Crystal Presses

Fitting a crystal with a press

A press-fit watch crystal, with or without a gasket, must be pushed in perfectly flat. Finger pressure or uneven force can seat it askew, chip it or damage the gasket. A crystal press spreads the force around the whole edge of the crystal using dies of different diameters.

• Measure the crystal diameter and choose a matching die.
• Check the gasket and replace it if it is hardened or damaged.
• Centre the crystal, lower the press gradually and check the result.

The same press is also used to close snap-on case backs after a battery change or a repair.

Learn more: measuring with a caliper, replacing a watch gasket and the find my crystal tool to identify the crystal to fit.