What battery does a wrist watch use?
Most wrist watches take an SR626SW (1.55 V silver oxide button cell). Some use SR621SW, SR920SW, CR2032, CR2025 or CR2016 instead. Open the case back (snap-off or screw-down) and read the code on the old cell; some case backs also list it.
| Battery | How common | Size | Volts | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SR626SW | Most common | 6.8 mm × 2.6 mm | 1.55 V | ≈ 28 mAh |
| SR621SW | Also used | 6.8 mm × 2.15 mm | 1.55 V | ≈ 23 mAh |
| SR920SW | Also used | 9.5 mm × 2.05 mm | 1.55 V | ≈ 40 mAh |
| CR2032 | Also used | 20 mm × 3.2 mm | 3 V | ≈ 225 mAh |
| CR2025 | Also used | 20 mm × 2.5 mm | 3 V | ≈ 165 mAh |
| CR2016 | Also used | 20 mm × 1.6 mm | 3 V | ≈ 90 mAh |
Watch battery: what to know
- Analog quartz watches mostly use small silver oxide cells; the 377 / SR626SW is the most common single size.
- Larger digital and sports watches often use lithium coin cells such as CR2032, CR2025 or CR2016.
- Watch cells are sized to a tenth of a millimetre, so the safest way to buy the right one is to read the code on the old cell.
- Water-resistant watches should have the case seal checked when the battery is changed.
How to check which battery your wrist watch takes
Open the case back (snap-off or screw-down) and read the code on the old cell; some case backs also list it. Battery codes are printed on the flat face of coin and button cells and along the side of AA, AAA and 9V batteries. Match the code exactly: a cell that looks similar can be a different thickness or voltage; see the SR626SW page for safe swaps.