How To Measure Wrist Watch Crystal

Do you want to know how to measure a wrist watch crystal?? If you have a wrist watch with a broken or missing crystal and wish to replace it yourself, you will need to measure the watch for a crystal.

Items needed:

  • Watch with broken or missing crystal
  • Micrometers

The process to measure the crystal will go something like this:

  1.  Place watch on a flat surface. You do not really want to measure the crystal by holding it in your hand as you want a nice solid surface to get a correct measurement. Make sure you have enough room to work all angles.
  2. Take first measurement. Take your first measurement from the six to twelve o'clock positions. Using the micrometer and its outside measuring side,  measure the crystal as close to the bottom as possible if it is still in  place on the watch. If it seems to be worn or angled you can add one or two millimeters to take this into account. If the crystal is not in place, you will want to measure on the inside lip where the crystal will sit. You will use the inside measuring side of the micrometer and snug it up against the inside of the case. Make sure where you measure from is clean of any glue or debris, if the gasket has been removed. You can take several measurements from slightly different angles to insure the accuracy of your measurements This can be especially helpful on round crystals. If there is a gasket in place measure from the center of the gasket, or lip on the gasket where the crystal will sit.   
  3. Take second measurement. The second measurement will be taken from the three to nine o'clock positions. Use the micrometer and measure the crystal on the outside near the base if it exists. If it does not exist use the inside measuring side of the micrometer to measure the lip on which the crystal will sit. Again, insure that the area you measure is clean of any debris to insure a good measurement. If the watch has a gasket you will want to measure from the middle of the gasket or the lip if it has one where the crystal will sit. You may wish to measure from several different angles to insure accuracy.
  4. Measure crystal thickness. Using the micrometer eyeball the height of the existing crystal. If the crystal does not exist you will want to eyeball where it looks right. In both cases take into account how much distance the hands will need to work before the crystal starts so it does not interfere with the operation. This is where you will decide if it needs a dome or sidewalls to give it enough height.
  5. Add for tension ring. If the watch has a special tension ring which holds the crystal in place, not many do, you will need to add one millimeter to the overall size. This is to make sure the crystal does not fall into place but is press fit into place with a press.

You have now measured your wristwatch for a crystal.



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