Bring It In - Do Not Wait
A cracked crystal is more than a cosmetic problem. The crystal forms part of the water seal on any watch with a water resistance rating. Once it is broken, that seal is gone. A light rain, washing your hands, or even humidity can now reach the movement directly. The longer a watch with a cracked crystal is worn, the greater the risk of internal moisture damage - which turns a straightforward crystal replacement into a much more expensive movement repair.
At Iglisi Watch in Durrës we stock crystals in the most common sizes and replace them while you wait where possible. If you cracked your watch glass, the right move is to bring it in and have it assessed before wearing it further.
Do not wear a watch with a cracked crystal near water. Even a hairline crack in the glass compromises the water seal. Remove the watch before washing hands, showering, or going out in rain until the crystal has been replaced.
What the Replacement Involves
Assessment
We look at the crystal type, measure the diameter, and check whether moisture has already entered the case. We tell you exactly what needs to be done and the cost before starting any work.
Removal of the damaged crystal
The old crystal is removed carefully to avoid damaging the bezel, the crystal groove, or the gasket seat. If any glass fragments have entered the case we address those before fitting the replacement.
Fitting the new crystal
The replacement crystal is pressed or screwed into position with the correct fit for your case diameter and profile. A loose crystal will come out; an oversized one will crack under pressure. We use the right size every time.
Gasket inspection and resealing
The crystal gasket - the rubber ring that seals the crystal to the case - is inspected and replaced if it has been damaged or compressed flat. Fitting a new crystal over an old gasket defeats the purpose of the repair.
Same Day or a Few Days: What Affects Turnaround?
Whether we can replace your crystal on the same day depends on one thing: whether we have the right size in stock.
- Common round mineral crystals (the most frequent case) - we stock a wide range of round flat mineral crystals in standard diameters. If yours is a standard size, replacement is typically same-day.
- Unusual diameters or non-round shapes - rectangular, cushion, and tonneau crystals are less commonly stocked. We will source the correct piece and fit it within a few days.
- Sapphire crystals - sapphire is harder to stock comprehensively due to the range of sizes and profiles. For sapphire replacements we generally need a few days to source the right piece. We will always tell you the expected wait before you leave the watch with us.
Not sure what crystal your watch has? Bring it in and we will identify it. A simple test: drag a fingernail lightly across the surface. Acrylic (plastic) feels soft and a nail will catch. Mineral glass feels hard and smooth. Sapphire is harder still and will not scratch with a nail at all. We confirm the type before ordering any replacement.
Scratches vs Cracks: Two Different Problems
A cracked or chipped crystal must be replaced - there is no repair for structural damage to glass. Scratches are a different matter:
- Acrylic (plastic) crystals can often be polished to remove light scratches. This is a quick service and significantly cheaper than replacement.
- Mineral glass scratches are harder to address. Light surface marks can sometimes be reduced with a fine polish, but deep scratches in mineral glass generally require replacement.
- Sapphire is extremely scratch-resistant and scratches from normal use are rare. If yours has surface marks, bring it in and we will assess whether polishing is feasible.
If you are not sure whether your glass is scratched or cracked, bring the watch in and we will look at it for free before recommending anything.
If moisture is already inside the case. If you can see fogging inside the crystal or condensation on the dial, do not delay. Water inside a watch movement causes corrosion quickly. In this case the crystal replacement needs to accompany a case opening and drying of the movement. We handle this - bring it in and let us assess the extent of the damage.
Any Brand, No Appointment
We replace crystals on any brand of watch. You do not need to have bought the watch from us and there is no need to book ahead for an assessment. Walk in during opening hours and we will look at the watch immediately. If the crystal is in stock and the repair is straightforward, we can often have it done before you have finished your coffee.
Opening hours. Monday to Saturday, 8:30 to 20:30. Rruga Aleksander Goga, Durrës 2001. If you want to confirm we have your crystal size before making the trip, send us a WhatsApp with your watch model and we will check.
Cracked Crystal? Come In Today
Rruga Aleksander Goga, Durrës. Monday to Saturday, 8:30 to 20:30. No appointment needed. We assess on arrival, quote before starting, and replace same day in most cases. Do not keep wearing a watch with a cracked crystal.
Rruga Aleksander Goga · Durrës 2001 · Albania · +355 67 636 0510
Published by Iglisi Watch · Durrës, Albania · May 2026.