Crystal Fit USA: Crystals For Your Watch

1. Plexiglass
Plexiglass, is a clear, lightweight type of plastic and, as you would expect, is the least expensive crystal material. It is the least likely to shatter and the most likely to become scratched.

2. Ordinary glass or Mineral Glass
Just like the glass used for windows, ordinary glass watch crystals are usually referred to in the watch business as "mineral glass." Mineral glass, even though it has been hardened by a tempering process, is more likely to break than plexiglass. But it is also more scratch-resistant than that material.

3. Synthetic Sapphire
Synthetic sapphire is the most expensive glass crystal material and the most scratch resistant. Because it is so hard, it is also brittle, and shatters more easily than mineral glass or plexiglass.

Sapphire (whether natural or synthetic) is one of the hardest substances on earth. Synthetic sapphire is a very hard, transparent material made of crystallizing aluminum oxide at very height temperatures. Chemically, synthetic sapphire is the same as the natural sapphire used in jewelry, but without the coloring agents that give the gemstone its various hues.

When it is heated, the synthetic sapphire forms round masses that are sliced into pieces with diamond-coated saws. These disks are then ground and polished into watch crystals. (One reason sapphire crystals are relatively expensive is that the tools required to make them are costly.)

Some crystals are made of both mineral and sapphire glass. Seiko, for example, makes some watches with crystals made of mineral glass covered with a layer of synthetic sapphire. Seiko calls this composite material "Sapphlex".

Can I order a crystal for my watch and fit it myself?
Yes, we supply crystals not installed provided with the understanding that most crystals must be trimmed for a proper fit. Trimming and fitting a crystal takes an experienced craftsman using special tools.

My watch crystal is scratched. Can these scratches be removed?
Glass and sapphire scratches cannot be removed, therefore these crystals must be replaced. Plastic crystal scratches can be buffed if the scratches are minor.

My watch is waterproof. When you fit a new crystal will it still be waterproof?
Yes.

When my watch crystal broke, the hands came off and the watch no longer runs. Can you repair the watch as well as fit a new crystal?
Yes. You will receive an estimate for the repair of your watch.

Could you upgrade my watch to a sapphire crystal?
Perhaps. Remember, however, that sapphire crystals will not fit every watch, and costs should also be considered.

How should I ship my watch?
If you are using the U.S. Postal Service always register your mailings. You may also want to consider a return receipt. Unless you indicate otherwise, we will return your watch the same way it was shipped to us.

Have a question regarding watch crystals? Please don't hesitate to contact us and we will be glad to answer your inquiries.


			Crystal FAQs