There are few things that can simultaneously excite and frustrate you more than a Bulova watch, and that’s a malfunctioning Bulova watch.
The cost of the batteries in your Bulova watch varies depending on the type and size. You can purchase them either individually or as a set. Either way, they’re not cheap.
This article explains more about the various battery types in a Bulova watch, their costs, and how to change them yourself at home.
Table of Contents
Factors that Influence Watch Repair Costs
A typical Bulova battery replacement costs between $24- $50. The varying factors for cost include:
- Watch size
- Model
- If you replace it
- If you take it to a professional
- The type of professional you take it to
- The condition of your watch
- Shipping fees associated with returning the watch to your jeweler
- The extent of the damage. A battery that has been exposed to water can cost more to repair than a battery that has simply lost power
To get an accurate estimate, contact a nearby repair shop or ask your local jeweler. You can also locate a battery repair service online.
In addition to price, you should consider other factors such as turnaround time and availability of parts. At the end of the day, keep in mind that repair costs are not always proportional to the size of the job.
Bulova Watch Battery Cost
Bulova watch repair can be expensive. They can also be difficult to replace if they break or lose power. Luckily, there are some things that you can do to save money when it comes to wristwatch batteries. Avoid buying overpriced batteries by purchasing generic brands instead of discount retailers.
For example, with enough research, you can find prices starting at $5 for watch battery replacement.
- If you buy a watch from JCPenney, they will replace the batteries for you. Most brands cost $12
- Searswill charge around $20
- Stores like Walmart used to do watch battery replacements. But don’t anymore due to the concern of lack of skill in replacing them
If you take your watch to a popular jeweler like Rogers & Holland, for example, they will charge around $25 for battery replacement — depending on the model of the watch.
What Batteries Do Bulova Watches Use?
When your Bulova watch battery dies, you have two choices. Either take it to a professional or try to change the battery yourself. It will cost more if you take it to a professional — around $45 for a Bulova battery replacement at a high-end store.
This might be your best bet if the watch is expensive or really important to you. But you can try to change the battery yourself. And the first step in doing that is knowing what battery your watch needs.
Note that Bulova batteries do not have a standard size or shape. This means there is a wide range of battery options available for Bulova watches.
1. Alkaline Batteries
Alkaline batteries are a type of battery that, when compared to some other types, has an alkaline electrolyte that is less acidic. This means that the battery will not react with your skin and will not cause irritation.
They are the second most frequently used watch battery because they are cheap to replace. Alkaline batteries can also be used in some small electronic devices, such as calculators.
Another reason why alkaline batteries are popular is that they last longer than other types of batteries. This means that you will not have to change them as often and it will not cost you a lot of money.
2. Silver Oxide Batteries
Silver oxide batteries are used in many products that require a long battery life, including wristwatches. They can be used to power small electronics like digital clocks, LED lights, etc. They are efficient, provide consistent voltage, and are long-lasting, meaning if you need an everyday watch, silver oxide batteries are the best option.
Silver oxide batteries are also environmentally friendly and typically have a very low impact on the environment.
3. Lithium Batteries
Wristwatches with lithium batteries commonly use the button or coin-like shape lithium battery. They are perfect for powering a small electronic device like a smartwatch or fitness tracker.
Without a doubt, these batteries have many advantages. They are rechargeable, lightweight, and can last up to ten years. However, there are some disadvantages as well.
For example, lithium watch batteries are not suitable for use in watches with mechanical movements such as quartz watches or automatic watches because they could cause damage over time.
4. Mercury Batteries
Mercury batteries are a type of dry cell battery that use mercury as the active material. The most significant difference between them and other types of batteries is that they have a much lower internal resistance compared to other types.
This means that they are more efficient and can produce more power per volume than other batteries. Another advantage is that they have a very high voltage, which means that they are able to provide a high current for short periods of time.
In addition, mercury batteries can be recharged many times without losing strength, making them suitable for devices with very short lives such as watches.
However, they also have some disadvantages. One of the main disadvantages is the high toxicity of mercury, which means that people should be careful when handling them.
In addition, it is easy to break down the active material in mercury watches over time, so regularly check your watch for signs of wear on the case or strap.
A key point when replacing your Bulova battery is that you should always use the same mAh rating, type, and brand. But how do you know what battery is supposed to be used for your watch?
Identifying Your Bulova Battery Type
To determine which battery you need to replace, you must know your watch’s battery code. This code can sometimes be seen etched on the back of the watch — as with some Bulova watches.
There are various forms in which the code can be described but the most common is battery number 337. Once you have identified the battery number, you can use this when shopping for a replacement.
Can’t Find The Battery Number?
If you’re having trouble identifying the battery number (they are very small), refer to your user manual if you still have it. There you should be able to find the model type and battery number associated with it.
Many models require you to open the watch case, which displays the battery code. Your last resort would be to take it to a professional and ask for a free estimate.
How To Replace A Bulova Battery?
If you know the battery number and have purchased a replacement for it, it’s time to replace the battery itself.
There are a few key things to keep in mind when you’re dealing with a broken Bulova battery. First, make sure that you have the correct tools on hand.
DIY Watch Battery Replacement Kits
DIY Watch battery replacement kits are very popular in the watch community. They allow you to replace the battery in your watch yourself, saving you the cost of a watch repair shop and the time it would take to go there.
The DIY Watch battery replacement kit consists of a variety of parts that you will need to replace your watch’s battery. These include:
- A smaller screwdriver
- Allen wrench
- Watch case holder
- Small flathead screwdriver
When using a DIY Watch battery replacement kit, you should follow these steps:
Step 1: Take off the band and remove the crystal glass
Step 2: Remove the old battery and put in the new one
Step 3: Put on the band and crystal glass and set it on a flat surface
Step 4: Tighten the screws that hold down the band
Step 5: Put on the watch case holder and align it with two arrows on the back of your watch
Step 6: Screw down one of the flathead screws until it clicks into place
Step 7: Repeat steps 2 through 6 for each remaining screw that holds down your watch case
Tips For Bulova Watch Battery Replacement
You’ll likely need to use a pair of tweezers and a flashlight to remove the old battery and replace it with a new one. If you don’t, you could end up damaging your watch while trying to remove the old one.
That said, there are some things that you can do to help minimize the damage during battery replacement. For instance, try to keep the watch as still as possible when taking out the old battery.
Finally, always remember that these batteries are delicate! Be extra careful when handling them so they don’t get damaged while being replaced.
Signs Your Bulova Battery Needs To Be Replaced
When your battery runs out of juice, you’ll see a decrease in the amount of time between when you press the start button and when the watch displays the time. This is because the watch has to wait for energy from its battery before it starts moving.
As a result, the longer your watch battery lasts, the more time you’ll have to wait between pressing start and seeing the time. If your watch stops working suddenly, it might be time to replace the battery.
An issue that can affect a watch’s accuracy is if it’s subjected to strong shocks or vibrations while worn. If this happens, you might notice inaccurate timekeeping after a few days of wearing.
It’s best to keep your watch away from any direct damage that could cause it to vibrate or shake during normal wear.
Conclusion
If your Bulova watch doesn’t work, or if it stopped working and you can’t figure out what’s wrong, it’s worth taking it to a local jewelry store or professional watchmakers. It’s possible that the battery needs to be replaced or the watch needs an adjustment.
The other possible solution is to change the battery yourself. But be careful because Bulova watches tend to be expensive, so contacting the manufacturer might be a better option.