Changing batteries in quartz watches and more.

Lady Jane · 01-17-2025, 10:11 AM

The last time I went to my AD for a battery change for my Tag Aquaracer, I was charged $20. So, I decided to do it myself. It's not complicated as long as you have the proper tools.

I purchased a variety of sturdy instruments that will pay for themselves as soon as I do all my quartz timepieces.

I first started on my cheapies for practice and will move on the more expensive ones. No more trips to the AD. No more waiting and saving money in the process.

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MaxVO2 · 01-17-2025, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lady Jane

The last time I went to my AD for a battery change for my Tag Aquaracer, I was charged $20. So, I decided to do it myself. It's not complicated as long as you have the proper tools.

I purchased a variety of sturdy instruments that will pay for themselves as soon as I do all my quartz timepieces.

I first started on my cheapies for practice and will move on the more expensive ones. No more trips to the AD. No more waiting and saving money in the process.

Attachment 3646094

Attachment 3646095

****Wow. You got some good tooling. No question they will pay for themselves in time plus you also get the satisfaction of doing the work yourself. Please be aware some watches have a protocol regarding unsealing/re-sealing for the purpose of maintaining water/humidity resistance, etc..

Sometimes the case or cover has a small silicone or viton o-ring/gasket that may need to be lubricated/sealed - others it is just press fit and no gasket. Below is a pic of what I use when it is needed. Just FYI.

Lady Jane · 01-17-2025, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaxVO2

****Wow. You got some good tooling. .

Thank you. Since I don't know anything about watch makers tools, I figure I would err on the side of quality with machined tooling. Pretty hefty as well.

wyshyvanuk · 01-17-2025, 04:06 PM

I need to borrow your case press.

Lady Jane · 01-17-2025, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wyshyvanuk

I need to borrow your case press.

Anything else you would like to borrow?

wyshyvanuk · 01-17-2025, 04:33 PM

Well, yeah, one of those funny lookin' yellow things, but I don't want you to think that I'm talkin' dirty ;~).

Lady Jane · 01-17-2025, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wyshyvanuk

Well, yeah, one of those funny lookin' yellow things, but I don't want you to think that I'm talkin' dirty ;~).

It's a case opener for watches with pry-off backs. It goes with the press. I know how your mind works so don't worry.

Lady Jane · 01-21-2025, 03:55 PM

Did my 1972 (N2) Accutron 218.

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BMWCCA1 · 01-22-2025, 05:08 PM

Yeah, I started on that a few years ago and have an entire tool box (my grandfather's) dedicated to watch tools. The O-ring wax jar is useful but even more so if you have a large assortment of O-rings so you can replace them, too. You can usually get a large assortment of like 100 rings for nearly nothing on Amazon. Since many of mine are Victorinox who my local AD (also a TAG AD) tells me makes many of TAG's movements, I also laid in a supply of batteries and recently did a friend's TAG-Heuer. I also keep a supply of pins for bands, etc., and the jigs and tools for replacing those, too. Fun!

I think I got started when no one locally would re-seal my Seiko Giugiaro-design "motorcycle" watch. An original to me as worn by Senna.

Lady Jane · 01-23-2025, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWCCA1

I think I got started when no one locally would re-seal my Seiko Giugiaro-design "motorcycle" watch. An original to me as worn by Senna.

That would be that one, right?

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BMWCCA1 · 01-23-2025, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lady Jane

That would be that one, right?

Attachment 3651026

Yes. Mine is the original version from around 1982, not the limited reissue version from around 2019. You can tell that from the wear on the bracelet!

Lady Jane · 01-24-2025, 06:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWCCA1

Yes. Mine is the original version from around 1982

I wasn't born in 1982...

BMWCCA1 · 01-24-2025, 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lady Jane

I wasn't born in 1982...

And I had already been riding motorcycles for over a decade by then.

That was back when we wore watches so we could tell time.

Lady Jane · 01-27-2025, 05:28 PM

Re-sizing the bracelet of my Accutron VX-200.

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Lady Jane · 01-29-2025, 04:50 PM

Today, I replaced two hard rubber bands with some bright NATOs on two of my cheapies: Croton Aquamatic and Tauchmeister.

PS: Yes, the bezels were centered and the hands aligned after I was done.

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Lady Jane · 02-02-2025, 07:14 AM

Making a small bracelet adjustment on my Omega Seamaster Ti. Ref. 2232.80

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tcphoto · 02-03-2025, 12:58 PM

A good kit is essential when you own a watch or ten...I found this on Amazon for $32. and I've been able to do just about everything I need.

Lady Jane · 02-03-2025, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tcphoto

A good kit is essential when you own a watch or ten...I found this on Amazon for $32. and I've been able to do just about everything I need.

And it pays for itself after you service just a few watches.

Lady Jane · 02-12-2025, 03:23 PM

Something you don't see every day. An ESA Dynotron 9158 electro-mechanical movement with a battery powered balance wheel. Only 500 made.

https://www.unwindintime.com/product...ronic-movement

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Lady Jane · 02-21-2025, 03:41 PM

Did my TAG Aquaracer with the Swiss Ronda mvt. zx10guy , mine was different than yours with no strapping or tiny screws to remove.
Easy out and easy in.

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zx10guy · 02-22-2025, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lady Jane

Did my TAG Aquaracer with the Swiss Ronda mvt. zx10guy , mine was different than yours with no strapping or tiny screws to remove.
Easy out and easy in.

Attachment 3672123

Lucky you. I think I have three Ronda movements that all have that blasted strap.

01-17-2025, 10:11 AM	#1
Lady Jane Cailín gan eagla. 88014 Rep 1,080 Posts Drives: 2024 X3 M40i and R1200RT bike. Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: Atlantic Canada. iTrader: (0)	Changing batteries in quartz watches and more. The last time I went to my AD for a battery change for my Tag Aquaracer, I was charged $20. So, I decided to do it myself. It's not complicated as long as you have the proper tools. I purchased a variety of sturdy instruments that will pay for themselves as soon as I do all my quartz timepieces. I first started on my cheapies for practice and will move on the more expensive ones. No more trips to the AD. No more waiting and saving money in the process. Last edited by Lady Jane; 01-27-2025 at 05:26 PM..
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01-17-2025, 04:06 PM	#4
wyshyvanuk Second Lieutenant 695 Rep 274 Posts Drives: 2008 Z4 MR Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Tucson AZ iTrader: (0)	I need to borrow your case press. Attached Images
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01-17-2025, 04:33 PM	#6
wyshyvanuk Second Lieutenant 695 Rep 274 Posts Drives: 2008 Z4 MR Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Tucson AZ iTrader: (0)	Well, yeah, one of those funny lookin' yellow things, but I don't want you to think that I'm talkin' dirty ;~).
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01-21-2025, 03:55 PM	#8
Lady Jane Cailín gan eagla. 88014 Rep 1,080 Posts Drives: 2024 X3 M40i and R1200RT bike. Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: Atlantic Canada. iTrader: (0)	Did my 1972 (N2) Accutron 218.
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01-22-2025, 05:08 PM	#9
BMWCCA1 BMW Owner Since 1971 2635 Rep 1,577 Posts Drives: 1964 700 Sport Cabriolet Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Central Virginia iTrader: (2) Garage List 2013 BMW 128i [10.00]	Yeah, I started on that a few years ago and have an entire tool box (my grandfather's) dedicated to watch tools. The O-ring wax jar is useful but even more so if you have a large assortment of O-rings so you can replace them, too. You can usually get a large assortment of like 100 rings for nearly nothing on Amazon. Since many of mine are Victorinox who my local AD (also a TAG AD) tells me makes many of TAG's movements, I also laid in a supply of batteries and recently did a friend's TAG-Heuer. I also keep a supply of pins for bands, etc., and the jigs and tools for replacing those, too. Fun! I think I got started when no one locally would re-seal my Seiko Giugiaro-design "motorcycle" watch. An original to me as worn by Senna. Last edited by BMWCCA1; 01-22-2025 at 05:16 PM..
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01-27-2025, 05:28 PM	#14
Lady Jane Cailín gan eagla. 88014 Rep 1,080 Posts Drives: 2024 X3 M40i and R1200RT bike. Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: Atlantic Canada. iTrader: (0)	Re-sizing the bracelet of my Accutron VX-200.
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01-29-2025, 04:50 PM	#15
Lady Jane Cailín gan eagla. 88014 Rep 1,080 Posts Drives: 2024 X3 M40i and R1200RT bike. Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: Atlantic Canada. iTrader: (0)	Today, I replaced two hard rubber bands with some bright NATOs on two of my cheapies: Croton Aquamatic and Tauchmeister. PS: Yes, the bezels were centered and the hands aligned after I was done. Last edited by Lady Jane; 01-30-2025 at 04:54 PM.. Reason: Added info.
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02-02-2025, 07:14 AM	#16
Lady Jane Cailín gan eagla. 88014 Rep 1,080 Posts Drives: 2024 X3 M40i and R1200RT bike. Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: Atlantic Canada. iTrader: (0)	Making a small bracelet adjustment on my Omega Seamaster Ti. Ref. 2232.80
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02-03-2025, 12:58 PM	#17
tcphoto Brigadier General 4493 Rep 3,332 Posts Drives: E92 335i 6MT Coupe Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Nashville, TN iTrader: (1)	A good kit is essential when you own a watch or ten...I found this on Amazon for $32. and I've been able to do just about everything I need. Attached Images __________________
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02-12-2025, 03:23 PM	#19
Lady Jane Cailín gan eagla. 88014 Rep 1,080 Posts Drives: 2024 X3 M40i and R1200RT bike. Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: Atlantic Canada. iTrader: (0)	Something you don't see every day. An ESA Dynotron 9158 electro-mechanical movement with a battery powered balance wheel. Only 500 made. https://www.unwindintime.com/product...ronic-movement
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02-21-2025, 03:41 PM	#20
Lady Jane Cailín gan eagla. 88014 Rep 1,080 Posts Drives: 2024 X3 M40i and R1200RT bike. Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: Atlantic Canada. iTrader: (0)	Did my TAG Aquaracer with the Swiss Ronda mvt. zx10guy , mine was different than yours with no strapping or tiny screws to remove. Easy out and easy in.
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