Energizer 317 Silver Oxide Coin Cell Battery

The 317 is a small silver oxide button cell, and silver oxide is the chemistry watchmakers ask for when a movement needs a voltage that stays put. It carries a nominal 1.55V and holds close to that figure for almost all of its working life rather than sagging gradually, so a quartz movement keeps proper time right up to the point the cell is finished. The important detail on this listing is how it is sold: the price is per cell, so one purchase buys one 317, not a card or a strip of them.

Cells this size belong to the fiddly end of the drawer: slimline quartz watches, small digital instruments, laser pointers and the tiny modules inside toys and novelty items. If you are replacing one, the number stamped on the old cell is the thing to match, and 317 is its common trade number. A cell of another number may drop into the same recess and still be the wrong height or the wrong voltage, which is how a watch back ends up bulging or a movement runs oddly. Check the number first, then the chemistry.

The minimum order on this line is ten, sold in multiples of ten, which suits a repair bench, a jeweller's counter or anyone who would rather keep spares in the drawer than order one at a time. No shelf life figure is printed on the pack, so we quote none. Keep the cells in their packaging and away from loose coins and keys, since any small cell can short against metal, and keep fresh ones apart from used ones so there is no doubt which is which. Other Energizer coin cells on our shelves include the CR2032 lithium, the LR44 alkaline and the 377/376.

How do I know the 317 is the right cell for my watch?

Open the case back and read the number printed on the old cell, or check the number marked inside the back. It should read 317. Match the number rather than judging by diameter alone.

How many cells do I receive for the price shown?

One. This listing is priced and sold per cell, so the figure on the page buys a single 317. The minimum order is ten cells, bought in multiples of ten.

What voltage does it give, and can I fit a lithium coin cell instead?

Silver oxide cells are 1.55V nominal. Lithium coin cells such as the CR2032 are 3V and are a different size, so they are not an alternative for a device that specifies a 317.

Is a shelf life printed on the pack?

No shelf life figure is printed on this pack, so we state none. Store unused cells in their packaging and keep them apart from cells you have already taken out of service.

Will it run small digital devices as well as watches?

Yes, where the device calls for a 317. Silver oxide suits low, steady current draws such as quartz movements, small instruments and compact electronic modules rather than high drain loads.