You (We) Should Probably Replace Your Watch Battery

Your Trusted Watch Battery Replacement Team is Now at London Drugs

When The Bay closed its watch repair counters, many long-time customers asked, “Where do I go now?” We wondered the same. For years, On Time Service provided dependable watch repair and watch battery replacement from inside Hudson's Bay locations across BC and Alberta.

Thanks to our loyal customers, our dedicated team, and a warm welcome from London Drugs, we found a new home — and we’re thriving. Today we serve communities in Vancouver, Victoria, Edmonton, Calgary, and many more from the tech counters in 17 London Drugs stores.

To say thanks, we’re making battery replacements more affordable than ever this August.

On Time Service leadership team at a London Drugs store entrance, offering watch repair and battery replacement

Pro Tip! 

If a watch sits unused for a year or more, replace the battery to avoid leakage and movement damage.

5 Signs Your Watch Battery Needs to be Replaced

  • Stopped completely — the most obvious clue.
  • Running slow — your watch is losing minutes per day.
  • Second hand jumps in 2–5 second intervals — a built-in low-battery alert on many quartz watches.
  • Date complications misbehave — dates won’t change correctly.
  • Intermittent operation — sometimes ticking, sometimes not.

Why Professional Watch Battery Replacement beats DIY

Buying a battery is easy. Installing it without risk isn’t. Our technicians use proper case-opening tools, anti-static mats, and replacement gaskets to protect water resistance and finish. DIY attempts can lead to scratched cases, dust inside the movement, incorrect battery types, and damaged seals.

What we do during a standard battery swap:

  1. Identify the correct battery type
  2. Open case with the right tool for your back design
  3. Replace battery and inspect contacts
  4. Light gasket clean and reseal (as applicable)
  5. Basic function check before hand-back
Technician holding a wristwatch close-up during a battery replacement at London Drugs

Beyond Battery Replacement: Complete Watch and Jewellery Services

Does your watch need more than a battery? We provide strap sizing, clasp fixes, bracelet pins, water-resistance testing, full movement servicing, and more. Whether it’s a favourite daily driver or a treasured gift, our team of expert technicians is here to help.

We also provide jewellery repair and service, including ring sizing, chain solders, rhodium plating, appraisals, and more. For our full list of services, just click the button below.

We're also proud to offer Canada's only secure Mail-In Watch Service application. From and online instant quote to your watch being delivered back to your door - everything is managed directly in the app.

Watch Battery Replacement FAQ

We really don't recommend it. Our expert technicians have the tools, the experience, and the know-how to make sure your watch stays free of scratches, dust, and doesn't have any hidden issues that you may not notice. Trust us, this is a job for a professional.

Luxury and certain Swiss brands are excluded from the $9 promotion. We can often service them at regular rates — please ask in store.

Most are completed within 30 minutes, depending on the model and store traffic.

Not for most standard battery replacements. Complex repairs may require extra time.

Typically 1–3 years depending on movement design and features (e.g., chronographs use more power
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