Watch crystal replacement?

Daniel Moore

Daniel Moore

Joined
Jul 28, 2003
Messages
2,790
I accidentally whacked my Victorinox Base Camp's crystal against part of a chain link fence gate that I was adjusting yesterday and I just noticed today that it left a HUGE scratch from the top to the bottom, deep enough to really feel with your fingernail and it looks horrible! I was at the mall today and three different jewelery repair guys quoted me $25-30. That seems really low for some reason, and I wanted to know if place like that would do a crap job and whether or not they use original crystals or something else? I'll probably get plenty more mileage out of this crystal just because it will be nice for a while to not have to worry about scratching it anymore :D
 
Aftermarket flat crystal faces are purchased by diameter. If you buy genuine spares, you are just paying for the name. Having said that, I scratched the face glass of my Seiko. I waited until the battery went and then sent the complete watch to Seiko for a new battery, new glass, a service and clean. It cost me £75.00 UK pounds. I have had the watch serviced twice in 18 years. It still keeps perfect time.

Anyway, to answer your question, the price is right. Just make sure you ask them to make sure it is watertight.
 
Fine scratches can be polished out with toothpaste. This sounds too deep for that, but you can probably improve it some. The price is right; paying more somewhere else won't get it done any better. Like Andrew already said, check for watertightness after replacing.
 
Cougar Allen said:
Fine scratches can be polished out with toothpaste. This sounds too deep for that, but you can probably improve it some. The price is right; paying more somewhere else won't get it done any better. Like Andrew already said, check for watertightness after replacing.
Click to expand...

How do you apply the toothpaste Couger?
Do you rub it on with a cloth?
 
Use a cloth or your finger. It doesn't seem to matter what brand of toothpaste.

It's also possible to sand out deeper scratches with fine sandpaper, finishing with 600 grit or finer and then polishing with toothpaste.
 
Wouldn't 600 be a little course? You'd think something like 1000 or higher would be more appropriate. I'll see what toothpase can do- hopefully it will at least lighten up some of the shallower parts of the scratch! Thanks for the advice so far.
 
Contact North East Watch Works or Jack at Industrial Watch Works. These guy have a website and do fantastic work. They specialize in upgrading and restoring watches. They both do crystal replacements. They specialize in Seiko and other brands. good luck.
 
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