Replace watch glass?

A damaged or cracked watch crystal isn't just annoying to look at; it can also compromise your watch's internal workings. Dust, moisture, and dirt can get in. At Juwelier Van de Heyning in Oud-Turnhout, you can have any type of watch crystal professionally replaced, with a focus on quality, water resistance, and original appearance.

When should a watch glass be replaced?

Not every scratch immediately requires a new crystal, but for deeper damage or cracks, replacement is strongly recommended. Especially with water-resistant watches, a damaged crystal can compromise the seal, risking condensation or internal damage. We also often see the crystal become cloudy or lose its clarity in older watches.

What types of watch glasses are there?

Three main types of glass are used in watches: plexiglass, mineral glass, and sapphire glass. Each type has its own characteristics and applications.

Plexiglass (plexi)

Plexiglas is primarily found in vintage and classic watches. The glass is often slightly raised (convex) and can have various shapes and curves. Because Plexiglas is a flexible, soft material, it can be polished to a fine finish, but it is more susceptible to scratches than other types of glass. Due to its low cost, we usually opt for replacement when damaged. Switching to mineral or sapphire crystal is generally not possible with this type of watch due to the specific construction of the case.

Mineral glass

Mineral glass is the most commonly used watch crystal today. It's considerably harder than Plexiglas and more resistant to daily wear and tear. Scratches can't be polished away, but replacement is affordable and efficient. Round mineral crystals are widely available and are usually pressed into the case, which provides better water resistance than bonding. These days, these crystals are also treated with a hardened layer, making mineral glass more scratch-resistant.

Sapphire glass

Sapphire crystal is the most scratch-resistant option and is often used in high-quality and luxury watches. The crystal remains clear and pristine for years, even with intensive use. Although sapphire is exceptionally hard, it can still shatter with a strong impact. Deep scratches are rare and only occur when in contact with extremely hard materials, such as diamonds.

Both mineral and sapphire crystals can be provided with an anti-reflective coating , which greatly improves readability in bright sunlight.

How do you replace a watch glass?

A watch crystal is either pressed into the case with a sealing ring or bonded with special watch crystal adhesive. We prefer pressing whenever possible, as this guarantees the best water resistance. Each installation is done with professional tools to prevent damage to the case or movement.

How long does it take to replace a watch glass?

In most cases, we can replace a watch crystal the same day . We always have round mineral crystals, plexiglass, and many sapphire crystals in stock. If you're traveling from further afield or want to be sure of fast service, you can contact us in advance so we can have everything ready for you. If the crystal needs to be ordered, it will naturally take longer.

Have your watch glass replaced at Juwelier Van de Heyning in the Turnhout region

For reliable watch crystal replacement in the Turnhout area, choose the experience and expertise of Juwelier Van de Heyning. In our own workshop, certified watchmakers will treat your watch with the care it deserves. Our store is easily accessible from Ravels, Arendonk, Retie, and Turnhout.

Feel free to combine replacing your watch crystal with other services such as replacing a watch battery , shortening a watch strap or having it tested for water resistance , so that your watch is fully ready for everyday use again.