200m waterproof watch new battery?

travel_freak

Hi,

I have a watch which is waterproof to 200m. I used to use it while diving but don't anymore. It needs a new battery and I've been quoted £35 and a 2 week wait to have this done and then it is only guaranteed to last for a year. The store I went to (Timpsons) said they can only do watches in store which are waterproof up to 100m (for around £15) and that, in any event, if they did mine in store because it is 200m they couldn't guarantee it and if it leaked at all - even just in the shower and not at depth - they couldn't be held responsible.

Any tips on getting this new battery replaced at a more reasonable cost would be most appreciated, as spending £35 each year seems excessive. What is the "magic" to re-sealing - do they use some special tool/machine to do this? Dare I try to do it myself and take a risk? If I only now need it to be waterproof for washing-up, bathing/showering does it matter - could I chance the in-store service? It's an Ellesse and on the backplate there are six small indentations which I imagine are for some sort of tool to get the back plate off?!?

Tips/advice most welcome.

Thanks in advance.

BLACKHURSTM

Do it yourself they are only concerned about the warranty,because generally speaking watches with a 200mt guarantee would be in the higher price bracket.
Maybe put a touch some sort of oil or lubricant on the thread before closing this should help fill any possible gaps.
Don't dive too deep
Don't wash up above the 45th floor of a skyscraper,

ManAtHome

The six indents are pretty standard - I use a pair of needle-node pliers to unscrew the back (anti-clockwise). Bit trickier getting it back on - takes a bit of fiddlling about to engage the back in the case so don't try forcing it (it if doesn't turn easily you've cross-threaded it).

Jnelhams

Try contacting Ellesse to see if it is cheaper from them

ELLESSE LTD
Lakeside
Squires Lane
London
N3 2QL
England
UK

UK enquiries:
+44 (0)208 970 6381

Int'l enquiries:
+44 (0)208 970 6214

Fax:
+44 (0)208 970 2818

Tony_H_3

I have a Certina DS which is 100M resistent and I couldn't find a single person whom would be willing to replace the battery. I was left with 2 choices return it to swizterland or attempt it myself.

It has two "o-rings" which were both displaced on removing the back, and were fiddly to reseat. The overall cost by doing it myself £1.17

xueta

I was also quoted £35 for a battery change; the jewellers told me they would need to send it back to the manufacturer and part of the cost was to cover insurance for the watch. A week later, I was called to say that they couldn't change the battery, as the watch needed a service at a cost of nearly £100!!!

I paid up, as I didn't think there was an alternative. When the battery runs low, the second hand starts moving in 5 second increments until it is serviced apparently. Does anyone know if any actual adjustments apart from the battery change are made to make the watch run correctly? I certainly felt a bit conned, especially when I got the receipt back from the Swatch factory! Didn't know they made Omegas too :rolleyes: - grrrr. I'm particularly interested as the watch has just started to do the 5 seconds jump thing again. £100 every 2 1/2 years for batteries!!!!

Tony_H_3

Ouch - That makes me even more happy about the choice I made. I can't believe how fussy I am about watches, they have to be just right!

travel_freak

Thanks everyone for your prompt replies. I will try doing it myself I think (adding a bit of oil, as suggested) - I much prefer the sound of £1.17 to £35!!

Regards,

windym_2

Think yourself lucky I have a Tag and every 18 months it goes back to the jewellers for a battery and service which costs a small fortune. And, its away for 6-8 weeks. No I don't use it for diving, it was a wedding present so have to keep it going.

mhutchuk

I have a casio tough solar g-shock which is radio controlled.

Has the lot - Solar power, Atomic clock accuracy and 200m water proof.

For £60 could get yourself one of these and be done with the lot

Mark

grumpyoldgit_2

ManAtHome wrote:

The six indents are pretty standard - I use a pair of needle-node pliers to unscrew the back (anti-clockwise). Bit trickier getting it back on - takes a bit of fiddlling about to engage the back in the case so don't try forcing it (it if doesn't turn easily you've cross-threaded it).

Get it started and properly aligned by using a rubber sucker