You’re staring at a blank screen. Or rather, a blank watch face. It’s usually that one specific moment—you’re in a dark movie theater or waking up at 4:00 AM—when you press the crown of your Timex Expedition or Weekender, and... nothing. No iconic blue Indiglo glow. Just a faint, pathetic flicker that dies before you can even read the time.
Honestly, it’s almost always the Timex watch battery CR2016.
This little lithium coin cell is the unsung hero of the affordable watch world. It’s a 3-volt powerhouse, roughly 20mm in diameter and a slim 1.6mm thick. That’s what the "2016" stands for, by the way. 20mm wide, 1.6mm deep. While other watches might opt for the beefier CR2032, Timex loves the 2016 because it keeps their cases slim while providing just enough "oomph" to power those backlight LEDs that we all love.
The Reality of the CR2016 and Why It Fails
Most people think a battery is a battery. It’s not. If you go to a dollar store and grab a generic 2016, your Timex might last six months. If you grab a high-quality Energizer, Duracell, or Panasonic, you’re looking at years.
Lithium Manganese Dioxide (Li-MnO2) chemistry is what makes these work. They have a shelf life of about 10 years, which is incredible, but that doesn't mean they last 10 years inside your watch. The Indiglo feature is a massive power hog. Every time you push that button to see the time in the dark, you’re essentially short-circuiting the battery to create that electroluminescent glow. Do that five times a night, and your Timex watch battery CR2016 is going to hit the wall way faster than the manufacturer's estimate.
I’ve seen plenty of people complain that their Timex keeps time perfectly but the light won't turn on. That is the classic "low voltage" warning. The quartz movement—the part that actually moves the hands—needs very little power. But that Indiglo? It needs the full 3 volts. Once that battery dips to 2.8V or 2.7V, the hands will keep spinning, but the lights go out.
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Buying the Right Replacement
Don't overthink this, but don't be cheap either.
When you’re hunting for a Timex watch battery CR2016, look for brands with high "leak resistance." Even though lithium cells don't leak as often as old-school alkaline batteries, a cheap knockoff can still swell and ruin the movement of a $50 watch. Brands like Sony (now Murata), Renata (which is what Swiss watchmakers use), and Panasonic are the gold standard here.
Renata is interesting because they specialize almost exclusively in button cells. They are the official battery supplier for the Swatch Group. If it’s good enough for an Omega, it’s definitely good enough for your Timex Ironman.
Opening the Case Without Screwing Up
This is where most people lose their minds. You have the battery. You have the watch. Now you need to get inside.
Timex watches usually have one of two back types: "Snap-back" or "Four-screw."
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If you see four tiny screws, you’re in luck. Just find a precision Phillips head screwdriver—usually a #00 or #000—and turn them counter-clockwise. Be careful. These screws are smaller than a grain of rice and they love to disappear into your carpet. If you have a snap-back, you’ll see a tiny indentation or "lip" on the edge of the case back. You’ll need a case opening tool, or in a pinch, a very dull butter knife.
Warning: Do not use a sharp knife. You will slip, and you will bleed. I've seen it happen too many times.
Once you’re inside, you’ll see the Timex watch battery CR2016 held down by a metal tension clip. Don't just yank it. There’s usually a tiny latch you need to poke with a toothpick to release the spring.
The "AC" Reset Trick
Here is the secret that almost no one tells you.
On many digital Timex models, specifically the Ironman series, simply swapping the battery isn't enough. You might put the new cell in, snap it shut, and find the screen is still blank or showing gibberish. This isn't a broken watch; it's a "hanging" microprocessor.
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Look for a tiny contact point on the back of the movement labeled "AC" (All Clear). You need to take a pair of metal tweezers or a paperclip and touch one end to the "AC" contact and the other end to the back of the battery (the positive side). Hold it for two seconds. This "shorts" the circuit and reboots the watch's brain. Suddenly, the digits will pop back to life. It’s a literal "have you tried turning it off and on again" for your wrist.
Longevity and Maintenance
How long should this last? In a perfect world, three to five years.
If you find yourself replacing your Timex watch battery CR2016 every twelve months, you might have a mechanical issue. Sometimes, the Indiglo button gets "sticky." If the button stays slightly depressed, it creates a constant parasitic drain on the cell. Cleaning the area around the pusher with a bit of isopropyl alcohol and a Q-tip can save you five bucks and a lot of frustration later.
Also, check the gasket. That little rubber O-ring around the edge of the case back is the only thing keeping sweat and rain out of your watch. If it looks dry or cracked, rub a tiny—and I mean tiny—amount of silicone grease on it before you close the watch back up. It keeps the seal water-resistant.
Why the CR2016 is Better than the CR2025 or CR2032 (For This Use Case)
You might be tempted to cram a CR2032 in there because it’s thicker and has more "juice" (mAh). Don't do it.
The last two digits of the battery code refer to the height in millimeters. 1.6mm vs 3.2mm. If you try to force a CR2032 into a slot designed for a Timex watch battery CR2016, you will bend the battery clip or, worse, crack the crystal when you try to snap the back on. The pressure has to go somewhere. Use exactly what the manual says. There is no "upgrading" watch batteries; there is only fitting or breaking.
Actionable Next Steps for a Successful Swap
- Verify your model. Flip the watch over. If it doesn't say "CR2016" on the back (some Timex models actually engrave the battery type right there), check the Timex website or your manual.
- Buy a multi-pack. You can usually get a 5-pack of Energizer CR2016s for the price of two single batteries at a drug store. Since they have a 10-year shelf life, it’s worth having spares in the junk drawer.
- Use plastic tweezers. If you use metal tweezers to grab the battery by the top and bottom, you are literally shorting the battery out and draining its life before it even gets into the watch. Grab it by the edges or use plastic tools.
- Clean the contacts. Before dropping the new battery in, wipe the contact points inside the watch with a dry microfiber cloth to remove any skin oils or old oxidation.
- The Paper Test. Once the battery is in, but before you close the case, place a small piece of paper over the battery and press the case back down gently to see if the watch starts. If it doesn't, check that "AC" reset point mentioned earlier.
- Seal it tight. When snapping the back on, use even pressure. Use your thumbs at the 12 and 6 positions, then the 3 and 9 positions. You should hear a satisfying "click." If it won't close, check that the battery is seated perfectly flat in its housing.
Dealing with a dead watch is a minor annoyance, but getting your Timex back in working order is a surprisingly satisfying DIY win. Just remember: be gentle with the clips, don't lose the screws, and always, always perform the AC reset if the screen stays blank. Your Indiglo will be back to lighting up your night in no time.