Watch repair
Watch crystal replacement.
The crystal protects the dial and hands. A crack lets in dust and moisture, so it's best replaced soon. We replace scratched and broken crystals in sapphire, mineral, or acrylic.
When you might need it.
- A crack or chip in the crystal
- Deep scratches that make the dial hard to read
- Moisture under the crystal
What’s involved.
Identifying the crystal
The size, shape, and material are matched to the watch.
Replacing
The old crystal is removed, any glass fragments are cleaned out, and the new crystal is fitted with the correct gasket.
Checking
The dial and hands are checked for damage, and the case is resealed.
Care at the bench.
What we watch for when we do crystal replacement.
The right kind of crystal
Acrylic, mineral, and sapphire crystals look and wear differently. We match the original unless you choose otherwise.
The dial checked
A cracked crystal can let dust or glass fragments reach the dial, so the dial and hands are checked when it's replaced.
Sealed again
The crystal's gasket is checked or replaced so the case closes properly.
Preliminary pricing.
Your preliminary price range is free and comes from your photos. The final price is confirmed after we inspect the piece in hand, and no work starts until you approve it.
What affects the price
- The crystal material: sapphire, mineral, or acrylic
- Shape: flat, domed, or with a date magnifier
- Availability of a matching crystal for the model
- Any damage to the dial or hands from the break
If you’re mailing it in
Don't wear or wind a watch with a broken crystal. Glass fragments can damage the dial and hands, so pack it dial-up and keep it still.
Start with photos. Don’t ship anything until we’ve agreed on shipping and insurance with you.
Get a free estimateCommon questions.
Can acrylic crystals be polished instead of replaced?
Often, yes. Light scratches on acrylic can usually be polished out. Sapphire and mineral crystals usually need replacing.
Should I upgrade to sapphire?
Sapphire resists scratches very well but isn't right for every watch. On a vintage watch, keeping the original style of crystal is often better. We'll tell you what fits.
Should I keep wearing a watch with a cracked crystal?
Better not. A crack lets in moisture and dust, and loose fragments can scratch the dial or catch the hands.
Send photos. Get a price. Decide from there.
The estimate is free and takes a few minutes. You’re under no obligation to go ahead.