In 14 snapshots, Dan Gendron takes jewelers through the steps they need to take and tools they need to own in order to properly change a watch battery.
Dan Gendron is a sixth generation watchmaker, working in the trade for more than 47 years. He is the author of “It’s TIME to Make MORE Money with Watch Repairs” and “Simplified Mechanical Watch Repair for Profit.” Reach him at talktothewatchguy@gmail.com.
In our last article we explained why it is necessary to become a watch professional, especially as it relates to watch batteries.
Now let’s get into the “how to” of changing watch batteries with this handy, step-by-step visual guide.
First, start off by cleaning the “fromage corps” (debris) from the case back.
This is important … don’t skip this! I know you have all seen a wiggling second hand before. This is most often caused by one of two things: water--it got wet--or, quite commonly, someone opened the back without first cleaning the debris, which gets inside the movement, hanging up the gears.
Next, inspect the gasket. This is also very important. It’s a gift to yourself. We all have had a snap-on or twist- on caseback that has caused us a great deal of frustration, trying to get it closed without breaking the crystal (or anything else).
So look closely at the gasket to ensure it lies flat within the channel in the caseback. Most importantly, ensure that there is no debris stuck to the gasket. If there is, use your brush to remove it or change the gasket, at cost of 5 cents to you.
Silicone case sealant is a white grease, not the same stuff you use to seal your shower door. It is your friend. An otherwise difficult snap-on back can be made to close with great ease by applying with a cotton swab a thin sheen of silicone on the caseback gasket, as well as between the crown and the casetube. Click through the slideshow below to see how it’s done.
You will also need a well-stocked battery cabinet. Since 1957, when the Hamilton watch company invented the first watch battery, watch battery companies have added numbers, seemingly to infinity. We recommend the Energizer battery cabinet, which most of you have. Some of you have Renata, whose numbering is the same. Be sure you have ample supplies (about 25) of each of the following numbers: 321; 364; 371; 377; and 395.
About five of any other numbers should suffice for your battery stock. NOTE: You want to be wary of purchasing batteries made in Asia, as some of them still contain mercury.
Next, this slideshow showcases the tools and supplies you need in order to correctly replace a watch battery.
A good case knife. What determines good? One whose blade is thin yet strong enough to do the job. Pictured here are Vigor and Bergeon case knives.
Most watch materials suppliers offer O-Ring gasket assortments. A modest assortment is a good start at about the $30 range.
Case closing press. The one pictured here is a $14.99 investment at Harbor Freight and comes with plastic dies. All that is needed to know to use this without damaging something is that the outer perimeter of the die should be greater than the crystal. If the crystal is domed, be sure to use a die that has space for the dome.
These are known as Jaxa wrenches; which type you use is your choice, but you must have one.
Last, but not least, take a few seconds to rub the watch
down with a rouge rag or Selvet cloth. Show the customer you are proud of your handiwork by handing it back to them with a little bit of sparkle.
In our next article we will discuss the science of selling repairs.
Dan Gendron is a sixth generation watchmaker, working in the trade for more than 47 years. He is the author of It's TIME to Make MORE Money with Watch Repairs and Simplified Mechanical Watch Repair for Profit, as well as a 12-part educational video series, A Course in Profits with Watch Repairs. To buy copies of his books and videos email him at talktothewatchguy@gmail.com.
Dan Gendronis a sixth-generation watchmaker and author of two books on making profits off watch repair.
