John Gowing Jewellers
establish 1946 in Oxford's covered market
John Gowing Jewellers
establish 1946 in Oxford's covered market
John Gowing Jewellers
establish 1946 in Oxford's covered market
John Gowing Jewellers
establish 1946 in Oxford's covered market
A watch battery commonly lasts between two and three years, but there is no single lifespan that applies to every quartz watch. The movement, battery type and functions used all influence how quickly the battery is consumed. A simple analogue watch may use relatively little power, while a chronograph, alarm, illumination function or digital display can require more.
The way the watch has been stored and the age and condition of its movement can also affect performance. If a replacement battery expires much sooner than expected, the watch may need investigation rather than another battery alone.
At John Gowing Jewellers in Oxford’s Covered Market, our in-house watch specialist has served local customers for nearly 40 years. We carry extensive stocks of watch batteries, allowing us to complete most straightforward replacements while you wait when the watch, battery type and workload permit.
Different movements have different power requirements. Even two watches that look similar may use different battery types or consume energy at different rates. The correct battery should match the movement specification; fitting a battery simply because it fits the space is not appropriate.
Chronographs, alarms, backlights, perpetual calendars and other electronic features can use more power than basic time-only operation. Frequent use of these functions may shorten battery life.
Dirt, corrosion, worn components or an electrical fault can increase power consumption. When a fresh battery repeatedly fails early, further diagnosis may be sensible.
A battery continues to age while it remains inside an unused watch. Leaving an exhausted battery in place for a prolonged period also increases the risk of leakage, so a stopped watch should not simply be placed in a drawer and forgotten.
Not every quartz movement provides an advance warning. Some watches continue operating normally until the remaining power is exhausted. Equally, a stopped or erratic watch does not prove that the battery is the only problem.
If the watch is still operating normally, there is usually no need to replace the battery simply because a typical interval has passed. However, if the watch shows an end-of-life indication, becomes unreliable or stops, arrange an assessment promptly. Removing an exhausted battery reduces the time it remains inside the watch and therefore limits the opportunity for leakage to cause damage.
The precise process depends on the watch. A straightforward appointment may include inspecting the exterior, opening the case with suitable tools, checking the old battery and contacts, fitting the appropriate replacement, confirming basic operation and closing the case correctly.
Opening a watch can affect its water resistance. Seals may need inspection or replacement, and pressure testing may be advisable if the watch is relied upon around water. A new battery does not itself make a watch water-resistant, and any test reflects the watch’s condition only at the time it is carried out.
Most straightforward battery replacements can be completed in-house while you wait because we carry a broad stock of battery types. Difficult case constructions, damaged seals, pressure-testing requirements, specialist batteries or faults beyond the battery may require more time. If you are making a special journey, contact us with the make and model first.
Yes. Replacement watch batteries fitted by John Gowing Jewellers are guaranteed for 12 months. The guarantee covers the replacement battery itself; it does not guarantee the condition or continued operation of the watch’s existing movement. Please retain your receipt or repair reference.
Yes, in many cases. We stock a wide choice of watch straps in different sizes, materials, colours and recognised brands to suit many watches and budgets. Our in-house specialist can fit a suitable replacement and can also assess many bracelet or clasp concerns while the watch is with us.
If your watch has stopped or is showing signs of a weakening battery, visit John Gowing Jewellers in Oxford’s Covered Market. Our experienced in-house specialist can assess the watch and complete most straightforward battery replacements while you wait. If the watch needs further investigation, we will explain the options before additional work proceeds.
A flat battery is one of the most common reasons a quartz watch stops, but it is not the only possible cause. The watch may have suffered battery leakage, moisture entry, impact damage or a fault within the movement. Sometimes the hands are obstructed or the crown is not fully returned to its normal position.
The safest first step is a proper assessment. Repeatedly fitting batteries without identifying why they fail can waste time and may leave a developing fault untreated.
John Gowing Jewellers provides watch battery replacement and basic watch repairs from our shop in Oxford’s Covered Market. Our in-house watch specialist has nearly 40 years of experience serving the local community and can complete most straightforward battery and minor repair work while you wait, subject to the watch and workload.
If the watch stopped gradually, has operated normally for several years and has not been exposed to water or impact, an exhausted battery is a reasonable possibility. Some movements provide an end-of-life indication by making the seconds hand jump several seconds at a time, but many watches stop without a visible warning.
A professional should fit the battery type specified for the movement, inspect the battery compartment and confirm whether the watch begins operating correctly.
An old battery can leak and damage electrical contacts or other movement components. In this situation, inserting another battery may not restore operation, and cleaning or repair may be required.
Condensation, staining or signs of corrosion can indicate water entry. Moisture should be treated promptly because it can damage the movement, dial and hands. Do not heat the watch or operate its crown or pushers while it is wet.
A knock can disturb the movement or cause the hands to touch each other, the dial or the glass. The case may appear undamaged even when the watch has stopped internally.
Coils, circuits, gears and other movement components can fail or wear. A battery may be functioning correctly while the movement is unable to use its power as intended.
On some watches, the crown being pulled out stops the hands. Check that it is in its normal position, but do not force a crown that feels stiff, loose or damaged.
Our in-house specialist can assess many stopped quartz watches and complete most straightforward battery replacements or basic repairs while you wait. If the watch has leakage, moisture, a difficult case or a movement fault, it may require more detailed work or specialist workshop attention.
For complex servicing and repair, we work with highly reputable professional horologists, including authorised specialists where required and available. Partner work is supplied with the relevant written warranty or guarantee. This does not imply that John Gowing Jewellers itself is an authorised service centre for every manufacturer.
Replacement watch batteries are guaranteed for 12 months and qualifying repairs and complete services arranged through John Gowing Jewellers carry a 12-month guarantee on the workmanship performed and replacement parts supplied. The precise cover and any applicable partner or manufacturer warranty will be confirmed with the repair documentation.
The guarantee does not cover accidental damage, misuse, normal wear, unrelated faults or later work undertaken by another repairer. Water resistance is covered only where it has been expressly included, tested and recorded as part of the service.
Visit our shop in Oxford’s Covered Market for an initial assessment. If the problem is a straightforward battery replacement, we can often complete it while you wait from our extensive battery stock. If another fault is present, we will explain the sensible next step before additional work proceeds.
Yes. A watch battery can leak, particularly when it is exhausted, damaged, exposed to unsuitable conditions or left inside a stopped watch for a prolonged period. Leakage is not inevitable, but when it occurs it can corrode the battery contacts and damage components within the quartz movement.
Because the battery is hidden inside the case, the problem is not always visible from the outside. A watch that has stopped should therefore be assessed rather than stored indefinitely with the old battery still fitted.
At John Gowing Jewellers in Oxford’s Covered Market, our in-house watch specialist has nearly 40 years of experience caring for local customers’ watches. We inspect the battery and surrounding area during replacement and explain if corrosion or another fault needs attention.
A battery contains chemicals that generate electrical energy. As the battery ages or becomes exhausted, its seals can deteriorate and material can escape. Heat, poor storage, physical damage, an unsuitable battery or an electrical problem within the watch may increase the risk or contribute to premature failure.
A battery can continue to deteriorate even when the watch is not being worn. Removing an exhausted battery promptly is therefore a sensible precaution.
These symptoms do not prove that leakage has occurred; they can also have other causes. Confirming the condition requires opening and inspecting the watch appropriately.
Leaking material can attack the battery contacts, electronic circuit, coil and metal components. Minor contamination may sometimes be cleaned, but extensive corrosion can make movement repair or replacement necessary. Parts availability, movement value and the watch’s sentimental importance all influence the sensible course of action.
Prompt attention cannot guarantee that damage will be avoided, but it limits the time corrosive material remains in contact with the movement.
It depends on the extent and location of the damage. If contamination is limited, careful cleaning and a new battery may be sufficient. If the contacts, circuit or other movement parts are damaged, further repair or movement replacement may be required. A proper inspection is necessary before reliable advice can be given.
Our in-house specialist handles most straightforward battery and basic repair work. More complex movement repairs are entrusted to highly reputable professional horologists with the appropriate expertise and written warranty or guarantee.
Battery leakage and water entry are different problems, although both can cause corrosion. Opening a case for battery replacement can also affect water resistance. Seals should be considered and pressure testing may be appropriate where the watch is relied upon around water. A successful pressure test reflects the watch’s condition at that time and is not a permanent guarantee against future water entry.
Replacement watch batteries fitted by John Gowing Jewellers are guaranteed for 12 months. This covers the replacement battery itself and does not guarantee an existing movement that is already worn, corroded or faulty. Qualifying additional repairs and complete services carry a 12-month guarantee on the workmanship performed and replacement parts supplied, subject to the documented terms.
If your quartz watch has stopped, particularly if it has been stored for some time, bring it to John Gowing Jewellers in Oxford’s Covered Market. Our experienced specialist can inspect it, complete most straightforward battery replacements while you wait and explain whether leakage or another movement fault requires further attention.
Bring your watch to our Oxford Covered Market shop. Our experienced in-house watch specialist can assess your watch and complete most straightforward battery replacements while you wait, subject to suitability and availability.
Over 100 years of collective experience in fine jewellery in Oxford.
