Acrylic (Hesalite) Watch Crystals: Flat and Domed

Restocking in progress

No item is available in this category at the moment. Neighbouring departments may have what you are looking for.

View Watch Crystals Back to home

Acrylic, the material of older watches

Often called Plexiglas or hesalite, acrylic is fitted to many antique and vintage watches. It is a soft material: it scratches easily, but it can be polished, restoring its clarity without replacing it. It also has the advantage of flexing slightly when fitted rather than shattering.

This category brings together 11 products and 1271 diameters, from 9.6 to 50 mm, from €5.90 to €20.90 inc. VAT:

Flat and extra-thin, for low-profile watches;
Domed: dome, high dome, low domed, stepped, wide-curve, faceted, lipped, drawing-pin and pocket watch.

The choice is mainly made on the profile: height of the dome, presence of a step or lip around the edge, cut facets. Compare the original crystal with the product images before taking the diameter.

For measuring, follow our guide to measuring a crystal. If your crystal is only dulled, the tutorial on polishing an acrylic crystal may save a replacement. The page on crystal types helps confirm that it really is acrylic.

Frequently asked questions

Are Plexiglas and acrylic the same thing?

Yes, Plexiglas (or hesalite) is the common name for the acrylic crystal used in watchmaking.

Can an acrylic crystal be polished?

Yes, surface scratches fade with polishing. Our video guide explains the method; a crack or chip, however, means the crystal must be replaced.

How can I tell if my crystal is acrylic?

Acrylic is lighter and warmer to the touch than mineral, and it scratches easily. The guide to crystal types gives further clues.

Is a domed crystal measured at the base?

The outer diameter of the crystal is taken at its base, where it sits in the bezel, not at the top of the dome.

What is the difference between flat and extra-thin?

Both have a flat surface; the extra-thin version is intended for watches whose crystal must remain very slim. Compare with the original crystal.