So, your watch has stopped workingEither that, or time stopped at 10:15amEither way, you probably need a new watch battery - if you've gone to the store, you probably realize the many choices you have in front of you.
There are different prices, types, sizes and choicesIf you're not sure where to look, you're going to be very, very confusedAnd if you choose the wrong battery, you could hurt your watch, and end up buying a new battery sooner than you'd like.
Mercury
The mercury watch battery is actually banned in many places, so if you can find one, consider yourself both lucky and unluckyMercury is very, very dangerous, and if it's not disposed of properly, can have serious impacts on the environment.
While a mercury battery can last you about three years, when you finally run out of juice, be sure to dispose of them properlyWhile they can be fairly cheap, there is also a huge risk - so, be careful if you do decide to purchase one.
A mercury battery will set you back quit a bit, because it is so dangerousYou probably won't be able to find a new battery anywhere in the US.
Alkaline Watch Batteries
If you've purchased a cheap watch, chances are this is the type of battery it has in itIn fact, it's hard to find a cheaply made watch that doesn't have an alkaline battery in it.
These are the more common batteries, mostly because you can purchase them very cheaplyYou can grab one for less than a dollar at any gas station, drug store, or convenience storeIn a pinch, an alkaline watch battery will do.
However, these will only last you a few months - six at most - and you're going to have to invest in another oneIt's a hassle to have to keep changing your battery again and again, but if you're looking for a cheap way to power your watch, this is it.
Silver Oxide
The silver oxide battery is made in the same way that the mercury battery is, but it's much less dangerous than the mercury chemicalIn fact, these batteries pose little to no health or environmental risk.
The silver oxide battery lasts about a year to a year and six monthsThey certainly don't last as long as mercury batteries do, but they're easy to dispose of, and you can find them at most drug stores or electronic stores.
Lithium
The lithium battery is, without a doubt, the most expensive watch batteryBut it is for good reason - these batteries have the highest capacity, and can last the longest.
How long? Up to ten years, maybe longer, depending on your watch, how powerful it is, and what you do with itYou shouldn't use a lithium battery on a high drain watch, however.
Check your watch's manual to see what sort of drain it takes on the watch.
Overall...
Look at what your watch needs, and what sort of energy demand it hasA lithium battery is most expensive - but it does last the longestDepending on what your needs are, you can figure out what works best.