Crystal replacement DIY??

[breamster]

Ok so it's not up to the calibre of the watches usually on here but I have a Parnis automatic which I really like. Unfortunately I have cracked the glass.

Is it possible to replace this DIY? If so, does anyone have any tips? Diameter of glass is 38mm or thereabouts.

The watch is worth nothing so it's not the end of the world if I don't manage it. I don't want to splash out on a professional repair.

Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

[r159]

Easy diy

Look on cousinsuk for replacement. Ebay for a press to get the crystal out/in. The sizes are very specific so it might also be worth getting calipers to measure exactly.

[Fallingup]

It's not difficult when you have the parts and the tools. 38mm or thereabouts is no good. You need to measure it exactly. At least down to another decimal point. As said you will need a digital caliper for this and you can only measure it properly when the old one is removed. You will need a press for this. Both can be bought on ebay or amazon very cheaply. You will need to take the back off and remove the movement first so depending on if its a screw back or not, you will need some kind of caseback remover. You then need to remove the crown and stem before the movement will come out. The movement will be held in with either a plastic holder or small screws. So you might need a precision screwdriver set as well. Once you have the diameter of the crystal you will also have to measure the height. It looks domed to me. It's not a difficult job to do, if done carefully but you will need so basic tools. There are many instructive videos on you tube.

[breamster]

Thanks all. I'll order a press later and give it a try. I have some digital calipers so I'll measure it accurately and take a look on YouTube

Thanks for your help.

[Fallingup]

To be honest, if it's a one off and you're not going to to take it up as a hobby, then the alternatives are to either buy a new watch (I don't know what it costs but suspect it won't break the bank) or get it replaced by a professional. Again you will have to weigh up the cost but that way you'll save on buying tools. The only watch repairer I have used is Webwatchmaker and he gave excellent service. Don't be put off by his website with all the expensive watches. He did some work on a cheap Seiko for me last year and he was superb. Surprisingly inexpensive as well. Can definitely recommend him. Again though it depends on the cost of a new watch and if it's worth it. Good luck! Just be aware that the video's make it look simple but there's a lot that can go wrong.

Edited by Fallingup on Monday 18th May 20:24

[YellowCar]

A bit late on this, but the tool depends on the crystal type.
It looks to me as though this is a domed acrylic crystal, not a flat glass one, in which case you need a crystal lift (compression claw kind of tool) not a press.

[8Ace]

YellowCar said:

A bit late on this, but the tool depends on the crystal type.
It looks to me as though this is a domed acrylic crystal, not a flat glass one, in which case you need a crystal lift (compression claw kind of tool) not a press.

Yes, I think so too. Bit more involved a job. Simply replacing a flat crystal is easy and repairing my old Seiko quartz was what got me into fixing watches.

[breamster]

Just to follow up the thread. I forgot about the watch for a while. I just used my new press to fit a flat replacement. It's only a cheapy watch but this has just extended its life a little.

I've also had to use the press now to sort my wife's watch. I'm also perusing eBay for broken watches to repair! It's quite addictive!!

[r159]

Ah the joy of the pop when the crystal goes in, followed by the relief as it’s taken out of the press that it didn’t break...