This is my first Speedy, and also first non sapphire crystal. I have either cracked or scratched the hesalite, not sure which, the scratch or crack goes in a straight line right across the center of the crystal. Would a hesalite crystal fracture in the manner shown in the attached pictures? The shock seemed so minor, so it is hard to believe a hesalite crystal could crack so easily, but I checked the surface that the watch made contact with and could not find anything sharp that would have caused this gouge.

 

Yes it can fracture that way. Did you sit on it?

Think if it as plexiglass.

 

Hesalite can absolutely crack. It's hard to tell by the photos, but I think yours is a scratch. The advantage of Hesalite is that it won't shatter the way Sapphire will. To see an actual crack, here's a photo of mine shortly after hitting a tile floor last spring (it's long since been repaired).

 

This makes me think mine is a scratch. Did you sens yours in for a full service after the drop? Omega or sonewhere else?

 

Yep, full service. Went to an Omega authorized jeweler for repairs. They ended up replacing the crystal, bezel, crown, pushers, seals, mainspring, and the balance. All of that but the balance and the bezel (which also got dinged in the fall) is part of a full service on a modern Speedy.


Even if yours is a scratch, it looks a bit deep to buff out. A new crystal is worth it. If your watch isn't due for a full service, replacing the crystal alone should be MUCH cheaper.

 

If its just a scratch I might leave it be for awhile, this has become a daily wear for me. Just want to be sure it isnt cracked and letting in moisture etc. The part is cheap and id imagine no more than 100 bucks labor to swap out the crystal?

 

I think the crystal is like around $30. I cracked mine a while back and replaced it myself in 20 mins and I'm not anything close to a watchmaker. Surprisingly, I didn't have any dust inside the watch after I was done on the first go. Get the part, have someone who knows what they're doing swap it out.

- Remove caseback and set aside the antimagnetic dust cover
- Remove the crown
- The entire movement can now be removed
- Punch that old crystal out from the inside. I used a casino chip and punched it with a little watchmaker's hammer intended for bracelet pin sizing
- Use a crystal press to install the new crystal and reverse

 

Even if the scratch seems deep, I think this type can get buffed out decently. Just use some lapping paper to make the surface more even, then buff out everything with toothpaste or polywatch.

 

No, i bumped it on the corner of a reclining chair at a friends house. I looked and didnt see any sharp points that would scratch it, but i didnt bump it that hard, i am beginning to doubt this is a crack.

 

You’d be amazed what Polywatch can buff out. I’d give it a try, I think it will do the trick.

 

As others suggested, try to buff it out? If that doesn't work then I would get it replaced.

 

A tube of Polywatch is maybe $16, and if it’s a scratch, it’ll take most of it out with a little elbow grease! And it’s always handy to have anyway if you have Hesalite crystal watches

 

I am going to stop at the watchmaker tomorrow to have it examined. Ordered some polywatch, hoping its just a scratch

 

Forgot to post update. Watch maker quoted $200 to replace the hesalite, but it was just a deep scratch. I'm going to let it go for now

 

He's taking you for a ride!
Give it a go with polywatch (I use diamond paste myself). If it's too deep to buff out, I use 2-3 grades of wet and dry first. Start with 600 grit, followed by 1200 and 2000. Use a drop or two of water on the paper. Once you have a good smooth surface commence your polywatch polishing. You might want to tape over the bezel with some painters masking tape first.

 

Have you checked the prices of Omega crystals lately? They are no longer around the $30 mark - they tripled in price not long ago.

 

I found authentic crystals on ebay for about 60usd. Its not bothering me so I will buff out what i can, then have it replaced by omega when it goes in for service