Did you know that your fossil watch is actually a small, mechanical device with moving parts? It’s true! While many people associate a fossil watch with a digital or quartz timepiece and not much else, these watches are actually quite complex. Watch movements have existed since the 17th century. In fact, they were even used as a way to tell time before clocks existed. The first “fossil” watches date back to the 1930s; the name stems from their resemblance to car engine components. They’re also much different than your average wristwatch, which is why you should read this article if you own one! You see, fossil watches require maintenance just like any other mechanical device. Changing their battery is one of the simpler tasks you can perform on your watch, but it’s important to know-how. Here are some tips on how to change the battery in your fossil watch.
How To Change Fossil Watch Batteries
Check The Date And Time
The first thing you should do is check the date and time on your fossil watch. Why? Well, they’re the two parts of your watch that are dependent on a battery. If either or both of these aren’t working, then it’s a good sign that you need to change the battery. This is the easiest way to know for sure that your watch needs a new battery. While you’re at it, you should check the water resistance of your watch. Fossil watches are water-resistant, but not waterproof. Water-resistance means that you can get your watch wet, but you can’t submerge it. This is important when you change your battery to avoid water and dirt from getting inside.
Identify The Type Of Battery You Need
The first thing you’ll need to do is identify the type of battery that you need for your fossil watch. There are two primary types of batteries that are used in watches: silver oxide and lithium. Silver oxide batteries are most often used in watches that have a vintage look, and lithium batteries are more common in modern watches. When you visit a watch repair shop, they’ll be able to determine the type of battery that you need. However, it’s generally easier to just find the battery online. You can search for “watch battery” on your preferred search engine to find some options. You can also check the battery on your watch’s instruction manual.
Purchase The Correct Replacement
Once you know the type of battery that you need, you can purchase a replacement. Silver oxide batteries are inexpensive and easy to find online. Lithium batteries, on the other hand, are more expensive and you may have to order them from a specialty shop. You may also have to pay extra to have them shipped to your house. Silver oxide batteries are smaller and will fit in most fossil watches. Lithium batteries are larger and may not fit in your fossil watch. If you’re not sure, you can always check the battery on your watch’s manual. You may also want to buy an extra silver oxide battery so you don’t have to change your watch’s battery as often.
Turn Off The Watch
Before you do anything else, you should turn off the watch. Fossil watches are mechanical, meaning that they use moving parts to keep track of the time. By turning off the watch, you’ll prevent any damage to these parts. You can turn off a fossil watch by pulling out the crown (the knob at the very top of the watch). When you turn off your fossil watch, you may notice that it stops ticking. This is normal; when you turn on the watch again, it’ll start ticking again. If you have a quartz watch, you can skip this step. Quartz watches use a battery, but they don’t use moving parts.
Swap Out The Old Battery
If you’ve turned off your watch and determined that the battery is the issue, you can swap it out. Fossil watches have a small battery compartment that’s covered by a small screw. You’ll have to remove this screw with a screwdriver. Once you’ve removed the screw, you can open up the battery compartment and remove the old battery. You can then put the new battery in its place. Once you’ve put the battery in, you can screw the compartment back together. Remember to turn the watch back on by pulling out the crown. Your fossil watch should now be working again!
Change The Battery
If your fossil watch is fully functional but you want to change the battery because it’s old, you can do that, too! You’ll have to open up the battery compartment the same way you did if the battery was broken. Once you’ve removed the old battery, you can put in a new one. It’s important to note that it’s not recommended to charge the battery in your fossil watch too often. While you can charge the battery in your fossil watch every few years, you should only do so as a last resort. Changing your fossil watch’s battery too often can cause it to break down faster. Furthermore, fossil watches are made to last, and you can extend their life by changing the battery less often.
Maintenance Tips for Keeping Your Fossil Watch Working Smoothly
Weekly Watch Maintenance
If you want to keep your watch in good running condition, you’ll need to perform some basic maintenance every week. First, make sure you remove any dirt or dust from the watch with a soft cloth. Do not use a watch brush unless your watch is specifically designed for that. You don’t want to risk scratching the surface or removing the plating. Next, make sure the crown is screwed in tightly so nothing gets inside the watch (and tick, tick, ticks away at the gears). If you notice water getting into the crown, unscrew it immediately. Ideally, you should have a watch box to keep your timepiece in. If not, then make sure you store it away in a drawer or on a shelf in a location where it cannot get knocked around.
Monthly Watch Maintenance
As mentioned above, you will need to unscrew the crown once a month to allow the pressure to escape. After unscrewing it, however, you will need to screw it back in at least one or two turns. This will allow enough pressure to build up in the watch to power the movement, but not enough to loosen the stem. Make sure you check the date on your watch every month as well. If it is off by more than a day, you may need to adjust it. This is usually done by gently tapping the side of the watch with a small screwdriver. You should also pay attention to the accuracy of the time, and make any necessary adjustments.
Quarterly Watch Maintenance
Your mechanical watch may need some TLC every three or four months. This varies from watch model to model, so you will want to follow the manufacturer’s suggestions for cleaning your timepiece. The first thing you should do is check the oil level inside your watch. Most high-end watches have some form of oil inside the movement, which is responsible for keeping it ticking smoothly. If the level is too low, you may need to add more. Next, you will want to clean the exterior of the watch, making sure to remove any dust or lint that may have become trapped inside. With a soft, lint-free cloth, you can gently wipe the case, making sure to avoid the crown, hands, and crystal.
Semi-Annual Watch Maintenance
When you have owned your watch for at least six months and have put it through its paces, it is time for a thorough cleaning. Some watch experts recommend doing this once a year, but if you wear your watch a lot, you will probably want to clean it every six months. To start, remove the watch from its band, and remove any links that may be loose. If there are none, skip this step. You can use a watch cleaning solution or a mild soap for cleaning the exterior of the watch. Be careful not to get any of the cleaning fluid or soap inside the watch. For the movement, you should use a cleaner designed specifically for this purpose. This will help keep your watch running smoothly and accurately for years to come.
Yearly Watch Maintenance
After you have been keeping your watch running smoothly for a full year, it is time for a more thorough clean. You can do the same thing you would do at the six-month mark, but you should also check the oil level inside the movement. Make sure the oil is at the right level, and if it isn’t, add more. You can also check the gears in the movement to make sure they aren’t loose. If they are, you can take them out and oil them with a drop of oil. You should also take this opportunity to inspect the band of your watch for any fraying or loose links. If you notice anything like this, contact a watch repair company to fix the problem. You can also use this time to have the watch serviced. This is ideal if you notice the timepiece losing accuracy, or if you have owned it for five years or longer.
Change the Battery Every Two Years
Finally, make sure that the battery in your watch is replaced every two years. You don’t have to change the battery before this time, but you should definitely do so afterward. If you have a quartz watch, this process is super straightforward. You can find your nearest jeweler or watch repair shop to help you with the process. The battery will cost very little (usually about $10), and you can easily change it yourself. If you have an automatic watch, the process is a little more complex. You will need to get the watch serviced by a watch repair shop to make sure the mechanism is working properly after the battery is removed. The battery in an automatic watch will cost a bit more (usually around $30), but you’ll know that the mechanism is working properly.
Conclusion
When it comes to keeping your watch healthy, regular cleaning and oiling of the movement is essential. You can also help keep your watch working smoothly by keeping it away from extreme temperatures and avoiding water. If you have a mechanical watch, regular maintenance is the best way to keep it running smoothly. Make sure to remove any dust or lint that may have become trapped inside, and check the oil level every so often. These simple steps will help ensure that your watch continues to tick away like new for years to come.
