How to Replace a Seiko Watch Battery with the Right Tools

A battery may allow a watch to operate for a long time, but it eventually needs a replacement when its capacity to power the watch runs out. The Seiko brand is no stranger to the battery replacement procedure since it manufactures plenty of quartz watches.

Knowing how to replace a Seiko watch battery can benefit most watch owners who wear the time-telling device from the brand regularly. Before deciding to replace a watch battery, recognize the telltale signs and understand its lifespan first. Let’s dig in deeper!

When Does a Watch Battery Need a Change?

Just like any kind of instrument that requires maintenance, a watch will show some recognizable signs when its battery needs replacement. The most obvious indicator is when a watch completely stops working, which signals that the battery is dead. In this case, the dead battery should be immediately removed because it can rupture. If it stays inside the watch, it can leak corrosive chemicals, which may potentially risk damage to the internal components and render the watch unstable.

Aside from the watch that completely dies out, the need for a battery replacement can manifest in several ways. Here are the common signs watch owners need to anticipate:

• The watch runs too slow. Conversely, a watch that runs too fast may indicate that the battery has sustained errors or become compromised.
• The battery suffers from water damage, as seen in the hazy interior, erratic movement, discolored dial, or internal component corrosion.
• The second hand may jump every two seconds or not move smoothly.
• Additional functions in the watch, such as alarm and chronograph, may become less responsive.

Recognizing the signs of a battery dying out can alert watch owners to take the immediate replacement procedure. When a watch remains inactive for a period of time without a change in the battery, more serious mechanical problems may arise.

How Long Does a Seiko Battery Last?

In general, a Seiko quartz watch battery can last 2–3 years. Typically in the Seiko quartz collection with additional features, such as chronographs, the battery drain may occur faster. Approximately, these batteries in watches with additional functions can last 1.5–2 years.

Seiko solar watches have a longer battery lifespan compared to quartz watches. Using its advanced technology, a solar watch can be recharged with natural or artificial light. This technology allows the battery to last up to 10 years.

It’s worth noting that a watch battery’s actual lifespan may differ from the approximation. Some factors that need to be considered regarding battery life are as follows:

• Battery quality.
• Frequency of use.
• Moisture and water seepage.
• Additional functions or features.
• Extreme temperatures, like high heat or extreme cold.
• Watch conditions in general.

Read also: How Often Should You Service A Mechanical Watch? 

Which Battery Type Should You Use?

Generally, there are two common types of watch batteries: silver oxide and lithium coin cells. Due to their longer lifespan, lithium batteries are mostly used in large sports watches with additional features. On the other hand, the silver oxide batteries can be used to power standard watches.

A Seiko watch owner should know the caliber’s code to determine the correct battery replacement. Whether for battery replacement or watch repair, a caliber code is the key to ensuring a smooth operation. Seiko watches usually engrave the caliber code on the case back.

Upon flipping the case back, there will be a set of information present, which includes the model number and caliber mode. Often, the code can be found under the “st.steel” inscription in the format 5R65-0AA0 or similar to that. Pay attention that the 6-digit numbers refer to the serial number, not the caliber code.

Regarding the battery used to operate the timekeeping mechanism, Seiko uses several batteries depending on the caliber. The information about the correct battery can be found in the instruction manual or the manufacturer table. For example, the “4J27-0010” on the case back indicates the caliber can work with the SR521SW battery.

How to Replace a Seiko Watch Battery

When it comes to changing a new battery for a watch, determining its type should be taken care of first. For a Seiko quartz watch, selecting the right battery that goes with the model comes first before preparing for the required tools. Replacing a watch battery usually requires a case back opener, a pair of non-magnetic tweezers, a soft pad, a movement holder if needed, and a magnifying glass to ensure precision. Once everything is ready, perform the following procedure:

1. Remove the Case Back

Using an adjustable watch case opener is essential to open a Seiko watch case back safely. Make sure the size of the opener fits the back shell before lining up the knobs with the indentations and pulling the cover off. For a watch with a small indentation, you may need a common cover remover to lift the case.

2. Confirm the Battery Size

The inner components of the watch can be seen after opening the case back. Use a magnifying glass for assistance to ensure the type and size of battery used. High-quality batteries of all sizes should be a priority to ensure the watch stays optimally operational after the replacement procedure takes place.

3. Pick the Old Battery from the Casing

Certain Seiko watch models may have a clip over the battery that holds the cell in place. To get the old battery, use the right tool to unscrew the clip and lift it from the casing slowly. Open the new battery package and proceed with the replacement procedure.

Put the new battery into position and reattach the clip when deemed necessary. Be careful when putting in the new battery because an accidental nick to any other components inside the watch may risk damage.

4. Make Sure the Watch is Operational

Before putting the case back into position, check if the watch is fully operational. If the watch doesn’t perform as it should, the watch battery may be installed incorrectly, or damage may occur to certain internal components.

5. Close the Watch Case

Once the watch functions properly, use the adjustable case opener to put it back. Ensure the watch tightens securely, especially if it has water resistance. For a hinge case, press the case back with the thumbs with considerable strength until a click is heard.

Read also: An Insightful Tips for Automatic Watch Maintenance 

How to Replace a Seiko Kinetic Battery

Charged by the movement, a Seiko kinetic battery is different from that for a quartz watch. Though powered by the movement, the battery or capacitor can lose the ability to hold a charge over the decades. Here’s how to replace a Seiko kinetic or AGS watch battery:

1. Find the Right Battery

Just like replacing the battery in a quartz watch, the first step in the Seiko kinetic battery replacement is choosing the right one. As always, check the battery code number first. The movement code in the Seiko kinetic watch consists of the first four numbers/letters of the model number engraved on the back of the watch.

2. Unscrew the Case Back

Check the movement by unscrewing the case back using an adjustable opener. Some Seiko models may have a solid case back, so it requires the crystal removal to completely take out the movement from the front. Once the movement can be seen, proceed with the next step.

3. Remove the Rotor

After opening the case back, use a screwdriver to remove the rotor. In order to do this part, try to unscrew the central holding screw. Lift the rotor and gear wheel underneath it carefully.

4. Take Away the Metal Plate

Locate the metal plate surrounding the battery and remove it by undoing two screws and the red insulator. Due to their tiny forms, the use of a very fine screwdriver and a pair of tweezers will be required to take out the screws safely.

5. Replace the Battery

At this stage, use a pair of plastic tweezers to replace the old battery with the new one. Avoid metal tweezers as they can short the new battery being put in position. 

6. Readjust the Metal Plate and Rotor

Take the metal plate and red insulator back by screwing them down in the right place. Ensure they fit tightly onto the plastic pin at the top of the battery. Check the dial again and see if the second hand as well as additional features are working properly.

7. Close the Case

Once the watch functions well, remove the dust that may settle on the movement. After that, close the case and wear the watch again without worries of missing time.

Is It Possible to Extend a Watch Battery Life?

The life of a watch battery can only be approximated, but is never definite. Certain factors may influence battery health, eventually decreasing its lifespan. While the battery definitely needs a change one way or another, there are ways to extend its life, such as:

• Avoid leaving the watch in extreme temperatures.
• Store the watch in a cool and dry place when not wearing it.
• Ensure the water resistance. Avoid wearing the watch near the body of water for a prolonged time if it’s not water-resistant to minimize the risk of water seepage.
• Immediately remove the dead battery to avoid leaks that may damage the inner mechanism.

Conclusion

Every quartz watch needs a battery replacement. For quartz watch wearers, this guide on how to replace a Seiko watch battery may speak to the basic maintenance of the timekeeping device. While the battery replacement procedure can be done manually, it should be noted that every step requires close and careful attention.

When it comes to maintenance, watch owners should prioritize quality. Hence, the professional service can be the helping hand when you’re not confident in handling the battery replacement. To ensure optimal results, the Seiko watch should undergo complete maintenance.

Professional watch service providers can see the necessary components that need to be cared for depending on the type of watch. In doing so, not only does the old watch battery get replaced, but the rest of the components can get a thorough check as well. This will benefit watch owners greatly and ensure the procedure goes smoothly without a hassle.

Read also: How to Reset a Citizen Eco-Drive Watch the Right Way