Newbie trying to revive a watch he somehow broke

Paul83 · December 15, 2020

Hey everyone. I just joined up after trying to track down info regarding glass replacement.

I threw my watch in my nightstand and a few days later I dug it out and found that the face had a huge crack across it. Don’t know how it went down but I’m definitely interested in fixing it. It’s a Vestal Observer. Yea you may say it’s a cheapo but I like the way it looks and it’s a great challenge.

I look forward to learning a bunch and fixing my watch

Poljot · December 15, 2020

1 hour ago, Paul83 said:

Hey everyone. I just joined up after trying to track down info regarding glass replacement.

Photo please.

HectorLooi · December 15, 2020

Go to Esslinger's website and check out their resource library. There is a video on how to measure a watch for a replacement crystal. There are also videos on how to fit and glue the crystal, etc

oldhippy · December 15, 2020

Thank you for your introduction and welcome to this friendly forum.

Paul83 · December 22, 2020

On 12/15/2020 at 12:02 AM, Poljot said:

Photo please.

The first is the damaged watch with the glass pressed out. The second photo is both , the one on the left being a donor watch

Poljot · December 22, 2020

1 hour ago, Paul83 said:

The first is the damaged watch with the glass pressed out. The second photo is both , the one on the left being a donor watch

Donor for parts, or you are thinking about swapping the crystal?

I was confused by your " I threw my watch in my nightstand and a few days later I dug it out and found that the face had a huge crack across it." Did you mean Crystal or Glass, as i do not see any cracks on the dial. That's why i asked to provide photo.

If it's just about installing a new Glass, it is very simple if you've got the right glass and basic tools. HectorLooi already suggested visiting Esslinger's website. The basic concept is:

- look at your old broken glass to determine if it was Mineral Glass or Acrylic (plastic). In your case it is Glass

- using a caliper, measure Outside Diameter and Thickness of the old Glass (put broken pieces together) and also measure Bezel's Internal Diameter

- Note if the old glass was glued or pressed in (was there a PTFE i-shaped or L-shaped gasket around the old glass?)

That info should be enough to order your new Glass with i-gasket and you will need a Press with Dies.

You better watch lots of videos on youtube also to avoid ordering wrong parts or cracking your new glass. This type of glass is so cheap that you may want to order 2 - just in case :-).

I am going on two-week vacation down South soon to enjoy +28C+30C White Sand New Year, thus if i do not answer your questions, someone else will. Good luck.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2AlqBV82hM

Edited December 22, 2020 by Poljot