Pull out crown to save battery?
Like many who've been bitten by the watch bug, I jumped in with both feet and I've quickly acquired a sizable collection. Because of this, wrist time is thinly spread out across watches. And while I like the convenience of quartz watches (just grab and go), I have started to think about when it comes time to change out the batteries. I've done it before, but don't look forward to it because there's always the chance of damaging something (scratches, etc).
I've heard batteries typically last between 1-2 years before needing replacement (not counting Casios of course 😉). I know it depends on features like chrono or just simple 3 hand dials. But does 2 years or less sound about right?
So my main question is, does anyone pull out the crown to save on battery life when your watch is not in a short rotation of wear? Is there a downside to this other than having to reset the time each time like you would an automatic? Does the battery still drain anyway? Would love to hear from those who've been collecting for awhile. Thanks!
Traveler. Collector. Enthusiast. Passion for music, art, sports and other random things.
Apparently, it doesn't help. Which sucks.
So how come new watches have that little plastic sprue to keep the crown out? Obviously the battery drain is less when not moving stuff. It's not zero, but it's substantially less.
I do this with a few watches that are battery eaters. I always set them to 12:00:00 so I can immediately tell that they are stopped.
So how come new watches have that little plastic sprue to keep the crown out? Obviously the battery drain is less when not moving stuff. It's not zero, but it's substantially less.
I do this with a few watches that are battery eaters. I always set them to 12:00:00 so I can immediately tell that they are stopped.
Good point!
This is good info, I was afraid that there still might be some drain. Just wasn't sure if it's so minimal that it would still be worth doing. But then I didn't think about damaging the crown like @MegaBob said. Sounding more like it ain't worth it 😑
Thanks everyone for the feedback. WC is always such a great resource 👏
This is good info, I was afraid that there still might be some drain. Just wasn't sure if it's so minimal that it would still be worth doing. But then I didn't think about damaging the crown like @MegaBob said. Sounding more like it ain't worth it 😑
Thanks everyone for the feedback. WC is always such a great resource 👏
On top of what @MegaBob already mentioned...pulling out the crown also allows the external atmosphere to enter the watch case (e.g. humidity). So this can also cause things like premature rusting of the dial, hands and moving components. With the crown in, your watch is sealed. Things can still get in everytime you pull out the crown, but at least this way you're not leaving the door open all day long.
This of course also only matters depending on your local climate and how you store your watches. If you keep them sealed and/or in a holder of some sort you're probably fine regardless.
Last point, and the only real reason I keep my watches running, is to prevent batteries from leaking internally. If you leave them there for too long after the watch stopped they can make a mess inside the watch case. So leaving the watch running keeps my batteries stable and lets me visually know when they need to be replaced.
Depends on the watch... Some pull out crowns still have seals, they're just not as tight or obvious. This is also evident in the fact some watches with pull out crowns are rated for 5 to 10atm, even if people won't actually put them to that test. Maybe some seal both in and out?
Again, it's not something you'll notice in a few days, or a few weeks, maybe a few months and really depending on the conditions. You would likely see at least dust accumulate if you leave a watch outside with it's crown pulled most of time.
It also only matters if you're obsessive about this sort of stuff, some are more than others. You can guess which camp I fall in :)
Others have already hit on the main talking points. Batteries are so cheap and easy to replace, I would like that time tick away.
Others have already hit on the main talking points. Batteries are so cheap and easy to replace, I would like that time tick away.
Yea, I agree. My concern was mainly the chance of scratching the case up or messing anything up inside when I have to change the battery. I've changed batteries before, but just would prefer to not to have to open cases up as often if I don't have to. Was just a thought 😕
Yea, I agree. My concern was mainly the chance of scratching the case up or messing anything up inside when I have to change the battery. I've changed batteries before, but just would prefer to not to have to open cases up as often if I don't have to. Was just a thought 😕
That is fair, when I had more quartz than I currently do, I did not have the right tools for every case type.
It does save some battery power because the hand's motor isn't switching on. IMO it's also a bit pointless because the main advantage of a quartz watch is that it's always on the correct time when you pull it on your wrist.
I remember reading technical data on some Miyota movements stating they will drain at ~30% when the crown is pulled. I don't know if it applies to other movements but specifically Miyota 6S50 and others. Some of my Fossil watches have this feature.
For anyone with luxury quartz (think Rolex, Patek) I’ve recently discovered the battery replacement services are free and great. So don’t worry about it.
As for my favourites - my cartier tank Solarbeat quotes a 16 year battery life - that should see me ok for a while!
All my quartz and megaquartz are all pulled out. However, every few months or so I will try and wear all the quartz and megaquartz over a period of a few weeks. So to keeps the parts in working order. That's my way.