Changing batteries in quartz watches and more.

The last time I went to my AD for a battery change for my Tag Aquaracer, I was charged $20. So, I decided to do it myself. It's not complicated as long as you have the proper tools.

I purchased a variety of sturdy instruments that will pay for themselves as soon as I do all my quartz timepieces.

I first started on my cheapies for practice and will move on the more expensive ones. No more trips to the AD. No more waiting and saving money in the process.

Lady Jane wrote

The last time I went to my AD for a battery change for my Tag Aquaracer, I was charged $20. So, I decided to do it myself. It's not complicated as long as you have the proper tools.

I purchased a variety of sturdy instruments that will pay for themselves as soon as I do all my quartz timepieces.

I first started on my cheapies for practice and will move on the more expensive ones. No more trips to the AD. No more waiting and saving money in the process.

****Wow. You got some good tooling. No question they will pay for themselves in time plus you also get the satisfaction of doing the work yourself. Please be aware some watches have a protocol regarding unsealing/re-sealing for the purpose of maintaining water/humidity resistance, etc..

Sometimes the case or cover has a small silicone or viton o-ring/gasket that may need to be lubricated/sealed - others it is just press fit and no gasket. Below is a pic of what I use when it is needed. Just FYI.

MaxVO2 wrote

****Wow. You got some good tooling. .

Thank you. Since I don't know anything about watch makers tools, I figure I would err on the side of quality with machined tooling. Pretty hefty as well.

I need to borrow your case press.

wyshyvanuk wrote

I need to borrow your case press.

Anything else you would like to borrow?

Well, yeah, one of those funny lookin' yellow things, but I don't want you to think that I'm talkin' dirty ;~).

wyshyvanuk wrote

Well, yeah, one of those funny lookin' yellow things, but I don't want you to think that I'm talkin' dirty ;~).

It's a case opener for watches with pry-off backs. It goes with the press. I know how your mind works so don't worry.

Did my 1972 (N2) Accutron 218.

Yeah, I started on that a few years ago and have an entire tool box (my grandfather's) dedicated to watch tools. The O-ring wax jar is useful but even more so if you have a large assortment of O-rings so you can replace them, too. You can usually get a large assortment of like 100 rings for nearly nothing on Amazon. Since many of mine are Victorinox who my local AD (also a TAG AD) tells me makes many of TAG's movements, I also laid in a supply of batteries and recently did a friend's TAG-Heuer. I also keep a supply of pins for bands, etc., and the jigs and tools for replacing those, too. Fun!

I think I got started when no one locally would re-seal my Seiko Giugiaro-design "motorcycle" watch. An original to me as worn by Senna.

BMWCCA1 wrote

I think I got started when no one locally would re-seal my Seiko Giugiaro-design "motorcycle" watch. An original to me as worn by Senna.

That would be that one, right?

Lady Jane wrote

That would be that one, right?

Yes. Mine is the original version from around 1982, not the limited reissue version from around 2019. You can tell that from the wear on the bracelet!

BMWCCA1 wrote

Yes. Mine is the original version from around 1982

I wasn't born in 1982...

Lady Jane wrote

I wasn't born in 1982...

And I had already been riding motorcycles for over a decade by then.

That was back when we wore watches so we could tell time.

Re-sizing the bracelet of my Accutron VX-200.

Making a small bracelet adjustment on my Omega Seamaster Ti. Ref. 2232.80

A good kit is essential when you own a watch or ten...I found this on Amazon for $32. and I've been able to do just about everything I need.

tcphoto wrote

A good kit is essential when you own a watch or ten...I found this on Amazon for $32. and I've been able to do just about everything I need.

And it pays for itself after you service just a few watches.

Something you don't see every day. An ESA Dynotron 9158 electro-mechanical movement with a battery powered balance wheel. Only 500 made.

https://www.unwindintime.com/products/gevril-hercules-with-nos-esa-electronic-movement

Did my TAG Aquaracer with the Swiss Ronda mvt. zx10guy , mine was different than yours with no strapping or tiny screws to remove.
Easy out and easy in.

Lady Jane wrote

Did my TAG Aquaracer with the Swiss Ronda mvt. zx10guy , mine was different than yours with no strapping or tiny screws to remove.
Easy out and easy in.

Lucky you. I think I have three Ronda movements that all have that blasted strap.

This is a cool thread. I picked up my own tools to do battery replacements because I was tired of going to my local jewelry store and learning their one “battery guy” was never available. Plus, whenever he did my battery replacements he’d man handle my watch aggressively and I’d gringe every time.

Now with my own tools I can do things my way.

I learned there’s three different types of backs on quartz watches, and each one requires its own tools:

Press fit
Large screw-on fit
Multiple tiny Screws