If the battery in your wristwatch dies, you‘ll want to get it replaced quickly so your essential timekeeping companion can keep on ticking. But before you rush to your local Walmart for a battery swap, here‘s the deal – Walmart does not offer watch battery replacement services in their stores.
This can be an inconvenient surprise if you assumed you could get a quick battery change while grabbing your weekly groceries.
So why doesn‘t America‘s largest retailer replace watch batteries? And what can you do instead to get your watch working again? Let‘s dig in…
Why Walmart Doesn‘t Replace Watch Batteries
With over 4,700 store locations across the U.S., Walmart is the natural first stop for many everyday needs and services. But watch battery replacement isn‘t currently among them.
There are a few understandable reasons why Walmart chooses not to offer this in their stores:
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Employee training – Walmart staff aren‘t trained watchsmiths. Safely opening up a watch and swapping the battery without damage requires specialized skill and know-how.
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Liability concerns – If inexperienced staff damaged a customer‘s expensive watch during a botched battery replacement, Walmart could be liable for the loss. They avoid this risk by not providing the service.
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Time investment – Properly accessing the battery compartment, testing voltages, inserting new batteries, and resealing the watch takes 15-30 minutes per watch. Busy retail employees don‘t have time for lengthy servicing.
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Personnel limitations – With skeleton staffing to keep prices low, Walmart focuses personnel hours on core retail tasks rather than specialty services like repairs.
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Third party partnerships – Some locations partner with local jewelers or watch repair pros to offer battery swaps in-store instead.
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Revenue focus – Watch battery changes aren‘t a money maker. Walmart prioritizes associate time toward higher profit retail activities.
So for a variety of practical reasons, Walmart has chosen not to train staff or allocate resources toward replacing watch batteries in their stores.
What Does Walmart Offer Instead?
Now just because they don‘t personally change batteries doesn‘t mean Walmart leaves you high and dry if yours dies. They provide a few convenient options to get your watch ticking again:
1. Watch Battery Replacement Kits
Rather than do the repair for you, Walmart equips you to safely DIY a battery swap yourself with handy watch repair kits.
Popular all-in-one kits from brands like Speidel and Esslinger retail for $7-$20. These kits contain all the tools and supplies you need:
- Mini screwdrivers to open the watch case
- Tweezers to handle the itty-bitty battery
- A basic manual with battery replacement instructions
- Extra gaskets, seals and c-clips
- A battery voltage tester
- 1+ replacement batteries
With one of these toolkits and an online visual guide, many people can successfully change a standard watch battery at home. It just takes a delicate touch.
2. Individual Watch Batteries
If you just need the new power cell itself, Walmart stocks a wide variety of common watch battery models from brands like Renata, Maxell, Sony and Energizer.
You can buy individual replacement watch batteries for as low as $2.98. Multi-packs with 2-10 batteries cost $3-$12 depending on battery type and quantity.
Be sure to match your replacement battery‘s specifications exactly to the original manufacturer‘s recommendations for optimal performance and life.
3. On-Site Jewelers & Repair Shops
Select Walmart locations provide extra convenience by partnering with local jewelers, watch repair pros, or service shops to offer battery swaps and other services on-site a few days a week.
Visiting during the specified hours allows customers to get batteries changed professionally in as little as 10-15 minutes for around $5-10 – very reasonable!
Ask at your Walmart‘s jewelry counter if they have an on-site repair provider. If not, read on for other professional battery replacement options…
When Should I Replace My Watch Battery?
Watch batteries gradually drain down over an average lifespan of 2-4 years before needing replacement. But how do you know precisely when your watch battery is about to die? Here are the common warning signs:
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Watch stops completely – If your watch suddenly grinds to a halt, a depleted battery is the most likely culprit.
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Functions stop working – Some features like backlight, alarm or stopwatch may fail before the watch itself stops, signalling imminent battery death.
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Jumping second hand – On watches with a power reserve meter, the hand starts jumping every 5-10 seconds rather than ticking each one.
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Inaccurate timekeeping – As the battery weakens, the watch may run too fast or too slow. Frequent need to reset time indicates a battery on its very last legs.
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2 years of use – For most quartz analog watches, proactively plan to swap the battery every 2+ years as maintenance to avoid unpredictable failure.
For modern smartwatches or solar-powered watches, expect closer to 3-4 years before replacement. But inconsistent behavior is the surest sign your battery is about to croak. Don‘t delay swapping it out.
According to industry sales data, battery failure makes up over 60% of annual watch repairs. Given that,expect to replace that battery every couple of years if you want to keep your watch ticking!
Where Can I Get My Watch Battery Professionally Replaced?
While Walmart doesn‘t offer watch battery replacement, luckily it is one of the most common and affordable repair services. You have abundant professional options:
Jewelers
One of the quickest, easiest, and cost-effective ways to get your watch battery swapped is to visit a retail jeweler like Kay, Jared, Zales, etc.
Benefits of using an experienced jeweler include:
- Convenience – Many retail jewelry chains have stores nationwide.
- Expert technicians – Jewelers are trained and comfortable handling watches.
- Proper tools – Stores invest in professional grade watch repair tools.
- Efficiency – Battery swaps typically take just 10-15 minutes.
- Affordability – Usually costs only $5-$10 for standard battery changes.
- Guarantees – Reputable jewelers will fix any accidental damage free of charge.
- Delicate handling – Jewelers take great care of your sentimental timepieces.
For important or expensive watches, it‘s worth paying a jeweler to use the proper tools and care.
Local Watch Repair Shops
In many areas you can also find specialty local watchmaker‘s shops that only focus on expert watch servicing and repairs.
These dedicated pros have years of hands-on experience, stock hard-to-find parts, and invest in the latest tools to properly service watches of all ages and values. Feel at ease knowing your priceless heirloom timepiece is in the hands of a master craftsman.
Department Stores
Major department stores like Macy‘s and Nordstrom‘s also often provide quick battery swaps. Policies vary by store, so call ahead.
- Macy‘s – Offers free battery replacement with any watch repair purchase.
- Nordstrom‘s – Replaces batteries for free on watches purchased at Nordstrom.
- Kohl‘s – Swaps batteries for just $5 plus gives 20% off watch purchases.
Manufacturer Service Centers
For high end luxury brands like Rolex, luxury Swiss watches, or very complicated mechanical timepieces, sending the watch to an authorized manufacturer service center is best.
These facilities have intimate expertise on that specific brand and access to authentic factory parts. Battery replacement through the manufacturer may cost $50-100 but helps retain water resistance and any remaining warranty coverage.
DIY Replacement
With care, patience, and by following detailed video tutorials, many hobbyists also successfully change watch batteries at home.
You‘ll need a quality toolkit, new battery, magnifier, and to follow each step precisely. Practice first on an inexpensive beater watch before tackling your prized Rolex. Don‘t force anything – watch mechanisms are very intricate.
Walmart Watch Battery Buying Guide
Once you decide on replacement, you‘ll need to purchase a suitable new battery. Here are some shopping tips:
1. Match Your Original Battery Brand & Model
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Check your manual or online chart to find the exact replacement recommended by the manufacturer.
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There are dozens of different watch battery types. Be certain to match voltage, dimensions, chemistry, and performance specs precisely.
2. Stick With Reputable Premium Brands
Trust battery brands like Energizer, Duracell, Renata, Maxell, Sony. Avoid off-brand generic batteries with shorter lifespans.
3. Buy Fresh Stock Before Expiration Dates
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Shelf life is around 5 years. Inspect expiration dates and pick newer stock.
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At big box stores, dig into the back of the rack for the newest battery inventory.
4. Properly Handle & Store Replacement Batteries
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Never mix loose batteries, which can short circuit. Keep each in original packaging.
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Store in a cool, dry place away from metal objects which may cause current drain.
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Install your new battery ASAP for maximum lifespan rather than letting it sit.
Following best battery practices ensures optimal performance and longevity.
How Much Does Walmart Charge For Watch Batteries?
Part of the appeal of Walmart is their everyday low prices. Replacement watch batteries are very reasonably priced:
| Battery Type | Pack Quantity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Renata 280 | 6 pack | $11.88 |
| Renata 280 | Single | $2.98 |
| Maxell SR626SW | 2 pack | $3.98 |
| Sony 364 | 2 pack | $4.98 |
| Energizer 357 | 2 pack | $4.98 |
| Energizer 395 | Single | $5.98 |
| Duracell 2032 | 3 pack | $6.98 |
Prices may vary slightly by location. Verify exact pricing at your local Walmart.
For just a few bucks, you can get the right battery to revive your dormant watch – far cheaper than a jeweler.
Does Walmart Remove or Replace Watch Band Links?
Over time, watches can loosen if you lose weight or due to normal stretch. Does Walmart provide watch sizing and link removal?
Unfortunately watch band adjustments are another service Walmart does not offer in their stores. The risk of damaging small pins and links likely deters them.
Instead, you have a couple options to properly size a loose watch:
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Return and exchange the watch for another of the right size. Walmart has a 90 day jewelry return policy.
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Visit a jeweler to have them expertly remove links for ~$10.
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DIY link removal with an inexpensive jeweler‘s toolkit and by carefully following video tutorials.
For important watches, letting a pro handle any band sizing is wise to avoid accidental damage.
Walmart Watch Repair: summary
In summary, for watch repairs like battery replacement or band sizing, Walmart does not provide in-store servicing.
But they make the parts, tools, and batteries accessible so you can DIY many repairs after watching some online tutorials.
Or Walmart conveniently partners with repair shops to offer services like battery swaps right on-site.
Reasons you may still want to turn to Walmart for your watch include:
- Buying replacement batteries or watch repair tool kits for DIY
- Accessing an on-site jeweler or repair shop
- Purchasing a brand new watch in the proper band size
- Returning a watch within 90 days for a complete refund or exchange
So while Walmart doesn‘t replace watch batteries themselves, they still offer many options to help keep your watch running right!
