How Much Does A Watch Crystal Replacement Cost?
It would help if you didn’t undermine the importance of a watch crystal as it is responsible for protecting the inner features of the watch and having a clear view of the hands of the clock, so if you have an old watch with a damaged crystal. You might wonder: How much does the replacement cost?
The cost of a watch crystal replacement is based on several features, such as the brand. However, a typical watch with an acrylic crystal replacement can cost as low as $25, while top-notch timepieces with crystals made from synthetic sapphire can cost as low as $125. It is important to note that the watch crystals made from synthetic sapphire are expensive to repair because they are stronger and more resistant to scratches and cracks. Thus, if you have a watch with a damaged acrylic crystal, you might consider replacing the acrylic crystal with sapphire.
Factors That Determine The Replacement Cost
The replacement cost of a watch crystal is determined by several factors such as the type of crystal, size, brand, etc. Let’s delve deeper into it below.
Crystal Type
The front of a watch could be made from glass, sapphire, or plastic. Conventionally, plastic is the least expensive but can easily get damaged. On the other hand, sapphire is the most expensive of the three options. But for good reasons, the sapphire crystal is stronger, more resistant to damage, and scratch-resistant.
Mineral glass, similar to window panes, is the third option of the type of crystal used. Despite being affordable and slightly better than plastic, it is prone to breaking with a hit or fall. Some popular glass materials for watch crystals include flat, flat round, domed, domed sapphire, plastic, and pyramid mineral.
Size Of The Crystal
The size of the crystal is also a major factor responsible for the replacement cost of your watch’s crystal. Similar to a ring’s diamond, watch crystals come in different sizes. Thus, the larger the size of the crystal, the more expensive the replacement cost.
Crystal Shape
The standard shape of a watch crystal is round. However, it might be a rectangle or square shape in some cases. Still, it is easier to get these shapes, and it won’t require extra stress to get them for your watch replacement. In contrast, irregular shapes, which are uncommon, might be difficult to get. In most cases, the repairer would need to create a customized crystal of the shape, which will cost more. Hence, increasing your replacement cost.
Should I replace the crystal on a vintage watch?
A vintage watch is highly valuable, so it’s only appropriate that its part, while flawed, carries a significant value. However, when it comes to the crystal on a vintage watch. Experts recommend replacing it. This is because not replacing it can cause damage to the other important parts of the watch that the crystal is protecting, i.e., the dial, hands, etc. Yet, if you decide to replace the crystal, ensure that you do it with the real deal. Substitute it with an original and best-quality crystal.
Can I order a crystal for my watch and fit it myself?
Yes, you can. But, it is important to note that fitting a watch crystal by yourself if you aren’t experienced might be dangerous to both you and your watch. So, we strongly recommend getting your watch across to your jeweler for this purpose.
Can the scratches on my watch crystal be removed?
The scratches on any watch crystal can be removed by hand polishing the crystal’s surface. Below are some quick steps to do that:
Tape off all areas around the crystal, including the bezel. It is the closest to the crystal face, and taping it will prevent damaging the moving parts of the watch with the polishing paste. Remove watch straps. Apply a little polishing paste to the scratched area and scrub with a microfibre cloth. Scrub until the scratches begin to fade away. Once the scratch has faded, apply a secondary finer grade of polish to the surface of the crystal and scrub again with a clean cloth area. This finer grade of polish will leave your crystal with a glass-like finish afterward. Repeat the process if necessary.
Conclusion
Replacing a watch crystal isn’t as complex as it may look. You can contact your local watch manufacturer or dealer to enquire about the process. Here’s the best part: you could save some money if the watch is still under warranty or enjoy some customer discount benefit if your jeweler offers one.
