A watch crystal serves as both a display and a protection for your watch. Since it is an exterior and fragile piece of your watch, it can sustain damage and the watch will require watch crystal replacement at some point. Expert and timely watch glass replacement can prolong the longevity of your timepiece.
Depending on the watch you have, its crystal is either made of plastic or glass. People who need watch crystal replacement can have the crystal cut and shaped to the exact dimensions and styles of the original watch. Whether you have a conventional watch with a band or a pocket watch with a chain, if you need a watch glass replacement, the crystal can be cut and shaped in the exact style and cut you want.
When a watch has been worn for a long time, the crystal can begin to show wear. It can become dull, scratched, or in some cases, it can crack. Some watch owners mistakenly think once the crystal is broken or damaged, they will need to buy a new watch.
But, instead of tossing a watch you are otherwise satisfied with, the old damaged crystal can be removed and replaced, bringing new life to an old timepiece. One of the most important elements of replacement is proper fit and unless this is done well, the result will be unsatisfactory. While there are tutorials on replacing glass crystals, unless you are experienced in working with watches and fittings, it’s better to have the job properly done by watch experts.
Crystal materials from high to low
Watchmaking is a delicate skill and replacing a watch crystal is surprisingly complex. There are many types of watch crystals and all have different benefits. The top choices for watch crystals are usually mineral glass, acrylic, and synthetic sapphire.
When it comes to strength and durability, synthetic sapphire ranks at the top. It is artificially created lab sapphire and is scratch-resistant. Of the three popular materials, synthetic sapphire is the costliest.
Mineral glass is commonly used in today’s watch manufacturing. The surfaces are somewhat scratch resistant. It’s midway point in costs, but this type of crystal tends to shatter easily.
The third common material is acrylic. It is the weakest of the three materials used for watch crystals. Although it does resist shattering, it can scratch or even break. Acrylic is also the least expensive of the three materials.