What to look out for when replacing a quartz watch battery?

　　So how do you determine if your quartz watch needs a battery replacement? What should you look out for when replacing a quartz watch battery? Let's take a look at the precautions for quartz watch battery replacement below.

　　Precautions for quartz watch battery replacement

　　1. Quartz watches generally feature a battery life indicator function

　　Three-hand quartz watches (or those with a second hand) basically all feature a battery life indicator function. When the battery capacity is nearly exhausted and the voltage begins to drop, the second hand will pause for 4 seconds and then rapidly jump 4 seconds (early watches would pause for 2 seconds and then rapidly jump 2 seconds). This function is known as E.O.L (Battery End-of-Life Indication). Once this phenomenon occurs, the battery must be replaced promptly; during this time, the watch can still maintain operation for about a week to half a month. (Two-hand quartz watches do not have this function)

　　2. The watch suddenly runs slow or stops and starts intermittently

　　When the battery power drops and capacity is insufficient, the internal resistance of the battery increases and the voltage falls. Especially when there is a relatively large current output or when the external temperature is low, the watch will stop, suddenly run slow, or stop and start intermittently. Fourthly, the display of digital watches becomes dim, and the digital display disappears when the alarm function sounds.

　　3. The adhesive sticker on the caseback indicates the date for the next battery replacement

　　When you purchase a watch, you should notice the date for the next battery replacement indicated on the adhesive sticker on the caseback, though the actual lifespan of the battery is usually longer.

　　Precautions for quartz watch maintenance

　　Water resistance: Generally, watches have water-resistant functions, but if used improperly, the watch glass easily develops water vapour, becoming hazy and unclear. In cases of severe water ingress, moisture seeps into the movement, which easily rusts and damages the movement, shortening the watch's lifespan. Therefore, experts suggest that when water enters a watch, you should not merely take the simplest approach of air-drying it; you should also have the watch cleaned, lubricated, and serviced to protect the movement from damage.

　　Shock resistance: A watch is a very precise instrument, and a tiny space of no more than a few centimetres can contain hundreds of parts. Damage, loosening, or displacement of any of these components can cause inaccurate timekeeping or even stoppage. The impact on the appearance is the detachment of five elements: markers, hands, pins, gems, and the crystal.

　　Magnetic resistance: Avoid approaching magnetic fields, such as placing the watch near electrical appliances that generate magnetic fields (like speakers, refrigerators, computers, etc.) or magnetic objects (like magnets, mobile phones). In addition, women's handbag snap buttons and men's mobile phone case magnetic closures may magnetise the watch, causing inaccurate timekeeping or temporary stoppage.