First wrist watch restoration -- replacing the acrylic watch crystal

[Levine98]

Hi,

I picked up a 1950s Wiitnauer that has a ETA 1080 based movement that I intend to service. However this is the first cased wristwatch I've worked on and I'm having some trouble sorting out which is the proper acrylic replacement crystal to purchase.

The crystal is compression fit (snaps in and out). The watch case ledge that the crystal snaps into measures 27.8 and the crystal measures 27.89. The problem I'm having is identifying the type of the replacement crystal the crystal.

The supply houses I'm looking at (Esslinger, CasKer, Ofrei in the US) all offer round acrylic watch crystals in the size I need, but most say they are 'designed to be glued in place'. The one option that appears to be correct is a 'Stella Watch Crystal WEC Hi Dome Watch Crystal' on Esslinger's site (https://www.esslinger.com/stella-watch-crystal-wec-hi-dome-watch-crystals/).

Does this sound like the right one? I didn't think the old crystal was 'high domed' but the Stella LD Low Dome version of same (https://www.esslinger.com/stella-watch-crystal-ld-lo-dome-watch-crystals/) says it is supposed to be glued in place.

Also, is it possible to user a mineral crystal instead of acrylic? The crystal on this case is compression fitted, so not sure if this even makes sense.

I get this is a basic question and appreciate any responses--my first wristwatch rodeo.....

Levine98 

Edited March 31, 2022 by Levine98

[Woolshire]

That one you linked does look right. 27.9mm is one of the options. I agree mineral glass wouldn’t make sense.