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Fabricating Crystals

TDBK
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I have a very nice Enicar Sherpa Super Jet Mark III which has a single flaw, a cracked crystal. It's tolerable, but I would be happy to replace it with a good one. Many watchmakers have looked for the crystal, but it's apparently unobtainable.

Makes me wonder: are there services which make replacement crystals to order? My instinct is that it would be a reasonably straightforward lathe operation, but I haven't ever heard of someone who does it.

IMG_20190714_214641_1.jpg
 
oinkitt
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I once had a similar problem. My watchmaker said he couldn't make one. I hunted everywhere to find someone to make one. In the end I bought a lathe and a piece of Perspex and made one myself.

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TDBK
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oinkitt oinkitt
In the end I bought a lathe and a piece of Perspex and made one myself.
Admirable and tempting! The most challenging part seems like it would be the workholding setup for the second side, how did you handle that?
 
MoclovFlop
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TDBK TDBK
Admirable and tempting! The most challenging part seems like it would be the workholding setup for the second side, how did you handle that?

Probably worked backwards, meaning the external face of the crystal was cut last and was still attached to the stock until the end. Internal concave side was cut into first. Then just hand finish any of the remaining protrusions on the face.

Side note, just bought myself an Taig 4500 and this was going to be one of my first projects as well for some watches with no spares available. Good to know on the Perspex material!
 
oinkitt
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TDBK TDBK
Admirable and tempting! The most challenging part seems like it would be the workholding setup for the second side, how did you handle that?

I rarely take photographs while I'm going stuff unfortunately.

I did the inside first.

Then I turned a piece of wood to the same diameter as the outside lip and glued the Perspex on with hide glue.

I then completed the outer.

You could use a similar method on any plexi.
 
ericjasman
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Even the AD cannot replace the crystal? That sounds crazy to me.
 
oinkitt
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ericjasman ericjasman
Even the AD cannot replace the crystal? That sounds crazy to me.

Sometimes plexi's are not even available and a lot of times the new ones are a different shape to the originals.
I have often purchased plexi's and reshaped them.
 
ericjasman
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You would think they would have a backstock or something. Once that runs out I guess that would make sense.. I don't think reshaping one to fit is very intuitive and probably need to have someone that really knows what they're doing.
 
oinkitt
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Archer Archer
There are places that will make crystals...

For glass pocket and wrist watch crystals, I know several watchmakers who use White's in the US:

http://www.whitescrystals.com/

G-S will manufacture new crystals, but they do require some volume to be made:

https://gssupplies.com/custom-manufacturing-services/

Cheers, Al

Both companies require an order of 100 for Perspex plexi's at a cost of 5k including set up. That quote was 3 years ago.

They will do one off mineral crystals.
 
Archer
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oinkitt oinkitt
Both companies require an order of 100 for Perspex plexi's at a cost of 5k including set up. That quote was 3 years ago.

They will do one off mineral crystals.

Whites will do one off crystals and small orders, but only in glass...
 
ExpiredWatchdog
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I made a pocket watch crystal from a block of Plexiglass with nothing more than hand tools and patience. A lot of patience.
 
tritto
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Is you have the part number your best bet is to contact GS and see if they have an equivalent (or check their catalogue). I've used a couple of GS or SK plexi crystals for vintage Seiko where originals csnt be found.
 
tritto
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Are you able to take some measurements? I actually have a GS equivalent to one if the Enicar Sherpa watches that I bought to try to fit something else. It's possible it's your model.
 
Wryfox
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eBay...glass crystals...I had a guy from the UK saved in my favorites for a long time until i didn't need him anymore.

If its plexi I can't help.
 
sosa_dos
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I asked GS about manufacturing a plexi since I can't find one for my Enicar Super Divette MKII. Below is what they responded; super nice and helpful lady that took the time to exchange emails with me.

Regarding manufacturing a custom crystal:

Reverse engineering an acrylic crystal is a lengthy and expensive process. For example, a current project that we are working on for a classic watch brand is finally in production after about 8 months of work and 7 design revisions. The investment in engineering costs and tooling were about $5000. We are manufacturing several hundred watch crystals that will be sold at a high price, which makes it worthwhile for our customer.

If you believe you can sell several hundred parts, then you may want to explore this option. Please let us know if you want any more specific information about this, or if you have any other questions.

We hope you stay safe too!
 
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