How To Take Care of Your Watch Face Glass

Your watch face glass, also known as the watch crystal, is the clear and transparent piece of glass or acrylic covering your watch’s face. While watch face glasses are built to last through regular use, they are not impervious to strong impacts and hard surfaces they can come in contact with.

A damaged watch face glass is not ideal. Scratches can prevent you from reading the time clearly and take away from the timepiece’s beauty. Meanwhile, a cracked or completely broken watch face glass exposes the delicate components inside, which can cause them to corrode or get dislodged during movement.

What Should You Do If Your Watch Face Glass is Damaged or Broken?

The proper cause of action depends on the materials comprising your watch face glass. Acrylic watch faces, for example, are made from durable plastic but scratch easily. In this case, you can buff the scratches with a soft cloth and plastic polish. However, if the scratches are deep, you may need to replace the watch face glass.

On the other hand, if your watch face glass is made from glass, it may be more challenging to fix. Most entry-level and intermediate watches are outfitted with mineral glass, which is a step up from acrylic in terms of durability and scratch resistance. It is also resistant to shattering and prefers to chip when it meets a strong impact.

Last but not least is sapphire, the most expensive watch face glass. You can usually find sapphire in the luxury line of watches. The only naturally occurring substance harder than sapphire is diamond, making sapphire watch faces practically impervious to scratches. The problem with sapphire is it can shatter if it encounters a strong enough force, owing to its relatively brittle nature.

If the glass is cracked or broken, it’s best to take it to a watchmaker or jeweller for repair. They can assess the damage and determine the best course of action. You can buff most scratches on all three watch faces. But in case of deep scratches, chips and cracks, it’s best to replace the watch face glass.

Tips for Taking Care of Your Watch Face Glass

If you want to preserve the beauty of your watch for a long time, it’s best to take care of the watch’s face glass as best you can. Here are a few ways to take care of your watch face glass.

1. Take Care of the Watch

There’s a reason why you should wear your watch in your non-dominant hand; it’s to avoid bumping your watch against hard surfaces during your daily activities. Be careful not to drop your watch, as falling from a height of even a few feet can cause severe damage to the watch’s face glass.

2. Keep it Clean

The watch face glass is prone to collecting dirt and dust, which can be abrasive and scratch the surface. Make sure to clean your watch face glass regularly using a soft cloth and a glass cleaning solution.

3. Store the Watch in a Safe Place 

When not in use, it’s best to store your watch in a cool and dry place, such as a jewellery box, drawer, or watch case. Avoid storing the watch in direct sunlight or a humid or damp environment. This can cause the watch to corrode and damage the internal parts.

4. Have Your Watch Checked 

If your watch is exposed to harsh conditions, such as saltwater or extreme temperatures, it’s best to get it professionally cleaned and serviced by a watchmaker. This will help ensure that the watch is in top condition and will help protect the watch’s face glass from any damage.

Conclusion 

Watch face glasses are a vital part of any watch, as they protect the internal mechanisms from dust, moisture, and other environmental factors. Taking the proper steps to protect your watch face glass, such as having it professionally cleaned and serviced, can help extend the life of your watch and keep it looking its best. However, if you have the budget, replace the watch face glass altogether.

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