Does Walmart Replace Watch Batteries in 2024? Consider These Convenient Alternatives
That dreaded moment when you glance down and realize your watch has stopped ticking is never convenient. While a dead battery can be frustrating, the good news is that with the right tools and information, replacing your watch battery is very doable. But can you get it swapped out during your regular Walmart run?
Unfortunately, as convenient as it may seem, Walmart does not offer in-store watch battery replacement services. However, with a DIY kit or by visiting a jeweler, you can get your watch back up and running in no time.
Why Walmart Doesn‘t Replace Batteries
Walmart likely avoids offering watch battery replacements for a few key reasons:
Specialized expertise required – Safely opening watch casings and properly installing new batteries involves specialized tools and training. Walmart employees do not receive watch repair education.
Risk of watch damage – If done incorrectly, battery swaps can damage fragile watch components. Walmart likely wishes to avoid this liability risk.
Low priority business service – With pharmacies, auto shops, and more, watch repair is not a major service focus for Walmart.
Step-by-Step DIY Battery Replacement
While Walmart won‘t handle the battery swap for you, they do provide all the supplies for DIY replacement:
What You‘ll Need
- Correct replacement battery – match your watch battery #
- Small screwdriver – for watch screws
- Tweezers – to remove old battery
- Watch tool kit – for pins and seals
- Eye protection – for safety
Steps
- Carefully remove watch band with spring bar tool.
- Open casing using case opener tool.
- Remove old battery using non-metallic tweezers.
- Insert new battery with positive side facing up.
- Carefully reseal case and reattach watch band.
Watch this video for a helpful visual guide.
When to Swap Batteries
Routinely replacing your watch battery every 12-24 months can prevent inconvenient mid-day shutdowns.
Here are signs it‘s time for a new battery:
- Watch stops completely – battery is empty.
- Inaccurate timekeeping – voltage is dropping.
- Seconds hand jumps every 4-5 seconds – indicator of low battery.
Watch Battery Lifespans
Battery lifespan varies based on watch type and usage patterns:
| Watch Type | Average Battery Life |
|---|---|
| Quartz analog | 12-36 months |
| Automatic self-wind | 36-48 months |
| Smart watch | 12-18 months |
More frequent use of functions like stopwatch and backlight drain the battery faster. Exposure to high or low temperatures can also shorten battery life.
Where Else Can You Get Your Battery Changed?
While Walmart won‘t swap your dead battery, you do have other convenient options:
Local jeweler – Many jewelry and watch repair shops offer same-day battery replacements for $5-$20.
Kiosks – Battery replacement kiosks are available at some malls, providing swap services.
Watch manufacturer – You can mail your watch to the manufacturer for a battery change. May take 1-2 weeks.
Independent watch repair – Local specialty watch repair shops can safely handle battery swaps.
For the best longevity, opt for proactive battery replacement every 12-24 months before failure occurs. This prevents expensive watch damage from leaks. The convenience of Walmart‘s DIY kits makes watch battery swaps easy!
