How much to pay for a watch battery?

Badgergal

I stupidly broke beyond repair my old watch. I was going to buy a new one (am lost without a watch) but that isn't very OS!

Whilst clearing clutter as inspired by the feng shui thread, I found a case with a watch my late grandad bought me, the kind with interchangeable straps and faces etc, very swish, dainty little swiss watch. I think I stopped wearing it as a teenager cos it wasn't trendy enough, probably!! But it is a lovely little watch.

It's stopped, and prob needs a new battery. How much you reckon it will be to get a new battery put in? (I live in London). Cheaper than buying a new watch?

honey

I recently bought a battery for my son's watch from a tiny watch store and it cost £4.50.

I was then told by a friend that it would have been far cheaper from a stall on the market. Maybe you could try a market stall if you have one nearby?

misty

We have a store B&M bargains that has a big packet of various size watch batteries for 99p. I'm sure the pounshop will do something similar. Can you get the back off ok? I couldn't get the back off mine and went in and asked a jewellers. The woman had a face that would curdle milk and only did it begrudgingly although my BIl had no problems at another one when he needed it. I think to get a jewller to do it it will be about a fiver.

edit
I've found the packet it has 36 with 6 different sizes. PM with your address and I'll send you one of each.

Maisie

We've been quoted from £3 to £14. Highest prices in jewellers and some have to send watch away to fit battery.

Try your local markets. A man in Stevenage market fits one for £2/3 and he's very careful with the watches and the battery lasts the same time as others.

Badgergal

Useful replies, thanks.

There is no way I can get the back off myself and will not risk damaging it so it will have to be someone else and of course they will expect me to buy their battery not bring my own...!

I work in Camden so lots of markets but they are touristy markets so not sure anyone there will do it (in the mean time I keep looking at my naked wrist like a loon! )

I guess there is no harm in asking at a jewellers but I wasn't sure what the going rate was...

idiot_3

as little as about £2 or much more. it essentially depends on whether there is a waterproof seal on the watch. this is damaged when the back is removed for a new battery (as it is like a head gasket on a car. it moulds to the individual shape and cannot be reused.) if you want this replaced it will cost more, if you are not bothered about it being waterproff, then £2 or 3 from a market or high street stall.

misty

Badgergal wrote:

Useful replies, thanks.

There is no way I can get the back off myself and will not risk damaging it so it will have to be someone else and of course they will expect me to buy their battery not bring my own...!

I had my own that is why the woman had a face like a slapped bum. I asked if she minded just taking the back off for me. She clearly did but didn't have the nerve to charge me. I wouldn't go back again as she acted like I'd asked for one of her kidneys. Another jewellers who I expected to pay took a couple of links out of a watch for me and didn't charge. I bought severl things form them since - so try your luck - you don't have to see them again.

Maisie

Some jewellers have the cheek of the devil regarding prices. My husband bought me a necklace for Christmas and the catch ring was so small I couldn't open it as I have big fingers. He took it back to the jewellers and asked for a bigger ring on the catch. They said it was £25. that's after paying nearly £200 for the necklace. he refused to pay that. We went to another jewellers and that man said £5 for same thing. Or if I had bought it there he would have replaced with a bigger ring for nothing. I went back and told the original jeweller and she said 'I don't know how he does it'!

Badgergal

Seems it is water resistant and its best it stays that way with me, I'm a bit absent minded and tend to leave it on in the shower etc before realising and panicking...

Ooh Misty I wouldn't have been brave enough! I really wouldn't! But well done for doing that.

I'm going out for my lunch hour now so will let you know how I get on....

Maisie

Misty your reply made me laugh. That's the spirit gal. We need to be cheeky in this world. If you don't ask you don't get!

That jeweller gained as you have made other purchases there.

Chipps

Our local electrical shop & also the market charge £2 to supply & fit a watch battery - and put the time right for you!