General

Is it a risk to buy a watch that might be unreparable in case it gets broken? Regrettably its true that not every LED movement (module) can be repaired and that its mostly difficult to find spare parts. But an LED which has endured the past 25 years has also good chances for the future as unlike a mechanical watch the solid state watch does not suffer from wear. In fact very most of the defective LEDs have been damaged by bad handling, mainly leaking batteries or moisture through defective case sealings.
Take your chance and be cautious when purchasing an LED watch. The best method is first to become familiar with the desired model and then check it carefully before buying, for example: Does it work correctly all through the setting mode? This way all functions can be checked quickly. Do all display segments light up? And are there no traces of battery acid in the battery compartments?
This procedure of course implys to buy best locally, if from remote you have to trust in the sellers LED watch knowledge and his honesty. Especially from unfortunate Ebay buyers I received numerous repair requests throughout the years
What to do with a defective LED? 50% of the modules could be repaired from my experience. If not and if no spare module can be found it is also an option to swap the module over from another watch, partly even by another manufacturer as identical modules have been used by different watch brands.

Batteries

The main reason for the decline of the LEDs at the end of the seventies was the comparatively high power consumption. And batteries were expensive at that time. But today batteries in general are much cheaper, especially the low cost alkaline cells which could be used as well. Silver oxide types contain about 30% more charge but cost a multiple. Anyway I would recommend to prefer reputable battery manufacturers as cheapo brands are not always gas tight even when full. And try to get real fresh ones by buying from places where you can assume that they sell a lot as batteries loose charge during storage.
Another cheap option are rechargeable NiMh button cells, though they require at least basic electronic skills for recharging.

In general an LED collector can get along with totally only five types for all his watches:

Regrettably the extra large button cells for the early Pulsar and Omega models are no longer manufactured. You may use 357 or 386, the latter with spacers.

Attention! Replace or at least remove the batteries right away as soon as the diplay does not light any more, they may start leaking or pour out gas when empty. Most of the modules have been destroyed this way! Long term storage I recommend without batteries anyway.

Maintanance

is not necessary for an electronic circuit. But if you prefer to wear your watches ask your local watchmaker to replace all case sealings to avoid damage from moisture.

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