How to replace the battery of a quartz pocket watch?

Opening the cover of the watch case

1. Pull out the stem just above the pocket watch to temporarily stop it from working, although with a dead battery it may already have stopped working anyway.
2. Flip the pocket watch over.
3. The most common and easiest way is to use the box knife.
4. Look for the recessed area on the edge of the back cover; this is the access point to insert the box knife. This recessed notch area is usually very small with a length of 0.25-0.375″, so look for it very carefully. Sometimes the notch is just below the stem, but not always necessarily. You can run your fingers around the edge of the back cover if it is difficult to see
5. Hold the pocket watch in one hand and the knife in the other hand.
6. Slide the box blade (blade at its widest point) under the edge of the back of the box.
7. Gently press the case knife against the case, twist and pull it out until you hear or feel the “pop”.

remove the old battery

1. After removing the cover, you will see the battery.
2. See how the old battery is inserted, you will most likely see the battery type number engraved side up.
3. Check the battery type number to get a new identical one to fit it.
4. Use a pair of tweezers to remove the battery.
5. Use a brush to clean and remove dirt and debris from the watch compartment and the edge of the watch cover, and use a dust blower to remove dust.
6. Insert the new battery and move back the spring arm on the battery case at the same time with the tweezers, and press the battery down and let it rest well on the battery case.

reconditioning

1. Put the cover back on the clock.
2. Simply but carefully push the cover towards the watch with your fingers.
3. Take care to break the glass through even pressure.
4. Make sure the cover is securely attached to the watch.
5. Set the time and push the stem back.
6. Clean the watch with a cleaning cloth.

tips

• Try not to use a regular sharp knife or flathead screwdriver unless you’re really good at it and experienced at it. This can scratch the watch case and leave marks on the case cover. And you can get hurt too. The proper tool to use is a box knife or watch case opener with a blunt blade.
• Use a nice soft cloth to hold the pocket watch to remove and replace the case cover, this will protect both your hand and the watch from knife slip damage.
• Use the blade instead of the razor tip when opening the back cover.
• Plastic tweezers may be better than metal tweezers to protect the inner mechanism of the watch.
• Finally, vintage, water resistant, or specialized pocket watches should be taken to the professional.