I did the same! And now every time I go to use the thing I have to look up how to read it again.

I don't do highly accurate work very often, obviously.

I don't like buying non-rechargeable batteries, though, so cell batteries are out.

I agree. They're not difficult to read but they're definitely more of a pain than replacing a battery once a year.

A dial caliper is better than a vernier caliper anyway. Still more of a pain to read than a digital one.

I bought an RF pet tracker last year that comes with rechargeable CR 2032 batteries and a charger [0]. The rechargeable batteries factored highly in my decision-making process.

[0]: https://www.girafus.com/en/products/charger-batteries/

Also one sold by the Pi-hut: https://thepihut.com/products/lithium-ion-coin-cell-charger

After someone nicked my electronic calipers, I also got mechanical ones - they are perfectly adequate for all home use so far.

I used to use electric ones for 3D prints and designs, and haven't tries that since - might not be able to get the same perfect results with mechanical ones.