Watchmakers Guide to the Different Watch Glass Types
Last updated on the 19th of May 2023 by Huxley Mann.
In addition, to watch glasses being an essential aesthetic element, they also protect the delicate inner components of your timepiece from damage and exposure to the elements. Of course, when a watch glass fails or needs replacing, the cost may vary, depending on the watch brand, glass type and if your timepiece is water resistant and requires pressure testing and resealing. But what are our options available to you when it comes to replacing the glass on your watch? Below we'll discuss the three main types and frequently asked questions about watch glass replacement.
What are the different types of watch glasses?
When choosing a replacement glass for your timepiece, there are three main options: acrylic, mineral and sapphire. Each type offers its advantages and disadvantages, with varying price points which we'll explore below:
Acrylic watch glasses
Acrylic watch glass is a type of plastic crystal used in watches. It is lightweight, affordable, and easy to replace but tends to be more prone to scratches than other watch glasses. Its main advantage is that it can come in various colours and designs, making it a desirable option for the lower end of the market/fashion watches. However, its low resistance to wear does limit its lifespan when compared with mineral glass or sapphire crystal.
Mineral watch glasses
Renowned for their durability and clarity, mineral watch faces are typically used on mid-range to high-end watches and are produced from glass. More often than not, the glass has been heat-tempered, meaning its surface has been placed under extreme heat to increase its scratch and shatter resistance. Although slightly more expensive than an acrylic watch face, replacing your timepiece with a mineral watch glass is an ideal choice for those that need their watches to withstand regular wear and tear.
Sapphire watch glasses
In 1902, Auguste Verneuil revolutionised the jewellery industry with his discovery of a method to create synthetic sapphire crystals by melting finely powdered aluminium oxide via an oxyhydrogen flame and then crystallising the droplets. Before long, the watch-making industry quickly adopted Auguste's revolutionary process to create sapphire watch glasses typically used by luxury watch brands such as Rolex, Patek Phillipe, Hublot and OMEGA.
Created from a single crystal of sapphire which is then cut and polished to size, sapphire watch glasses measure 9/10 on the Mohs scale, making them extremely strong in terms of their structure and almost impervious to scratches. Additionally, the clarity of sapphire watch glass is second to none and gives a watch face a beautiful finish and reflective sheen.
What should you do if you break your watch glass?
If your watch glass breaks, the best course of action is to take it to a qualified watch repair technician as soon as possible.
The technician will be able to assess the damage and determine whether the crystal needs to be replaced or if they can use an adhesive or other method to repair the glass. If a replacement is necessary, they will also be able to recommend and install a high-quality crystal that matches your watch's specifications.
In the unfortunate event that you completely smash your watch's crystal into smithereens, it is essential to stop the hands from moving by quickly pulling out the watch's crown to prevent shards of glass from getting caught up in the moving hands, which could end up scratching the dial of bending the watch hands.
Depending on the extent of the damage, your watch may need to be serviced to check/remove any shards of glass that have made their way down to the watch's mechanism, which could lead to further untold damage.
Will my watch have to be pressure tested?
If your watch is water resistant, then as part of having your watch glass replaced, it will need to undergo a pressure test to confirm that it is still water-resistant to the manufacturer's specification. Additionally, a pressure test will reveal any issues with the watch's movement and seals and allow you to take corrective action before any permanent damage occurs.
How much does a watch glass replacement cost?
The cost to replace a watch glass can vary depending on the type of crystal used, the size + cut, the brand, make and model of the watch and if your timepiece requires pressure testing and new seals to guarantee its water resistance.
Generally, replacing an acrylic or mineral glass will cost anywhere from £25-£50.00, while replacing a sapphire watch glass may cost anything up to £150.00.
If you own a vintage watch, the manufacturer may have discontinued the production of the watch glass replacements, and a bespoke watch crystal will need to be cut to size, in which case, you could be looking at hundreds of pounds.
How to replace watch glass in a broken watch?
Replacing a watch glass in a broken watch is a delicate task and should be carried out by an experienced professional. At AMJ Watch Repair, we are experts in watch glass replacement and stock a wide range of watch crystals that our incredible team of watchmakers can fit, more often than not, while you wait. For more information or a quote, feel free to contact us directly or pop by our watch repair shop, located in London's historic jewellery district, Hatton Garden.
