Why Has My Watch Stopped? (And What To Do Next)

There’s nothing more frustrating than glancing down at your watch and seeing it’s stopped, especially when it was working perfectly fine not long ago.

The good news is that in most cases, the cause is simple. But knowing what to do next can save you time, money, and potentially further damage.

The most common reason: a flat battery

For quartz watches this is by far the most likely cause.

Most watch batteries last somewhere between 1 and 3 years. If your watch has stopped suddenly, a battery change is usually all that’s needed.

However, it’s not always quite that straightforward.

It’s ticking… but not properly.

If your second hand is:

• Jumping every few seconds

• Stuttering

• Or struggling to move

This is often a sign that the battery is on its way out.

It’s worth getting it replaced sooner rather than later, as leaving a dead battery inside a watch can sometimes lead to leakage and internal damage.

It could be something else.

If a new battery doesn’t solve the issue, there may be a deeper fault with the movement.

This can include:

• worn internal components

• dirt or debris inside the mechanism

• moisture damage

These issues are more common in watches that haven’t been serviced for a long time or have been exposed to water.

Speaking of water…

If you’ve noticed any condensation under the glass, that’s a sign that moisture has entered the watch.

In this case, it’s important to get it checked as soon as possible. Water inside a watch can cause corrosion quite quickly, even if it still appears to be working.

Should you try to fix it yourself?

It can be tempting to change the battery yourself but it’s worth being aware that:

• Opening the case incorrectly can damage seals

• Water resistance may be compromised

• The movement inside is delicate

• Refitting the back can be tricky - you wouldn't believe how many cracked glass repairs come to us for this reason

If the watch has any value (financial or sentimental), it’s usually safer to have it done properly and benefit from a warranty.

What’s the next step?

Request a free quote

If your watch has stopped, the best place to start is with a simple inspection and battery check.

If that’s all it needs, it’s a quick fix.

If not, you’ll know exactly what you’re dealing with before deciding how to proceed.

And if you choose not to, we'll return your watch free of charge and issue a full refund!

That's our No Fix - No Fee Promise.