Although wristwatches have had notable success in modern times, pocket watches remain beautiful timepieces. They are not as common as they used to be, but pocket watches still have some appeal to them. In case you are wondering about its functionality and battery, here you have the answer!
Pocket watches have batteries just as wristwatches have. The movement and the watch need to be powered by batteries in order to work. However, there are also mechanical pocket watches that do not use batteries. The original design of pocket watches includes a mechanical movement.
There are several aspects to take into consideration when it comes to pocket watches and their batteries. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at everything that has to do with pocket watches and their batteries.
Table of Contents
Do Pocket Watches Have Batteries
The original design of a pocket watch included a mechanical movement that did not use batteries. In modern times, pocket watches have included quartz batteries in their design to make them easier to use and care for.
Nowadays, most pocket watches have quartz batteries to function. This addition made pocket watches more practical compared to the original design. Mechanical movements require more care than battery-powered movements do.
The inner battery of the pocket watches sends an electrical current that powers the movement and the other necessary parts of the watch. In some cases, pocket watches can also use lithium batteries.
Mechanical movements are more complex designs. They need a different type of care to function properly. In order to maintain accuracy, mechanical movements require manual winding. Otherwise, they start losing their technical qualities. This also makes mechanical pocket watches more expensive.
This manual procedure is not necessary for battery-powered pocket watches. The timepiece runs on the battery until the battery is empty. Once empty, it is time to replace it so that the pocket watch can continue working.
Some of the most luxurious options of pocket watches are the mechanical swiss watches. These watches do not have batteries. They are built with high-end materials in Switzerland and are some of the most impressive models on the market.
Pocket watches can work with batteries or mechanical movements, depending on the model. Knowing this will determine how your watch will ultimately work and whether you need to wind it manually or not.
How To Replace The Battery Of A Pocket Watch
Most cases of damaged pocket watches are just in need of a battery replacement. There are some general steps to follow when changing the battery of a watch. In case you don’t want to do this yourself, a jeweler can give you a helping hand.
These are the steps to replace a pocket watch battery:
- Open the back of the watch
- Remove the battery
- Purchase a battery with the same specifications
- Insert the battery back in the pocket watch
- Close the back
You can change the battery of your watch by following these easy steps.
Open The Back Of The Watch
When you check the back of the watch, you will find either screws or a pressure mechanism. If the watch is closed with screws, you can use a screwdriver to remove the back. In some other cases, you need a knife blade to open the pressure mechanism.
Once you figured out how your watch is closed, opening the back should be an easy process.
Remove The Battery
Once you have opened the back, removing the battery is an easy task. Just find the battery and take it out carefully without harming the other parts of the watch.
Purchase A Battery With The Same Specifications
In some cases, you will not know what battery you should purchase before opening the back. Once you have the battery of your pocket watch in your hands, you can take it to a watch store and look for the battery that best works for your model.
Be careful not to use other similar batteries, as it could damage your timepiece. Always go for the exact same one. The watch was made with this battery in mind, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Insert The Battery Back In The Pocket Watch
Once you have the new battery with you, you can pop it back in just as you took the dead one out. Careful with the contacts and applying too much strength while doing this. Either way, this should not be a difficult task.
Close The Back
TO close the back of your pocket watch, rewinding the process you used to open it. You can use a screwdriver or use pressure to close the back, depending on the model you have.
In some cases, watches may need recalibration or resetting the watch to the correct time.
Remember that these are general parameters and steps. The best thing to do is checking your watch and conducting some research to ensure you are doing the process correctly. I would strongly recommend you check your watch specifications before proceeding.
When Should I Replace My Pocket Watch Battery
It is preferable to change the battery of your pocket watch before it has fully emptied. Most watch batteries can last from 12 to 18 months without problems. Some others can last even longer. Changing the battery of a watch every two years is a good practice.
Leaving the battery to die inside the watch could lead to damages to the timepiece. There is no need to let your timepiece die when you can change the battery on time. Furthermore, you will save yourself the scare of having your watch stop functioning!
Changing your battery in a timely manner is the best way to go. Not only will it prevent anything possibly breaking, but it will also ensure your watch doesn’t suddenly stop.
Tips For Watch Batteries
There are some tips that can help you better take care of your watch and your batteries.
- Don’t change parts of the watch to make the battery last longer
- Don’t store watches with dead batteries
- Purchase watch batteries only when you need them
- Dispose of the dead batteries correctly
If you follow these steps, you will take better care not only of your watch but also of your health and the environment.
Don’t Change Parts Of The Watch To Make The Battery Last Longer
You might be tempted to change the structural functioning of the watch to make batteries last longer. Something many watch owners do is removing parts such as the crown to improve battery life.
If you do this, you can damage the watch in the process. Furthermore, removing parts won’t make the battery last longer. It is an unfruitful technique that can only lead to disaster.
Don’t Store Watches With Dead Batteries
After some time, dead batteries start leaking. This substance could harm your watch and leave it unusable. It is very common to find watches that were harmed by battery leakage.
In case the battery of your watch dies, replace it immediately to avoid any damage to your timepiece. If you don’t want to change the battery at the moment, remove the dead battery from the watch before storing it.
With this, you will ensure that the watch is safe until you place the new battery in it.
Purchase Watch Batteries Only When You Need Them
Stored batteries can start losing their energy quicker than you might think. There is a chance that, by the time you need the battery, it is already dead or has leaked. Because of that, it is better to purchase batteries only when you need them.
Furthermore, having unnecessary batteries at home is something you will want to steer clear of. In many cases, batteries have substances that can be harmful to your health when they are not being used.
Dispose Of The Dead Batteries Correctly
Batteries have many components that are harmful to the environment. There are places designed to contain the contamination from the batteries. For that, it is better to not just put them in the garbage. Try to dispose of the batteries correctly to ensure the safety of the environment around you.
Knowing how your pocket watch works will help you better take care of it. If you have a battery pocket watch, change the battery when necessary and enjoy its practicality!
