your quartz battery with how the watch performs. You see, when the battery power decreases, there is not enough energy for your watch to function. As a result, the internal resistance of the quartz battery will increase, and the voltage will drop. In other words, the battery will die, and your watch will go dark. 

How long does a Kinetic Watch battery last? 

A Kinetic watch battery lasts approximately 6 to 10 years. However, it is not the typical battery we know from quartz watches. Instead, kinetic watches run on a unique type of battery, a supercapacitor, which uses the motion of the wrist to create energy. 

To power a kinetic watch, you need to wear it often enough to retain its charge. That means wearing your watch and moving around in your daily routine, or placing your watch in a Kinetic watch winder. If your watch sits at your side table for too long, it will leave the battery stagnant. 

Even more, letting a kinetic watch run-flat, then charging it, and so on will affect its battery lifespan. It could even result in an early battery change.

How often should a Kinetic watch battery be replaced?

Ideally, the supercapacitor’s kinetic watch battery needs replacement every ten years. However, if not kept in motion, the battery will deter. 

You will know it’s time to change the supercapacitor when the watch loses its ability to stay charged completely. AKA, you have worn it, charged it with motion, but the watch doesn’t work, and it’s time to change the supercapacitor.

How long does a solar watch battery last?

Solar watch batteries run on renewable and clean energy. Solar batteries can last for (almost!) a lifetime. For example, Solios’ solar watches are expected to last up to 50 years. It takes about 2 hours of light exposure to get a more than six months power reserve. This way, there is little to no chance for it to uncharge like a Kinetic watch if you’re not wearing your timepiece on a daily basis.

Solar technology comes with its fair share of benefits. You can save on battery replacement costs and cut the waste of over 20 quartz batteries within the lifetime of your watch. In addition, more than 1 Billion wasted watch batteries would be saved yearly if most movements used solar power. 

So there you have it, solar watches are a better option for the environment, your wallet, and your precious time.

How often should a solar watch battery be replaced?

Solar-powered watches can last up to 50 years, so you should only replace your battery if there is a defect. For example, suppose your timepiece starts skipping seconds or doesn’t show the appropriate time. In that case, it might be worth contacting the watch brand and speaking to their customer service team to see if they can do something about it. 

You can also look at the company’s FAQ section on their website. If they are like Solios, they offer tips on what to do if your watch stops working or experiences issues.

The power of solar technology

As mentioned, a traditional watch’s lifecycle is around two to six years. Unfortunately, those watches you used to wear are probably in a landfill now - unless they are still sitting in that bottom drawer in your room. The truth is, the industry’s overconsumption is mainly attributed to those batteries. Many use a dead battery as a reason to buy a new timepiece.

Solar technology is an excellent answer to this issue. By solely using clean and renewable energy - the sun - you can adopt a more eco-conscious lifestyle. And you know what’s even better? You won’t ever have to worry about recharging it: it does it independently. Any Solios’ watch, for instance, can be charged with natural and artificial light; No action whatsoever is needed to recharge your watch. Wear it, and it will do the rest - it is that easy. 

Can I recycle my watch?

Ever thought of getting rid of your watch when its battery is dead? Or when you simply no longer like its style? If the idea has crossed your mind in the past, you probably know by now that it is quite difficult to recycle a watch. Since they are made of different components, it isn't easy to recycle them properly. Some companies can reuse certain parts of your old watches. In North America, though, the problem is that options are limited. Some watch recycling businesses may even only consider accepting luxurious models. 

The good news is that watch recycling initiatives do exist. For example, Solios has its Watch Recycling Program. Designed to keep materials out of landfills, it rewards you when you decide to recycle with us. In addition, by sending us your old watches, you'll receive a $50 discount on any Solios timepiece. That's what we call a great reward for a commendable action! 

If you have ever wondered how long a watch battery lasts, now you know the multiple factors to consider, such as the watch's age of its numerous functions. However, buying a battery-powered watch comes with additional costs over time. After all, you will have to change the battery every year. Watches using solar technology are therefore not only a greener option to your typical quartz timepieces, they are also more cost-effective in the long run. 

TL;DR: The Lifespan of a Battery

Choose a watch that mirrors your personality and lifestyle. A quartz watch requires a battery change every one to two years; a kinetic battery requires a change every ten years if sufficient movement is kept; a solar-powered battery needs a replacement every 50 years and can charge by natural or artificial light. No matter what, though, the lifespan of a watch battery depends on maintenance, the brand, and its age.