How long does a CK watch battery last?

    Quartz watches offer smaller timekeeping errors than mechanical watches. For those who prefer convenience, mechanical watches require frequent winding, whereas quartz watches run on a battery. When timekeeping becomes inaccurate, it is usually due to low power, and replacing the battery easily resolves any timing discrepancy. CK watches are typically quartz timepieces; so how long does their battery usually last? Let Watch House explain!

Introduction to quartz watch batteries

    Quartz watch batteries are also known as button cells due to their appearance. The function of the battery is equivalent to the mainspring of a mechanical watch, providing power to drive the hands. Characteristics of this type of battery include compact size, high capacity and long service life. Every button cell consists of 5 parts: a positive electrode, a negative electrode, an electrolyte, a separator and an outer casing.

Quartz watch battery life

    Generally speaking, the lifespan of a quartz watch battery is usually around 1-2 years. Nowadays, quartz watches feature an end-of-life (EOL) indicator, and imported quartz watches state the battery replacement date on the sticker on the caseback. If the watch suddenly runs slow or stops, or if a digital display becomes faint or loses its numerals when the alarm sounds, it is reminding you that it is time to change the battery. When choosing a battery, always opt for a high-quality one and have it replaced at a reputable watch repair shop.

There are five commonly used types of quartz watch battery:

    1. Silver oxide battery, also known as a silver-zinc battery, with a voltage of 1.55V. It is the most commonly used battery in quartz watches, offering high energy density and stability without environmental pollution. The voltage of an ordinary dry battery drops gradually during use, whereas the voltage of a silver oxide battery drops sharply only near the end of its life, a feature highly beneficial for maintaining timekeeping accuracy in quartz watches. However, the remaining power cannot be determined through simple measurement methods.

    2. Silver peroxide battery, also known as a divalent silver battery, with a voltage of 1.55V. It features high capacity but poorer voltage stability.

    3. Mercury oxide battery, also known as a mercury battery, with a voltage of 1.35V. It was the earliest battery developed for watches, but is now rarely used due to environmental hazards.

    4. Lithium battery. Using metallic lithium as the negative electrode, it features high voltage (generally 3V), a low self-discharge rate and a long shelf life, with broad application prospects.

    5. Solar cell. It converts light energy into electrical power. Usually paired with a secondary rechargeable battery (NiCd), brief daily exposure to sunlight or ambient lighting keeps the watch running normally. Solar cells are also commonly used in quartz clocks.