Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What can watch crystal be made of?

Typically, a watch crystal (also referred to as a lens, glass or face) can be made from the following materials:

Acrylic (or 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.

Mineral Glass is a term used in the watch business and is like the glass used for windows. Mineral glass is more likely to break than acrylic, but it is also more scratch resistant.

Synthetic Sapphire is the most expensive glass crystal material and the most scratch resistant. It is made by crystallizing aluminum oxide at very height temperatures. Its hardness makes it problematic to custom cut and shape and so, some watches (which would require modifying a crystal blank to fit) are not candidates for sapphire.

There are also crystals made of a combination of materials. Seiko, for example, has made Sapphlex (both mineral and sapphire glass) and Hardlex (hardened mineral glass with a surface treatment).

My watch crystal is scratched. Can these scratches be removed?

Acrylic crystal scratches can be buffed if the scratches are minor. Glass can also be buffed to remove minor abrasions and scratches, though with a great deal more effort.

Can you repair the watch as well as fit a new crystal?

We do repair watch movements, though extended lead times should be expected. For other repair sources, check the NAWCC and/or the AWCI sites to find accredited and experienced watchmakers.

Could you upgrade my watch to a sapphire crystal?

Perhaps. Available sapphire crystals will not fit every watch, and the very benefit of sapphire (hardness) precludes it from custom cutting. Costs should also be considered.

How should I package and ship my watch?

Mail with generous insulation in a cardboard box. Mechanical watches in particular can suffer from not-so-gentle carrier handling.

Mail to:  Crystal-Fit USA, 7380 Spout Springs Rd, Suite 210, PMB 163,  Flowery Branch, GA 30542

Do not send watch boxes or papers.

Inside the box, please include your phone number, email address and return address (NOTE: Crystal-Fit will NEVER share your information with anyone else. It will ONLY be used to transact business with Crystal-Fit).

We recommend using tracking when mailing your watch. Unless otherwise requested, Crystal-fit return ships watches via USPS priority mail. If insurance is required for the return shipment, we ask that customers provide the return mailing label.

We will let you know when your watch arrives and if there are any questions regarding the job.

When we finish the job you may pay by paypal, zelle or check. We do not take credit cards.

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