How To Replace The Battery In A Timex Easy Reader?

Replacing the battery in my dad’s vintage Timex Easy Reader became a weirdly sentimental project. He’d worn it for years, and when it stopped, I wanted to fix it myself as a surprise. The case back was tougher than expected—I ended up using a pocketknife (carefully!) at first, then ordered a proper case opener online when it wouldn’t budge. Once open, I noticed some corrosion around the old battery, so I dipped a cotton swab in vinegar to clean the contacts—worked like a charm. The battery itself was a CR2016, which I found at a local electronics shop for less than $3. Installing it was straightforward, but closing the back required firm pressure; I finally got it to snap shut by pressing evenly with my thumbs. Hearing it tick again felt like a small victory. Bonus: I learned that Timex watches are designed for easy maintenance, so don’t be intimidated! Just keep track of tiny parts and work over a tray to avoid losing anything.

Here’s my no-fuss method: grab a CR2016 battery and a thin tool (I repurposed an old guitar pick). Slide the pick into the groove on the watch’s back and twist—it should pop right off. Swap the battery, minding the orientation, and press the cover back on until it clicks. Done in under two minutes. If the back won’t budge, try warming it slightly with a hairdryer to loosen the seal.

If you’re like me and hate paying $20 for a five-minute battery swap, here’s how I handled my Timex Easy Reader. Flip the watch over and look for the notch along the edge—that’s your entry point. I used a butter knife (don’t judge) because it was thin enough to twist the back open without scratching. The battery was obvious once the case was off, but I double-checked the number against the old one just to be safe. CR2016 seems standard, but I’ve heard some older models use different sizes. Popping the new battery in was easy, though aligning the back took a few tries. Pro move: lay the watch face-down on a towel to keep it steady while you press the case back into place. No fancy tools needed!

My Timex Easy Reader’s battery died last week, and I was determined to fix it myself instead of rushing to a jeweler. First, I grabbed a tiny flathead screwdriver—the kind you’d use for eyeglasses—and gently pried open the case back. It took a bit of wiggling, but once it popped off, I spotted the little silver battery nestled inside. The tricky part was remembering which side faced up; I almost put it in backward before noticing the tiny ‘+’ symbol engraved on the casing. A pro tip: take a quick photo of the battery’s position before removing it, just in case. After sliding the new one in (CR2016 is the usual model for these watches), I pressed the back until it clicked shut. Now it’s ticking like new, and I feel weirdly proud of my amateur watch-repair skills.

One thing I learned? Timex watches are surprisingly DIY-friendly compared to fancier brands. The case back doesn’t require special tools beyond patience, and replacements batteries are cheap at any drugstore. Just avoid touching the battery’s surface with your fingers—oils can mess with conductivity. Also, if the back feels stubborn, try wrapping the watch in a soft cloth to protect the finish while applying pressure. Mine had a tiny groove for the screwdriver, but some versions might need a case opener tool (under $10 online). Either way, it’s a 10-minute project that saves a trip to the mall.