Are lifetime batteries any good?

[Paul_B]

I've got an old casio divers digital watch, a great, tough watch for daily use. Current model is solar this isn't. A local dry cleaners can replace batteries and pressurize to oe standard. Or at least to what it's currently at, they have a proper leak tester device for watches.

For a few quid more they offer a "lifetime battery". If you keep the receipt and it dies in say 5 years time you take it back for a free replacement.

Does anyone know about these batteries? I'm assuming they're 5 or 10 year lifetime but they don't expect anyone to claim after that time. Worth the extra?

 

[Chainsaw]

My wife has had one of these and had her battery done 3 times. They are expecting to be lured in and then lose the receipt etc but they underestimated her innate eye for a bargain. Her battery lasts about 3 years or so. Depends on battery life and how determined you are to get your moneys worth.

 

[Nomad64]

My wife has had one of these and had her battery done 3 times. They are expecting to be lured in and then lose the receipt etc but they underestimated her innate eye for a bargain. Her battery lasts about 3 years or so. Depends on battery life and how determined you are to get your moneys worth.

If it is Timpsons you are referring to then I think you are being a bit cynical.

https://www.timpson.co.uk/services/watch-repairs

They have a pretty good reputation for community engagement and make a point of offering employment to rehabilitated offenders and offer free dry cleaning to unemployed people going to job interviews.

https://www.timpson.co.uk/services/dry-cleaners/dry-cleaning-unemployed-interview

I guess if the OP is really concerned about getting VFM he could visit his GP and ask for a thorough health check and consult some actuarial tables to work out his life expectancy.

FWIW, a few years ago I was running an errand for my grandmother-in law shortly before her 100th birthday. Her watch needed a new battery and I made the executive decision not to spend a few £ extra for the lifetime guarantee.

No idea how long the non-guaranteed batteries last (quite possibly they are the same ones) but it was still working when she passed away aged 101.

 

[Paul_B]

It's Johnson's dry cleaners in local supermarket. Not Timpsons. Surprised me that they did that watch straps too. The manager spotted me checking the watch leak detector out. I'm interested to see it in operation.

The watch battery enquiry wasn't about VFM alone but about the idea that paying extra gets a battery that would replace two or more normal batteries. If that was the case then imho it's good. I know the amount of material in a watch battery is hardly significant it's the idea or principle behind reducing demand on resources. Batteries are not a clean technology and every little contributes. Albeit such a small amount. Daft idea that I know.

If it's true it's just a cynical marketing ploy and they calculate nobody will come back at least not more than once. Afterall the extra cost clearly covers second battery cost so it's the third time back that costs them. Then if that's the case I'm not sure I'll use their services.

 

[Paul_B]

Not sure about actuarial tables but longevity is common in my family. I'm fit, healthy and only 47. You can get 5 or 10 year batteries. Imho lifetime batteries are just that, not true human lifetime but a longer lasting version. 3 year batteries seem to be the base version. If these batteries are 10 year models for £3 more they would be worth it even if I didn't go back.

 

[Wildgoose]

I have the timpsons lifetime one.

batteries are the standard type but they replace them free of charge. If my memory serves me right it was £10 or so for a one off or £15 for the lifetime deal.

I’ve had 3 new batteries so have already saved money.

wildgoose tip: take a photo of the receipt/card on your phone so it can’t get lost.

 

[Wildgoose]

I’ve have batteries last 2+ years and some that barely last 9 months, it’s hit or miss with those small batteries.

 

[Paul_B]

The johnsons one is something like £6 standard or extra £3 for lifetime. Also the watch is reset to the same pressure/ leakproof standard as it was before battery change. I've had watch battery changes before where they refused to guarantee it to original rating. Do Timpsons do that and test it?

Imho Johnson's is a lot cheaper than Timpsons. No matter what their policy is with ex cons or others it doesn't get past the ripoff merchant tag IME.

For example, a boot zip replacement took 8 weeks and cost £65-70. It failed 3 months later and cost £12.50 to replace the zip at a local cobblers. Their work is still holding 2 years or longer. IME everything Timpsons offer is available elsewhere cheaper and to a better standard. You just need to shop around.

 

[Wildgoose]

Timpsons do test the pressure etc.

ex con policy is nice but it’s convenience for me, Timpsons seem to be everywhere I’ve worked.