How To Replace The Battery In A Seiko Solar Watch
Battery degradation is inevitable to any electronic product, especially when used for a long time, and watch batteries are no exception. Therefore, battery replacement is necessary to maximize usage and ensure the reliable performance of watches over time.
Here, we provide details on replacing the rechargeable battery in a Seiko solar watch in 9 easy steps!
- Determine the specifications
- Place the watch on a stable surface
- Remove the back portion cover
- Locate the battery
- Insert the new battery
- Recheck
- Readjust the time and date
- Inquire to an authorized Seiko dealer if not fixed
- Research other solutions
Battery Replacement In A Seiko Solar Watch
Any watch would eventually stop working correctly, indicating battery replacement. Not many people know how to replace the battery for a Seiko solar watch. This article will teach you how to do this.
Alternative Energy Options is an Amazon Associate. As such, we earn a small commission with reader purchases. We also maintain business relationships with other vendors (full statement.)
Step 1
Determine the specifications of your watch battery for the replacement to ensure compatibility. You can purchase a Seiko solar watch battery online. Alternatively, you can buy from local stores such as Target, Walmart, or Radio Shack.
Step 2
Place the watch on a stable and soft surface (e.g., microfiber cloth) to prevent it from being scratched during the replacement process.
Step 3
Remove the watch’s back cover using a watch clamp or a special tool (e.g., screwdriver) to unscrew it. However, some watch models have a pop-open feature for convenience. Importantly, be careful not to apply too much pressure when removing the cover as this can damage the watch’s internal components.
Step 4
Locate the battery, and you may remove it from the designated case using tweezers or other convenient tools. Tweezers will help you to pick the battery with ease. However, ensure that any tool which will come in contact with the battery and watch components are non-magnetic.
The components’ functions may be disrupted when exposed to magnets.
Step 5
Insert the new rechargeable battery into the case using tweezers or other convenient tools. Please press down the inserted battery to ensure it is in the correct position.
Step 6
Recheck whether you have correctly installed the new battery in its case and close it by putting back the back portion cover of the watch.
Step 7
You may now readjust the time and date of your watch by pulling the crown. Upon making the necessary adjustments, push back the crown to its original position. It would ensure no liquid can seep in when the watch is wet.
Step 8
By this time, the watch should properly function. If the watch is not functional for more than 12 hours, it is time to inquire to an authorized Seiko dealer about the issue.
Otherwise, you are all set and have replaced the battery. Great job!
Step 9
Alternatively, refer to the video source below for visual aid. It may help you to quickly understand the process of replacing the battery of a Seiko solar watch.
Which Tools Are Required For Wristwatch Battery Replacement?
Watches are delicate items, so you need to handle them with care. Hence, there are suitable tools when replacing a battery on watches, namely:
- Plastic tweezers
- Pocket-case wrench
- Fiberglass scratch brush
- Spring bar tool
- 1.20 mm Phillips screwdriver
- 1 mm screwdriver
- 1.60 mm screwdriver
- Case-opening knife
How Do Seiko Solar Watches Work?
Solar-powered watches get their energy from sunlight to function. When exposed to sunlight, you can expect these watches to be fully charged after 3 hours. They can also acquire energy from artificial light bulbs and indirect sunlight.
A major advantage of solar watches is their capability to charge all the time, using reserved power only at night. However, consistent recharging of a solar watch battery would eventually lead to deterioration over time, as with all rechargeable batteries.
Furthermore, proper storage is necessary for this type of watch to ensure quality performance. It would be best to store solar Seiko watches in places with available light for them to charge.
Since I wear my Seiko solar diver and my solar chronograph for different uses, storing them face down in a dark box preserves the battery reserve power between uses and increases battery life.
How Long Does A Seiko Solar Watch Battery Last?
The features of Seiko solar watches characterize them as reliable and long-lasting. You can use this type of watch and expect it to last for 8-10 years with no battery replacement, provided the watch is always properly stored (i.e., constantly exposed to light). (source)
Additionally, using a solar watch promotes an environmentally friendly initiative. In particular, the risk of polluting the environment is reduced due to its long-lasting nature.
Maintaining a Seiko solar watch is free. Hence, you can expect to no longer replace and modify the battery for quite some time if you handle the watch properly.
What Battery Type Is In A Seiko Solar Watch?
A Seiko solar watch uses a secondary battery type instead of a primary/normal battery (i.e., primary batteries are often used in watches). The main difference between the two is recharging ability. Only secondary battery types could recharge. (source)
Furthermore, the differences between the two battery types are indicated in the table below.
| Variables | Secondary batteries | Primary batteries |
| Reaction | Reversible reactions occur | Irreversible reactions occur |
| Potential number of times to be used | More than once through recharging | Only once and can only be used when active materials are still present |
| Application | Often used in electronic equipment, cameras, laptops, flashlights, automobiles, etc. | Commonly used in portable devices, watches, radios, transistors, etc. |
| Self-discharge rates | Higher | Lower |
| Initial cost | Higher | Lower |
| Life cycle cost | LowerIn need of periodic charging and maintenance | HigherDisposable as it cannot be recharged |
| Examples | Lead storage batteryNickel-cadmium battery Lithium Ion Cell | Leclanche cellDry cellLithium cell |
| Recharging | Reusable or rechargeable | Unable to recharge and reuse |
How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Seiko Watch Battery?
Battery replacement for a Seiko watch could cost USD 14 to USD 25. However, the prices might vary according to watch type, brand name, and manufacturer.
Still, replacing the battery of a Seiko solar watch by yourself could free you of the professional service fees, which can be costly. You will only be paying for the new rechargeable battery. (source)
Can A Seiko Solar Watch Be Repaired?
Seiko solar watches can be repaired. However, repairing could cost similar to purchasing a new solar watch. It would be best to handle Seiko solar watches according to the provided user’s manual. However, if damage does occur, you’ll have to compare cost of repair to cost of replacement to decide what is best.
What Are Other Potential Problems With A Seiko Solar Watch?
There are potential problems commonly encountered in a Seiko solar watch other than battery deterioration. Interestingly, you may address these problems before consulting with a professional for repair and save you some money.
Watch Overheating
The solar watch can give off power for various reasons. First, the solar panel cannot acquire sunlight during a very sunny day, thereby not generating enough power for the watch. After that, try to relocate to a shaded area and verify whether the watch would still give off heat. It should typically stop.
Second, avoid overcharging the watch. When there’s heat release during charging, it means there’s high power and could potentially damage the watch.
Incorrect Time Indication
When there’s an incorrect time indication, the solar watch may not have been fully charged or not charged at all. Try to recharge again, and it should start correctly. Manual winding also works.
Alternatively, you might have set the watch on an incorrect date or in a different time zone.
Stuck Movement
There are issues where Seiko solar watch hands get stuck in motion. Try to swing the watch from side to side numerous times. If a movement from either of the watch hands is observed, wear the watch on your wrist to charge by the arm movements.
Delicate Components
Some Seiko solar watches are sensitive to contact, and you need to be extra careful handling them. They tend to cost more than other brands of watches.
Dropping or scratching the watch by accident can break the crystal mineral glass component of the watch. But the Seiko “tool” watches are built more sturdy to withstand harsher treatment.
Prone To Stuck Dirt
The watch can quickly get dirt on it. Try gently cleaning it with a soft brush when it gets dirty. You may also opt to use a watch cleaner; it is best to use it in the morning and before bed. Whenever a Seiko solar watch gets too dirty, it could stop functioning.
It is best to clean the watch crystal, and you would need to soak this in warm water for approximately 10 minutes. Before soaking, check the water resistance rating. Removing the crystal from the strap is best. After that, gently remove both parts from the water and shake. Ensure to dry both parts before putting them back together.
What are the current developments on Seiko Solar Watches?
Seiko was the pioneering company to feature solar watches in 1978. Consequently, solar watches peaked in popularity, and other manufacturers produced various solar watches in the market. (source)
Currently, Seiko has various wristwatch products for men and women. The company is a leading watch brand that comes in different designs and shapes. Further, the dial case structure of their watches is unique to the Japanese company. Interestingly, current Seiko solar watches come in analog, digital, and combination displays. (source)
Best Feature Of Seiko Solar Watches
Their watch features could compliment any outfit and style. For example, you can wear their solar watches in activities such as recreational SCUBA diving, free diving, hiking, climbing, and a lot more. They also now have strong water-resistant features of solar watches. Hence, you may now bring their solar watches to deep-sea environments for diving. (source)
The solar watches of Seiko have established the benchmark for other watch brands in the market. They attract customers due to the wide variety of watch products, excellent craftsmanship, and innovative technology. Seiko is a great option when you decide to buy high-quality and premium solar watches.
Summary
The Seiko solar watch is convenient due to its solar charging capabilities. Despite being an excellent watch, it is still prone to battery deterioration and warrants replacement.
In this article, the steps to replace a battery from a Seiko solar watch were laid out and can easily be managed by yourself. Additionally, there are appropriate tools for replacing a battery for this type of watch.
On the other hand, the Seiko solar watch could last up to 8-10 years, and there is no need to regularly replace the battery on this watch if you handle it properly. Furthermore, you can save money from battery replacement and repair if you familiarize yourself with the common issues this type of watch tends to have.
