Battery replacement . local jeweler says case is too thin . said to send to manufacturer for replacement

Hi,

The backplate is a "pry open" back. so you will need something like a blade or a hard thin flat object to pry the backplate. once this is done you will have access to the battery. Please note that there is a tiny Philips screw that holds the battery plate. you will have to remove this screw and then remove the battery plate. Also, note that around the case there will be a thin rubber "o" ring. this is what makes the watch water-resistant. so pls male sure you fix it back when you reinstall the watch.

send it to us

Where the back contacts the watch you'll discover a spot where the back doesn't completely contact the watch case. Slide a thin bladed knife in there to pry off the back. You may see a screw holding the battery down. A jewelers screw driver will be needed to loosen it. You will see a number on the battery. The replacement battery will have the same number on it or a series of numbers it's compatible with. Once the battery is out, replacing it is simple.

If you or a local jeweller changes the battery your warranty will be voided. It is best to send your watch to Freestyle service center in Long Island City because a local jeweller might not reseal your watch properly compromising the water resistance capabilities.

Warranty/Service:
Freestyle U.S.A.
47-14 32nd Place
Long Island City, NY 11101
Phone: 800-874-0907 ext: 222

This is the model with the exposed button on the right side. The back does not come off, but the front does! If you use a loop you may be able to see a notch between 7 and 9 O'clock. Be very careful because the gasket keeping the watch water resistant is right there. You do not want to harm it. I put the watch in a holder and place a very thin jewelers screw drive on the side. With a jewels hammer I tap lightly until the front comes off. You must then carefully remove the movement from the case and not touch the hands. In order to close the watch after battery replacement, a watch press is a must. Without the press, you won't get the watch closed. The manufacturer suggests taking the watch to a qualified professional. You can send it to the manufacturer as well and they will change the battery for you. The Manufacturer is La Crosse Technology in La Crosse Wisconsin.

The Proper way is with a "watch case wrench". They can be purchased for a few dollars on Amazon and E-bay. In most cases unless you are changing many watch batteries the best option is to call around to local jewelers and pawn shops and ask how much to replace a watch battery. In my town it ranges from $30 to as little as $5.99 battery included.

Thanks for contacting FixYa.
I dont know what type of TImex it is, nor how long you have had it. CR1216 is a battery.
I would send to Timex for repair or a local jeweler. I would recommend the Timex repair, You can go here for info:
TIMEX REPAIR: http://www.timex.com/info/Online_Repair_Guide
Best regards. Jewel

1. Place the watch in case holder. Place the watch in the case holder, if you have one. If you do not, place it on a soft cloth.
2. Check for room to work. Check to see if there is room to attach the adjustable case wrench and rotate it 360 degrees. If not remove watch band.
3. Remove case back. Fit the adjustable case wrench into the slots on the case back. Tighten it down until it is snug. Be careful not to slip with this tool as it can scratch the case back of your watch. Work slowly. When it is unscrewed gently pry up the case back taking great care not to damage the internal gasket. If the gasket gets damaged it will need to be replaced with the battery to retain water resistance.
4. Remove battery. The battery will be held in place by some type of retention device. It will need to be removed. Some clips will be removed by using tweezers. Some clips may be moved using a screw driver, and some simply bend out of the way slightly. Remember how it was removed as it must be put back in place exactly for the circuit to be completed after battery change. If the clip is removed, place it and any screws in a paper cup to prevent loss. Remember how the battery was seated, plus (positive) side up or down etc. it needs to be replaced correctly to work.
5. Test battery. Using the battery tester check the battery. If it is dead move to next step, if it is not take the watch to a jewelers for inspection.
6. Clean and inspect battery box. Inspect the battery box the battery came out of. If there is corrosion take it to jewelers for inspection. If there is light dust it may be cleaned with a clean soft cloth.
7. Buy battery. Use the numbers on the battery and buy a new one. Occasionally the number will be obsolete and you will be referenced to a replacement battery in the battery charts. This is the time to also replace the gasket if you need to. Check with a watch maker or jeweler, or the watch company to buy a replacement. We cannot stress enough how important this gasket is to a water resistant watch, without its integrity your fine watch may no longer be resistant.
8. Replace battery. Using the plastic tweezers if you have them, or fingers wearing cotton gloves, replace the battery. Never use bare fingers as finger oils may corrode or short out the new battery. Carefully replace the retention device as it was remove.
9. Replace case back. Make sure that the gasket is in place, and not pinched or caught in the case back when you set it in place. Screw down the case back using your fingers until it is tight and needs the case wrench. Attach case wrench as before and tighten down the case back.
10. Reset and clean watch. Using the appropriate method reset the watch. Use the polishing cloth to clean off any dirt and finger prints.

OR...take to your local jeweler/watchmaker who has the appropiate tools and let them do it for you!!!! :)

Sound like you will have to send it back to TAG!

Replacing the battery yourself can be a risky business, as they are often sealed and as you found, need special tools to remove the back.

A fairly common cry is "I have changed my battery and my watch no longer works". To avoid this sending to the makers service center should be worth the expense.

If you copy "http://csec.tagheuer.com/customer-service-centres/home-local-uk/index.lbl?center=78531441-61BD-4C0B-9577-AB0C147018A3" into your search engine, you should arrive at their customer service page.

On the right is a box with a drop down menu to enter your area and then click on either one of the pictures at the bottom or the menu on the left to select the services that they offer.