Wide-curve domed acrylic crystal

A curve spread across the whole crystal

On a wide-curve domed crystal, the rounding starts right at the edge and continues evenly to the centre. The result is a generous curve, lower than a dome but more pronounced than a slightly domed crystal. In acrylic (Plexiglas or hesalite), this profile is often found on old and vintage watches; it is generally suitable for cases whose original crystal covered the dial with a soft, continuous curve.

Acrylic at a glance

Advantages: the material is lightweight and does not shatter into sharp fragments, reducing the risk to the dial and hands on impact.

Limitations: its hardness is low and it scratches easily.

These scratches are not the end of the road, though: careful polishing will often remove them. To do so, follow the guide to polishing an acrylic crystal.

Measuring and planning the fitting

Measure the diameter of the old crystal with a calliper. On a domed crystal, measure at the base, where the crystal rests in the bezel: this is the only dimension that matters for replacement.

Then allow a small margin. An acrylic crystal is generally fitted slightly larger than its seat: it is compressed during fitting, then expands and is held by pressure. This oversizing may vary depending on the bezel. The method is detailed in the measuring guide.

• measure at the base of the crystal;
• slight oversizing;
• check the profile before ordering.

List of diameters

The table below shows all the sizes of this wide-curve crystal.

Available diameters