Glossary · Mechanism
Power cell (battery)
The small electrochemical cell supplying current to a quartz or early electric movement.
Explanation
The power cell (battery) of a quartz watch is typically a 1.55 V silver-oxide button cell lasting one to several years. Leaking cells corrode movements, so exhausted batteries should be removed promptly. Early electric watches used larger cells; solar cells and capacitors are modern alternatives.