Archive for the ‘Watch Batteries’ Category
Basic Survival Skills
When most people think of survival skills, they conjure ideas of minimalist adventurers testing their physical and mental capacities in nature. But just as it takes a good deal of knowhow to survive in the wilderness, thriving in the urban jungle takes a specific skill set as well. It may not seem like it, but everyday we are required to employ a variety of skills-from using a mini-screwdriver to change your watch battery, to cooking dinner on the stove.
Many people take these simple tasks for granted growing up, relying entirely on their parents. I’ll never forget how inept one of my college roommates was when it came to the most mundane tasks; he needed help doing everything-addressing an envelope, grocery shopping, doing his laundry. These tasks may seem second nature to you, and that’s a good thing. It’s important to hone these basic skills if you want to be self-sufficient.
Taking Joy in the Small Things
When I was younger, I committed myself to being as low-maintenance as possible. I never bought anything that required maintenance, and when something did require attention, I would often simply stop using it. As I’ve grown older, however, I’ve developed an appreciation for the multitude of tiny skills necessary in day-to-day life.
Whereas I used to eschew menial tasks, now I revel in the opportunity to learn a new skill. Something as seemingly mundane as changing watch batteries can be an occasion for learning the intricacies of the watch movements and learning how the battery powers them. When you begin to look at every day tasks as a learning opportunity, all aspects of your life become more enjoyable-at least in my experiences.
Alkaline v Lithium Watch Batteries
When you are replacing your watch battery, there are two main choices: lithium and alkaline. Some people may believe this decision is superfluous, but your verdict will have an impact on both the performance and longevity.
An alkaline watch battery is comprised of zinc and manganese dioxide, which combine to form a chemical reaction. These batteries are considered a middle-of-the-road option, as they are relatively inexpensive, have a high energy density and a long shelf life. If you want a top-of-the-line battery however, go with lithium. Lithium watch batteries have the capacity to produce higher voltages and have a long life span, making them ideal for frequently used devices, such as watches.
Replacing the Battery Is a Snap
It would be a serious shame to set your watch aside for days at a time just because the battery died. The process of replacing a watch battery is actually quite simple, and the sooner you make the switch the more use you’ll get out of your timepiece. Place the watch face-down on a soft linen so that the surface doesn’t scratch. You’ll probably notice a tab to pull or an indentation to turn on the back of the watch.
You might find that the watch is restrained by a bracket or some similar component, which might require the use of a screwdriver to loosen. Once that barrier is removed, tap the watch face lightly to send the lithium watch battery tumbling out. Simply reverse this process to install the new battery. Ask a jeweler or local hobbyist about replacing a waterproof watch battery as these are much trickier.