loose crystal

[vanessax52]

if a crystal comes off what is the best way one can repair it themselves?

[Kent]

*sigh*

When a crystal is properly sized to the bezel (the metal ring that holds the crystal), it literally 'pops' into place. Having such a fit, it just doesn't come out easily. However, many people who replace crystals don't always have the right size crystal for the bezel, so they glue an undersized crystal into the bezel.

If the crystal is slightly too small, and a correctly-sized crystal is not immediately available, it can be held in place by the use of crystal cement. This is viewed as a less-than-ideal situation, but nevertheless, many of us go this route. Crystal cement, available from watch material supply houses, available from watch material supply houses - see below, is specially formulated to prevent the release of gases that can leave a residue on the crystal and also to stay slightly pliable. It is somewhat removable, more so than many household cements (which shouldn't be used).

Watch Materials are available from:
Brian Cavanaugh, pwpartsetc@pwatch.com
Dashto (http://www.dashto.org/)
Otto Frei (http://www.ofrei.com/)
Uncle Larry's Watch Shop (http://www.execulink.com/%7Elfoord/index/horology.htm)
Vintage TimePieces (http://www.howardman.com)
Watch Matereial Search (http://www.ccwatchmaker.com/new_page_1.htm)

Edited to fix links.

Good luck,

[Jon Hanson]

locate the correct size--forget using glue