Silver Oxide Batteries
Watches remain important accessories that have an air of completion, especially when it comes to fashion but like most machines, their batteries need replacement. Their main purpose though, is giving accurate time hence the importance of having them up to speed virtually all the time. But to do that, you'd need a battery to power-up your watch unless you're the kind that doesn't care if it's up or not.
Batteries come in different shapes, sizes, and model numbers. However, not all batteries are fit for purpose or even last a while to keep your watch running. This is why knowledge of the sizes and numbers to replace your battery can help you make a choice after screening several off your list. The fact is batteries are difficult to read with so many brands out there coupled with the numbers that come with them, you'll have a hard time figuring out which one will perform optimally.
A watch battery or button cell is a small single cell battery shaped as a squat cylinder typically 5 to 25 mm (0.197 to 0.984 in) in diameter and 1 to 6 mm (0.039 to 0.236 in) high — resembling a button. A metal can forms the bottom body and positive terminal of the cell. An insulated top cap is the negative terminal.
Silver cells may have a stable output voltage until it suddenly drops at the end of life. This varies for individual types; one manufacturer (Energizer) offers three silver oxide cells of the same size, 357-303, 357-303H and EPX76, with capacities ranging from 150 to 200 mAh, voltage characteristics ranging from gradually reducing to fairly constant, and some stated to be for continuous low drain with high pulse on demand, others for photo use.
Letter suffix
After the package code, the following additional letters may optionally appear in the type designation to indicate the electrolyte used:
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P: potassium hydroxide electrolyte
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S: sodium hydroxide electrolyte
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No letter: organic electrolyte
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SW: low drain type for quartz watches (analog or digital) without light, alarm, or chronograph functions
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W: high drain type for all quartz watches, calculators and cameras. The battery complies with all the requirements of the international IEC 60086-3 standard for watch batteries.
Different Brands of Silver Oxide Batteries
Duracell Silver Oxide Batteries
Long-lasting Duracell Specialty Silver Oxide button batteries are a reliable choice for your electronics (calculator, light meter in camera), toys, watches and medical devices. The battery contains 0% mercury.
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Long-lasting power guaranteed
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Easy to find the right size
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Silver Oxide Battery Safety
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Leakage resistant
Energizer Silver Oxide Batteries
As far as batteries go, the Energizer brand is one of the foremost in the market. Known for its properties including silver oxide and lithium-based types, there are tons of varieties you can choose from to give your watch the power it needs. At a handy 1.5 volts or slightly more, they can be an adequate option for replacements for a long while yet. More so, they have ready replacements that can serve the same functions from other brands including Panasonic and Sony watch batteries.
One of the most popular models under the Energizer range is the Energizer 365/366, SR1116W Silver Oxide Watch Battery which sports the following features like most of its contemporaries:
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1.55 Volts; 30 mAh capacity
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Silver Oxide chemistry
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Leakage resistant
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Superior storage capacity
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Longevity
Maxell Silver Oxide Batteries
Many watch lovers know how unique the Maxell brand of batteries. Like its counterparts above, it has nothing to do with mercury, which has bad side effects and damages batteries in the long run. But it is largely made of silver oxide and most of this range of batters sport a 1.5 volts and above energy.
Maxell is generally thought to be high end, as they are but you'd expect a product with much guarantees to cost much especially if it comes in different sizes and shapes and has a division for both high-drain and low-drain watches. Again, depending on the power your watch consumes, you'll want a battery to spare your blushes and keep those machines moving.
Renata Silver Oxide Batteries
Swiss companies can hardly put a foot wrong when it comes to watch making and its safe to say the Renata range of batteries, made by a company under the Swatch Group (Omega, Breguet), falls under this category. The prices of Renata batteries are relatively cheap and affordable. You'd be getting great value for a long-lasting and reliable battery fit for your watch. Further, with different Renata batteries numbering more than 40 and constructed with silver oxide, your watch will be best served. None of the batteries contain mercury and you can count on the power they pack at 1.55 volts. It's no wonder then, that watches like Rolex and Breitling make use of Renata batteries.
The Renata 371 SR920SW is one of the brand's top watch batteries but on the whole, you can expect the following features from all Renata watch batteries:
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Dimensional precision and stability
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Reliable and long-lasting; Not prone to leakages
Sony Silver Oxide Batteries
Silver oxide battery is a small-sized primary battery mainly used for wrist watches, using zinc as the negative electrode (cathode), silver oxide as the positive electrode (anode) plus an alkaline electrolyte . Thanks to its high energy density and superb stable discharge characteristics, silver oxide batteries are being used in a broad range of applications, from quartz watches to portable devices such as electric clinical thermometers and portable games.
Advantages
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High energy density. High energy density has been achieved owing to the Sony's original high-precision material-mixing technology. The use of antioxidant, high performance separators also contributes to improved storage characteristics.
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Excellent stable discharge characteristics. Constant voltage output is available during the discharging.
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Excellent leakage resistance. Sony-unique sealing structure, coupled with special sealing- material treatment, has helped accomplish the excellent leakage resistance.
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A comprehensive product line-up. A comprehensive range of ultra-compact batteries is available to meet various needs.
Significance Of Watch Batteries Model Numbers
There are many different types of batteries out there with many brands sporting more than 20 alone. So why is there hardly any mix-up with the type needed and how to replace it? The answer is all in the numbers. It's significant to have these numbers because they make the difference clearer and help you identify a ready substitute. Further, the existence of a battery chart means you can easily spot a replacement. For instance, if you have a battery with the number code 317 or SR626SW as the case may be, all you have to do is locate brands that use the same code number and the battery will be a fit in your watch.
Replacing Your Watch Battery
If you're looking to replace your watch battery, you'll need a watch case opener, tweezers, and the replacement battery. While at it, ensure you follow these steps so you don't mess things up.
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Use the opener to take off the cover. Most watches have their batteries located at the back. Once you use the tool and hear a pop, it's open. Other watches have back lids that can be screwed though.
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Remove the battery. With the cover off, carefully take out the battery. Take note of the intricate clips or lack of any holding the battery in place. Check out the size of TV battery and make sure the replacement fits.
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Insert the new battery. Once you're sure it's the right size and code number, install the new battery.
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Replace the cover at the back of the battery and enjoy your watch.
If these steps or the battery don't work, you might want to see a professional to have it done or replaced.
When should a watch battery be replaced
In most cases, a battery in a brand new quartz watch with basic time and date functionality may last up to four years. As the watch ages, the mechanism becomes worn and drains more power (the reason why factory-installed batteries last longer). Typically replacement batteries last between one and two years. Many devices have and EOL (End of Life) feature, where the movement will advance only every two seconds instead of every second, notifying you that it is time to change the battery.
Safety Precautions
If the batteries are improperly used, they may leak, heat or explode, bringing about injury or device failure, Therefore observe strictly the following matters.
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Do not short-circuit, disassemble, heat, recharge, deform, dispose of in fire.
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Do not insert batteries in reserve polarity.
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Keep batteries out of reach of babies and little children. If by any chance, the batteries are swallowed, consult a doctor immediately.
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If the alkaline solution from the battery should get in the eyes or come into contact with the skin or clothes, rinse with a large quantity of clean water and consult a doctor immediately.
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Do not mix and use "different types of batteries" nor "used and new " batteries together.
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Do not expose batteries to strong impact by dropping or throwing the batteries.
