Is CR1216 the same as DL1216?

Yes. DL1216 is Duracell's name for the CR1216 and ECR1216 is Energizer's. All three are 12.5 × 1.6 mm lithium cells at 3 volts. A BR1216 is the same size with a different lithium chemistry and delivers less current.

Can I use a CR1220 instead of a CR1216?

No. Both are 12.5 mm across, but the CR1220 is 2 mm thick and the CR1216 is 1.6 mm. A thicker cell won't let the caseback or holder close, so the watch won't run reliably.

How long does a CR1216 battery last?

It holds about 25–30 mAh. In a digital watch that's usually two to five years, less with heavy use of the light or alarm. Lithium coin cells keep for up to ten years unused.

CR1216 battery equivalents

The CR1216 is a 12.5 × 1.6 mm 3-volt lithium cell, used in digital watches and small electronics. It's sold under several names: DL1216, ECR1216, BR1216.

CR1216 (12.5 × 1.6 mm) from the top and the side, to scale with a US dime (17.9 mm).

Equivalents

Sold as	Type	In a watch
CR1216, DL1216, ECR1216	Lithium manganese dioxide, 3 V	Same battery under brand prefixes
BR1216	Lithium carbon monofluoride, 3 V	Fits; lower current, so it can struggle with a backlight or alarm

Look-alikes that won't fit

These are also 12.5 mm across, so they look right in the pack, but the thickness is different. They aren't substitutes.

Getting a CR1216 changed

Watch shops in our directory list battery changes from $4.99 to $115, with a median of $15, usually done while you wait. A shop has the tools to open a screw-down caseback without marking it, and can replace the gasket and pressure-test a water-resistant watch. 455 shops in the directory list battery replacement. To do it yourself, follow how to change a watch battery.

Find the closest shops to you. Your location stays in your browser.

Questions

Is CR1216 the same as DL1216?: Yes. DL1216 is Duracell's name for the CR1216 and ECR1216 is Energizer's. All three are 12.5 × 1.6 mm lithium cells at 3 volts. A BR1216 is the same size with a different lithium chemistry and delivers less current.
Can I use a CR1220 instead of a CR1216?: No. Both are 12.5 mm across, but the CR1220 is 2 mm thick and the CR1216 is 1.6 mm. A thicker cell won't let the caseback or holder close, so the watch won't run reliably.
How long does a CR1216 battery last?: It holds about 25–30 mAh. In a digital watch that's usually two to five years, less with heavy use of the light or alarm. Lithium coin cells keep for up to ten years unused.