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Changing watch battery and watch strap - where do you go? Or do you DIY?
Looking to get my watch battery replaced and maybe also get the watch strap changed because it's starting to wear out. Where do you guys go to get them replaced and how much did it cost you? Do you change it yourself, in which case, is it easy to do and what kinda tools do I need to do this?
My watch was non-expensive (cost around £20), so I'm thinking is it worth paying to get the watch strap replaced when I could just buy myself a new watch with that money?
My watch was non-expensive (cost around £20), so I'm thinking is it worth paying to get the watch strap replaced when I could just buy myself a new watch with that money?
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Mind if it is an expensive watch with a smart leather or metal / ceramic strap then I would get a reputable watch repair shop to do it for me to avoid the risk of marking it. I only do my cheaper sports watches with rubber / composite cases and straps.
As for changing the battery I buy a new one on Ebay and then (mis) use a miniature pair of long-nosed pliers to unscrew the back of the watch since I don't have the correct tool! Have had my current watch for over 30 years, never had a problem doing this.
Of course, not all watches are the same. Some have a back which you prise-off.
As for resealing, you may-well be able to buy a new seal for your watch on Ebay but, I must admit, I've never bothered. I have thought about resealing the back of the watch with a tiny amount of something like Red Hermetite but, the only thing is, if you ever did this I don't think you'd ever manage to get the back off again!
As I say, my watch still works 30 years on, probably longer, actually, and I've never taken any particular care about resealing the back after changing the battery. I haven't been swimming while wearing the watch but I never take it off when washing my hands, etc.
Since then, I've put together a small collection of watchmaker tools, including a back press (for the other type of case). Again, makes a job I've previously struggled with very easy.
about £3 for a battery instead of £8.50 or so at a jewellers.
As does ours in Enfield at the same price, think he does straps as well but I've never used him for that
That's good price, I use the jewellers as I can walk up the road to them, whereas driving into town plus parking price adds a good £5 to the price.
For a while, as a young lad, I lied about my age and blagged my way into a job via an agency with Dunhill so got to repair their lighters and watches, gave me a huge appreciation of time pieces and some lighters.
How did you make up your back press? My everyday watch is also a Seiko Kinetic, ( about 10 years old ) and recently had to replace the battery in it, fiddly doesn't come close, goodness!
I struggled to take the back off and that's with the correct tool and putting it in a vice, removing the battery was no walk in the park either.
But before hand I had purchased a new ring seal and the improved Seiko battery, the originals can burst nearing the end of their lives or left, as can some new generic brands, ( for those that have old Kinetics be wary of this ).
Used some watch silicone grease, haven't had the watch pressure tested but believe me it is sealed and waterproof.
Took me ages to get hold of decent quality spring bars, I'm heavy on this watch so had to replace them several times.
Sounds like the same kit of parts I bought. I did read scare stories about the old failed battery outgassing and depositing contaminants on the moving parts, so that (without complete disassembly and cleaning) the watch would be in permanent high power mode, but I decided it was worth the risk. I haven't properly tested the new battery capacity, but since I am never not wearing the watch for more than a few days, it's definitely working well enough for me!
Those tiny screws can jump like fleas, can't they?
Perhaps you can provide a link for the press, what am I looking for? Yes for the few quid extra, not worth the risk on cheaper parts.
It's not small watch screws that bother me, I have a large working light magnifier, makes thing like that easier, it was the damn back, boy did I struggle.
And like you I too rarely take my watch off.
A strap and parts is going to cost you what--£15? DIY and not much more at a market stall, 10 minutes with them, new strap, decent brand battery, you are good to go.
You can get it done with a new strap for a fiver on the market, it's how much it cost me.
Yes. your not going to spend a lot or really care about the quality on £20 watch.
I paid less than £8 including delivery. So it will have been something like this:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/13Pcs-Watch-Press-Set-Back-Case-Closer-Crystal-Glass-Fitting-Watch-Repair-Tool-/152146096716?hash=item236c9d324c:g:GKkAAOSwbYZXXYiG
Lots of people sell the same sort of thing, so I am not endorsing that particular seller (who probably wasn't the one I used!).