Wrist Watch Battery Replacement Chart (2024)

Wrist watches are commonly powered using one or rarely two button/coin cell batteries, and these batteries have a limited operating lifetime. When replacing an old battery with the new one, the best practice is to use batteries recommended by the watch manufacturers.

However, finding the exact type and model can be sometimes confusing due to the different labels some battery brands are using for their batteries. Also, using silver-oxide instead of alkaline batteries can prolong the watch operating time on a single battery.

Instead of silver-oxide/alkaline coin cell batteries, some watches use lithium non-rechargeable batteries, and even some of them support the use of rechargeable button/coin lithium cell batteries.

Updated: January 5, 2022.

On This Page:

• Silver-Oxide/Alkaline Button/Coin Cell Batteries - "SR-SW" Watch Batteries
• Lithium Button/Coin Cell Batteries - "CR" Watch Batteries
• Cobalt Titanium Lithium Button/Coin Cell Batteries - "CTL" Watch Batteries
• Lithium Titanium Button/Coin Cell Batteries - "MT" Watch Batteries
• Watch Battery vs Watch Capacitor
• Replacing a Watch Battery
• Watch Batteries Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Silver-Oxide/Alkaline Button/Coin Cell Batteries

Button/coin cell batteries are a group of non-rechargeable batteries often used in wrist watches.

There are several chemistry types of these batteries - the most common are alkaline and silver-oxide batteries.

These batteries also come as zinc-air batteries, which are used mostly as hearing aid batteries, and due to the rather limited operating lifetime, they are not used in watches.

Mercury-oxide batteries were very common wrist watch batteries, but they are not used anymore due to their mercury content.

A comparison of these chemistries is given in the following table:

Alkaline: Alkaline button/coin cell batteries are reliable and cheap batteries. Their nominal voltage is 1.5 volts, but as the battery is used, their voltage quickly drops.

The actual capacity depends on the cut-off voltage of the used watch. Wrist watches often require constant and relatively high voltage, making the nominal capacity of these batteries rather low - such a device will require new replacement batteries rather quickly. If alkaline batteries are used in devices that tolerate low battery voltage, then nominal capacity is larger, since such a device will not require new batteries soon.

Shelf life depends on the manufacturer, but generally newer alkaline batteries have a shelf life of at least 3-5 years.

Silver Oxide: Silver-oxide button/coin cell batteries are the most popular type of wrist watch batteries - they are not expensive, often have a shelf life of 10 or more years, they have very constant voltage during operation, which is very similar to the nominal voltage of alkaline batteries (1.55 V vs 1.50 V).

The typical capacity of, for example, silver-oxide SR626SW is in the 25-27 mAh range, which is larger than the equivalent alkaline LR626 capacity (15-17 mAh).

Here is a cross-reference chart of common button/coin cell wrist watch batteries:

Note: Amazon affiliate links open in the new windows, feel free to check them.

The most common silver-oxide wrist watch batteries are SR626SW (SW - Silver, Watch) battery, but other batteries are used as well, like SR920SW, SR616SW, SR916SW, SR621, SR416SW, SR521SW, SR721SW, etc.

SR626SW Watch Battery

SR626SW watch battery is a coin-cell silver-oxide battery featuring physical dimensions of (D x H) 6.8 x 2.6 mm. Its nominal voltage is 1.55 volts, a nominal capacity is 25-27 mAh and the cutoff voltage is ~1.2 volts.

Like all watch batteries, the actual capacity and runtime of the SR626SW battery depend on the constant current drain, average temperature, maximum and minimum temperature, the cutoff voltage of the device being powered by this battery, battery age, etc.

When compared with LR626 battery, an alkaline 6.8 x 2.6 mm coin-cell battery, SR626SW features more stable voltage, larger capacity (25-27 vs 15-17 mAh), higher cutoff voltage (1.2 vs 1.0 volts), longer shelf life (5-7+ years vs 3-5 years), etc.

SR626SW battery also comes with other labels as well, including 177, 376, 377, AG4, SG4, SR66, SR626, etc. while LR626 battery is also labeled as 177, 376, 377, AG4, etc.

As one can see, both silver-oxide and alkaline 6.8 x 2.6 mm batteries share some of the labels - if You want a silver-oxide battery for your watch (and you should go for a silver-oxide battery), the package of the battery must clearly state that the battery is silver-oxide battery.

So, when buying a new SR626SW battery, be sure to go for the battery (or batteries) from a reputable brand, that has been tested by many users in countless real-life applications.

For the most up-to-date offers and prices, check the SR626SW Battery Amazon link (the link opens in the new window).

SR920SW Watch Battery

SR920SW watch battery is a button/coin-cell silver-oxide non-rechargeable battery featuring physical dimensions of (D x H) 9.5 x 2.1 mm.

It features a nominal voltage of 1.55 volts, a nominal capacity of 35-55 mAh, and a cutoff voltage of 1.2 volts.

The actual capacity and runtime of the SR920SW battery depend on the constant current drain, pulse current drain, average temperature, battery age, maximum and minimum temperature, the cutoff voltage of the device being powered by this battery, etc.

For example, Energizer 370/371 battery (Energizer 370/371 Battery Datasheet PDF) features a nominal capacity of 34 mAh when the battery is being discharged over 33kΩ at 21°C. Also, the battery features a self-discharge rate of <2% annually @20°C and <0.5% annually @0°C. Obviously, when the battery is being discharged with a weaker current, actual capacity increases.

When compared with an alkaline 9.5 x 2.1 mm LR920 coin-cell battery, SR920SW features more stable voltage, larger capacity (35-55 vs 25-30 mAh), higher cutoff voltage (1.2 vs 0.9-1.0 volts), longer shelf life (5-7+ years vs 3-5 years), etc.

SR920SW battery also comes with other labels including SR69, SR920W, SR920PW, SR920, SR921, 171, 370, 371, SG6, AG6, etc. while LR920 battery is also labeled as LR69, LR921, AG6, etc.

As one can see, both silver-oxide and alkaline 9.5 x 2.1 mm batteries share some of the labels - if You want a silver-oxide battery for your watch (and you should go for a silver-oxide battery), the package of the battery must clearly state that the battery is a silver-oxide battery.

When looking for a new SR920SW battery, be sure to go for the batteries from reputable brands, that have been tried and tested by many users in countless real-life applications.

For the most up-to-date offers and prices, check the SR920SW Battery Amazon link (the link opens in the new window).

Lithium Button/Coin Cell Batteries

Lithium button/coin cells are mostly primary (non-rechargeable) 3V batteries. Their negative electrode is lithium, while the positive electrode is either manganese-dioxide or carbon-monofluoride.

Manganese-dioxide lithium batteries' labels start with 'C' and generally their operating temperature range is between -20°C (-4°F) and 70°C (158°F). The nominal voltage is 3.0 V, and a cutoff voltage is 2.0 V. Typical example is the CR2032 battery, with a typical capacity of ~225 mAh

Carbon-monofluoride lithium batteries' labels start with 'B' and generally their operating temperature range is -30°C (-22°F) and 85°C (185°F). The nominal voltage is 2.8 V, and a cutoff voltage is 2.25 V. Typical example is the BR2032 battery, with a typical capacity of ~190 mAh.

Generally, BR#### and CR#### are interchangeable batteries - slight lower voltage of BR#### batteries is no problem, at least not for most common devices. But, for devices operating in extreme temperatures, BR#### batteries are recommended over CR#### batteries.

The nominal capacity of rechargeable lithium button/coin cell batteries is lower than non-rechargeable CR or BR batteries, but they can be charged and discharged many times (up to or even more than 1000 times). Their most common label is LiR#### and nominal voltage is 3.6 or 3.7 volts, however, there are also rechargeable 3.0 volts VL series (Vanadium Lithium rechargeable battery), 3.0 volts ML series (Manganese Lithium rechargeable battery), etc.

For example, LiR2032 (or LIR2032, ML2032, etc.) capacity is in the 50-80 mAh range, while the typical capacity of CR2032 battery is ~225 mAh.

Replacing CR or BR types of batteries with LiR batteries should be done only if the device operates properly when being powered with 3.6V (instead of 2.8 or 3.0V). This 0.6V difference can cause operating issues and it can even damage certain devices.

On the other hand, 1000+ charging/discharging cycles can save plenty of money.

Personally, if you have a watch that uses lithium batteries, go for a good CR#### battery since it has a much higher capacity. Also, BR#### are a good choice if you need your watch to operate in extreme temperature conditions.

Here is a cross-reference chart of common lithium 3V coin cell batteries:

Note: Amazon affiliate links open in the new windows, feel free to check them.

The most common lithium coin cell wrist watch battery is the CR1216 battery, but other batteries are used as well, like CR2016, CR2032, CR2025, CR2430, CR1220, CR1620, CR1616, etc.

These batteries are commonly used in many small devices, gadgets, and appliances, and getting a new one should not be a problem.

CR1216 Watch Battery

CR1216 watch battery is a non-rechargeable manganese lithium battery featuring physical dimensions of (D x H) 12.5 x 1.6 mm and a nominal voltage of 3.0 volts and a typical capacity of ~25 mAh.

Again, actual capacity depends on the application, watch use, temperature and similar - if You have a wrist watch with an alarm, LED lights, and similar, the use of such features can significantly shorten the runtime of the battery.

CR1216 can be replaced with a BR1216 battery(carbon-monofluoride lithium battery) which features a slightly lower, but more stable voltage, and lower discharge current - hence, the BR1216 battery should NOT be used with watches that feature an alarm, LED lights, and similar features.

LiR1216 are very rare batteries, but they also feature nominal voltage in the 3.6-3.7 volts range and it is questionable which 3.0 volts devices support the use of 3.6-3.7 batteries.

If You need a rechargeable 3.0 volts 1216 battery, the ML1216 battery is a much better choice. However, that battery is usually manufactured with tabs and is also rather rare.

In the end, if You need a round ('R') 12.5 x 1.6 mm 3.0 lithium battery, go for a CR1216 battery (non-rechargeable lithium-manganese battery) from reputable brands and replace them when required.

For the most up-to-date offers and prices, feel free to check the CR1216 Battery Amazon link (the link opens in the new window).

CR2016 Watch Battery

Lithium 3.0V non-rechargeable CR2016 battery is a button/coin cell battery featuring physical dimensions of (D x H) 20 x 1.6 mm (0.7874 inches x 0.06299 inches), thus '2016' as part of its label.

CR2016 battery feature a nominal voltage of 3.0V, a cutoff voltage of 2.0V, a typical capacity of ~90 mAh, a maximum continuous discharge current of ~1 mA, a nominal continuous discharge current of 0.1 mA, and a maximum pulse current usually in the 5 mA and 15 mAh range.

As such, CR2016 is suitable for both analog and digital watches, with or without an alarm and LED lights.

Typical labels of Lithium Manganese Dioxide (Li-Mn02) 20 x 1.6 mm batteries include DL2016, ECR2016, E-CR2016, SB-T11, 5000LC, and similar, but the most common one is CR2016.

Button/coin cell 20 x 1.6 mm batteries are also offered in other chemistries as well:

- BR2016 battery is a Carbon-Monofluoride Lithium battery, with a nominal voltage of 3.0V, a cutoff voltage of 2.0V, a nominal capacity of 60-75 mAh, with a nominal discharge current of "only" ~0.03 mA (~30 μA).

But, the BR2016 battery features a lower self-discharge rate and a broader operating temperature, when compared with a typical CR2016 battery.

- LiR2016 battery is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery with a nominal voltage of 3.6-3.7 volts, a cutoff voltage of 2.7-3.0V, and a typical capacity of 20-25 mAh, with some models supporting 500+ charging/recharging cycles.

Note that both BR2016 and LiR2016 batteries are not directly compatible with CR2016 batteries and can be used to replace CR2016 batteries only if explicitly allowed by the watch manufacturer.

For the most up-to-date offers and prices, feel free to check the CR2016 Battery Amazon link (the link opens in the new window).

Cobalt Titanium Lithium Button/Coin Cell Batteries - "CTL" Watch Batteries

Cobalt Titanium Lithium button/coin cell batteries, for short "CTL" batteries, are rechargeable type of watch batteries that are also often labeled as 'capacitors' or 'accumulators' and are used to power wrist watches with some sort of recharging system, including automatic watches, solar watches and similar.

Note: when first automatic/solar watches appeared on the market a long time ago, they actually had little capacitors and not the batteries to store the charge - hence, rechargeable watch batteries are still sometimes referred to as 'capacitors' and not batteries.

But, CTL watch batteries are true rechargeable batteries.

The most popular CTL batteries are CTL920, CTL1616, and CTL621 batteries, while CTL1025 and a few other batteries are not being used very often.

CTL batteries feature a nominal voltage of 2.3 volts, a charging voltage of 2.5-2.7 volts (using constant voltage charging system), and a cutoff voltage of approximately 2.0 volts.

Note: rechargeable CR batteries (this is sort of the wrong statement, since CR batteries are not rechargeable batteries at all, but in order to simplify few things, we use the term 'rechargeable CR batteries') are often labeled as LiR or ML batteries (for example, rechargeable CR2032 is actually LiR2032 or ML2032 battery) and they feature a nominal voltage of 3.0 volts (ML batteries) or 3.6 - 3.7 volts (LiR batteries). Never use ML or LiR battery instead of CTL battery and vice-versa! ML and LiR rechargeable batteries are not commonly used in wrist watches - they are mostly used as memory backup batteries, in communication devices, PCs, medical devices, etc.

The nominal capacity depends on the battery size/volume, continuous drain current, temperature of use, number of charging/discharging cycles, depth of discharge, and similar.

Note: we use Panasonic CTL batteries as examples because they are often a default choice of many solar watch manufacturers, they perform well and can be easily found at various online shops. Also, Panasonic CTL920F battery (or sometimes CTL920A) is a 'CTL920' battery.

CTL batteries can come with or without tabs. Obviously, those without tabs are easier to replace at home, however, if You are not sure what needs to be done and how, do yourself a favor and take the watch to the watch repair shop and let them replace the battery for You.

The following cross-reference chart lists the most popular CTL batteries and their most important features and specifications:

Note: Amazon affiliate links open in the new windows, feel free to check them for the most up-to-date offers and prices.

Lithium Titanium Button/Coin Cell Batteries - "MT" Watch Batteries

Lithium Titanium button/coin cell batteries, also known as "MT" batteries, are another type of rechargeable watch batteries.

MT batteries are very similar to CTL and LiR batteries, with the most important difference being a nominal voltage of 1.5 volts (2.3 volts for CTL batteries, and 3.6 volts for LiR/ML batteries).

The most popular MT batteries are MT621, MT920, and MT516 battery, with MT416, MT821, and a few other batteries are not being used very often.

MT batteries feature a nominal voltage of 1.5 volts, a cutoff voltage of approximately 1.2 volts, while capacity depends on the battery size, drain conditions, number of charging/discharging cycles, and similar.

When compared with CTL batteries, MT batteries feature lower capacity and voltage, but can provide relatively stronger currents and can endure a larger number of charging/discharging cycles.

The following cross-reference chart lists the most popular MT batteries and their most important features and specifications:

Note: Amazon affiliate links open in the new windows, feel free to check them for the most up-to-date offers and prices.

Watch Battery vs Watch Capacitor

There are several ways for watches to store the energy required for everyday operation, including:

- mechanical watches use spring to keep the watch mechanism running. Once the spring tension is fully gone, the watch stops - that is why older wrist watches needed their mechanisms (springs) rewound on a daily basis.

- solar watches use small solar panels to collect the light and store the energy for operation when there is no light present.

- kinetic watches use the energy that comes from a rotor that spins while the watch moves on the user's wrist and store the energy for use while the watch is not moving.

Both solar and kinetic watches may use small watch capacitors and/or small watch batteries to store the collected energy.

Watch batteries, while being charged, convert electric energy into chemical energy and, when being discharged, convert the chemical energy into electric energy which is used to power the watch.

On the other hand, watch capacitors, while being charged, store the charge itself onto the two parallel electrodes insulated from each other. When the battery capacitor is being discharged, the charge is simply discharged and used to power the watch.

While watch capacitors appear much simpler to build and use, watch batteries feature larger capacity, and thanks to the advancements in electronics, they also last for a very long time.

When your solar or kinetic watch stops, be sure to check the Owner's Guide to verify what kind of battery/capacitor it uses and try to replace it with exactly the same one.

Replacing a Watch Battery

First of all, when replacing a watch battery, if You are not sure how to do it, don't do it - take your watch to the repair shop and let them check the watch and replace the battery. After all, if the watch has stopped working, maybe it is not a battery issue ...

A new watch battery should be chosen according to the watch manufacturer's recommendations. If your old battery was an alkaline battery and your watch supports the use of silver-oxide batteries, go for silver-oxide battery. Alkaline batteries are somewhat cheaper, but the end price difference is almost negligible.

Find the watch Owner's Guide (manual, instructions), check the required battery size, model, type, chemistry and find out how to replace the battery - some manufacturers provide detailed written instructions, some provide YouTube videos, and some even insist that the watch MUST be taken to the licensed watch repair shop.

If the watch is still within the warranty period, do NOT open it at home - either take it to the repair shop or send it to the manufacturer for the battery replacement.

When replacing the watch battery at home, it is good to have proper tools. Some watches can be opened and have their battery replaced even with a toothpick, and some watches require specialized watch repair kits, that can be ordered online.

Now, when You have your watch, its new battery, Owner's Guide, proper tools, battery replacement is relatively easy - just follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Also, some watches require their seal to be replaced when the battery is being replaced - this is very important for divers' and similar watches.

Cleaning and lubrication of the watches - do NOT try to clean or lubricate your watch when replacing the battery. Actually, when replacing the battery, do it in the clean room and do it quickly, preventing the fine dust particles to enter the sensitive watch mechanism.

Also, just a drop of lubricant can cause so much resistance, that it is able to destroy the watch - watch mechanism and electronics are that sensitive to foreign objects and liquids.

Again, if you are unsure about your watch, go to the nearest watch shop and let the professionals replace the battery - better safe than sorry :)

For the most up-to-date offers and prices, feel free to check the Watch Repair Kit Amazon link (the link opens in the new window).

Watch Batteries Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some of the most common Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about watch batteries and button/coin cell batteries in general:

Are all watch batteries the same?

No, watch batteries differ in size and chemistry. When replacing the watch battery, always use the battery of the same physical size and type/chemistry.

What size battery does my watch take?

In order to find out which battery your watch uses, check the Owner's Guide of the watch, or try to find the manual on the watch manufacturer's official website, or simply Google it.

Also, one of the options is to open the watch, but if the watch is under warranty, that would render the warranty void.

Personally, if You are not a DIY person, take the watch to the local watch shop (or jewelry shop - they also often repair watches, or at least replace the batteries) or send it using mail to the manufacturer, if they offer such service, of course.

What kind of batteries are used in a watch?

Button/coin cell batteries are the most common batteries found in the wrist and similar small watches.

Can I replace the watch battery myself?

In most situations, it is possible to replace the watch battery at home. However, when the battery is replaced by certified personnel, they can also check the seals and other parts of the watch that tend to wear out over time.

Are watch batteries lithium? What kind of battery do watches use?

Some of the watch batteries are lithium and even they feature several different lithium battery chemistries. Other batteries may feature different chemistries including alkaline (LR) and silver-oxide (SR).

Are all CR2032 batteries lithium?

Yes, all CR2032 batteries are Lithium Manganese Dioxide (Li-Mn0₂) batteries. If the 20 x 3.2 mm button/coin cell is not a Li-MnO₂ battery, then it is not a CR2032 battery, but perhaps BR2032, ML2032, VL2032, LiR2032, etc.

For more about this topic, feel free to check our Types of Lithium Battery Chemistries article.

What is the standard battery for a watch? What is the most common battery for watches?

There is no such thing as "standard watch battery" - most common watch batteries include SR626SW (377), SR920SW, CR1216, CR2016, CTL920, MT621, etc.

But, there is no a "standard watch battery".

How long does it take to get a watch battery replaced?

If everything is alright with the rest of the watch, it takes just a few minutes in order to replace a watch battery.

What is the average life of a watch battery? How often do watches need a new battery?

A good watch battery should last a few years. If the watch features LED lights and an alarm, the use of such features may shorten the battery life significantly.

Are 370 and 371 batteries the same?

Generally speaking, yes, 370 and 371 are both silver-oxide 9.5 x 2.1 mm batteries.

However, 370 battery is generally a high-drain battery used for digital watches with alarms and LEDs, while 371 battery is a low-drain battery.

But, with the development of chemistry and technology in general, most modern silver-oxide 9.5 x 2.1 mm batteries are multi-drain batteries and feature labels like "370/371" or similar. Also, they are labeled as SR920 and/or SR920SW batteries.