What to do after breaking the glass in your watch? Step-by-step advice
Watch crystals protect the mechanism, but also give watches an elegant look. Very often, manufacturers, wanting to enhance the visual appeal of timepieces, add an anti-reflective coating that makes the crystal more transparent. However, regardless of which model you choose – whether it is a men's or women's watch – watch glasses are delicate and, even if you take due care when using your watch, damage may occur. What should you do if this happens? Will the watch retain its efficiency and functionality after repair if the glass is broken?
Types of watch glass – what are their characteristics and which one is best?
There are three types of watch glass available on the market:
- mineral glass,
- hexalite glass,
- sapphire glass.
Depending on the type of glass chosen by the manufacturer for their model, each watch will have a different resistance to scratches or mechanical damage. Usually, expensive ladies' and men's watches will be equipped with glass made of a more durable material.
Sapphire glass
Please note that sapphire glass is sometimes considered the best type of glass. It is highly resistant to various types of scratches. However, sapphire glass is not very flexible. What does this mean for the watch owner? Hitting the top of the watch against a hard surface may cause damage – it is possible that, as the owner of such a watch model, you may break it or seriously damage the glass.
Mineral slides
Mineral glass is the most common type of glass used in various watch models. Regardless of whether you are buying a ladies' or men's watch, it is very likely that the model will be equipped with this type of glass. You will find it in Swiss models and fashion watches. Compared to sapphire glass, mineral glass is less scratch-resistant, but it is much more difficult to damage it completely. Better flexibility means less likelihood of permanent breakage.
Hexalite slides
Hexalite glass is made of synthetic material. Its excellent flexibility makes it resistant to damage. However, if you buy a model equipped with this type of glass, it is very likely that the first scratches will appear very quickly. But remember that hexalite glass can be polished, so you can easily remove small scratches.
The glass has broken, what next?
If you damage or completely break the glass on your watch, there are a few key steps you should take to minimise further damage. Below is a step-by-step guide on what to do in such a situation!
Remove the watch from your wrist
This is absolutely the first and most important thing to do. Wearing a watch with a broken glass can cause small glass fragments to get inside the mechanism, which may damage delicate components such as hands or gears. After removing the watch, it is best to wrap it in a soft cloth or place it in a box lined with material to further protect its interior from dust and further shocks.
Storing watches, especially damaged ones, is crucial for maintaining their functionality – improper conditions can accelerate corrosion of the mechanism components, lead to irregularity of the movement, fogging of the watch glass or permanent damage to the interior of the watch by dust, moisture or minor vibrations.
Go to an authorised service centre
Even if the damage seems minor, it should not be underestimated. This is particularly true for waterproof watches, where any interference with the glass may result in a loss of water resistance. An authorised service centre has the appropriate tools and spare parts and knows how to replace the watch glass in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Specialists will also check whether glass particles have entered the mechanism and perform water resistance tests, which is crucial for maintaining the water resistance of the device.
Do not attempt to repair it yourself
Although it may be tempting to quickly remove the fragments or temporarily seal the glass with tape, such actions can only make the situation worse. Men's and women's watches, especially those of higher quality, require precise and professional service. Independent interference may not only void the warranty, but also necessitate expensive repairs to the entire mechanism.
This applies in particular to models such as G-Shock watches and Orient watches, which, due to their advanced design and unique technologies, must be serviced in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines.
Take care of the documentation
If your watch is still under warranty, it is a good idea to have your warranty card and proof of purchase with you. For luxury models, documentation confirming authenticity may also be helpful. Authorised service centres often require these documents before proceeding with repairs, especially if the watch is to be sent to the manufacturer.
Depending on the model, replacing the watch glass can be more or less complicated. If you do not know how to replace the glass yourself or what type of glass to buy, the safest option is to go to a shop that will help you replace the glass. If the glass in a waterproof watch is broken, not only must new glass be fitted, but the seals must also be installed correctly.
Replacing the glass in a watch – is it possible and is it worth it?
Replacing the glass in a watch is one of the most common types of repair, especially when mechanical damage occurs, such as a cracked watch face. If the watch has been damaged accidentally – for example, it fell on the floor or hit a hard surface – often all that is needed is to replace the glass to restore its full functionality and aesthetics. Although many users fear that such a repair will be expensive, in practice the price depends mainly on the type of glass used (synthetic, mineral, sapphire) and the shape and design of the watch case.
If you have purchased a watch for yourself or as a gift, and the seller informs you that the model has scratch-prone glass, there is no reason not to invest in replacing it right from the start. However, it is worth knowing that not every watch glass replacement is straightforward. If the glass has a non-standard shape, unusual dimensions or is tinted, it may be more difficult to find a suitable replacement, which increases the time and cost of repair. Replacement is much easier when dealing with glass that is regular, round in shape and of standard size. In this case, a cracked watch glass can be quickly and relatively cheaply replaced with a new one – even at a professional service centre.
The Casio G-SHOCK G-SQUAD GBD-300-1ER is a sports watch designed for active people — equipped with a step counter, training functions and shock resistance. With water resistance up to 200 metres and a modern design, it is suitable for both intense exercise and everyday use.
How much does it cost to replace a watch glass?
The cost of replacing a watch glass depends primarily on the type of glass used and the complexity of the repair itself. The cheapest to replace are plastic glasses (plexiglass or hesalite) – their price starts at around PLN 25–30, and in the case of simple models, it may not exceed PLN 50. Mineral glass, which is more resistant to scratches and breakage, costs between £18 and £35, depending on the size and model of the watch. Sapphire glass, known for its exceptional hardness and scratch resistance, costs PLN 150-400, and sometimes more, especially in the case of watches from renowned brands or models with unusual cases. It is also worth remembering that if the cracked glass in the watch is part of a waterproof model, it will also be necessary to replace the seals and test the water resistance, which may increase the cost of the service by another PLN 50-100.
Instead of worrying about damage, choose models with durable glass and solid construction. At the WestWatches online watch store, you will find models from renowned brands such as Ediface, G-Shock, Orient and Seiko, which combine style with reliability. Check out our online offer and choose a watch that will serve you for years to come.
Krzysztof Szopa
Watch expert
An expert associated with WestWatches.pl, a place that has been providing watches for every occasion for years. Thanks to many years of experience in the watchmaking and jewellery industry, he passionately shares his knowledge, offering professional advice both in the online store and in the brick-and-mortar shop. He specialises in selecting original watches, watch accessories and jewellery that combine exceptional quality with competitive prices. His goal is to help customers find the perfect product that meets their expectations and emphasises their style.
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