Watch battery replacement?

[madscientist01.livejournal.com]

Short and simple: where can I get a watch battery replaced locally? I know I can go to any random big dept. store but it's so much easier to run errands when it doesn't take an extra trip somewhere. Thanks!

Comments

[ron_newman]

Changing tag to 'jewelry', which has an old post on this subject. I recommend Watch Shop at Porter Square, 1925 Mass. Ave. basement.

Davis Square used to have two jewelers, but both closed in recent years. (One is now Julie's Nails on Elm St, the other Davis Squared on Highland)

[http://users.livejournal.com/_meej_/]

The Watch Shop at Porter Sq. has been my go-to place for watch repairs.

[bobobb.livejournal.com]

Second them

[miraclaire.livejournal.com]

The Watch Hospital on Bromfield Street, near Downtown Crossing is my go-to place for this kind of thing. It's not in Davis Sq, but it is right on the Red Line. Here's their website: http://www.watchhospitalboston.com/

Depends on the type/value of the watch

[jblack73.livejournal.com]

If this is a valuable quartz (battery-powered) watch - check your warranty - the use of a non-authorized service center may void your warranty - think Cartier, Omega or similar.

Also be aware that a simple battery replacement may not result in continued water-resistance. A hack service center can do more damamge than good if they are not familiar with the watch and its case and sealing system.

If it is a cheap watch and you don't care too much about the above - you may be able to do it yourself. Watch cases eaither snap on or off (use a butter knife to open) or with little screws (use an eyeglass screwdriver). Batteries are cheap and can be bought in places like CVS. Why pay $25 when all you need is a $5 battery for an inexpensive watch.

Re: Depends on the type/value of the watch

[madscientist01.livejournal.com]

I think my watch is in between the two categories - not designer per se, but not inexpensive and definitely not one I'm willing to take a butter knife to... would you characterize The Watch Shop as "a hack service center"?

Re: Depends on the type/value of the watch

[perspicuity.livejournal.com]

the good shops will send you watch out for correct service if it's weird/tricky or needs proper seals and internal pressurizing.

iirc, the watch shop in my "mall" sent it out for an additional < $20 fee, and it came back all nice and watertight again. if i didn't want that, they'd have just used normal seals, but it wouldn't be depth rated anymore.

#

Re: Depends on the type/value of the watch

[yakshaver.livejournal.com]

The watch shop in on Mass Ave is distinctly not a hack service center; the guy seriously knows his stuff.

No specific experience with this place

[jblack73.livejournal.com]

But generally, take your watch in... do they sell similar types or the same brand (this may be key to having the right parts or replacement seals). If your watch has a unique closure system (think of the Rolex back - you need a special tool) or is highly complicated you want to guage the watchmaker's experience with this particular watch.

If you are unsure - don't leave it.

If you are concerend take it to an authorized dealer.

Also, The Watchmaker in Stoneham has very talented watchmakers on staff.