How can i measure my watch crystal?

Question

I need to put a new crystal for my bulova watch, how can i know the exact measure?

Answer 1

I'm not sure what Bulova watch you have, but replacing the crystal is better left to a watchmaker.

Bulova watch crystals have unique qualities. They are a different shape and have a different bezel edge fit than standard watches. That's what helps the crystals to be more water resistant.

A crystal for a Bulova watch should be ordered by the part number of the watch. There are two ways to find this;

1] Look at the back of the watch and read the outside section of the bezel. The watch number should be there. or..

2] Look at the watch face either on top or below the 6 o'clock digit. Use that number to order for the crystal.

Is the crystal a glass or plastic material? If it's glass, you will do better taking it to a  shop that specializes in watches.

If it's plastic, you need a special vise called a 'lilliput' machine. Thats a specially made vise to remove the old crystal by slightly compressing the edge circumferences and then you can put the new crystal in the same way.

I worked for a wholesale watch parts and jeweler's supply for many years and have reaplced hundreds of crystals both plastic and glass.