Omar Khalid
Swatch watches are beloved by many, but their crystals are prone to scratching, cracking, and breaking. While Swatch doesn't offer repairs, it is possible to replace the crystal yourself. This process can vary in difficulty depending on the model, and you may need to remove the inner workings of the watch movement or use high heat or adhesives. Some crystals can be glued in, while others are held in place with a gasket or tension ring and require a watch crystal press. Before attempting any DIY solutions, it's important to consider the potential risks, as you may end up causing more harm than good and voiding any warranties.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ease of replacement | Difficult; Swatch watches are sealed into the injection-moulded plastic and are not made to be serviced |
| Cost | The cost of replacement likely exceeds the cost of buying a new watch |
| Tools | Crystal press, small screwdriver |
| Alternative options | Polishing, buying a new one |
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What You'll Learn
- Removing the crystal: use a crystal press or a metal tool
- Opening the watch: access the inner workings by removing the crown and movement
- Replacing the crystal: use a crystal lift or press to insert a new crystal
- Using glue: some crystals are glued in, so check before attempting to replace
- Sending to Swatch: Swatch Customer Service Germany offers a replacement service
Removing the crystal: use a crystal press or a metal tool
Removing the crystal from a Swatch watch can be a delicate procedure. Before attempting any repair work, it is important to understand the risks involved and be aware that Swatch watches are sealed into the injection-moulded plastic, so they are not designed to be serviced.
One method to remove the crystal is to use a crystal press. This tool is designed to securely press the crystal out of its housing. It is important to get the correct position, with the crystal level with the case, and not above where the insert rests.
If you do not have access to a crystal press, a metal tool can be used. One approach is to remove the battery and insert a metal tool into the slot, hammering gently until the crystal pops out. This method may risk damaging the watch, so proceed with caution.
It is also possible that glue has been used to secure the crystal, which may make removal more difficult. If the crystal is not moving, it could be glued, and attempting to force it may damage the watch.
Before attempting any of these methods, it is important to research the specific model of your Swatch and the tools required. It is also recommended to have the correct small screwdrivers to hand, as you may need to remove the inner workings of the watch movement to access the crystal.
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Opening the watch: access the inner workings by removing the crown and movement
Opening a Swatch watch can be a tricky and frustrating operation. It is important to note that Swatch watches are sealed into the injection-moulded plastic and are not designed to be serviced. Therefore, there is a risk of breaking the watch while attempting to open it.
To open the watch and access its inner workings, you will need to remove the crown and movement. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Inspect your watch: Look for any screws or notches that indicate how the watch is held together. If there are screws, you will need a small screwdriver or a pair of scissors to remove them. Place the watch on a firm, flat surface to work safely.
- Remove the back cover: If your watch has a simple hinge design, you may be able to open it with your thumbnail. Place your thumbnail or a flat razor blade into the small indentation along the edge of the watch's back and slowly lift the cover. If the watch has screws, use a screwdriver or scissors to loosen and remove them before attempting to lift the cover.
- Release the crown: With the back cover removed, you should now see the inner workings of the watch. Locate the crown (winding part) and pull it out to the "setting" position. You should feel it click into place.
- Swing out the movement: With the crown in the setting position, the movement is now ready to be swung out. Use your fingernail or a small tool to gently lift the movement out of the watch case. Be careful not to use too much force, but you may need to jiggle the crown slightly to get some clearance.
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully remove the crown and movement, granting you access to the inner workings of your Swatch watch. Remember to work slowly and carefully to avoid damaging your watch or tools.
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Replacing the crystal: use a crystal lift or press to insert a new crystal
Swatch watches are sealed into injection-moulded plastic, and the brand does not offer repairs. However, it is possible to replace the crystal on a Swatch watch.
To replace the crystal on a Swatch watch, you will need to use a crystal lift or press to insert a new crystal. The first step is to measure the inside diameter in at least three positions, referring to the GS chart to order the correct size. The crystal lift style tool is recommended for all compression-fit crystals.
Before inserting a compression-fit crystal, the skirt must be mechanically compressed to reduce the diameter by approximately 0.20 to 0.30 mm. Once the crystal is inserted, the mechanical compression is released, and the skirt's upper coned shape will force the bottom down, creating a seal. It is important to note that the crystal must be the correct size, as a crystal that is too small will spin in the case and require gluing, which can look messy.
If you are using a crystal press, you will need to place the watch case or bezel on top of the crystal and gently press down, moving the case or bezel onto the compressed crystal until you can feel it inside the groove. This method is not suitable for front-loading watches.
Flat Delfin dies can be used to insert flat thin crystals, providing more even pressure. Friction-fit mineral crystals are available in flat or domed shapes, with thicknesses ranging from 0.70 to 4.0 mm and widths from 12mm to 40 mm.
It is important to note that attempting to replace the crystal yourself may damage the watch. If you are unsure about any part of the process, it is recommended to consult a professional watchmaker.
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Using glue: some crystals are glued in, so check before attempting to replace
If your watch crystal was glued in, you will need to use glue to install the new crystal. You can use GS crystal cement, two-part epoxy, or UV glue to attach the new crystal to the inside edge of the bezel. When using UV glue or two-part epoxy, use a polishing cloth to remove any excess adhesive immediately after placing the crystal. For crystal cement, allow it to harden and seal the crystal before scraping away any excess with a toothpick or peg. Be careful not to scratch the new crystal.
Before gluing in the new crystal, you must first remove the old crystal. This can be done using a chemical solvent like Attack liquid. Submerge the watch crystal in the solvent for 6 to 11 minutes, then remove it with watchmaker's tweezers. Place the watch case on a heavy cloth and grip it through the cloth to avoid touching the chemical-soaked metal. Push the crystal out of the watch case from the back, and wash the case under running water to remove any remaining chemicals. Use a flat-head screwdriver to gently scrape away any remaining glue from the ledge of the watch case.
It is important to note that some watch crystals are not meant to be installed with glue. Additionally, Swatch watches are known for being sealed into injection-molded plastic, making it challenging to replace the crystal without damaging the watch. If you are unsure about the process, it may be best to consult a professional or contact Swatch customer service for guidance or repair services.
When choosing a replacement crystal, you can opt for a similar type of crystal or upgrade to a higher-quality glass. Acrylic is the cheapest option and is commonly used in Swatch watches. Other options include mineral glass, which is more scratch-resistant, and synthetic sapphire, which is highly shatter-resistant.
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Sending to Swatch: Swatch Customer Service Germany offers a replacement service
Swatch watches are sealed into injection-moulded plastic, and the brand does not offer repairs. However, if you have a plastic Swatch with a broken crystal, there is a replacement service offered by Swatch Customer Service Germany.
Swatch Customer Service Germany offers a replacement service for broken crystals. A user on a watch forum reported that they had the front crystal of their 20-year-old Swatch Irony replaced by Swatch Customer Service Germany. The user had to send the watch to them, and they replaced the front crystal, back crystal, and crown for 20 euros, including shipping.
It is important to note that the crystal and case are welded together in plastic Swatch watches, so it is not possible to replace the crystal without sending it to Swatch for replacement.
If you are considering attempting to open the watch yourself, be aware that it is not made to be serviced, and you will need the correct small screwdriver for the job.
You can contact Swatch Customer Service from Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (EST), to ask any questions or for further information about their replacement service.
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Frequently asked questions
Swatch does not offer repairs, but you can replace the crystal yourself. You can try opening the watch by removing the crystal, but this is not recommended as Swatch watches are sealed into the injection-moulded plastic. If you have a Swatch Irony, you can send it to Swatch Customer Service Germany for replacement.
You will need a crystal press or a small screwdriver. If your crystal is held in place with a gasket or a tension ring, you will need a watch crystal press. If it is held in place with a compression fitting, you will need a crystal lift.
You can open some Swatch models by removing the back of the watch case and forcing the crown out. You can then take the movement out and remove the winding mechanisms.
Yes, you can glue in any crystal you like. If the original crystal was glued in, you can glue in a new, similar crystal.
