I’m often asked, “What is a watch crystal?” or “How can I tell if a watch is worth fixing?” The answer to both questions is not as simple as it may seem. In order to understand what a watch crystal is and how to determine if a watch is worth repairing, we must first take a look at the history of watches.
Watches have been around for centuries, with the first recorded mention of a timepiece in 13th century China. However, it wasn’t until the 16th century that watches began to be used regularly by people in Europe. At this time, most watches were very simple and only kept time within minutes. It wasn’t until the 17th century that accuracy improved and watches began to be used more for navigation and keeping track of events.
What is a watch crystal?
The earliest watch crystals were made from glass, but this was quickly replaced by quartz due to its greater durability. Quartz crystals are still used in many modern watches, but there are also other materials that can be used such as sapphire and mineral glass. Each type of crystal has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs.
How to choose a watch crystal?
One way to tell if a watch is worth repairing is to look at the condition of the crystal. If the crystal is cracked or scratched, it will need to be replaced. This can be done by a qualified watchmaker or jeweler. However, if the damage is extensive, it may not be worth repairing the watch. In such cases, it may be better to simply buy a new one.
Another factor to consider when deciding whether or not to repair a watch is the age of the piece. If it’s an antique or vintage watch, it may be worth repairing even if the damage is significant because these pieces are becoming increasingly rarer and more valuable over time. On the other hand, if it’s a newer model that isn’t particularly special or rare, you may want to just buy a new one since repairs can sometimes end up costing almost as much as buying a new watch altogether.
If you’re still unsure about whether or not to repair your damaged watch, bring it to a qualified jeweler or watchmaker for an evaluation. They will be able to give you their professional opinion on whether or not it’s worth fixing based on the severity of the damage and other factors such as age and rarity.
How to choose a company to purchase watch crystals & watch parts
When choosing a company to purchase watch crystals from, it is important to consider several factors. First, you should make sure that the company has a good reputation and offers quality products. Second, you should compare prices between different companies to ensure that you are getting a good deal. Finally, you should read customer reviews to get an idea of what others think of the company’s products. By considering all of these factors, you can be sure that you are choosing the best company for your needs.
When it comes to choosing watch parts, the first thing you need to think about is the type of watch you have. If you have a vintage watch, then you will want to choose parts that are compatible with that style of watch. For example, if you have a vintage Omega Seamaster, then you will want to find replacement parts that fit that model specifically.
The second thing to consider is the material of the part you are looking for. Most watch parts are made from either metal or plastic. If you are looking for a specific color or finish, then you will want to make sure the part is available in that material. For example, if you want a gold-plated bezel for your Rolex Submariner, then you need to make sure that the company offers that specific finish in their catalog.
The third thing to consider is the size of the part you need. This is important because some watches have very small components and others have large ones. You need to make sure that the company offers the size you need before ordering anything. For example, many companies offer dials in both 38mm and 42mm sizes, but not all companies offer every size in between those two options.
Once you have considered these three factors, it is time to start looking at companies that offer replacement watch parts and crystals. There are many different sources for these items, but my personal favorite is Crystaltime USA. They offer an incredible variety of both new and vintage crystals at very reasonable prices. They also have an excellent customer service team who are always willing to help with any questions or concerns you may have.
