A watch can look perfect on the outside and still stop working because of one tiny component: the battery. If the battery compartment shows 317, you may be wondering, what are watch batteries 317, and whether you can simply replace them with another small button cell. The short answer is no. A 317 is a specific silver oxide watch battery designed around particular dimensions, voltage, and performance characteristics. It is commonly identified by the equivalent designation SR516SW, with a diameter of about 5.8 mm, a height of about 1.6 mm, and a nominal voltage of 1.55V. For anyone searching what are watch batteries 317 before ordering a replacement, knowing those details can prevent an incorrect purchase. The good news is that buying the right cell online is straightforward when you know what to look for.