How to Replace a Watch Crystal
The watch crystal is the clear plastic or glass portion of your watch that protects the watch dial from dust and other kinds of damage while being worn and allows you to tell the time without having x-ray vision. Over time your watch crystal can be scratched, cracked or broken and need to be replaced. Instead of throwing out your favorite watch when the crystal is damaged, learn how to replace with with this guide. In this guide you will learn how to insert almost any type of watch crystal into almost any watch.
Some of these guides may require you to remove all the inner workings of the watch movement from the watch case to safely replace the watch crystal, and others may involve high heat or adhesives. If at any point you feel unsure about one part of the process, you should stop and take your watch to a professional watchmaker to avoid damaging it permanently.
Glued In Crystals
If your watch crystal is held in place with glue, there are several different types of watch glue you can use to reattach the crystal to your watch case. Be aware that you will most likely want to remove the watch movement from the watch case before attempting to glue your crystal back into place to keep from damaging it or getting it covered in any of the recommended adhesives. To learn how to attach a watch crystal to the watch case with glue, check out these links:
How to Attach a Watch Crystal with GS Crystal Cement
How to Attach a Watch Crystal with Two Part Epoxy
How to Attach a Watch Crystal with Ultraviolet Glue
Compression Fit Crystals
If you have an unbreakable crystal for your watch, chances are good that it is held in place with a compression fitting. The easiest way to replace a compression fit watch crystal in your watch case is to use a crystal lift. Check out this link to learn how to insert a compression fit crystal.
How to Insert a Compression Fit Watch Crystal with a Crystal Lift
Gasket Fit or Tension Ring Crystals
If you have a watch crystal that is held in place with a gasket or a tension ring, you will most likely need to use a watch crystal press to press it securely into place. To learn how to use a crystal press, check out this article:
How to Insert a Watch Crystal with a Watch Crystal Press
50 Comments
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August 21, 2015 at 3:22 pm – Reply
Have a Skagen 233XLSSC that needs a new crystal and mesh band. Any help?
August 27, 2015 at 2:06 pm – Reply
Hi, Click here to submit your questions to our watch parts department https://www.esslinger.com/watch-parts-inquiry/
February 20, 2016 at 7:45 pm – Reply
I have been to Hell and back attempting to find a crystal for my wife’s Concord Delirium quartz watch. Any suggestions. Live in Austin, Texas but will be spending my summer in Boston. propph@mail.utexas.edu.
February 22, 2016 at 9:10 pm – Reply
Hi Paul, I would recommend starting with filling out the watch parts inquiry form. Once you fill it out a watch technician can research the crystal and let you know if it’s available and also a cost. Here is a link to the watch parts inquiry form: https://www.esslinger.com/watch-parts-inquiry/
Hopefully this will get you the answer you have been searching for!
May 14, 2016 at 5:49 pm – Reply
I have an Armani Exchange ax 1227 5atm 121309 watch. I need to replace the crystal, but I don’t know what size or thickness to order. Can someone please help me with this? Thank you in advance for your help.
June 16, 2018 at 3:18 pm – Reply
I have an Invicta pro diver 892608B with 40mm case and I would like to replace the crystal with a flat sapphire glass like the Rolex Sea Dweller model. I also need the Bezel insert in black that would fit this watch. Can you help me out?
Thank You
September 15, 2018 at 4:49 am – Reply
Hi mike,
I have several 8926’s I have modified.
If you have the Seiko NH35 movement you need a crystal that is 30mm x 2.5mm. If you have an older model with the Miyota movement I believe the crystal is 30.3mm x 2.5mm
Bezel inserts for a 16610 submariner should fit. Unfortunately the invicta is not exactly like the Rolex it is designed after and therefore not all bezel inserts will work. I have not tried any from Esslinger so I cannot comment on their fitting or not. Hope this helps you out.
October 25, 2018 at 11:03 pm – Reply
Looking for crystal size Seiko Recraft automatic (SNKN03)
November 23, 2018 at 1:52 pm – Reply
is there availability of a crystal for a Pulsar V811-X055 watch; if so, what is price? any information on how to do the replacement?
November 23, 2018 at 2:27 pm – Reply
Please use the Parts Inquiry form here: https://www.esslinger.com/watch-parts-inquiry
The parts department will research your part and get back to you with price and availability.
December 2, 2018 at 10:22 pm – Reply
I need a crystal for a seiko #580310. Can you help? Should I install, and how. I have repaired clocks and watches before. Thanks for any advice you can offer. Ken Dean
December 3, 2018 at 3:39 pm – Reply
Use the parts inquiry form to check with our parts department is they have what you are looking for and the information you need.
https://www.esslinger.com/watch-parts-inquiry.
You can also check out our many learning articles and guides on how to install a crystal with step-by step instructions.
February 12, 2019 at 8:43 pm – Reply
I am looking for a crystal for a Guess MEN’S WATCH 100M/330FT U0244G4. Can I replace this at home?
February 12, 2019 at 9:09 pm – Reply
You might be able to do this repair at home with some basic tools. You will need to find a replacement crystal, please use the watch parts inquiry form for help finding parts for your watch. The parts department will research your request and get back to you in 2-3 business days.
https://www.esslinger.com/watch-parts-inquiry
May 7, 2019 at 12:05 am – Reply
I have an old Movado Musem women’s watch that needs a new crystal. It says on the back 81.A1.833. Is it possible or worth it to replace a badly scratched crystal? Thank you.
May 7, 2019 at 1:07 pm – Reply
You can replace the crystal pretty easily or try to remove the scratches with this helpful guide:
https://blog.esslinger.com/how-to-remove-scratches-from-glass-watch-crystals/
If you need help finding the right replacement crystal please use the Watch Parts Inquiry Form. Our parts department will research your watch with the given information and get back to you with a cost and availability of the part.
https://www.esslinger.com/watch-parts-inquiry
June 1, 2019 at 11:05 pm – Reply
Could you give me a price on replacement for a seiko 580310 crystal?
June 3, 2019 at 3:44 pm – Reply
Please use the Watch Parts Inquiry Form for help finding the crystal you need. Our parts department will research your watch with the given information and get back to you with a cost and availability of the part.
https://www.esslinger.com/watch-parts-inquiry
June 10, 2019 at 5:06 pm – Reply
Could you please tell me price of armitron men’s watch 100resitant quartz crystal
June 11, 2019 at 1:02 pm – Reply
Please use the Watch Parts Inquiry Form for help finding the crystal you need. Our parts department will research your watch with the given information and get back to you with a cost and availability of the part.
https://www.esslinger.com/watch-parts-inquiry
June 23, 2019 at 4:21 am – Reply
If I provide the brand and model of the watch would you be able to tell which crystal can be used?
I am a DYI kinda guy
June 24, 2019 at 3:54 pm – Reply
You can use the Watch Parts Inquiry Form for help finding the crystal you need. Our parts department will research your watch with the given information and get back to you with a cost and availability of the part.
https://www.esslinger.com/watch-parts-inquiry
June 23, 2019 at 4:23 am – Reply
what crystal would I need for a Citizen Men’s BL8000-54L Eco-Drive Calibre 8700 Stainless Steel
June 24, 2019 at 3:53 pm – Reply
Please use the Watch Parts Inquiry Form for help finding the crystal you need. Our parts department will research your watch with the given information and get back to you with a cost and availability of the part.
https://www.esslinger.com/watch-parts-inquiry
September 24, 2019 at 12:23 am – Reply
I have an A9 case J9 10BC (Looks odd to me as well, think it’s a 1949) Bulova and need a watch crystal for it. Havin a devil of a time learning how to get the right crystals I need to put on my restorations. I need some help guys. I have been getting by reconditioning old ones and getting lucky with an obivous and easy find here and there or staling one from a different project. That’s more work than the restoration. I would like to become proficient in finding the right crystal whenever I need one. Y’all have always sold me what I need in the past so maybe you could give me some pointers on this. Thanks Guys! Link
September 24, 2019 at 12:57 pm – Reply
For help finding the crystal you need you can fill out the watch parts inquiry form and we will get back to you with a cost and availability of the crystal you’re looking for: https://www.esslinger.com/watch-parts-inquiry/
December 5, 2019 at 11:50 pm – Reply
I need a crystal for a Tissot Seastar T.12 Visodate Watch
December 6, 2019 at 2:07 pm – Reply
If you use the Watch Parts Inquiry Form for help finding the crystal you need, our parts department will be able to research your watch with the given information and get back to you with pricing and availability.
https://www.esslinger.com/watch-parts-inquiry
February 11, 2020 at 8:42 pm – Reply
I need a crystal for a size three Elgin double hunter case pocket watch 27.00 mm
February 11, 2020 at 10:15 pm – Reply
Please use our watch parts inquiry form found here: https://www.esslinger.com/watch-parts-inquiry/
Someone in the parts department will research your watch with the given information and get back to you as soon as they can with a price and availability of the parts you are looking for.
June 4, 2023 at 7:42 pm – Reply
I’m looking for a crystal to replace on a watch…
(1.28 inch IPS full circle screen)
August 11, 2020 at 11:11 pm – Reply
Can any Crystal be glued into a watch case or only certain types of crystals? I have a “wooden” watch I am repairing, that the crystal was glued in and am replacing it .Just don’t want to get a sapphire crystal and not be able to glue in.
August 13, 2020 at 3:54 pm – Reply
You can really glue in any crystal that you would like. Some crystals are meant to be installed without glue – but if the original was a flat crystal that was glued in I think you can do the same with another similar crystal.
January 7, 2021 at 3:10 am – Reply
I need crystals for three watches
1. Men’s Citizen Eco-Drive® Titanium Watch with Black Dial (Model: BM6060-57F) (mineral crystal) would consider upgrade to sapphire
2. Momentum Torpedo Pro WH series 0003 DV74.VX32G.371 (sapphire crystal)
3. Tissot 1835/PRS 516 with case size: 39mm…I need a sapphire crystal and a case back
Can someone help me? If you have the items in your inventory, I’m ready to make a purchase, if not can you tell me where I can look other than a jeweler.
I can send photos of the watches if that would help.
January 7, 2021 at 3:14 am – Reply
Follow-up comment …I’ve seen that I can use your parts inquiry form to help me find what I need.
January 17, 2021 at 4:32 pm – Reply
I need a new Crystal for my daughters Michael Kors (MK 3192), watch I have removed the broken Crystal I believe it was glued in place as there was no gasket present I would like to purchase a couple of crystals for this watch also crystal cement. My measurements taken with my digital caliper was 31.95mm nothing added on because there was not a gasket.
Thanking you in advance please help with information required pricing and how to pay you.
Regards
A Hazelwood
January 19, 2021 at 9:24 pm – Reply
Please use our watch parts inquiry form found here: https://www.esslinger.com/watch-parts-inquiry/
Someone in the parts department will research your watch with the given information and get back to you as soon as they can with a price and availability of the parts you are looking for and answer any questions you may have.
February 16, 2021 at 10:17 pm – Reply
Hello, I need the crystal for a 17 jewels sicure jumping hour watch, 20 mm high by 28 mm long with rounded ends along the length, you can get it for me.
February 17, 2021 at 4:40 pm – Reply
Please use our watch parts inquiry form found here: https://www.esslinger.com/watch-parts-inquiry/
Someone in the parts department will research your watch with the given information and get back to you as soon as they can with a price and availability of the parts you are looking for and answer any questions you may have.
September 21, 2021 at 7:42 pm – Reply
I don’t have all the info for the watch-parts-inquiry. Do you have a crystal for Anne Klein watch 10/6777 GL10(6)
September 22, 2021 at 3:40 pm – Reply
Just put in what information you do have. This is the only way we have to try to find the part for you.
October 24, 2021 at 5:07 pm – Reply
Can I mail you the old crystal along with all the watch info. Then you can advise me what crystals are available and then I will be able make a decision and pay.
October 25, 2021 at 4:11 pm – Reply
Start with our watch parts inquiry form found here: https://www.esslinger.com/watch-parts-inquiry/
Someone in the parts department will research your watch with the given information and get back to you as soon as they can with a price and availability of the parts you are looking for and answer any questions you may have.
November 18, 2022 at 9:40 pm – Reply
i have a Michael Kors watch model mk-3294 with a round face. can you get a price on a replacement crystal please.
November 21, 2022 at 9:50 pm – Reply
Please use our watch parts inquiry form found here: https://www.esslinger.com/watch-parts-inquiry/
Someone in the parts department will research your watch with the given information and get back to you as soon as they can with a price and availability of the parts you are looking for and answer any questions you may have.
February 1, 2023 at 9:24 pm – Reply
I am looking for a crystal for my citizen watch the number is 54-Y2458 would you happen to know where I can find one?
May 10, 2023 at 7:56 pm – Reply
hello, I need a crystal for a Stauer Corso automatic.
June 1, 2023 at 8:05 pm – Reply
I have an Armitron watch given as a Christmas gift. I broke the crystal tring to change the battery. I want to order a new crystal but I’m not sure what size. A 17 to 20 mm I think. Can you help?