I have a handful of watches that need new batteries. The last time I got new watch batteries, it cost me about $11 apiece.

5-6 years ago, I got watch batteries (installed), for about $4.75 each.

Thanks in Advance

Huh?

any local jeweler

I'll echo GuessWho on that one. I take mine to a local jeweler once a year for servicing and battery replacement.

I usually just go to one of those places in the mall. They usually have those stands.

Walmart for the batteries, shouldn't be more then $5 each. They'll replace the batteries for free if they sell that brand of watch there.

You can get them dirt-cheap on ebay. You may only need 1-2 common sizes, as eBay usually offers them in multiple quantities. Installation is a no-brainer. I wouldn't pay for that. Open watch, remove old battery, insert new battery. Not exactly rocket science there.

It's not that easy to open some watches, unless you have a Swatch, with the screwtop battery holder. It can also be hard to snap the watch back together once you take it apart. If you have any pointers on how to make it easier, let us know. I do replace my own batteries, but I always wind up putting more scratches on the back of them, and it can take time getting the back off and on. Plus, one watch ruined because it wouldn't snap back together, and I bent it out of shape trying.

Most of the small jewelers (not the ones at the mall) around here replace batteries for $3.99 each. You may need a coupon, watch for those packets of coupons that come in the mail.

Presumably you mean they will INSTALL the batteries once you buy them.

BTW, they won't work on Casio watches, they give you a box to mail it back to Casio.

actually, that's a pretty good question...

i tried various places, watch repair stores, mall, jewelry stores etc... the batteries didn't last a year and the prices vary from $5-$12.

needless to say, i brought a new watch from Macy's and it has been a year and half, still running...

I will echo a local jeweler. Especially if it is a moderately nice watch, or waterproof. I know my watch back doesnt have screws. It has grooves around, like rays from the sun, and I assume requires soem "special" tool to remove. It is generally about 10 bucks for battery and labor to change it. Plus my jeweler throws in a quick cleaning as well.

The flea market is the cheapest place.

Sears

I know I had a waterproof Timex and all the local jewelers refused to change the batteries in it. They said you had to send it to Timex to have them changed. I stopped buying them. PITA!!!

[looking at cell phone to see if I'm late for work] What's a watch? [/looking at cell phone to see if I'm late for work]

Fresno State

If they're attractive watches, take them to a locally owned reputable jeweler. The kiosk places in the mall are typically staffed by people who don't know what they're doing and they can trash a watch (scratch bezel, crack crystal, bend shaft, etc) in a heartbeat.